Introduction

During Teddy Bear Hospital we simulate a hospital environment in which young children take care of their "ill" stuffed animals, under the supervision of medical students. Children can nurse their teddy bears back to health through specialised stations. Here they discover a range of medical procedures. 

The event starts outside where children witness a life-sized Teddy Bear fall down. They are quizzes on how to approach accidents and encouraged to call 112 in case of an emergency. After some time an ambulance appears to take care of the life-sized Teddy Bear. 

The children, accompanied by medical students, are then brought to the simulation hospital, where they examine their teddy bears from head to toe. This can include simulation RX, a laboratory analysis and a thorough clinical examination. 

When a diagnosis is reached they can start the treatment. Therapy can be medication, a real cast on their bears or a procedure in the operating theatre. Children are dressed in surgical suits, gloves, masks and hats. When their Teddy is finally cured, the children receive a diploma for completing the stations. 

Recently, several new stations were introduced. With these new stations we want to introduce children to paramedic disciplines. The dentistry station is developed and staffed by dentistry students. The Mental Health station is staffed by psychology and medical students. Since 2006 mental wellbeing has been included in the definition of Health by the WHO. Our aim is to introduce children to the concept of mental health and seeking help for mental health from a young age.