Kindergarten children playfully learn about everyday hospital life
More than 570 children from 42 daycare centers visited the Teddy Bear Hospital at Darmstadt Clinic this year. The aim of the initiative is to playfully alleviate children's fear of doctor's visits and hospital stays.
Clutching their cuddly toys, dolls, and teddy bears, the children went through various stations of a specially set up hospital. There, they were examined, x-rayed, operated on, bandaged, and given explanations – always with their own stuffed animal as the "patient".
Medical students take over the treatment
Twenty medical students from the Darmstadt Clinic supervised the various stations of the Teddy Bear Hospital. They explained medical procedures to the children in an age-appropriate manner and answered numerous questions.
The "operating room," where the large teddy bear Fridolin lay on the operating table, was particularly popular. Here, the children could take a look inside the plush patient's tummy and learn about medical instruments.
Reducing fears through play
“It’s very good when health promotion and education start early,” explains Mayor and Social Affairs Officer Barbara Akdeniz, the project’s patron. “I find the students’ commitment to alleviate children’s fear of hospital visits at an early age and to inform them about illnesses, examinations, and treatments very commendable.”
Bettina Brandt, coordinator of medical studies at the Darmstadt Clinic and organizer of the Teddy Bear Hospital, also sees the project as an important contribution to health education.
"The Teddy Bear Hospital helps children to experience medical situations in a positive way and to build trust in doctors. The child often takes on the role of their teddy bear's companion and can ask questions or make decisions. This strengthens their self-confidence," says Brandt.
A learning environment also for aspiring medical professionals
The initiative benefits not only the children. The aspiring doctors gain valuable experience in dealing with young patients.
“I would like to go into pediatrics later, so I think this is a really good thing,” says medical student Mika Sheriff. “Having so many contacts with children in such a short time, requiring a particularly empathetic approach, is also a very good simulation for us.”
Ambulance up close
In front of the Teddy Bear Hospital, the children were also able to tour an ambulance from the Modau-Modautal local group. The volunteer helpers explained the vehicle's equipment and answered questions about the ambulance service.
Thanks to a donation from the Darmstadt Citizens' Foundation, the kindergartens also received plasters, bandages and masks so that the cuddly toys could continue to be cared for after their visit to the Teddy Bear Hospital.
Teddy Bear Hospital at City Economy Day
Anyone who hasn't yet had the chance to visit the Teddy Bear Hospital will have another opportunity on Saturday, June 20th, during the City Business Day at Friedensplatz. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Darmstadt Clinic will once again open its Teddy Bear Hospital there. Children can simply bring their teddy bear or stuffed animal and explore the different wards.
(DARMSTADT – RED/
