Aurora, CO — Children’s Hospital Colorado recently gave its staff medical dogs an outdoor oasis to enjoy. Over the years, the hospital staff’s medical dogs have helped patients cope with illness. These four-legged “MDs” are part of the staff.
It’s no secret that working in a hospital setting can be stressful. Three years ago, Children’s Hospital Colorado decided to add canine companions to their staff to ease stress for both patients and medical personnel. These medical dogs do more than wag their tails, and their goal is to help patients and their families cope with trauma, diagnosis, surgeries, and more.
The Leading Children’s Hospital in Colorado
Children’s Hospital Colorado has been voted the number one hospital in Colorado and is among the top 10 in the nation. Their mission that “all children should have a chance for a healthy future” is reinforced through their state-of-the-art technology and resources. Since its 1908 founding, Children’s Hospital Colorado has aimed to improve the health of children through patient care, education, research, and advocacy.
This hospital is also at the forefront of pediatric research. In addition to providing award-winning patient care, Children’s Hospital Colorado has allocated over 130 million dollars to pediatric research. Doctors use this research to try new treatments with the hope of changing pediatric medicine. Their ultimate goal is simple: to eradicate childhood disease.
Improving the Lives of Staff Medical Dogs with SYNLawn
Until recently, the staff medical dogs didn’t have a designated space outside of the hospital. Chief Patient Experience and Access Officer at Children’s Hospital Colorado selected SYNLawn to bring to life the Canine Respite Park. After working with SYNLawn Colorado for two years, the team came up with an expert design fit for canines. Designers installed an automatic cleaning system using ProVet Logic technology to keep the area hygienic after the dogs go to the bathroom. The space utilized 6,255 square feet of SYNLawn’s Pet Platinum turf, combined with Envirofill anti-microbial pet infill with Microban technology.
Architects carefully selected Pet Platinum to install at the dog park. This product is designed for all pets and allows for excellent drainage. The durability of the turf comes from SYNLawn’s Super Yarn™ technology, which includes antimicrobial, anti-static, and dual chill properties. The turf was installed over mounds and tunnels to create a safe surface for the dogs to work out on.
Dog Park Fulfills the Need for Daily Pet Exercise
The new dog park fulfills the need for an outside space for the medical dogs to run, play, and let off steam. The dog park brings together patients and families to allow for a safe space to embrace the hospital’s four-legged staff members. The Canine Respite Park has quickly become a favorite hospital location, and it is sure to stay that way for years to come.