Hospital stays can be tough, but a cuddly new companion is helping to bring comfort to Redland Hospital patient Colleen Walker.
Colleen, who is currently recovering on Macleay Ward after a fall, was gifted one of the hospital’s “Perfect Petzz”, a lifelike therapy puppy designed to support people with dementia or those in need of comfort.
Her son Gary said his mum was overjoyed.
“Mum’s eyes lit up when she saw it. It’s beautiful, as good as a real pet,” he said.
Colleen said she’s a pretty little thing.
"I’ve decided it’s a girl and I’m going to give her a cuddle and hopefully take her home,” she said.
The Walker family plans to visit Colleen and to help choose a name for her new furry friend.
The project was launched at Redland Hospital through the Queensland Occupational Violence Strategy, with therapy pets endorsed by Dementia Australia for their calming effects.
Director of Nursing and Midwifery Amanda Garner said the response from patients had been heart-warming.
“These pets provide companionship and a sense of calm, especially overnight when patients can feel most vulnerable,” she said. “They even breath and purr like a lifelike pet.
“It’s a simple way to help make a hospital stay a little easier on patients and our teams love being surrounded by cute pets.”
The therapy pets are reserved for patients with dementia or those experiencing stress, offering a tail-wagging boost to wellbeing when it’s needed most.