The prescription was for smiles all around at the Ipswich Hospital as two
Droughtmaster bulls, Kaboom and Copie, visited sick children.
In a first for West Moreton Health, the Sunshine Children’s Ward at Ipswich Hospital hosted the giant-sized four-legged friends.
They parked just outside the ward on the grass and children had the opportunity to step out into the sunshine for a pat of the award-winning show bulls.
The first little girl came charging out the hospital door, with her cape billowing behind.
Indi Taka, 3, from Collingwood Park (pictured) could not contain her excitement.
“Wow,” she said as she pointed to the large animal looming over her.
West Moreton Health’s Chief Executive Dr Kerrie Freeman said animals visiting children at hospitals was common around the country and had been shown to have positive impacts on patient care including reducing stress for children while in hospital.
“Animal encounters often involve dogs and small farm animals but being in Droughtmaster country and with the number of rural and regional children we support it is fitting that we welcome two award-winning show bulls to the Sunshine Children’s Ward,” Dr Freeman said.
Owner of the bulls, Justin Bowman is a Project Manager in West Moreton Health’s Infrastructure and Assets team and wanted to bring a bit of country to the hospital.
“While there are lots of country kids around Ipswich, there are a lot of youngsters who might never get the chance to see an animal like this up close,” Mr Bowman said.
“These bulls are really quiet and socialised so my family and I thought it’d be a great thing to bring them to the Sunshine Children’s Ward.”
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