Pictured: Jasper receiving his award from Chief Executive Kevin McGee
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust bosses did not need to ‘paws’ for thought when deciding who to award with the latest Employee of the Month accolade.
Therapy dog Jasper doesn’t wear a uniform but he is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of patients and staff alike when he visits wards at East Lancashire’s NHS hospitals.
Jasper, who is a cockapoo, completed a 10-week training programme to ensure he was prepared to work within a busy ward environment.
On learning about the award, hospital chaplain David Anderson, who is also Jasper’s owner said “Jasper is absolutely delighted to have been awarded Employee of the Month. It came as a wonderful surprise and we are truly grateful.”
Speaking about the benefits Jasper can have on morale, David says: “He’s not just here for the patients; he gives a real boost to the staff too. It’s good for the staff to have a laugh and a giggle, he brings a smile to their faces and that is the most important thing Jasper can do - make someone smile.”
Jasper received his award from ELHT’s Chief Executive, Kevin McGee. Kevin said: “Jasper has become somewhat of a local celebrity around the Trust. We have received some extremely positive feedback from patients, families and staff; not many people pass him in the corridors without stopping to say hello! I would also like to say a huge thank you to David for all the hard work he puts into making the therapy dog initiative happen. And indeed, all the other supportive work he carries out throughout the Trust.”
Jasper is also doing some exciting therapeutic work with patients affected by strokes, encouraging patients under the supervision of physiotherapists to use their hands and fingers to touch the therapy dog.
On his days off, Jasper enjoys life just like any other family pet, going on long walks or chewing one of the many toys he has been gifted from his admirers.
Concerns about animals passing on infections have been addressed with very specific processes and procedures that meet infection control rules in the healthcare environment. These ensure that patients and the handler clean their hands and surfaces with hospital-grade wipes after each contact. The procedures also make sure Jasper’s vaccinations are always up-to-date.
Pictured Below: Jasper with owner David Anderson
