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West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds has a new volunteer making rounds through its wards, and he’s already leaving an impression despite being well into his senior years.
Thirteen-year-old Barley, a black dog with a gentle, easygoing temperament, recently joined the hospital alongside his owner, Victoria, as a registered Pets As Therapy volunteer.
Barley has been registered and temperament tested through the PAT charity, and now spends a couple of hours each week visiting patients to help boost their mood and overall wellbeing during their stay.
Michelle Boor, the hospital’s volunteer coordinator, said the pair settled in quickly and are already making a noticeable difference. She explained that Barley isn’t new to this kind of work, having also spent time volunteering at care homes, but that his role at the hospital itself is new. Barley has been assigned specifically to G3, one of the hospital’s general medicine wards, where patients tend to be older and often stay for longer periods. According to Boor, that consistency helps staff get to know both Barley and his volunteer role over time, and he’s already putting smiles on faces there.
Barley’s visits aren’t limited to just one part of the hospital. According to Victoria, he also spends time on the Rainbow Ward, where the younger patients have quickly taken to him as well. She said his favorite treat after a hard day of work is carrots, and that he splits his downtime between peaceful long walks and shorter, gentler strolls depending on how he’s feeling that day.
For everyone’s safety, Barley’s visits are carefully managed. Because of infection prevention protocols, he isn’t able to visit every ward in the hospital, and staff remain mindful of his wellbeing throughout each shift. If he were ever to become stressed or unwell during a visit, he would be taken off the ward immediately and cared for.
For a 13-year-old dog starting an entirely new chapter, Barley has quickly proven that age is no obstacle to making a real difference, one gentle visit at a time.
Original story here.
