When Spotty Dotty enters a room, she instantly changes the mood. The seven-year-old is calm, affectionate and loves to curl up on people’s laps.
Every Wednesday the tiny Cavoodle makes her way around the wards of the Mater Hospital Springfield, visiting patients and staff, with many stopping her in the hallways for a pat or to just sit down next to her for a chat.
The canine provides comfort to people like Julie Blackburn, who has been in and out of hospital recently, her latest stay has already been two weeks.
“What a lovely surprise and such a nice way to spend part of my day,” said Ms Blackburn.
“Spotty Dotty is such a beautiful dog and the cuddles have been lovely.
“She instantly changes the mood.”
Spotty Dotty is just one of a handful of dogs who visit Mater, but she is the first and only dedicated pet therapy volunteer for Springfield. The hospital is looking for more.
Kat Cunningham has volunteered at Mater hospitals for many years, but in the past 12 months she has had a helper by her side, Hunter.
The three-year-old red and white Border Collie regularly brings a smile to those at Mater’s South Brisbane health campus and has also been recently visiting Springfield.
“Sharing Hunter with others and seeing what he does is really special,” said Ms Cunningham.
"He’s just there in the moment – he doesn’t ask questions, he doesn’t know what’s going on, he doesn’t need to – he just brings a sense of calm and comfort.
“When someone says we’ve made their day or you don’t know how much I needed this, that just reiterates why I do it.”
It’s not just dogs providing comfort – across Mater hospitals there are more than 650 volunteers dedicated to supporting its patients.
Whether it’s cuddling newborns, providing a foot massage, escorting people to their destination or offering companionship, each role plays an important part in ensuring patients and their families feel supported when visiting.
Mater Hospital Springfield Volunteer Coordinator Russell Williams is looking for more volunteers to help fill shifts in the newly opened hospital.
“Our volunteers play such a valuable role in our hospitals and patients and families always comment on the positive impact they have,” said Mr Williams.
“Through simple acts of care and reassurance they can make a significant difference to someone’s day, particularly for those going through a difficult time.
“We’d love a few more helpers in our ED to assist with supporting triage and providing companionship and comfort to patients and their families.
“We’re looking for companions for Spotty Dotty too – our fur family members are so loved and seeing the way people light up when they enter a room is unmatched.”
Shifts are available from Monday-Friday between 7am-5pm, with most volunteers committing to a regular weekly shift for two-four hours.
All volunteers receive on boarding and training to ensure they are confident in the role.
For more information visit: mater.org.au/volunteers
