Blackpool mental health hospital brings miniature Shih-Tzu therapy dog to Christmas party for NHS staff and inpatients

The trained therapy dog visits the Harbour mental health hospital every week for ‘Woof Wednesdays’ to help boost the wellbeing of patients - and will spread furry festive cheer at their Christmas Eve party.

Minnie’s owner, Lisa Whittle, is Health and Wellbeing Occupational Health Assistant based on the Older Adult wards at the Harbour, on Preston New Road. She said: “Minnie and I are both really excited for our first working Christmas together. I see first-hand the joy Minnie brings to our patients and staff and I know this will feel even more special and worthwhile at Christmas time.”

Lisa has worked for the Trust for over eight years and knew Minnie displayed all the characteristics to become a therapy dog so earlier this year, guided Minnie through her exams.

A typical working day for Minnie can involve visiting patients who are bed bound, offering them the chance to interact with her and walking with patients in the grounds to promote exercise and increase their mobility.

Having Minnie visit can often remind patients of their own family pets and make the ward feel more homely and offer some normality to people who are hospitalised. She is trained to help with calming potential emotional situations as stroking and engaging with dogs is proven to lift moods and help relieve stress.

Lisa added: “Many of my colleagues have commented on the positive impact Minnie has around the wards not just for the patients but for themselves. We often work in high pressured situations but you can’t help but smile when you see her.”

Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust acknowledge the huge positive impact Minnie has made to their service users and staff and are recruiting another therapy dog in the New Year.

The second dog, Barnie, will join The Harbour team in early January to continue to help patients relieve feelings of depression and encourage them to talk and take part in activities to help their mental health.