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133 ORNAC, Concord, MA 01742978-369-1400www.emersonhospital.orgEmerson Hospital is an acute care medical centerlocatedHealthWorks,in Concordpublishedwith healthby EmersoncentersHospital,in Bedford,ismailedGroton,toSudburyresidentsandinWestford.the hospital’sIt isservicewell knownareaforandits medicalis distributedand surgicalto the employeesspecialists,andoutstandingphysicians’nursingcareoffices affiliatedand patient-centeredwith Emersonservices,Hospital.including theClough Birthing Center, the Mass General CancerIf you would prefer not to receive such mailings in theCenter at Emerson Hospital-Bethke, the Polo EmergencyCenter and the Clough Surgical Center.future, please let us know by calling 978-287-3458 orsend an email to pr@emersonhosp.org.www.emersonhospital.orgEmerson Hospital President and CEOHealthWorks,Christine C. Schusterpublished by Emerson Hospital, isHealthWorks mailed to residents Magazine the hospital’s editorial staff service areaChristine and distributed Gallery, Bonnie to the employees Goldsmithand physicians’ officesaffiliated with Emerson Hospital.WritersIf you would prefer not to receive such mailings in theLaura Duffy, Ralph Fullerfuture, please let us know by calling 978-287-3458 orPhotographysend an email to pr@emersonhosp.org.Tony Rinaldo, Steve Gilbert and Kimberly MacdonaldEmerson Hospital President and CEOChristine Design and C. Schuster PrintingFassino/Design and Signature Printing & ConsultingHealthWorks Magazine editorial staffChristine The information Gallery, included Bonnie here Goldsmith is intended to educatereaders about health issues, but it is not a substitute forWriters consultation with a personal physician.LauraThe missionDuffy,ofRalphEmersonFullerHospital is to deliverPhotographyhigh-quality care to our community that is safe,Tony compassionate, Rinaldo accessible, appropriate, efficientand coordinated.Design and PrintingFassino/Design and Signature Printing & ConsultingJoin our online community atThe information included here is intended to educatereaders about health issues, but it is not a substitute forconsultation with a personal physician.and www.emersonhospital.orgThe mission of Emerson Hospital is to deliverhigh-quality care to our community that is safe,compassionate, accessible, appropriate, efficientand coordinated.FPOmercedes the pet therapy dog makes friendsHer wagging tail is becoming a familiar – and welcome – sight on Emerson patient units. Everyoneseems to respond to Mercedes the pet therapy dog, including patients, family members and staff.The five-year-old standard poodle, a graduate of the Pets and People Foundation training course, isthe hospital’s newest goodwill ambassador.“Dogs really help you feel better,” says Joshua Sathyaraj (shown above), age 12, who received a visitfrom Mercedes during his recent stay at Emerson. “Mercedes was really friendly and basically didwhat most dogs do – sniff my hands and let me pat her.” Mercedes travels with her own blanketand snuggled into Joshua’s bed.“His entire face just lit up,” says his mother, Sandhya Sathyaraj, a Hudson resident. “It was nice tosee him so happy.”The positive impact of animals in health care settings is well known. “We see how Mercedes bringsso much joy and, in many cases, comfort to people who are in difficult, stressful situations,” saysClaire Russell, a social work supervisor in Emerson’s care management department. “It’s just wonderfulto see how people respond to her.”The feeling is mutual: her wagging tail makes it clear that Mercedes enjoys all the attention. Plentyof requests for visits are coming from patients and staff. Plans are in place to expand the programso that additional pet therapy dogs can make friends throughout Emerson.Front cover: Meghan O’Sullivan, shown at All Seasons Tennis Club in Acton, has made a successfulrecovery after surgery to repair a spinal cord injury.