Pet galahs Jill and Jerry bring joy to patients at Neringah Hospital
Pet therapy is taking flight at a busy hospital ward on Sydney’s north shore with a pair of galahs bringing joy to patients and their families.
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Pet therapy is taking flight at a busy hospital ward on Sydney’s north shore with a pair of galahs bringing a dose of joy to patients and their families.
The inseparable birds, called Jill and Jerry, were the latest arrivals at Neringah Hospital after their owner Sujay Singh was admitted for pain management last month.
Mr Singh, who has been diagnosed with mouth cancer, said he asked staff if he could bring his chatty friends along with him.
The hospital agreed, providing a room where the birds could roam in and out of their cages — and even accompany Mr Singh in the shower.
“I’ve had them for 10 years and they bring me so much joy,” Mr Singh said.
“They bounce up and down, they’re very chatty and they seem to understand me well — when I’m upset they’re quiet and when I’m happy they laugh along.
“All the other patients were coming into the room to say hello to them.
“Hospitals can be a lonely place so I think they were a nice distraction for people.”
The former council ranger said the galahs, originally from Western Australia, also kept him company at his home in Turramurra.
He said the two bird party mimic his laugh and can often be seen bopping along to the right Indian music soundtrack.
“My wife works long hours so when I’m home alone they keep me company,” he said.
The arrival of the galahs at the hospital comes as pet therapy programs are being rolled in public hospitals across Sydney.
Programs include visits by Jack Russells and Labradors at Nepean and Liverpool Hospitals in a move to boost morale for patients.
Neringah Hospital said conditions for Jill and Jerry’s stay included a sign on Mr Singh’s door indicating when the birds were out of their cage.
And nurse unit manager Michelle Griffiths said while dogs and cats are not uncommon in the wards, galahs were a first.