The Quality and Patient Experience Team has been busy spreading joy with therapy dogs, homemade treats, music and seasonal events for patients, visitors, relatives and staff.
These unsung Christmas heroes have spent the past three years making hospital stays a little brighter during the holidays.
Pets as Therapy (PAT) programme
Earlier this year, team member and lifelong dog lover Heather Swirles launched the Trust’s Pets as Therapy (PAT) programme. Since the first visit in June, dogs Ivy, Pearl, Lori, Lulu Sugarpie, Skyler and Rumpole have been bringing comfort, reassurance and gentle distraction to patients on wards.
Alongside the therapy dog visits, Nicole Webb, quality and patient experience practitioner, has been coordinating festive activities and events across the Trust.
Last Christmas, the team’s Santa Sleigh toured every inpatient area, delivering around 800 hand-decorated biscuits. This year, the team is combining tasty treats from catering with PAT dog appearances to help lift patients’ spirits.
Heather said: “Dogs never cease to amaze me – I have so many stories of the incredible impact PAT has had in just the first six months. I am incredibly lucky to have this role as part of my job and I am so proud of each of the lovely PAT dogs that we have visit us at the hospital.”
Dr Manisha Kumar, chief medical officer at NHS Greater Manchester, added: “Tameside’s Quality and Patient Experience Team embody the compassion and creativity that make our NHS so special. Their work brings comfort when people need it most. They are true Christmas heroes, and we’re hugely grateful for the difference they make every single day and especially at Christmas.”
