Sheppey Community Hospital gets visit from therapy pony

A therapy pony has visited patients in a Kent hospital.

Miniature pony George is part of an ongoing drive to use animal therapy to boost patient recovery in the frailty unit at Sheppey Community Hospital in Minster.

Organisation George And Friends Animal Therapies arranged the visit by the four-year-old miniature Shetland.

Patient Linda Shardow said he brought "a smile to everyone on the ward" and "made a real change" to her day.

She added: ''I think he is beautiful and absolutely perfect. He was so gentle and it was really nice to stroke him."

Michelle Burney, George's owner, said: "George loves the care and attention he gets while spending time in hospital and he really enjoys being stroked and talked to by everyone.''

''For most patients it is something new and different."

Therapy animals like George could really help to improve people's wellbeing and mental health, said Ms Burney.

George's visit comes after the Sheppey-based hospital recently introduced regular sessions with therapy dogs Molly and Hunney.

Kelly Strudwick, from the Sheppey Frailty Unit, said: ''We are really proud of the innovative service that we provide and it's important that we help our patients have the best possible experience while they are with us, ensuring we look after both their physical and mental wellbeing."

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