As part of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s commitment to staff mental health and wellbeing, earlier this month staff at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary’s emergency department took part in a Therapet morning at the hospital.
Therapets are selected animals that bring a sense of calm and a range of therapeutic benefits to those who engage with them and scientific evidence has shown that interaction with a cat or dog can slow down the heartbeat and reduce blood pressure.
The event aimed to promote staff wellbeing by taking time away from their busy schedules to spend time with selected dogs.
Acknowledging the crucial role played by the Emergency Department and Acute Assessment Unit staff at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Lead Nurse Ashleigh Irons recognises how important staff morale and mental health and wellbeing is. She said: “Our teams within the Emergency Care Complex work tirelessly to ensure our patients receive the best possible care and it is important to recognise staff wellbeing.
“The event was a great success and we received extremely positive feedback from members of staff who utilised the service while on their breaks.
“It is important that we continue to ensure our staff members are taking time away from their fast paced and pressured jobs to unwind and focus on their own mental health.
“Ahead of the event, we recognised that interacting with dogs and other animals can have positive impacts on reducing stress and anxiety and that is something we are keen to promote with NHSGGC and the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
“Ahead of the event, we recognised that interacting with dogs and other animals can have positive impacts on reducing stress and anxiety and that is something we are keen to promote with NHSGGC and the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
“Staff members have been under increased pressure over recent months and I was glad we were able to provide them with some respite.
“The morning was designed to uplift staff members within the department and thanks to the volunteer team at Canine Concern Scotland, we were able to do this.”
