Teddy Bear Hospital

Two weeks ago, the medical faculties society (Called Slainte, pronounced 'slauncha') organised and hosted a 'Teddy Bear Hospital'. The aim of the project is to introduce children to 'Doctors' and 'hospitals' in a fun, non-threatening way so they are less afraid when they go to visit the real hospital or Doctor. Children aged 4-8 brought their stuffed toys to the 'hospital' so their ailments could be assessed and treated by us medical students. We would examine the bears, send them to the x-ray department, bandage them up, and finally, send them with a prescription to take to the pharmacy. The pharmacy department was stocked with candy, stickers and fruit. We saw hundreds of kids and the whole day was super fun. One little boy was extra special for me. His name was Peter and he was very scared to be there. Peter was clutching a little stuffed duck who he introduced to me as 'Duck'. Duck had apparently fallen from a very tall tree and injured his eye, his beak, and his wing. We took 'Duck' to the clinic and had a great time bandaging all of his injuries. He was more bandage than duck when we were finished with him but the most important thing was that Peter was smiling and laughing through the whole thing. He was so sweet!!! Anyway, the three of us made it into the local paper this week. Here we are......