Recovery after beloved dog's hospital visit

Dora Scrivener received a hospital visit from her dog Maddie after a fall

A 93-year-old woman made a "miracle recovery" after her beloved dog was allowed to visit her, according to the hospital that treated her.

Dora Scrivener, who lives with dementia, was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, Kent, after a fall.

She had been on the floor overnight with her dog Maddie by her side at her home in Dover.

Karan Scrivener, Dora's daughter-in-law, said the two had never been apart and that “Dora lives for her dog".

She said: "Maddie wasn’t eating and was looking very sad, and Dora was clearly missing her as well.

“I contacted the dementia team at the hospital, to see if we could bring Maddie to the front entrance so they could see each other.

"But staff went above and beyond to arrange a proper visit.”

With the approval of senior staff, and strict infection prevention measures in place, the family were able to bring Maddie to the ward for a cuddle.

Gemma King, from the hospital's dementia unit, said: “Hospitals can be confusing and frightening places for people living with dementia, who are missing their home environments and their loved ones – including their pets.

“We felt a visit from Maddie would give Dora a boost and it was wonderful to see the change in her during the visit.

“For many people, their pets are a real part of the family."