Patients and staff at Ellern Mede can echo the BBC’s November story about Selkie the Labrador’s amazing contribution to childrens’ happiness.
We have Silke the Labrador (above) and her companion, Indie, who like Selkie, are not trained therapy dogs but have had a great impact on patients at our children’s hospital. They visit regularly – both at the bedside or for those who can play outdoors. Pictured here in appropriately festive attire for Christmas, they will be around Ellern Mede making Christmas here feel more homely for those who are with us at this special time of year.
At Ellern Mede, some of our patients have Pervasive Withdrawal Arousal Syndrome which means they don’t move their limbs or speak. We have seen breakthroughs with these patients who gradually find their will to stroke Silke or Indie overcomes at least part of their illness and they reach out to touch them.
18-year-old A, who has been in a number of different hospitals before, said: “It’s wonderful to have interaction with Silke and Indie, they are always happy and bubbly so it lifts your mood. They take my mind off hospital life and remind me of my dogs at home.”
B, a long-term patient, said: “When I’m upset, being with Silke makes me calm. I’m much happier to go out when it’s a walk in the park with the dogs.”
Wheelchair-user, C, found throwing a ball for the dogs in Ellern Mede Ridgeway’s large grounds one of her favourite pastimes while in hospital.
The BBC’s video of how Selkie the Labrador plays a special role in a primary school in Bromley, London, where she has helped children with bereavement and anxiety issues, encouraged us to share how Silke and Indie play that role here in a hospital setting for children.
Pupils and teachers say Selkie has become a valuable part of the school.
Dr Hind Al-Khairulla, Medical Director of Ellern Mede said of our visiting Labrador friends: “Animals are often very sensitive to reading human emotion and we find Silke and Indie’s loving natures draw communication from young people who are finding it very difficult to interact.”
