Four-legged nominee shortlisted for Staff Recognition Awards

Patients in hospital can often feel bored, lonely and in need of companionship. Bree is the perfect antidote. She enjoys meeting lots of patients and getting to know them and help them with their therapy. She can't speak but she can show how pleased she is to see them – she may even wag her tail.

At Oxford University Hospitals (OUH), Bree, a Pets As Therapy (PAT) 11-year-old cockerpoo, has been volunteering with her guardian, Ann Osborne, for close to five years. Bree became a PAT dog after Ann read about therapy dogs and signed Bree up. They were both assessed and then Bree was given the go ahead to become a Pets As Therapy dog.

Patients with complex neurological conditions look forward to spending time with Bree as she brings joy to them as well as members of staff. Bree and Ann's visits motivate patients who would otherwise not do so to participate in rehabilitation. Bree's presence also helps to get reactions from patients who hardly respond to staff and family, and both Bree and Ann have an amazing ability to form a connection with patients who often have significant communication and cognitive difficulties.

Part of Bree's nomination read: "Bree and Ann are an essential part of the neuroscience rehab team. They are able to distract patients during rehab sessions, encouraging them to keep trying more exercises. They also support some patients to work on their communication, memory and planning skills, providing them with some comfort and respite from often prolonged hospital admissions."

Bree and Ann have been visiting the Neuroscience rehab unit since 2019 and this has been a positive experience especially for patients.

Ann Osborne said: "Bree and I feel very privileged to have been nominated for an award which was a big surprise for both of us. We always enjoy our hospital visits where we meet lovely patients and staff, and I am proud to see the pleasure Bree gives to people."