15 May 2018
RCN hope the protocol will encourage more hospitals to explore animal therapy
The British Veterinary Association (BVA)
has issued a warm welcome to the launch of the first ever nationwide protocol
for animals in health care.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has
launched the protocol, ‘Working with dogs in health care settings', in a bid to encourage more hospitals to explore animal therapy.
A recent RCN survey found
that nine out of ten (90%) nurses believe animals can improve the health of
patients with depression and other mental health problems, and 60% said the
presence of animals could speed patient recovery.
Simon Doherty, BVA Junior
Vice President, said: “This new protocol highlights the importance of the bond
between humans and animals. It also serves as a welcome reminder at the
start of Mental Health Awareness Week of how caring for and interacting with
‘man's best friend' can help to relieve stress and enhance wellbeing and a
sense of companionship.
“It's
positive that the working group consulted with a wide range of organisations on
welfare and safety considerations in developing this protocol, as ensuring the
wellbeing of both humans and animals in these settings is paramount. As a
fellow member of the UK One Health Coordination Group, BVA is very pleased to
see a joined-up and forward-thinking approach to this important area of work.”
The
‘UK One Health Coordination Group' (UKOHCG) was established following the
launch of the BVA/RCVS Vet Futures Action plan. The UKOHCG
exists to improve liaison and collaboration between the UK veterinary, medical
and environmental professions towards One Health aims in order to foster and
facilitate the approach whereby professionals “think globally and act locally”.
The founding members of the UKOHCG are: the British Veterinary Association
(BVA), the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), the Veterinary Public
Health Association (VPHA), the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), the
National Health Service (NHS), the British Medical Association (BMA), the Royal
College of Nursing (RCN), the National Trust, and the Wildlife Trusts.
