St Andrew’s is excited to introduce its newest team members – Joker, Choppa and Spencer!

Thanks to the generous support of Patinos Personal Lawyers, Joker, Choppa and Spencer, together with their friendly volunteer handlers, recently started visiting patients at St Andrew’s twice every month.

These extra special recruits are therapy dogs from Empower Assistance Dogs Queensland, and are expertly trained to bring companionship, emotional support and plenty of smiles to our patients.

St Andrew’s Volunteer Manager, Simone James, said it is amazing to see the impact the dogs have on the experience of patients.

“It’s a privilege to see the faces of our patients and team members light up when we arrive on their ward for a visit with one of the therapy dogs,” Simone said.

“The dogs can be a great distraction and conversation starter and many patients will tell us about their own pets at home that they are missing very much while in hospital.

“There are so many occasions in hospital where the therapy dogs can help to break up the day. Whether that’s for a patient waiting to go to surgery or someone who has spent several weeks with us in rehabilitation. And of course, our healthcare workers love the visits just as much!” she said.

But programs like these simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community.

“We wanted to be able to do something for the patients at the hospitals located near to our offices and we decided on therapy dogs. As St Andrew’s is located just next door to our Office in Spring Hill, we’re thrilled that this could be the first hospital the Firm have been able to support,” Michelle from Patinos Personal Lawyers said.

“It’s our pleasure to be able to help spread some joy and wagging tails for patients in hospital,” she said.

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A visit from three-year-old Labrador Joker this month was exactly that for St Andrew’s patient, Catherine.

“It’s just beautiful to be able to see the dog, give him a pat and say hello. It has absolutely made my day!” she said.