The Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI) has signed an agreement with Fundación ”la Caixa”, through CaixaBank, to promote an innovative project introducing dog-assisted therapy at the Cerebral Palsy Functional Unit of Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital in Girona. The signing ceremony was attended by Gemma Batlle, Director of Institutions at CaixaBank in Girona; Anna Ribas, Manager of IDIBGI; Dolors Casellas, Neuropediatrician, and Pablo Sáez, Pediatrician, both from the Pediatrics Service at Trueta Hospital; Laia Casadellà, Fundraising Specialist at the hospital; and Albert Marquès, Director of the Girona Center for Dog-Assisted Therapies (CTAC).
This ongoing project involves animals specially trained to alleviate anxiety and pain caused by treatments such as botulinum toxin injections, which are used to reduce muscle rigidity and tension (spasticity) experienced by many children with cerebral palsy. The intervention, typically involving multiple injections, is supported by the Girona Center for Dog-Assisted Therapies (CTAC), which specializes in therapeutic sessions with animals to provide emotional support and comfort to children.
Financial support from Fundació ”la Caixa” has enabled the implementation of these therapies at Trueta Hospital, along with analyses of factors such as patients’ and families’ reported pain perception and overall satisfaction with the intervention.
To ensure maximum safety during procedures, a rigorous hygiene and control protocol has been established, including regular veterinary check-ups, updated vaccinations, and strict hygiene measures before and after each session.
This agreement reinforces CaixaBank's commitment to supporting innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families.
