Registered assistant dogs are used by people who have certain disabilities in order to retain a level of independence. These dogs have been thoroughly trained and assessed by specialist organisations to allow them to safely carry out their important role.
The Trust welcomes registered assistance dogs on to their premises and to help support our staff and dog owners we created a policy that would help with the following:
- Minimise the restrictions of access to registered assistance dogs
- Reduce the potential for distress to owners of and the registered assistance Dogs themselves
- Provide guidance for staff and other patients on the requirements for registered assistance dogs
- Minimise the time that registered assistance dogs and owners have to be separated
We worked with several organisations including our friends at the Visual Impairment Forum, which includes patients, local councils and charities such as RNIB, The Blind Society, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Galloways and other health care professional.
The policy also seeks to provide assurance that all people who need access with registered assistance dogs are welcomed to the Trust and that staff have a clear understanding of the requirements for such dogs entering the premises and the areas where they are allowed.
For further information please speak with our Patient Experience and Involvement Lead at alison.mccrudden@lthtr.nhs.uk
