Patients in Torrevieja hospital are set to enjoy virtual visits with their pets. Healthcare personnel in Ribera Salud, which manages the hospitals in Torrevieja and Vinalopo, are facilitating video calls between pet owners and their four legged friends in order to help patients in their recovery.
The latest research shows that pets are associated with feelings of tranquillity and relaxation, which reduces heart rate or blood pressure. The unconditional love of a pet for its owner is of huge importance during the state of alarm.
The University Hospitals of Torrevieja and Vinalopó already have a protocol in place to allow pet visits in some cases. However, during the Covid19 pandemic, visits are not possible (even for humans), but Ribera Salud has found a way to put patients isolated by Corvid-19 in contact with their pets.
This initiative, which is part of the Humanization Plan of the Ribera Salud group, aims to respond to the needs of patients who, through contact with their pets, find a form of relief and reduction of anxiety and improvement of their mood.
The virtual pet visits join other initiatives in place at Torrevieja and Vinalopo hospitals. Members of the public can send letters, drawings or messages of support to patients and staff via the website rsc.riberasalud.com or the whasapp number 628 998 586.