Long-term care Man’s best friend is cure for depression

Could chemists soon have to add animal expertise to their
formidable pharmaceutical knowledge?

This latest example of “breaking down silos” comes with the news
that the range of treatments on the NHS for the long-term sick is
being extended in at least one area to include man’s best
friend.

Patients in Lewisham, south east London, who regularly receive
hospital treatment will be able to buy a dog with the aid of a
grant from the local primary care trust.

The trust hopes that the company of a dog will help to prevent
people from getting depressed about their condition and improve
their health.