They’re friendly and they are definitely furry! So it made so much sense to invite two adorable alpacas to pay a visit to patients and staff at Chichester’s St Wilfrid’s Hospice recently
The cuddly creatures, which are very similar to llamas, arrived from from Dunreyth Alpacas, which is based on the outskirts of Chichester and delivered a “real sense of joy”.
Nursing auxillery Helen Horsey came up with the idea of inviting the alpacas to the hospice based on the fact that animals has been proven to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression and having a pet is known to help people feel happier and less isolated and lonely.
Animals are also said to be used as therapy for people who are ill or undergoing treatments and can even be used to help increase motor skills and joint movement.
Hospice ward sister Cathy Newsam explained: “We were delighted they came and visited some of our patients on the ward and in the day centre. It was a very memorable day at the hospice and the patients who wanted to be visited by the alpacas said that it was the highlight of their day!
“The animals were extremely well behaved and very placid and docile. The visit brought a real sense of joy to the Hospice and all the staff thought it was a wonderful experience – it certainly brought a great atmosphere into the ward.”
The hospice says the staff are always on the lookout for unusual experiences that can bring pleasure to their patients, adding: “Huge thanks to Dunreyth Alpacas for helping make lots of happy memories for so many patients and staff.”
