Therapy dog Bob brings joy to mental health patients’ at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital over festive season

Christmas can be a hard time for mental health patients at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital but Bob, the therapy dog, helps bring joy to those doing it tough.

The black labrador has been visiting the ward every fortnight for the past two years to bring a bit of comfort to those in the hospital.

Occupational therapist Melinda said Bob helped bring patients out of their shell.

“He’s a gorgeous character who brings in a lot of joy, comfort and acceptance,” she said.

“Some patients are quite vulnerable, they otherwise wouldn’t come out of their room, but they come out just to interact with Bob.

“He just puts a smile on everybody’s face, so he’s really loved.”

Bob is so well-loved on the ward that he was treated to some special dog treats as an early Christmas present, which were made by the patients.

Making the treats were just one part of the activities the SCGH have set up for mental health patients, who are in hospital over the festive period.

The staff also love to bring Christmas cheer to the ward through their festive-themed scrubs.

“Christmas is a hard time for a lot of our patients so we try to bring that light relief for them,” occupational therapist Kylie said.

“We have lots of Christmas themed groups, so lots of shortbread and gingerbread making, and therapy groups based with a Christmas theme.

“We also have Christmas decorations and this year we have a pet theme so everyone has their pets in baubles around the ward.”