http://vimeo.com/88770118
(Vimeo/Sean Curtin)

CHILDREN WITH FEARS for the health of their teddy bears were able to attend the University of Limerick’s annual Teddy Bear Hospital on the college’s campus today.

The event was organised by five medical students looking to specialise in childhood medicine and was attended by more than 400 primary school children – and their teddy bears – from the city.

As well as promoting exercise, healthy eating, and regular hand-washing, the event aims to tackle the anxiety children might face at the prospect of a visit to a hospital.

“This visit to the Teddy Bear Hospital provides the children with an opportunity to interact with and assist in a range of simulated healthcare settings, while also allowing them to learn about healthy habits, like the importance of eating well and exercise,” UL student Melissa Stack said.

She explained that the “main goal this year was to expand the number of primary schools we were able to invite to the event.”

“The idea of the event remains the same, primary school students bring their teddy bear which then plays the role of the patient for the day.”

See a snapshot of the event above.

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