Teddy Bear Hospital

Our year has just entered Phase II. This is an exciting part of the course which we have all looked forward to and was very much the light at the end of the tunnel during the very intense period leading up to the end of Phase I exams. We’re now starting the clinical part of the course where the majority of teaching is done on wards and clinics.

We have just had our induction week where we are taught about the NHS in a bit more detail and advised on how to make the most of our experience in Phase II, where the learning is a lot less structured and much more student led.

We are now in the first ‘block’ of Phase II which is currently Learning from Lives; during this attachment we will meet, talk to and in some cases provide care for patients who live with life limiting diseases and disability. This block is unique in the way that it is structured.

During this six week block the cohort is split into two and we alternate between three weeks of teaching and three weeks off. I have the first three weeks off so I thought I would take this opportunity to discuss in a bit more detail some of the societies I have had the privilege to be a part of during my time here at Warwick Medical School.

First of all, the Teddy Bear Hospital society. This is a fantastic initiative where we get to help dispel some of the mystery and fear that children often associate with visiting the doctor and it also gives us as medical students the unique opportunity to interact with children and work on our communication skills. This is quite important, as although children can often be anxious about interacting with a doctor, we too, as medical students, can be quite apprehensive about interacting with children.

The Teddy Bear Hospital is a public health project aimed at three to seven year olds designed to help reduce the anxiety associated with visiting the doctor or hospital. The sessions are held at primary schools and are organised and run by Warwick Medical School students.

The children bring along their ‘sick’ teddy bear and act as parent during their visit to the Teddy Bear Doctor in the clinic. They will go through a mock A&E and explain what is wrong with their Teddy and how they became ill, which can quite often be imaginative, tragic or simply outlandish! We then take an X-ray of the teddy and explain what is wrong with them and offer them the opportunity to apply a plaster cast to their ‘pawly’ teddy.

The other stations run on the day include healthy eating, what to do in an emergency, the human body and an exercise station. For a lucky few medical students there is the opportunity to wear a teddy bear costume and welcome the children as they come into the building!

If you ever get the opportunity to volunteer with this unique society I would whole-heartedly recommend it. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience volunteering, so much so I have now become a member of the committee. You will be in awe of some of the cuddly toys (one young man bought in a human size dragon!) and enchanted by the imagination of the children. It is a truly worthwhile experience for all involved.

Sarah Hill : 22 Jan 2014 13:07 |  Tags: Amrit Bear Hospital Mbchb Teddy Warwick Wms |  Comments (0) |  Report a problem