On Sunday April 29th, over 150 children attended Bon Secours Hospital Tralee to learn about what happens in a hospital, who works there and what ‘Teddy Doctors’ do to help sick Teddy feel better. The inaugural Tralee Teddy Bear Hospital event was organised by IT Tralee, Bon Secours Hospital Tralee and RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland).
The event aims to help alleviate childhood anxiety surrounding hospitals and doctors and provides children with the opportunity to learn about medicine in a safe and fun environment. IT Tralee students worked alongside Bon Secours hospital staff as teddy was admitted to hospital and assessed at a number of stations including, triage, blood analysis, x-ray/MRI, bandaging, and cardiology. Children were then advised on nutrition and exercise to help teddy and children stay healthy.
Dr. Eilish Broderick of IT Tralee said “children enjoyed learning about the hospital and IT Tralee students were fantastic doctors on the day”. This was the first year of the event in Tralee but it is hoped that it will become an annual event.
Speaking at the event, Dr Orlaith Brennan of RCSI said 'This is a wonderful opportunity for our International Medical and Pharmacy Commencement Programme students, based in IT Tralee, to engage with the local community and it provides a valuable learning experience for both the students and children and RCSI is delighted to be involved.'
Dr. George Philip, Consultant Paediatrician at Bon Secours Tralee who was on hand to assess teddies at the event said “We really enjoyed welcoming the children and their teddies to our Hospital this weekend. It was a great experience with lots of fun for all”.
