Mini therapy pony cheers up sick patients at hospital

By Samuel Wightwick via SWNS

A miniature therapy pony has paid a visit to a hospital to cheer up patients in their sick beds.

George was brought down to Medway NHS Foundation Trust's Sheppey Frailty Unit by the Faversham-based organization 'George And Friends Animal Therapies'.

George spent the day meeting patients in their beds, being stroked and getting lots of love and attention.

Linda Shardow, one of those patients shown in the video, said: "I think it is really important to have therapy animals in hospital because they can go around and bring a smile to everyone on the ward.''

"I was quite shocked to see him at first but he was so gentle and it was really nice to stroke him - it makes a real change to your day."

'George And Friends Animal Therapies' is run by former NHS worker Michelle Burney who says its great to provide something different to patients in the hospital.

She said: "George loves the care and attention he gets while spending time in hospital, and he really enjoys being stroked and talked to by everyone.’’

"‘’For most patients, it is something new and different - therapy animals like George can really help to improve people's wellbeing and mental health.

"It was lovely to see the sheer joy on their faces when we walked in!’’

George's visit was all made possible by The Medway Hospital Charity and comes after the Trust recently introduced regular sessions at the facility with therapy dogs Molly and Hunney.

Kelly Strudwick, who is a Nursing Associate at the Sheppey Frailty Unit and has helped to oversee the introduction of animal therapy, said: "‘’It was very exciting to welcome George today – the patients were delighted to see him and the staff were too.

"Spending time with George has helped to boost morale and spread cheer, showing the benefits of animal therapy"

"‘’We are really proud of the innovative service that we provide at Sheppey, and it’s important that we help our patients have the best possible experience while they are with us."