Palmerston Regional Hospital patients, will experience the joy of regular therapy dog visits, with the expansion of the Top End Health Service therapy dog program.

Therapy dog, Harlow, from Darwin business Mind Your Paws, has been visiting Royal Darwin Hospital for over 12 months now and has become a beloved member of the team, with many staff members and long term patients looking forward to her next visit.

She will now spread some of that joy to the Palmerston Regional Hospital campus with visits commencing at the Geriatric Evaluations Management (GEM) and Rehabilitation wards today.

General Manager of Palmerston Regional Hospital Catherine O’Connell said she was pleased to see the program expand to PRH.

“It is well known that 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.

“The emotional, physical and social support Harlow can provide to our GEM patients will truly benefit their stay in hospital and we know many of our long term patients have enjoyed her visits at RDH.

“Harlow is a much loved part of the Royal Darwin Hospital team and we are proud to have been able to bring Harlow over to our new campus and look forward to welcoming her to the halls of Palmerston Regional Hospital.”

Mind Your Paws is a Darwin 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 Harlow loved visiting all the patients, families, and staff during their stressful visits to hospital.

“We have been visiting the hospital for over 12 months now and enjoy interacting with all the patients, helping them to feel comfortable in a challenging environment,” she said.

“Harlow is a gentle girl and always ready for a cuddle. She is naturally drawn towards patients who need a little more support and time during their stay at hospital.  She senses when people are feeling down or uncomfortable and spends more time with them.

“Seeing the elderly patients light up when we come to visit is so rewarding and to be able to make their time in hospital more comfortable is just great.”

For more information on Mind Your Paws, please visit www.mindyourpaws.com.au.

A photo op will be available with Harlow and Kristy at Palmerston Regional Hospital TODAY at 2:30pm.

Please meet in the foyer.

Media contact: Rickie Abraham 0419 818 414