As part of the Children’s Day celebrations, Quinta da Caldeira and CRESCER organised a special activity today in the outdoor area of Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital. The event gave children, families, and healthcare professionals the chance to interact with animals in a relaxed setting. Junior the horse was joined by sheep, rabbits, ducklings, and a dog called Quintas, who quickly became a favourite among those present. According to a press release, the morning was filled with moments of curiosity, interaction, and happiness that briefly turned the hospital into a place of discovery and well-being. Quinta da Caldeira and CRESCER said scientific evidence increasingly supports the use of animals in healthcare environments, citing studies that link supervised contact with reduced anxiety and stress, stronger positive emotions, and better social interaction and communication. They stressed that the activity followed strict safety, health, and animal welfare standards, with the animals under regular veterinary monitoring and all hygiene and biosafety procedures applied according to internationally recommended best practices. Quinta da Caldeira thanked the Paediatrics Service at Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital, especially Rute Gonçalves and Rita Caldeira, as well as the doctors, nurses, operational assistants, and other team members for their support. The organisation also praised the Board of Directors and the Clinical Management of SESARAM for welcoming the initiative, saying the experience reflected a more humanised approach to care.
