The six-year-old black and white tuxedo tomcat is the most unusual nomination for this year's Dunedin Stars awards, which honour people for their contributions to the community.
But Jim is nothing short of a genuine, heart-of-gold volunteer hero, and real ‘‘cat-alyst'' for recovery, staff and patients at the Otago District Health Board Isis ward at Wakari say.
Jim was nominated for the award by Sue Williams, a former patient at the physical rehabilitation ward based at Wakari Hospital.
‘‘He has lived, worked and been admired by residents, passersby and staff of Isis,'' she wrote.
Jim turned up at the ward about four years ago and has been a ‘‘cat among the patients'' ever since, ward receptionist Ruth Blick said. ‘‘He is very good with patients who are unwell or unsettled,'' Miss Blick said.
‘‘He seems to know who needs attention and time.''
Instead of being frightened by distressed people, Jim seeks them out and calms them down, leaving them ‘‘feline'' good. It could be said Jim is a ‘‘purrfect'' companion.
‘‘He certainly seems to help patients in their recovery, or at least gives them some comfort.''
He now lives on the ward, sleeps on patients' beds and roams at large.
Sam Shepherd, a patient at Isis, met Jim five weeks ago.
‘‘Sir James is a true gentleman,'' Mr Shepherd said. ‘‘He's fantastic to have around.
‘‘He's so in tune with people's moods and knows exactly what's required.''
Miss Blick said staff fundraised for his food and vet bills, which were well ‘‘cat-alogued''.
‘‘He likes to fight with the possums, hence the vet bills.''
