Post-op Pets Soothe Post-Surgery Patients

Adult surgical patients at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center will now have their own teddy bears to hug, thanks to a community service sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women - Bergen County Section. NCJW provides these 'Post-op Pets' to local hospitals to distribute to adult patients following surgery.

The animals are intended not only to comfort the patients, but more importantly, these soft cuddly creatures are a creative way of following the instructions doctors give many of their surgical patients to help lessen the discomfort when they cough, said Marilyn Sirulnick of Teaneck, NCJW Chairperson of the Post-op Pet program. Doctors often suggest that patients press a pillow into their chest or abdomen when they cough.

These stuffed animals serve as that pillow, she explained. The program was inspired by the personal experience of NCJW Vice President Anna Burris of Fort Lee.

Englewood Hospital and Medical Center becomes the second area hospital to participate in the program. NCJW underwrites the purchase of new stuffed animals and delivers them regularly to the hospital.

Since the June 2003 merger of the former Greater Teaneck and Mid-Bergen Sections, the newly formed Bergen County Section of NCJW is now one of the largest NCJW Sections in New Jersey with nearly 1,500 members representing 55 communities in Bergen County.

Founded in the 1890s, NCJW’s 90,000 members nationwide work through advocacy, Education, and community service programs dedicated to social justice and individual rights and freedoms. For more information, see natural pet foods .

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