Guide Dogs in Healthcare: Breaking the Norm
In an age where hospital policies often feel more constricting than a pair of skinny jeans after Christmas dinner, enter Natalia Vladimirovna Yushina. Imagine this: a massage therapist at a vascular center, the kind of place where people go for help, not a guided tour. And guess what? She’s blind. Yes, you read that right! She’s not just a massage nurse; she’s also the only blind employee in her institution. Talk about a superpower!
So, what’s the latest development in her heroic journey? The day before this glorious article graced our screens, our heroine waltzed into work for the first time with a guide dog by her side. Before that, she was navigating the world with a cane, which—let’s be honest—probably wasn’t winning her any races. She said, “It’s much more difficult for me to walk down the street without a dog. Previously, I spent 35-40 minutes on foot, but now it’s half as much.” I mean, if that doesn’t qualify her for a discount at the local barista for all the time she’s saving, I don’t know what does!
Now, typically, hospitals and animals don’t mix. If I had a pound for every time someone told me that animals belong in a petting zoo, I’d afford a penthouse—probably with a very grouchy guard dog. But in this case, the hospital administration played nice. They called in social workers, lawyers, trade unions, and even the economic services team (you know, the folks who probably make decisions on whether biscuits count as essentials in the break room).
After all that teamwork, trajectories were rewritten. The legal quagmire cleared; the guide dog got its VIP pass. They even prepared a cozy waiting room on the ground floor for Sue (or should I say, Susha, as Natalia affectionately calls her). I mean, if I’m going to wait for my owner after a long day, I’d expect a plush sofa, clean water, and a favorite toy too. And kudos to those who thought of turning a hospital into a five-star dog-friendly establishment!
For those worried about sanitary conditions, fear not! The dog accompanies Natalia only on the way to work and stays in the designated waiting area. Once it’s time to treat patients, our excellent nurse either relies on her trusty cane or the charming pizzazz of her fellow nurses. So rest easy, folks! Your germs are safe… for now.
On day one, as black Labrador Sue arrived with all the anxiety of a new employee on their first day, we could only imagine the pressures inside her fluffy head. “Will I be chased by a rogue squirrel? Will they put me on food duty?” But as we’ve learned, guide dogs are quite the professions—they adapt quickly, don’t they? Thankfully, Natalia shared that, “Now my heart is calm, getting to work has become easier, and Susha can wait for me in comfortable conditions.” And just like that, we’re already volunteering the dog for motivational speeches—who doesn’t love a good underdog story?
It gets even better, though. The procedure that’s been rolled out isn’t just for employees. No, my dear friends, patients who are visually impaired can also bring their guide dogs along. It’s almost like hospitals have realized pets can bring a lot more to the table than just barking complaints!
So, hats off to KMKB No. 20 named after I. S. Berzon for opening their doors and their hearts to this wonderful initiative. As they say in healthcare: “If one blind massage nurse can inspire change, imagine what a thousand could do!” Now, if only we could get them to allow self-service espresso makers in the break room…
Press service of KMKB No. 20 named after I. S. Berzon, tel. 226-76-80.
In the photograph, we see Natalia Vladimirovna Yushina, a dedicated massage nurse who plays a crucial role in the medical rehabilitation department at the vascular center of KMKB No. 20 named after I. S. Berzon. Notably, Natalia Vladimirovna stands out as the only blind employee in the institution, classified as a group 1 disabled person due to her visual impairment.
Yesterday marked a significant milestone in her professional journey, as she arrived at work for the first time accompanied by her guide dog. Previously, Natalia relied on her cane for navigation, which she described as a challenging experience. “It’s much more difficult for me to walk down the street without a dog. Previously, I spent 35-40 minutes on foot, but now it’s half as much,” she remarked, highlighting the ease her guide dog brings to her daily routine. “I would like to thank all the employees who took part in obtaining permission and creating conditions for safe movement to the workplace with a guide dog.”
This initiative is particularly noteworthy given that hospitals are generally perceived as incompatible environments for animals. However, the administration demonstrated an exceptional level of support for Natalia, with collaboration from a social worker, a lawyer, the trade union, and the economic service. Comprehensive preparatory work was undertaken to review relevant legislation, culminating in the establishment of a formal procedure for allowing guide dogs within the hospital. Notably, a dedicated room has been set up on the ground floor where the guide dog can remain comfortably during Natalia’s work hours. This space has been meticulously designed to ensure a clean, warm, and comforting environment, complete with proper lighting, ventilation, cozy bedding, a water bowl filled with clean water, and a cherished toy for the dog.
As healthcare institutions maintain strict sanitary and epidemiological standards, the guide dog accompanies Natalia only on her way to the hospital. Once inside, the dog stays in the designated waiting room on the ground floor while Natalia independently navigates the hospital, using her cane or receiving assistance from her colleagues.
On her inaugural day at work, the black Labrador retriever named Sue (affectionately referred to as Susha by Natalia) exhibited signs of anxiety, prompting a few check-ins to reassure her in the waiting area. However, these guide dogs are renowned for their patience and adaptability, swiftly acclimatizing to their new surroundings. “Now my heart is calm, getting to work has become easier, and Susha can wait for me in comfortable conditions,” Natalia expressed, reflecting her relief and gratitude for the arrangements made for her and her pet.
The newly established protocol for admitting guide dogs in the hospital is set to benefit not only Natalia but also patients with visual impairments, ensuring a more inclusive environment for everyone involved.
Press service of KMKB No. 20 named after I. S. Berzon, tel. 226-76-80.
### Interview with Natalia Vladimirovna Yushina: A Trailblazer for Guide Dogs in Healthcare
**Editor:** Natalia, thank you for joining us today to share your remarkable journey. Can you tell us how it felt to step into the hospital with your guide dog, Sue, for the first time?
**Natalia:** Thank you for having me! Walking into the hospital with Sue by my side felt surreal. It was a huge milestone not just for me, but for the entire institution as it embraced this new initiative. For the first time, I didn’t feel restricted by my visual impairment because I had a wonderful companion to support me.
**Editor:** That’s so inspiring! You previously used a cane to navigate. How has having a guide dog changed your daily routine?
**Natalia:** It’s made a world of difference. With a cane, walking took about 35–40 minutes, but now it’s cut down to around 15-20 minutes. Sue helps me navigate more efficiently and safely, so I can focus on my work rather than the stress of getting there.
**Editor:** It sounds like Sue is not just a pet but a crucial part of your everyday life. How did the hospital administration respond to the idea of allowing guide dogs in the facility?
**Natalia:** Their support was overwhelming! It took a collaborative effort with social workers, lawyers, and others to create a legal framework for this initiative. I’m grateful they recognized the significance of guide dogs, not only for me but for other visually impaired patients as well.
**Editor:** It’s impressive to see how teamwork can lead to real change. Were you anxious about how your colleagues and patients would react to Sue being in the hospital?
**Natalia:** I was a bit apprehensive, to be honest. But seeing my colleagues embrace Sue and treat her as part of our team has put me at ease. It’s heartwarming to see how everyone understands that dogs can bring joy and comfort to the healthcare environment.
**Editor:** Absolutely! You mentioned that this policy also extends to patients who are visually impaired. What does this mean for those individuals?
**Natalia:** It’s fantastic! Patients will now have the option to have their guide dogs accompany them during their hospital visits. This can significantly alleviate anxiety and provide emotional support during what can be a difficult time.
**Editor:** It sounds like this initiative has a big impact—both emotionally and practically. What are your hopes for the future regarding guide dogs in healthcare?
**Natalia:** I hope more hospitals will follow suit and recognize the role that guide dogs can play. If our story can help inspire change, I believe that many more visually impaired individuals can benefit from the companionship and assistance of their dogs in medical settings.
**Editor:** Thank you, Natalia! Your journey is truly remarkable and serves as an inspiration for many. We look forward to seeing how this initiative evolves in the future!
**Natalia:** Thank you for the opportunity to share my story! Let’s continue to break down barriers together.
