Unwell and injured teddies gathered at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences for full health checks at the 2022 Teddy Bear Hospital.

Held on 15 and 16 April, this free event hosted by the RCSI Paediatric Society invited 350 children to take their teddies for a check-up. It helped them to fix any rips or tears, and learn about how to take care of them, with the aim of alleviating childhood fears about healthcare environments and increasing health literacy in school-aged children.

Over the course of their visits, the children and their teddy bears encountered twelve different stations created to mirror aspects of a real hospital. Topics included triage, X-rays, MRIs, pharmacy, physiotherapy, yoga, heart sounds, handwashing and a suturing station to help repair any loose stitching.

Children learned about the effects of exercise on the heart rate at the Heart, Dance & Stethoscope station, and student volunteers educated children on the benefits of lots of sleep, regular exercise and a balanced diet, in a safe and fun environment.

Now in its eighth year, the Teddy Bear Hospital is designed for children aged 4-10, with their parents and siblings also welcome to join. The event is run by volunteer medicine, physiotherapy and pharmacy students from RCSI, all of whom are passionate about helping children and providing fun, interactive experiences for them.

Separate sessions are created specifically for children with disabilities or chronic illnesses who may be dealing with doctors and hospital environments more regularly. These sessions are smaller, quieter and more inclusive, with additional volunteers to ensure the children and their bears are supported according to their individual needs.

Evelyn Flynn, President of the RCSI Paediatric Society, said: "We are delighted to be back in person for the Teddy Bear Hospital. This year, we have two sessions specifically for children with disabilities or serious illness. These sessions have grown in popularity over the years and are incredibly special. They help children with illness to understand the medical environment in a non-threatening way and, equally as importantly, can include their siblings and help them understand too.

"Often the children and their families teach our healthcare students plenty too!" Evelyn added.

Proceeds from this year’s Teddy Bear Hospital will go to Barretstown, a non-profit ‘serious fun’ camp for children with cancer and other critical illnesses. Barretstown’s mission is to rebuild the lives of children affected by serious illness, and their families, through a life changing Therapeutic Recreation programme in a safe, fun, and supportive environment.