“Case E. has done so much for Catawba Valley Medical Center and our
Pet Therapy program,” said Heather Bissell, Licensed Recreational
Therapist, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, in CVMC’s
recreation therapy. “She will be missed by many staff members because
she has truly stolen our hearts during her time here. Case E.’s
patient visits have given great joy and offered comfort for those away
from their pets back at home. Yes, we’ve spoiled her, but she is
a special and sweet dog.”
In 1999 when CVMC’s Pet Therapy program and the young black puppy
were new additions, the need arose for a name for the little pet therapist.
The hospital’s first executive director, James E. Case, had recently
retired and an employee suggested naming the poodle in his honor. That’s
how Case E. got her name as a variation of Case’s full name. CVMC’s
Pet Therapy provides patients with an opportunity for social and verbal
interaction, stress reduction, sensory stimulation and can assist in encouraging
physical movement and participation. A pet visit in a waiting room can
offer a family member comfort or a positive diversion while waiting or
visiting the family or friend. Another benefit of a pet visit is stress
relief for staff who may be having a busy day. All of CVMC’s pet
therapists always greet with a smile and a few staff members even visit
the staff pets with special treats.
CVMC’s pet therapy includes several other dogs whose owners volunteer
to share their pets with the medical center. They include Jerry and his
German Shepherd, Kayla, and his whippet, Shannon; Ken and Eileen with
their Great Dane, Morgan; Tammie who visits with Boxer mix, Gracie; Courtney
and her Labrador mix, Daisy, and Tammy who shares her Old English Sheepdog,
Genevieve.
In addition to the goodwill offered by pet therapy members inside the hospital,
Ms. Bissell and Recreation Therapy also offer community programs with
the pets at the hospital’s HealthFirst Center in Valley Hills Mall,
the Hickory public libraries with the Paws2Read program and the Catawba
Valley Community College’s Nursing Integrative Therapy education program.
CVMC’s inpatient rehabilitation programs recently attained its fourth
consecutive Three-Year accreditation from CARF International. The only
medical center in the area with CARF-accredited inpatient rehabilitation,
CVMC received its first accreditation in 2000. To learn more about CVMC’s
Pet Therapy program, please contact Ms. Bissell at 828/326-3046.
Catawba Valley Medical Center is a not-for-profit, public healthcare system
providing and promoting the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
well-being of the public in addition to serving as a center for health
education, wellness services, preventative medicine and acute care. CVMC,
twice recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet
facility, was named as a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of
Healthcare Providers as well as twice awarded as a “Distinguished
Hospital for An Outstanding InPatient Experience” by J.D. Power
and Associates.