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Posted: 6th September 2012

Pet therapy for stroke patients
Cats and dogs help patients recover

Patients at Cimla Hospital in Neath, Wales, are being introduced to pet therapy sessions following research that showed it helps them recover faster and more fully.

Cats and dogs have been found to help lift patients' moods, especially those missing their own pet from home. It is hoped that by introducing pet therapy sessions, patients will have increased motivation, stimulated conversation and more positive moods. This in turn results in a better, quicker recovery.

The new initiative was brought to the hospital by the charity Pets as Therapy (PAT), under the direction of the Abertwe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board.

A three-year-old St Bernard named Toby is the first therapy dog to be greeted to the Glannant Ward, after it was decided to make pets a regular part of the rehabilitation process. Sister Elaine Parsons, Glannant Ward manager contacted PAT as her patients had enjoyed seeing dogs on the ward in the past.

Anne Higgs, Senior physiotherapist, said: "For some activities, participation numbers can be quite low but today was overwhelming, with the majority of the patients keen to attend - we even had to arrange extra seating in the dayroom."

Patient Ilen Hughes added: "I really miss my two King Charles Spaniels so it was lovely to see such a big dog on the ward. It really cheered everybody up."



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