Speaking in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Christopher Tufton announced the animal-assisted recovery and care pilot project, which will be coming to the Bustamante Hospital, by December 2022.
The project is expected to run for 18 months and is expected to improve conditions of loneliness, stress, and other ailments. Minister Tufton lauded the global recognition of the project and its benefit to patients and healthcare staff. He says the project’s implementation will begin at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, during the Christmas season.
Children admitted to the hospital are expected to receive animal-assisted therapy, to reduce high blood pressure, and depression, among other ailments. The Minister notes that animal-assisted intervention is recognized globally for its benefit to patients and healthcare staff. He also introduced the pilot dog, Dr Teddy Barks, a golden retriever, the brand ambassador for the project, and the main therapy animal. The Minister adds all contingencies have been put in place to ensure the project’s successful implementation. He says he is hopeful the project will also see greater sensitization around the humane treatment of animals.
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