Starship offers pet visits as therapy in 'rainforest'

By MARTIN JOHNSTON

Dogs will be able to visit sick and injured children at the Starship children's hospital in Auckland, possibly soon after its atrium is refurbished next year.

As part of the rainforest-themed redevelopment, an area with semi-permanent walls is planned where patients who are well enough can meet the animals.

The atrium is a large area where children and families can play or relax away from the wards.

The animals will be the specially-trained pets of volunteers involved in the Outreach Pet Therapy programme run by the SPCA and the Order of St John.

SPCA Auckland chief executive Bob Kerridge said the programme involved dogs, cats, rabbits, donkeys, miniature horses and even a llama.

But hospital general manager Kay Hyman said the plan was to have only small dogs, at least initially.

Mr Kerridge said the outreach programme to elderly people and others had been running almost 10 years, and with St John involvement since last year.

The refurbishment, which covers most of the atrium, is scheduled to be done next February and March.

The imitation rainforest will feature a stream, forest floor of grass and leaves, and a rock beach, all made of picture vinyl; wallpaper depicting forest scenes; an "abstract pole forest" made of about 20 old timber telephone poles; bench seats made of logs; and imitation rocks and clouds.

The cost, $100,000 to $200,000, will be financed almost entirely by donations of money, goods and services through the Starship Foundation

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