The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has been praised for its “outstanding” practices within its Children and Young People services, including a furry new addition to one of their wards.

The trust said it had successfully introduced “a number of positive initiatives” to provide better support and care for children and young people that receive treatment from both the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.

The trust has welcomed a number of new initiatives, which have included the wonderful addition of Lottie the therapy dog at the children’s ward at the Princess Royal Hospital.

Lottie, the cockapoo pays the children a special visit every Wednesday as part of the “Pets as Therapy” scheme, with the children, parents and careers always being “thrilled” to catch up with her.

Youth worker, Kerry Davies even nominated Lottie for a BBC Make a Difference Award.

“Lottie’s visits are the highlight of the week. It is just fantastic to see the children’s faces – there are plenty of smiles when she is around. Many children can be quite apprehensive when they are in hospital and Lottie helps put them at ease.” She said.

Julie Plant, divisional director of nursing for children and young people said that the trust had "worked so hard" in introducing several initiatives to provide extra support to young people and their families and added she was "so proud of the team who prioritise patient care every day for ensuring our patients have a positive experience whilst they are with us".