Teddy Bear Hospital
At RCSI, our mission is to educate nurture and discover for the benefit of human health, and through training and advancing clinical research, we realise this goal little-by-little every day within the walls of the University.
But treating ‘sick’ teddy bears? Does that count as a worthy pursuit to benefit human health? Well, for one day a year, it certainly does.
When the RCSI Teddy Bear Hospital throws open its doors, over 200 children between the ages of four and 10 arrive with sick and injured teddies in tow. Then RCSI students get to work mending those sickly toys.
Hosted by the RCSI Paediatrics Society since 2015, the event has raised funds for various children's charities in Ireland like Children’s National Ambulance Service, BUMBLEance, St Michael's House and The Jack & Jill Children's Foundation, among others.
As well as raising much-needed funds for worthy charities, the Teddy Bear Hospital also educates children about healthcare and alleviates any fears children might have about hospitals.
Teddy Bear Hospital 2022 video
During this fun, interactive event, students tell children what goes on inside hospitals. They also teach them about the benefits of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
Every child and their furry patient rotate through different stations in the Teddy Bear Hospital during their visit. These include:
- Triage
- X-ray and MRI
- Pharmacy
- Music
- Heart sounds
- Handwashing
- Surgical
- Stitching
After the children are finished with their educational games and activities, they settle down to the arts and crafts area. Here they can get their face painted and, most importantly, make cards for the sick children who rely on BUMBLEance transport.
