Media Centre

02 March 2010

Kids taught the `bear´ necessities of a trip to the Doctors

Local children took their teddy bears on a trip to Weston Park Museum this weekend (27 February 2010) to visit the Teddy Bear Hospital, hosted by students at the University of Sheffield.

The interactive Hospital, which is open to children between the ages of 4 and 11 years, aims to reduce childhood anxiety about hospitals and doctors, and promote child health.

Children and their bears were able to have a one-to-one consultation with a teddy bear doctor, followed by many interactive sessions where children were able to look at x-rays, use stethoscopes to listen to their hearts, get their bears bandaged and talk about any fears or concerns they may have about doctors and hospitals.

Children also had the opportunity to learn about healthy eating, hygiene and exercise through fun interactive workshops led by the student doctors.

Cate Denny, one of the University of Sheffield´s `Teddy Doctors´, said: "We had an amazing turn out for Sheffield´s Teddy Bear Hospital. It was so nice to see so many smiles on people´s faces. The children and 'Teddy Doctors' were enjoying it equally and everyone had a great day. The session is a great way to familiarise children with doctors and hospitals, to take the anxiety out of what can be a daunting experience."

For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk

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