Teddy lends a paw for Keitha’s surgery

Gisborne Hospital patient Keitha Taylor and her therapy dog Teddy are visited by (from left) unicorn and Oral Health service manager Bonita Mackey, Otago University Interprofessional Education student Rhianna Hunt, community dentist James Hannah, and kaiawhina Hine Akuhata-Brown. Picture supplied

Going under anaesthetic can be a daunting experience for young patients but not so much when they have a unicorn and a fluffy best friend to provide company.

Keitha Taylor was recently supported at Gisborne Hospital by the oral health team, including service manager Bonita Mackey appearing as an unicorn, through a daunting procedure under general anaesthetic.

To further support Keitha was her therapy dog Teddy.

In the pre-admit appointment, Teddy wasn’t able to be with Keitha and she struggled.

Once Teddy was tucked up on the bed with her, Keitha was able to finally relax and head into her surgery without worry or anxiety.

Not only that, the staff and other patients in the hospital were thrilled to have Teddy with them for the day.

“The oral health team make sure all their patients who need surgery are supported through the whole process,” said Ms Mackey.

“While they are in our home, we manaaki and awhi them as we would in any other situation.

“As a mum, I understand how hard it is to have your child need a surgical procedure, and it’s our job to make sure the whole whānau is as relaxed and informed as they can possibly be.”

A Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti spokesperson said, “we want to give a big ngā mihi to our oral health team’.

“Thank you for your mahi and aroha.”

The oral health team is based in De Lautour Road, near Ilminster Intermediate.

For questions on a child’s teeth  call 867 5096.