There’s nothing quite like Popcorn on a Friday to lift spirits among staff and patients.
At least that’s what Mercy Hospital for Women (MHW) Oncology Ward Nurse Unit Manager Elle Wilkes says about Popcorn — Mercy Health’s very first therapy dog.
Elle Wilkes, Ann and Popcorn
When Popcorn and her owner Ann first visited MHW in early September, the hospital was alive with excited whispers. Elle says the enthusiastic anticipation surrounding Popcorn’s visits has become quite the tradition.
“It is still like that every second Friday — people are so excited to see Popcorn. You see Ann and Popcorn walk into the room and people’s faces just light up.”
Popcorn is a registered therapy dog with Delta Therapy Dogs and visits MHW every fortnight, thanks to Mercy Health Foundation and their paw-sitively awesome donors. The friendly pooch is a regular at the MHW oncology ward where her visits are eagerly awaited by many staff and patients alike.
Popcorn visiting staff
“There are a couple of staff who haven’t met Popcorn yet and they have specifically asked to be rostered on a Friday so they can be working when Popcorn comes in,” Elle says.
“The therapy dog program really does bring joy to our hardworking staff. Popcorn has brought the team together and her visits create a good feeling around the ward on that day.”
For patients, Popcorn is a positive distraction from their illness.
Vanessa, an oncology patient with terminal cancer, loved having Popcorn snuggle up on her bed. Vanessa was having a particularly tough day and was missing her own dog when Popcorn came to visit. Popcorn’s gentle nature made Vanessa feel relaxed and brought a smile to her face.
Elle says Popcorn has a special way of connecting and comforting patients through difficult times.
“We had a patient recently who was receiving palliative care and had been disengaged, but when Ann and Popcorn walked in the room, she smiled. It was just so heartwarming to witness. Although the patient was struggling, she was able to have a special moment of happiness with Popcorn,” Elle says.
Popcorn’s positive impact spreads beyond the oncology ward. From the moment Ann and Popcorn arrive at MHW, their presence is known. From patients and staff in the lifts and corridors to the staff at the screening desks and reception — everyone shares a smile and a chat with Ann and Popcorn.
Popcorn visiting a patient
“I’m really happy that something so simple brings so much joy to the whole team and the patients. The program has been a resounding success and I hope that it can continue,” Elle says.
MHW General Manager Tanya Darrer shares Elle’s passion for the program. “The therapy dog program has been a wonderful initiative to improve patient and staff wellbeing and it is certainly having a positive impact across the hospital.”
Mercy Health’s therapy dog program will be expanded to Werribee Mercy Hospital in coming weeks, with thanks to Wyndham Health Foundation.
Last reviewed December 6, 2022.