Claws are out over a directive to restrict the movements of two popular moggies at Taranaki Base Hospital.
By Robin Martin of RNZ
Pip, and more recent arrival Pablo, are a common sight at the hospital – but staff have been told the animals are not permitted in hospital buildings, citing infection prevention and clinical safety standards.
Taranaki Base Hospital says only approved service animals are allowed in hospital buildings.
Ngaere woman Tracey Blake said Pip was a godsend when her daughter was in and out of hospital during a difficult pregnancy, while also having to care for a toddler.
"Pip kept an 18-month-old entertained. Walking into maternity, walking through the maternity doors, he was there and he was never a problem.
"He was just a real lift for our day, and every time we went there he gave little grandchild something to look forward to. It was just amazing."
She thought the mental wellbeing of patients should also be a consideration.
"It's a proven fact that having an animal can help alleviate stress, and if it gives a moment of peace shouldn't that outweigh any risk.
"He's not in a birthing suite. He's not actually going into where the babies are. He's wandering the corridors, and I can't see that that is any different than somebody coming in with dirty shoes."
A petition was started on the Adventures of Pip Facebook page – where Pablo also features frequently – in support of the cats, and it had been flooded with messages.
Suz Cowley said Pip was a comfort to her 10-year-old son Theo when visiting his grandmother at the hospital.
"We were sitting waiting for my mum to be picked up, and Pip came strolling along and my son, he just adores cats. So he went up to approach him and Pip was sweet as with him, having a little cuddle on the floor, which was really lovely."
She said hospital visits can be difficult for children, but not with Pip about.
"So Pip coming along just broke the boredom and yeah, it was instant friendship too. It was beautiful. And yeah, and mum managed to get a little pat with Pip too. It was beautiful."
'A pretty well-liked cat'
Outside Taranaki Base Hospital most people were fans of the moggies.
"I think it's terrible to trespass Pip," said one hospital contractor.
But another woman was not so sure.
"From a practical point of view I don't think good to have the cats in the buildings."
A nurse came down in favour of the felines.
"I think the weight of opinion is that Pip was helpful for the patients and the staff."
A young doctor was on the same page.
"I feel like he's a pretty well-liked cat, everybody loves Pip – staff and patients."
Another staff member said Pip was well known in her family.
"He's great, Pip. My baby niece is obsessed and every time I come home from work, she doesn't ask me how my day was – she asks me how Pip is."
Te Whatu Ora responds
In a statement, Te Whatu Ora group director operations Taranaki, Wendy Langlands, acknowledged the enjoyment Pip and Pablo brought to some staff and patients.
"Recently, staff were reminded of existing expectations around animals in clinical areas such as maternity and the neonatal unit. These expectations are in place to ensure we meet infection prevention and clinical safety standards that apply in healthcare settings."
Langlands said only certified assistance animals, such as guide dogs, are allowed in hospital buildings, or those approved for palliative care and therapy visits.
"Our staff have been reminded not to feed animals or provide bedding. If an animal does wander into a building, staff have been advised to gently guide it back outside.
Hospital communications seen by RNZ said if the cats continued to come inside, staff should call security.
They were also warned to avoid being photographed with the felines in Health NZ uniform and sharing such images online.
Langlands said these expectations helped ensure the hospital environment remained safe for patients, whānau and staff.
"We acknowledge Pip and Pablo as a friendly presence around the hospital grounds."
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