Hudson, Florida (May 8, 2019) – Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point announces that one of its therapy dogs, Blue, was recently awarded his 100-hour volunteer pin by Donna Owen, Director of Volunteer & Pastoral Care. Blue visits patients every Thursday on a skateboard with his handlers, Rick and Donna Zuhl, wearing a different costume each time made by his creative mom.
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is grateful to have other therapy dogs in addition to Blue. Animal visits to a hospital provide positive, lasting memories for patients and their families with an event to be excited about. Visiting with the animals can help people feel less lonely and less depressed. It has been shown that many become more active and responsive both during and after their visit. Stroking a dog or cat can actually reduce a person’s blood pressure. A dog visit offers entertainment as well as welcome distraction from pain and infirmity. People often talk to the dogs and share their thoughts, feelings and memories with them.
Attached Photo: Blue receives his 100-hour service pin from Donna Owen Director of Volunteer & Pastoral Care, while his handlers, Rick and Donna Zuhl look on.
About Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has been serving the community since 1981. We are a 290-bed acute care hospital located in Hudson, FL. We have more than 300 physicians, 1,264 employees and 400 volunteers on our integrated healthcare delivery team.
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has achieved distinction in the following areas:
· Level II Trauma Center
· Licensed as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA)
· Named among the top 5% in the nation for Patient Safety in 2017 and 2018 by Healthgrades
· Joint Commission Accreditation, Primary Stroke Center and Sepsis Certifications
· Healthgrades Multi-Award Recipient
o Five Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment for 13 years in a row (2005-2017)
o Five Star Recipient for Back Surgery eight years in a row (2010 – 2017)
o Five Star Recipient for Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm for two years in a row (2016 – 2017)
o Recipient of Healthgrades 2017 and 2018 Patient Safety Excellence Award™
o Five Star Recipient for Appendectomy for three years in a row (2015 – 2017)
· American College of Radiology accredited – MRI, CT, Ultrasound, and Nuclear Medicine
· Accredited Community Cancer Program – American College of Surgeons
· Accredited Teaching Facility by the American Osteopathic Association, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education