Therapy dog joins emergency department staff

Charlottetown's Queen Elizabeth Hospital is adding a therapy dog to the emergency department to see if that will ease the stress on patients waiting for treatment.

"For most, a visit to the emergency department is an overwhelming and stressful experience" said QEH emergency department nurse manager Mike MacDonald in a news release.

When people seeBuckothey immediately smile.- Earla Moore

"Trained therapy animals can have a positive calming effect, almost immediately, improving a person's blood pressure and other vital signs, as well as their experience."

The QEH has partnered with Earla Moore and her nine-year-old therapy dog Bucko, a nationally certified therapy dog with Therapeutic Paws of Canada. Moore and Bucko will be in the emergency for an eight-week pilot project, which started this week.

Looking for public response

Twice a week for an hour, they will spend time in the Emergency Department waiting room visiting with patients.

"When people see Bucko they immediately smile. Some can even form an immediate bond," said Moore.

"If we can make a difference for just one person who is going through a difficult situation, we've done our job."

The QEH emergency department serves about 110 people every day.

Patients interacting with Bucko will be asked to complete a feedback form. The results will help the emergency department decide how to move forward with a pet therapy service.

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