Opening doors to poorly teddies to get primary school children used to hospital.
On Saturday June 15, the Royal United Hospital Bath invited children from local primary schools to bring in their poorly teddies for treatment. Whether teddy needed plaster for a broken arm, prepping for surgery, or even a dental checkup, the Teddy Bear Hospital had them covered.
In conjunction with the NHS Foundation Trust, this series of workshops aimed to offer a glimpse into hospital life, creating positive memories associated with typical hospital activities. Organisers included Gemma Gough, a Paediatric Specialty Doctor, Amy Brown, a Paediatric Trainee, and Charlotte Horrigan, also a Paediatric Trainee.
The various stations also placed children inside an ambulance, with paramedic volunteers helping to explain and demonstrate various first aid. And throughout all of this, the children were joined by Roly, the teddy bear mascot here to lend a hand.
The free event was made in response to children’s growing fears of hospitals, creating a fun and educational day to put those worries at ease. It took place in the Children’s Outpatient Department, with a morning session commencing at 10:00AM and an afternoon session starting at 13:30PM. Snacks and refreshments were also provided, as well as arts, crafts and face painting for those whose teddies were feeling better.
Dr Gemma Gough, a Paediatric Specialty Doctor at the RUH, comments: “We were thrilled to host this event and pleased to see a great turnout. This was a fantastic opportunity to build community relations and give local children an unforgettable experience, alleviating their fear around hospitals.”
