22 October 2026

Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that make the biggest difference.

For Richard, who has been recovering at Austin Health following a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome, one of those moments came in the form of a very special visitor: Molly, one of our Lort Smith Pet Therapy dogs.

Richard was diagnosed in January 2026 and spent more than six months in intensive care at Ballarat Base Hospital before transferring to Austin Health in July. Since arriving on 5 West, the Respiratory & Sleep Medicine ward, he has made encouraging progress in weaning off his ventilator, with the goal of having his tracheostomy removed and eventually returning home.

Throughout his recovery, Richard has been supported by his dedicated family and a multidisciplinary team of Austin Health staff.

It was his daughter, Ciara, who helped organise a moment of joy during his hospital stay. While walking through the hospital, she spotted photos of volunteer dogs and wondered whether her dad might be able to meet one.

Volunteer Engagement carefully matches pet therapy teams with suitable wards and coordinates regular visits within available resources. As 5 West doesn’t receive regular visits, ward clerk Lisa contacted Jodi Batchelor, Manager Volunteer Engagement, who arranged for Molly and her owner, Sophie, to meet Richard in the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre (ONJ) Wellness Garden.

For Richard, a lifelong dog lover, the experience was incredibly special.

Having Molly on his lap and being able to feel her soft fur brought Richard and his family a welcome moment of happiness during a long hospital admission.

“Richard’s face when he saw Molly, and the joy and relief on the faces of his family… it was so big and real,” Jodi said.

Richard said having a dog beside him helped make the day feel more normal.

“For those moments you forget where you are,” he said.

The visit’s impact extended beyond that special afternoon, with the experience becoming a talking point across the ward.

“The look on Richard’s face alone was heartwarming. His mood has been upbeat all week,” Lisa said.

Staff have continued sharing photos of their own dogs and chatting with Richard about their four-legged friends, helping keep the smiles going long after Molly’s visit.

Richard and his family have expressed their gratitude to everyone who helped make the visit happen, including physiotherapy staff Steph and Sarah who helped facilitate Richard’s trip to the Wellness Garden so he could spend time with Molly.

As Richard continues working hard towards recovery, the visit from Molly has given him and his family a special memory to hold onto - and the team on 5 West plenty to smile about, too.