Our recent grant to Poole Hospital Charity has enabled the children’s community nursing team to deliver ‘Darcy Dogs’ to shielding youngsters.

Staff at Poole Hospital care for children with complex needs and life-limiting conditions. The Covid-19 outbreak meant many of these children have been shielding and unable to attend hospital appointments. Instead, community nurses are making necessary visits in personal protective equipment, which can be unfamiliar and scary to children. 

For many of these families, these nurses are the only people they have let into their home. As a way to thank children for allowing them in and making them feel more comfortable, Poole Hospital Charity has used their recent grant to provide ‘Darcy Dogs’ to each child. Having their very own cuddly toy has helped relax children during appointments, as well as ensure there is no risk of infection as there would be with games and toys used in waiting rooms.

The cuddly dogs have been well received by families and children.

Josie Roberts, clinical lead nurse for children’s community services and palliative care, said:

“Giving our wonderful children and families a little gift to say thank you for their patience, and allowing us into their houses with PPE and following our guidance, is amazing…Seeing the smiles on children’s faces has been priceless. We cannot thank our children enough.”