A FOUR-legged friend is brightening the day for patients on a hospital ward in Bradford.

Ella, the three-year-old Shih Tzu, makes every Thursday at Bradford Royal Infirmary, part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, a day to remember.

The pooch - part of the Pets As Therapy (PAT) charity programme – visits the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for a couple of hours during which time she brings comfort and joy to patients who enjoy meeting and stroking her.

The benefits of pets as therapy to help calm and heal have long been known – and even have a Royal endorsement.

Ella, along with her owner, Kieron Mackrill, is also a firm favourite with hospital staff.

Cordy Gaubert, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist for Critical Care, said: “We had been talking about getting a therapy dog for ICU for some time as we knew there was lots of evidence to show how beneficial they were, how they could help to calm patients and motivate them.

“We also thought it would be a lovely idea for patients who have dogs of their own and are really missing them while in hospital.

“Patients really look forward to the visits – as do many members of staff,” she said.