A 93-year-old grandmother who suffered a fall has made a “miraculous recovery” – after being reunited with her beloved dog in hospital.

Dora Scrivener, who has dementia, was admitted to the QEQM in Margate after she was left stranded on the floor in her Dover home overnight with pet Maddie by her side.

While family members have helped look after Maddie, Dora’s daughter-in-law Karan says the pensioner “lives for her dog”.

Karan, who works as a nurse at Buckland Hospital in Dover, said: “Dora and Maddie have never been apart, and Maddie wasn’t eating and was looking very sad, and Dora was clearly missing her as well.

“I contacted Gemma King, from the dementia team at the hospital, to see if we could bring Maddie to the front entrance so they could see each other, but Gemma went above and beyond to arrange a proper visit.

“Dora lives for her dog and after we brought Maddie in and she was able to have her on her lap, she made a miraculous recovery.

“We are all so grateful to everyone involved in making this happen.”

The arrangement was made possible thanks to the approval of senior staff and strict infection prevention measures being put in place, with the family bringing Maddie to the ward for a heartwarming cuddle as soon as they got the go-ahead.

Ms King said: “Hospitals can be confusing and frightening places for people living with dementia, who are missing their home environments and their loved ones – including their pets.

“We felt a visit from Maddie would give Dora a boost and it was wonderful to see the change in her during the visit.

“For many people, their pets are a real part of the family, and I’m delighted I was able to work with colleagues in the hospital to make the visit possible.”