Noodle the dog helps autistic teen through fear of surgery

Girl is allowed to take autism assistance dog Noodle with her into operating theatre thanks to efforts by nurse Vicki Ward and team at Royal Surrey County Hospital

A learning disabilities and autism nurse made an important operation for a young autistic patient possible by finding a way for her assistance dog to be present.

Sixteen-year-old Kiera has autism and a brain injury from birth that affects her balance. She also experiences severe anxiety that makes healthcare visits challenging, but her life changed when she met her assistance dog Noodle.

Three years ago Kiera was due to have teeth removed under general anaesthetic but her high levels of anxiety and sensory overload in the hospital meant the operation was put on hold, despite her teeth growing into the roof of her mouth.

After a recent urgent warning from her dentist Kiera decided she could have the operation if Noodle was there to support her. But there was just one problem – how can an operating theatre be prepped for a dog?

Nurse worked with other hospital staff to find a way for Noodle to stay

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust learning disabilities and autism nurse Vicki Ward was tasked with making it possible.

She worked with the hospital’s senior nursing staff, infection control team and head of service for theatres, anaesthetic and critical care to find a way for Noodle to be present.

Ms Ward said: ‘We obviously had to be mindful of other patients’ feelings and staff, as well as look at the clinical considerations such as hygiene, safety and infection control but we are essentially here for patients and we need to make our healthcare accessible to all patients.

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‘We looked at what reasonable adjustments we could make and, for Kiera, Noodle is that reasonable adjustment.’

Ms Ward also put together an information sheet to share with staff and patients explaining that an autism awareness dog would be accompanying a patient.

‘We planned the surgery so that Kiera would be last on the morning list, which meant the anaesthetic room could be thoroughly cleaned before the afternoon list started.

Hospital team now drafting guidance to let other patients keep assistance dogs with them

‘Noodle stayed with Kiera until she’d had the general anaesthetic. We then encouraged him to hop off the bed and come outside for a run. As soon as she came back from theatre, he couldn’t wait to get back on the bed with her and make sure she was okay. It was lovely to see the interaction between the two of them.’

Kiera’s mother, Jac, who is also autistic, thanked staff for their support. ‘When Kiera was starting to come round after her surgery, a machine was beeping because her heart rate was very high but as soon as Noodle got onto the bed it came right down,’ she said.

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‘Kiera normally hates the smell, the noises and the lighting in hospital, and hates being touched by healthcare workers, so this is just a huge step – and she is no longer in pain with her teeth, which is brilliant.’

The learning disabilities and autism team are now working with Kiera on guidance to support other autistic patients with autism assistance dogs when receiving healthcare at the Royal Surrey County Hospital.

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