Meet Dr Sam

What's up dog?

Sam is a burst of sunshine when he comes onto the wards . He goes straight to the doctors & nurses station , gives them cuddles & air kisses & we then check our list of patients to visit . The children adore him , he is up in the cots & beds , he snuggles in with the very sick ones , he plays games with the more active ones & his most noticeable effect of happiness and comfort is with the very long stay patients . Some times he is cheeky & playful but the ones needing mental health support hold him close , very often cry into his furry neck or run their hands through his long fur . He stays for long visits with these ones until the tears stop . Sam works closely with the staff , doctors , teachers & the Mental Health Teams who rely on his magic effect which always seems to bring calmness & smiles & always another cuddle when it's time to move on to the next child . Dr Sam has been a Delta Therapy Dog working with children for 7.5 years and visits RNSH every Monday .

How is this award decided?