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Medical Center - University of Freiburg clarifies access for patients accompanied by assistance dogs

The Medical Center - University of Freiburg has clarified how it deals with patients accompanied by assistance dogs. Patients with guide dogs have already been allowed to enter the hospital. Therapy assistance dogs are also permitted in certain areas of the hospital after consultation with the hospital hygiene department. In order to dispel any possible uncertainties, the regulation has now been adapted and extended to all assistance dogs.

"Assistance dogs are of great supportive value to those affected and do not pose any particular risk from a hospital hygiene perspective. Patients and their assistance dogs are therefore always welcome at the hospital," says Dr. Winfried Ebner, Senior Physician at the Institute for Infection Prevention and Hospital Hygiene at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg.

In principle, assistance dogs are allowed in all outpatient areas of the hospital to which human companions also have access. Prior to the admission of inpatients accompanied by their assistance dog, the conditions must be discussed with the hospital hygiene department on a case-by-case basis. Visitors can also bring their assistance dogs into the hospital. However, the visit should be discussed in advance with the relevant department. In any case, assistance dogs must be clearly marked and kept on a lead in the hospital. Unfortunately, assistance dogs are not allowed in the blood donation center.

Valuable companions in every situation

Assistance dogs perform numerous tasks to enable people with disabilities or chronic illnesses to lead an independent everyday life. Among other things, they warn diabetics of a blood sugar imbalance or people with epilepsy of an impending seizure. Assistance dogs must meet strict health requirements, such as regular veterinary examinations. From a hygiene perspective, they are therefore not comparable to normal pets.

The Institute for Infection Prevention and Hospital Hygiene at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg can provide information on questions and uncertainties regarding the handling of assistance dogs.

Caption: Assistance dogs are generally allowed in all outpatient areas of the hospital to which human companions also have access.
Image source: Medical Center - University of Freiburg