Hastings

Jon, a patient in his late 50s, is currently recovering from an acute neurological episode in an inpatient neuro-rehabilitation unit in the UK. Since his episode, Jon has been forgetful and emotional. So emotional, in fact, that he refuses to engage with clinical staff at all. But after meeting Hastings, his engagement began to change.

As a practicing Emergency Medicine doctor, I’ve had a lot of experiences and have seen many things, but this is one new piece of my life worth sharing.

Some background on Hastings

Our three-year-old Goldendoodle, Hastings, has been a part of our lives since he was eight weeks old and has always been a sweet, confident, fun and friendly dog. As a puppy, he was assessed to become a Pets as Therapy (PAT) dog. Pets as Therapy is a charity organisation through which volunteers can visit all types of establishments, including care homes, hospices, schools and, of course, hospitals. In these settings, they aid in patient recovery and rehabilitation. Medical professionals have confirmed it: PAT animals can improve the mental health and well-being of patients and staff members.

A PAT dog in action

The motivation for Hastings to become a PAT dog was so my clinical colleagues at the Emergency Department could meet and spend time with our new puppy. And once Hastings became a PAT dog, he began joining me initially on school trips, and then to multiple events and conferences.
In the last 12 months, Hastings and I have started visiting our local hospital as volunteers, meeting with patients for one-hour visits.

Hastings and I sit with patients, chat with them about where they live, what they do or did before the neurological event, their family, their pets and so on. Hastings will sit or stand next to them while he gets pets, affection and occasional treats. The response to my and Hastings’ visits is amazing. Some patients chat, almost all smile, some cry when they talk about their pets at home, or in some cases, they tell me about pets they’ve had in the past. Patients’ ages generally vary from early-20s all the way to their 80s, and they’re all grateful for Hastings and I taking the time to visit them.

Going back to our patient, Jon—since Hastings and I have started to visit, he has started to come back to life. Now when he sees Hastings, he no longer stays in his room; he’ll come out and join us. Jon doesn’t just interact with Hastings, but he’s started smiling again. He’s even agreed to begin coming on short walks to the park with Hastings and me. I believe the difference in his healing and recovery is the time and visits with Hastings.

Giving back

At Altera, we’re fortunate to be afforded time to give back to our communities. It’s so important to us and our team members to support our local communities and to give back in meaningful ways. At the end of the day, people are at the heart of what we do, and we’re committed to fostering connections as we do what we can to enrich our communities.

“At the end of the day, people are at the heart of what we do, and we’re committed to fostering connections as we do what we can to enrich our communities.”

At the end of the day…

After a good day at the rehabilitation unit where Hastings was spoiled with endless affection, we come home to our house. He goes to his bowl and has a long drink, then he jumps up on the spare bed, where he lies down and sleeps after a hard day’s work.

Picture 1 – A drawing made for us by one of the patients who we visit.