Zoe Goodman, Voluntary Services Manager at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The dogs make a massive difference to our patients, visitors and staff.
“We work closely with our wards and many specialist teams including our Namaste care practitioner, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and End of Life Care Team in supporting them with their work.
“Many times, patients have told us that seeing the dogs is better than any tablet or medicine. They really do get so much joy from seeing them.”
Lorna Young, Lisa’s cousin said: “The therapy dogs were incredibly important to Lisa. Hospitals made her very scared, and because of her learning disabilities it was hard for her to understand what was happening during her treatment. But when the dogs visited, everything changed — they brought comfort, calm, and a sense of safety that nothing else could. They helped her cope with the hardest moments of her cancer journey.
“Lisa wanted to give something back, which was why she left a donation to the Pets as Therapy Team. It really means so much to us to know that her legacy will help other patients feel the same comfort and joy she did. These dogs aren’t just a nice extra – they make a real difference to people when they need it most.”
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