The Isle of Wight NHS Trust's Ambulance Care Dog team has been shortlisted for an HSJ Patient Safety Award.

Initially comprising 12 dogs, the team was established in April 2023 to help ambulance staff manage stress. Their work, due to its distressing nature, often leaves members overwhelmed.

The team's recognition is in the staff wellbeing category, and the awards ceremony will be held in Manchester on September 16.

Specialist paramedic Sophie Brockman, who set up the initiative said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. The Care Dog team have had such an impact on staff over the last year and make a real difference to our wellbeing in the workplace.

"The Care Dog team support all our Ambulance staff including our frontline crews and our call handlers by visiting them on their breaks or downtime during their shifts.

"Evidence shows that interacting with dogs can decrease levels of cortisol and systolic blood pressure which are indicators of heightened stress.

"Research also indicates that within five minutes of interaction with a dog, a person’s stress levels can reduce, making the use of care dogs a practical intervention for the workplace."

Director of operations for Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, Victoria White said: "Sophie and the team have worked incredibly hard to implement the Care Dog team. 

"This is staff (and dogs) supporting each other. I am incredibly proud that we have been recognised for this fantastic initiative to support our staff and their wellbeing."