‘Quirón’, a gentle little donkey, made the day of the children of the San Jorge Emergency Room
- For the first time in the first public hospital in Risaralda, a successful day of equine-assisted therapy is held to contribute to the recovery of Pediatric Emergency patients.
Pereira, June 13, 2024. The little patients of the Pediatric Emergency Room at the San Jorge University Hospital in Pereira had a very special visit today that made their day and took them out of the daily routine of their recovery process for a moment.
With the leadership of Governor Juan Diego Patiño Ochoa, the San Jorge University Hospital is innovating in patient care and treatment, thanks – among other reasons – to the high capacity of its human talent.
“Chiron”, a peaceful and gentle light gray donkey crossed the entrance door and walked through the corridors and cubicles of the Emergency Room to interact with the girls and boys hospitalized there.
The children’s surprised faces later transformed into happy faces that showed immense happiness. Everyone, without exception, wanted to get closer to “Chiron”, to caress him and hug him.
It is the first time that a day of assisted intervention with equines is held at the San Jorge University Hospital, a therapy developed by the Psychology Program of the Uniminuto University with the aim of contributing to the physical, emotional, social and cognitive well-being of the little ones. patients.
The Social Manager of Risaralda, Catalina Giraldo Henao, accompanied the equine therapy day and declared herself very happy for carrying out this type of therapeutic activities.
“I love it and I am very happy that from the Government of Risaralda we can support these types of projects that provide recreation for children. “These animals work magic and if they do it with us who are well, much more for those who are here having a bad time,” I note.
In the same sense, the manager of the San Jorge Hospital, Javier Alejandro Gaviria Murillo, spoke out, who thanked this original activity sponsored by the Uniminuto University and the Government of Risaralda:
“It is the first time that this type of intervention has been carried out in a general hospital. “Quirón” was in the Pediatric Emergency Service today accompanying the children and giving them some time to relax,” Gaviria said.
The little donkey remained at the hospital for several minutes, where girls and boys alike hugged him and caressed his soft fur. The parents, who accompany their children in their recovery process in this section, also declared themselves very satisfied with this therapy.
This was stated by John Fernando Lugo, father of one of the minors: “I think it’s very cool that they bring animals to the Emergency Department since they give it a different environment than what they experience every day. To me as a father and most of all to my son who is fascinated with animals. A total thank you to the Hospital and the Government.”
The animal-assisted intervention strategy is led by the coordinator of the Psychology program at the Uniminuto University in Pereira, Jorge Leonardo Martínez Echeverri, and its purpose is to contribute to the emotional stability of patients, contribute to the reduction of anxiety and pain. of those hospitalized through interaction with therapy animals and promote work well-being and the instance of patients in health care processes.
