Cuddly patients took over The Northern Hospital last week, turning it into a teddy bear hospital for a day.
Children and teddy bears filled the hospital foyer on February 12, with medical students on hand to examine the special patients.
The Teddy Bear Hospital program allows children to act as parents of a teddy undergoing a pretend medical consultation, introducing them to the hospital and procedures.
Northern Health women’s and children’s services general manager Debra Bourne said the teddy bear hospital helped to dispel children’s fear and anxieties about visiting hospital.
“Visits to hospital can be daunting for anyone, particularly children who are not accustomed to the environment. Programs like the teddy bear hospital can make a real difference in the way that children view hospitals,” she said.
“We operate the busiest emergency department in the state, experiencing over 95,000 presentations annually, with one-in-five patients a child.
“The teddy bear hospital is a safe, controlled and fun environment to introduce children to their local hospital.”
Ms Bourne said the program was also beneficial for Northern Health’s medical students, giving them the chance to engage with children.
