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There’s a new, small, and very fluffy volunteer at Good Hope Hospital – and she’s already spreading joy to patients and staff alike. 

Molly the cavapoo, and her owner Caroline, are part of Good Hope Hospital Charity’s Pets in Hospital programme. The programme helps to bring a smile to the faces of patients, and their families, with dogs and their owners heading to wards across UHB’s hospitals each week. The duo is already a firm favourite as the visits help patients relax and find some comfort and normality while away from home. 

Speaking about why she decided to volunteer, Caroline said: “Molly loves visiting the hospital - as soon as the lead and her little bandana comes out, her tail starts going and she chases me around the house. I don’t know if it’s the treats or the cuddles or a combination of both, but she loves it. 

“For me, it’s really rewarding meeting all the different people, staff and patients. Chatting to people from all walks of life and seeing them smile. Even walking down the corridor, you see patients and visitors light up. It’s a quick way of putting a smile on people’s faces.” 

“I’ve had a very warm welcome. I think dogs help; it’s an interesting focal point and a great ice breaker. Everybody has a story about a pet somewhere that they want to talk about. 

“People who are struggling with mobility for lots of reasons, get out of bed and come down from the ward with whatever walking aid they have, just to see Molly. 

“It’s very powerful when staff are trying to get those patients up and mobile and Molly just comes down the corridor, does some tricks and helps motivate them. It’s heart-warming to see the effort that people will go to just for a cuddle with her.” 

Good Hope Hospital Charity is looking to recruit more volunteers and their dogs for Good Hope Hospital as well as the other UHB hospitals. If you think your pooch would be ‘pawfect’ for the job, please have a look at our website and then contact us at: charities@uhb.nhs.uk.  

No experience is needed to volunteer, just a friendly, approachable manner and a love of meeting new people. Volunteering for Pets in Hospital is a fantastic way to meet new people and spread some joy, full training is provided, and the charity has a dedicated volunteer co-ordinator to offer support and advice. 

With your invaluable help, the hospital charity has been able to fund the assessments, training and equipment for the Pets in Hospital dogs.  

To find out more about the Pets in Hospital programme and how you can support, please visit: hospitalcharity.org/appeals/pets-in-hospital