Assistant dogs are used by people who have certain disabilities in order to retain a level of independence.
Registered Assistance Dogs have been thoroughly trained and assessed by specialist organisations to allow them to safely carry out their important role.
The Trust welcomes assistance dogs on to their premises and to help support our staff and dog owners we have created a policy that will help with the following:
- Minimise the restrictions of access to assistance dogs
- Reduce the potential for distress to owners and the assistance dogs
- Provide guidance for staff and other patients on the requirements for registered assistance dogs and owner trained assistance dogs
- Minimise the time that assistance dogs and owners have to be separated
We have worked with several organisations including our friends at the Visual Impairment Forum, which includes patients, local councils, charities such as RNIB, The Blind Society, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Galloways and other health care professionals to create this policy and seek to provide assurance that all people who need access with assistance dogs are welcomed, and that staff have a clear understanding of the requirements for such dogs entering the premises and the areas where they are allowed.
Please ensure your registered or owner trained assistance dog is recorded with us. We will ask details of the reason why the dog is needed and also who to call to collect the dog in case of emergencies. We will also advise aspects on behaviour and what you can expect from us.
Please log your information before your visit to our hospital sites. Once we have recorded your details as a reasonable adjustment, we can then ensure we are prepared in advance for your visit with your assistance dog.
We will endeavour to allow access to you both to most areas, although some areas due to infection control and safety aspects will be risk assessed by staff handling your care.
Please read the policy for further guidance and for more information please email our Involvement Lead at alison.mccrudden@lthtr.nhs.uk
