I AM writing in response to the letter in the BEN on November 22 about hospital pets and a health risk.

I'm sorry, but I totally disagree with your mystery writer's letter about pets being taken on a hospital ward. In the mid-1990s I worked as a voluntary worker on Wards H3 and H4. An acute ward for elderly patients. Richard, another voluntary worker with the Pat a Dog organisation used to bring his Bernese dog, a bit smaller than a St Bernard, on the wards on a Thursday afternoon and sometimes Friday. Along with Richard was Carol who also brought her Pat a Dog along. The patients used to love Richard bringing his dog along and the dog enjoyed his visit to be patted. Richard would take his dog to each individual patient in the day room on both wards. The wards had long and short term patients. The patients' faces used to light up when they saw Richard. Not a lot of patients got visitors in an afternoon -- some none at all.

There is also a Pets for Therapy Scheme, who take their pets in hospitals and nursing homes. Not one patient came down sick after Richard visited and there was no health risk at all. If they had any doubt, the dog had to be checked over, but that never happened. Also each ward used to have a resident budgie. Instead of this person writing to complain -- if you are able enough why don't you become a voluntary worker. You may meet up with one of these dogs and you can see for yourself the good work these dogs do.

Veronica York

Former voluntary worker for

H Unit, Royal Bolton Hospital