Teddy Bear Hospital to alleviate children's fears

Taking the fear out of hospital visits and introducing children to the world of healthcare is part of a new initiative in Tralee.

On Saturday April 22, MTU will welcome over 150 children to the North Campus in Tralee as it hosts a Teddy Bear Hospital. This is a free event that will run from 10am to 4pm with two sessions. A morning session from 10am to 12 noon and an afternoon session from 2pm to 4pm.

It is being organised by students and staff from MTU and RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland), along with charity partner BUMBLEance, the world’s first ambulance service specifically designed and tailored for children. The aim of the event is to ease the stress and tension that a child feels when attending a hospital or when seeing a doctor, as well as finding out more about what doctors, nurses and healthcare specialists and professionals do as part of their jobs. RCSI, MTU and Castel Education (Cambridge Education Group – CEG) deliver the International Medical/Pharmacy Commencement Programme (IMCP/IPCP) at the North Campus in Tralee.

Using the cuddly teddy bears, MTU and RCSI medical, healthcare, and science students, and staff will show children what happens in a hospital, who works there and how the 'Teddy Doctor' helps the sick teddy to feel better. They will also explain the whole process of being in a hospital from start to finish using the teddy bears. Children will bring their teddy bears and cuddly toys with them to help ease that process. The experience will start with students from the International Medical/Pharmacy Commencement Programme (IMCP/IPCP) and BSc in General Nursing admitting the sick teddy to hospital, then explaining stations such as triage, blood analysis, X Ray/MRI, bandaging, and surgery. Students from the BSc in Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences will advise children and teddy on how to improve their nutrition and explain the benefits of exercise.

"We are delighted to host this very fun and interactive event," Fiona O’Flynn, Head of Department, International Medical/Pharmacy Commencement Programmes at MTU said.

"Our aim is to help children feel comfortable when interacting with healthcare professionals. It’s a particularly meaningful day for children who have regular hospital appointments. The event will also introduce children to what healthcare professionals do and may spark an interest as a future career.”

Places are limited and early booking is advised through www.eventbrite. com/e/598393931357. Please reserve one ticket per child. The event is suitable for children up to 10 years. Those attending are asked to donate to BUMBLEance when booking or at the event.