Good Hope Hospital Charity seeking four legged volunteers

In the run up to International Dog Day on 26 August, Good Hope Hospital Charity are putting a call out to dog owners for volunteers to join their Pets in Hospital Appeal.

The Pets in Hospital scheme helps bring a friendly face to patients during their time in hospital - with dogs and their owners coming to visit wards across the hospitals in the University Hospitals Birmingham Trust each week.

The charity currently has volunteers visiting patients at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Heartlands and Solihull Hospital, where the dogs and their owners bring smiles to patients and their families’ faces and remind them of home.

The scheme is a firm favourite with patients, helping them to relax and find some comfort, and familiarity while away from home.

Nicki Evans, a Pets in Hospital Volunteer at Solihull Hospital, said: “We love visiting the wards and departments at the hospital. Catie (Nicki’s dachshund) brings a smile to everyone’s face and really helps to boost their mood – it’s a lovely thing to do.”

Gemma Hackett, Pets in Hospital volunteer co-ordinator, said: “It is a genuine pleasure to go to a Pets in Hospital visit. It’s really obvious how much patients enjoy seeing the dogs, and how much the dogs love the attention!”

No experience is needed to volunteer, just a friendly, approachable manner and a love of meeting new people.

Volunteering as a Pets in Hospital Volunteer is a fantastic way to meet new people and spread some joy, full training is provided, and the charity has a dedicated volunteer co-ordinator to offer support and advice to volunteers.

All dogs participating in Pets in Hospitals as a volunteer must always be accompanied by their owner, be at least three years old and in good health.

To become a Pets in Hospitals volunteer at Good Hope Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Heartlands Hospital or Solihull Hospital, visit the website.

Pictured: Pets in Hospital volunteers Nicki and Catie