The Teddy Bear Hospital returns to the Royal Bathurst Show

Teddy Bear Hospital 1

Teddy Bears will again be able to receive top-shelf health and medical treatment at the Royal Bathurst Show thanks to University of Western Sydney medical students.

The Teddy Bear Hospital will be open to all sick and injured Teddy Bears who may require a check-up, an X-Ray, health advice, diagnosis of illness, or possibly even first aid.

Consulting Teddiologist and University of Western Sydney School of Medicine student, Rachel Debono, says guardians can bring their teddy bears to the Teddy Bear Hospital for quality and specialised treatment.

"The children bring in their own Teddy Bear and dolls and tell us what is wrong, and then we try to help make them feel better," says Ms Debono who is a 5th year Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery student based at the UWS Clinical School at Bathurst Hospital and currently completing her paediatrics clinical rotation.

"We aim to show children that hospitals don't have to be scary places, that they can have fun being healthy, and see that doctors can be fun people and hospitals fun places."

During their consultations, guardians will be quizzed on the health of their Teddy Bears – they will be asked about their medical history, diet and exercise regime.

"This year is all about physical activity and making sure the Teddy Bears and their young guardians are keeping active. We also have an ambulance for Teddy Bears to help them make their way to the hospital, as well as x-ray services, bandages, health checks and the opportunity to join in some physical activity," says Ms Debono.

Teddy Bear Hospital 3

The Teddy Bear Hospital and ambulance in action at the 2013 Royal Bathurst Show.

The Teddy Bear Hospital is run by UWS School of Medicine Students with the assistance of paramedics, nursing and medicine students from Charles Sturt University and Notre Dame University.

Ms Debono believes the Teddy Bear Hospital is an opportunity for all of the students involved to build strong connections with the Bathurst community, and improve their own communication and team work.

"This is an opportunity for us to learn how to speak with children and their parents, and it is also a great opportunity for us to foster multidisciplinary team work," says Ms Debono.

"We all have our own knowledge and expertise, and we are working together to do something positive for the community which has welcomed us with open arms and is helping us so much."

The students at the Teddy Bear Hospital will also have some pre-loved Teddies available for children attending the show that may have forgotten theirs but would still like to get involved.

The Teddy Bear Hospital will be at the Royal Bathurst Show everyday:

  • Friday 12th April, 10am – 2pm
  • Saturday 13th April, 10am – 4pm
  • Sunday 29 April, 10am – 12pm

Bookings are not required.

Local media are invited to visit the Teddy Bear Hospital.

Ends 

12 April 2013

Words: Hannah Guilfoyle

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