Shock over a dog in the ward

10:31am Wednesday 27th April 2005

A WOMAN has raised concerns about hospital hygiene after claiming staff turned a blind eye when a patient took a dog into a treatment area of Whipps Cross University Hospital.

Joanne Stacey, of Woodford Green, who is pregnant, visited the Accident and Emergency department for treatment at around 6pm on Saturday.

She says a man carrying a small dog wrapped in a blanket sat down close to her in the waiting area and claims staff failed to act when her partner complained that the dog was a hygiene risk.

She said: "My partner told four members of staff two nurses, a cleaner and someone behind the desk and no-one did anything. With the concerns about infections and hospital hygiene at the moment it is disgusting.

"After being treated in another ward I came back through A and E two hours later and noticed the dog was with its owner while he was being treated in a cubicle. I could not believe it. I have already decided not to have my baby at Whipps Cross."

A hospital spokeswomansaid, "We have a strict policy on animals entering the premises.

"The trust is investigating concerns raised by a patient who attended A and E on April 16 who claims to have seen the dog hidden in a blanket in clinical and non-clinical areas.

"The only dogs permitted on hospital premises are registered guide dogs and those that may be used for therapeutic purposes as part of the Pets as Therapy scheme.

"The trust apologises for any distress caused to the patient and urges her to make contact."