For the very first time patients at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) will receive the ongoing benefits of therapy dog visits, with the introduction of a therapy dog program across the RDH campus.

Over the last four weeks RDH has been trialling visits from Mind Your Paws therapy dogs Ralph and Harlow on the paediatrics ward, with fantastic results.

The program will now expand across the campus with plans to have Ralph and Harlow visit various wards including mental health, hospice and constant care over the next six months.

Gina Majid, Clinical Nurse Manager from the Paediatric and Adolescent ward said she was extremely pleased to hear the program would continue on the ward and expand to other areas.

“There is evidence to suggest therapy dogs increase staff wellbeing, lower anxiety levels in patients and provide emotional, physical and social support during a time which can be stressful and frightening,” she said.

“Over the past four weeks we have seen positive outcomes for patients in levels of acute distress who have interacted with Harlow and Ralph. Staff, other family members and siblings have also benefited from the visits.

“This is a great initiative and we look forward to having Ralph and Harlow on the ward with us on an ongoing basis.”

Mind Your Paws is a locally based company providing therapy dog services to a number of organisations across Darwin and Palmerston, including schools, aged care centres and mental health facilities.

Owner and handler at Mind Your Paws Kristy Teunissen said Ralph and Harlow love bringing joy to all the kids and helping to relieve their nervousness during their stay at hospital.

“Ralph and Harlow love meeting everyone at the hospital.  They enjoy interacting with all the patients, helping them to feel comfortable in a challenging environment,” she said.

“Harlow is always ready for a cuddle and pats from the kids and Ralph loves to perform his tricks and will happily give them his paw when they need it. 

“Seeing the children smile when we walk in to their room is amazing and knowing that Ralph and Harlow are making their time in hospital more comfortable is just great.”

Media note: a vision opportunity is available at the RDH paediatrics ward today at 2pm. Please meet in the front foyer RDH to be escorted upstairs.

Media contact: Rickie Abraham 0419 818 414