17/12/2025
Our hardworking Cardiology staff at South West Acute Hospital were delighted to welcome a furry visitor to their department recently.
The remarkable canine ‘Polly’ the Golden Retriever, from Ballinamallard has been crowned a ‘Hero Dog’ by the British Heart Foundation, as it was her bark in the middle of the night that alerted owner Hannah Cooke that her husband Adam had gone in to cardiac arrest.
All because of Polly’s bark, Hannah was given those critical minutes to perform CPR until help arrived. Adam was then treated by the amazing Cardiology staff at South West Acute Hospital – it was truly a team effort!
Following successful treatment and recovery Adam, wife Hanna and family were able to return to the hospital, with Polly, to personally thank the cardiology staff.
Professor Monica Monaghan, Consultation Cardiologist at South West Acute Hospital said:
“It was incredibly moving to see Adam and his family visit our Department after an event like Adam endured, but we were particularly delighted to also meet Polly for the first time. That really brings a buoyancy to the staff when they see the efforts that they put in.”