Triage of Teddies

Kids and their furry teddy friends are encouraged to come along to the Teddy Bear Hospital running at Westfield Geelong this Sunday.

Co-ordinator Tara Grayson said the event was part of Deakin University’s rural health society NOMAD and was a fun and interactive way to engage children with health while minimising the anxiety often felt towards hospital environments.

“For a gold coin donation (with proceeds going to the Children’s Ward of Geelong University Hospital), kids of all ages can bring their teddies and toys for a check-up from our Teddy Doctors and be referred on to medical imaging and optometry stations,” she said.

“The teddy hospital (open from 10am until 3pm) is run entirely by volunteers who are Deakin University medical and allied health students.

“Our program improves health literacy in children, encouraging healthy lifestyles while also reducing the fear many children may have towards hospital environment.

“Additionally, this program allows the doctors and allied health professionals of tomorrow the chance to improve their communication skills with children in an enthusiastic, fun and playful setting.”

Following due process, every teddy will be triaged when they arrive before seeing their Teddy Doctors to be checked and treated, referrals to medical imaging students will check Teddy for healthy bones and muscles before an eye check up with our optometry students.

For any more information, please do not hesitate to contact Tara Grayson at [email protected] or phone 0409 591 818.