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The Duchess of Cambridge couldn’t have been happier this week as she snuggled up to a therapy dog during their second engagement together of the year with Prince William.
Kate and William met a new four-legged recruit when they visited Clitheroe Community Hospital in Lancashire on Thursday afternoon.
The couple visited the hospital to learn more about the challenges healthcare providers have faced during the pandemic and to understand how NHS Charities Together supports the mental wellbeing of those working on the frontlines.
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Kate and William snuggled up to an adorable 10 week old Cockapoo puppy named Alfie during their drive to the hospital.
The pup, who won the hearts of the royal duo, is being trained to support patients and colleagues at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.
After training, Alfie will work alongside other therapy dogs, including the hospital’s current fluff ball named Jasper.
Kate described the pup as very “cute” and said “our dog is going to be very upset” after enjoying several pats.
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The Cambridges also met with GPs, nurses and other health professionals who have been working during the pandemic. The couple thanked them for providing a high standard of care to elderly and sick patients.
William said: “We are so grateful for all your hard work. I’m not sure there are enough words to say how grateful everyone is for what you’ve done.”
Lisa Kay, Clinical Director of Intensive Home Support Service, responded, saying: “That was great to hear because it’s not every day you get a royal visit to say thank you. It was a huge morale boost.”
Additionally, the Duke and Duchess – who are joint royal patrons of NHS Charities Together – were delighted to hear how the charity’s £300,000 grant had helped fund equipment for the staff health team.
The money has helped the team set up health services to support 9,000 employees. These services include: break rooms, spa packages, and a new therapy pup.
Speaking of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit, Head of Operations Catriona Logan said Kate was “really interested” in hearing how the pandemic was going for staff.
She said: “We spoke about how difficult it was for patients and families to be separated by visiting restrictions. She was really committed.”
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Professor Eileen Fairhurst, Chair of the Trust, added: “It has been really uplifting for our staff; It is a real morale boost that their work has been recognized by this high profile visit and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all our colleagues at the Trust in the real challenges and difficulties we have faced since the pandemic.
“We’ve been hit hardest in that part of the country and it really hasn’t gone away.”
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