VIDEO: Cuddles prescribed as best treatment at UL Teddy Bear Hospital
Medical school students at the University of Limerick yesterday helped ease children’s fears of going to hospital.
More than 500 pupils from seven Limerick primary schools attended UL’s Teddy Bear Hospital where the toys were treated for their ailments.
The aim of the event, organised by seven current Graduate Entry Medical School (GEMS) students with a particular interest in childhood medicine, was to alleviate anxiety about the medical environment, its procedures, and the professionals that work within it.
More than 150 first and second year medical students acted as ‘teddy bear doctors’ for the day.
Ten medical stations were set up in the university arena focusing on activities such as triage; stethoscopes; vital signs and vaccine safety; X-ray; exercise; surgery/gowning; asthma; safety; First Aid, ear nose and throat, and healthy eating.
“This is our fourth annual Teddy Bear Hospital at UL. Our main goal this year was to expand the number of primary schools we were able to invite to the event. The idea of the event remains the same, primary school students bring their teddy bear which then plays the role of the patient for the day,” UL medical student Ann Morris said.
“This visit to the Teddy Bear Hospital provides the children with an opportunity to interact with and assist in a range of simulated healthcare settings, while also allowing them to learn about healthy habits, like the importance of eating well and exercise,” Ms Morris said.
She said the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and preventative medicine was at the forefront of the event.
“The topics covered included the importance of regular exercise, thorough hand-washing techniques, and a healthy diet. It is also hoped that this initiative will strengthen the relationship of medical students with the surrounding community.”
UL president, Professor Don Barry, said the event “has proved to be a magical opportunity for Limerick’s primary school children and a valuable learning experience for all”.
“Each year it gets bigger and better with more and more schools applying to attend. The messages that these primary school children will take from the clinic, creates an affirmative and substantial link between the university, its students, and healthcare provision and is an extremely valuable programme,” Mr Barry said.
The Teddy Bear Hospital was run by seven students: Ann Morris, Giulia Martone, Julia Healy, Caity Patterson, Saskia D’Sa, Amy Hannigan, and Kristin Delcellier.
