A ground breaking development!

 

 

A fully trained assistance dog has been given permission to enter a hospital’s labour ward for the first time.

 

At Milton Keynes University Hospital, a Staffordshire bull terrier named Belle provided invaluable support to her owner, Amee Tompkins, during the labour process.

 

Amee Tompkins, who has autism and a long-standing history of anxiety, expressed that she had been reluctant to leave her home for months, even for essential tasks such as going to the shops or visiting doctors.

 

Throughout her journey, two-year-old Belle accompanied Ms. Tompkins in the ambulance, intensive care, and finally in the labour ward following her Caesarean delivery. The idea of allowing Belle onto the ward was suggested by a midwife who witnessed the remarkable benefits the dog provided to her owner during pregnancy.

 

 

 

Ms. Tompkins shared during an interview with BBC Three Counties Radio that Belle had undergone a comprehensive risk assessment before being granted access to the labor ward. This assessment evaluated Belle’s ability to handle the bustling environment of the ward and how she responded to her owner’s pain.

 

 

 

“She successfully passed all the assessments, leaving everyone amazed by her capabilities,” Ms. Tompkins stated.

 

To ensure the safety of all individuals on the ward and throughout the hospital, the infection control team implemented additional cleaning measures, taking necessary precautions to maintain a secure environment.