It will be “raining cats and dogs” in the corridors of Gosford Hospital over the coming months
with a photography exhibition celebrating the joy and benefits of personal pet visits.
The Pets are Family Too exhibition, run in partnership with Gosford Regional Gallery (Central
Coast Council) will feature photos from an innovative research project of the same name,
conducted by CCLHD staff.
The project was a collaboration between the Carer Support Unit, Mental Health Services and
the Public Health Unit which set out to explore the impact of allowing patients to have visits
from their own pet during hospital stays.
Fourteen personal pet visits were carried out over 12 weeks on Inpatient Ward C5 at Gosford
Hospital, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from patients, carers and staff.
Carer Support Unit Manager Tia Covi said the visits resulted in joy, laughter, tears of
happiness and smiles.
“Personal pet visits work wonders for many patients and their pets,” Tia said.
“Being separated from a pet during illness can cause a great deal of anxiety and stress for
some people and the pet too. Being able to see and hold their beloved pet is so therapeutic
and puts their mind at rest.
“Just like a visit from a family member or friend, pets can provide comfort, entertainment and
distraction. Many of our patients said they had more energy and motivation after seeing their
pet and it can also have a very positive effect on staff and carers.
“Carers commented it felt good to be able to do something to bring joy to their family member
or friend and it also exposed them to lots of new supports through the Carer Support Unit.”
The Carer Support Unit is now using the tools created during the research project to support
personal pet visits in some CCLHD wards.
“We do our best to accommodate personal pet visit requests wherever possible with the
support of the guidelines and protocols in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all pets,
patients, carers and staff,” Tia said.
The Pets are Family Too exhibition captures the joy, love and special bonds between
patients and their animals.
Photos will be on display on level 4 of the Gosford Hospital tower from 15 February to 13
April 2023. For information on personal pet visits at Gosford Hospital email CCLHD-CSUCC@health.nsw.gov.au