Patch the cocker spaniel is a special member of the care team at our mental health unit in Harlow.
As a therapy dog, he has brought cuddles and comfort to hundreds of patients, as well as staff, at the Derwent Centre for six years.
He visits the inpatient wards once a week with owner Mike Tew and volunteers with charity Pets as Therapy.
Mike, a retired A-level Spanish teacher, was a volunteer chaplain when one of his former students, who is now an occupational therapist, suggested he bring Patch to meet the patients.
Patch was assessed by Pets as Therapy to check he would be comfortable with unfamiliar people and environments, and has naturally taken to being a therapy dog.
Mike said it’s special to see the positive impact he has, especially in helping people to open up and have a chat.
Mike, who lives in Harlow, said: “He’s amazing. He’s lovely and very caring. When he was a young dog he was very lively, and as he’s got a bit older he’s calmed down a bit.
“He’s got a good personality and is a good watch dog. Patch also loves to play football in the garden with me.
“When people stroke him he just loves it. He loves to mix with other dogs and other people, he’s very calm and accepting.
“People do thank me for bringing Patch and they say ‘you’ve made my day’.
“That’s why we keep doing it and why Patch keeps on doing it.”
Patch is one of several therapy animals who visit our inpatient wards and care homes alongside their owners. Their visits complement the therapeutic care we offer and we’re grateful to the volunteers for giving up their spare time to make such a difference to our patients.
Visit our volunteering page to learn more about volunteering at EPUT.