Patients at Carolinas HealthCare System Cleveland may notice new four legged visitors roaming the hallways. The Volunteer Pet Visitation Program has begun uplifting patients, visitors and even the staff at the hospital. Volunteers and their canine companions visit on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to provide as many smiles as possible while at Cleveland. They make their rounds through several parts of the hospital, including the Levine Cancer Institute Main Lobby, the Emergency Department lobby and the ICU waiting room.
"We want the pet volunteer program to assist with the overall patient experience," said Ginger Norman the manager of volunteer services at Carolinas HealthCare System Cleveland and Kings Mountain. "A visit with an animal can be calming, relaxing and a way for the patient to receive unconditional love while at the hospital."
Submitted by Kate Gaier