Sometimes we don't give enough praise to our NHS staff - doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants and everyone in between. They all work together to do a sterling job of taking care of our loved ones around the clock.
But now they could be about to get some help from 'therapy dogs', and it sounds like the best thing to give you a boost in times of need.
We've seen the love and support dogs can provide for people who have lost their sight, but now canines could be a regular presence on hospital wards in an effort to boost the mental welfare of patients, as reported by the Mirror.
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The first ever NHS animal protocol will be revealed today at the Royal College of Nursing's annual conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
They are calling for all-out bans on animals in hospitals to be lifted. Individual trusts make the rules on access and a small number allow 'petting' animals on children's wards.
Charity Pets as Therapy offers highly trained animals to schools and care homes and is poised to expand to the NHS.
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The system is currently being pioneered at Southampton General Hospital, with dogs such as Leo, whose owner Lyndsey Uglow said: "There's no way the NHS would pay for this but these dogs are a free volunteer workforce.
"In the US there are a lot more animal interventions and we are only now catching up. When you walk on to the ward there's always a gasp and the children love it.
"We enjoy doing it and the reward you get is seeing the reaction of the patients and the dogs enjoying it."
Someone chopping onions around here or what?
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Leo is specially trained to support children and has helped many with cancers and serious brain conditions. What an amazing LAD he is.
Last December Manchester Children's Hospital allowed Alfie the pug to meet the poorly children, and according to reports the pooch put smiles on their faces all day long.
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Alfie waddled his way around the hospital putting smiles on faces, posing for photos and joining in with much needed cuddles, says the Manchester Evening News.
The tragic flipside to this, however, is that some of these dogs have to stop doing their most important jobs because they get sick themselves.
Smiley The Blind Therapy Dog sadly passed away last October, with his paw in his owner's hand.
The golden retriever was instantly recognisable for his beaming smile, and despite his troubles he brought plenty of love and happiness to a lot of people.
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What a beautiful story this is - here's to therapy gods dogs.
Topics: Interesting, Feels, Community, Animals, NHS, Dogs