Small doctors save Teddys: Med Uni Graz opens TeddyBär Hospital!

Small doctors save Teddys: Med Uni Graz opens TeddyBär Hospital!

The Medical University of Graz looks back on a successful event that should playfully take the fears of visiting the doctor in a playful way. In this context, the TeddyBär Hospital opened its doors and was aimed at children aged three to six. From April 24th to 26th, 2023, the little visitors had the opportunity to bring their favorite matters to the "doctor".

students of human medicine, also known as teddy docs, led the children through the expiry of a doctor's visit and a hospital stay. This playful method enabled the children to actively participate by lying on associations, carrying out operations and even administering injections. This not only promotes understanding of medical processes, but also reduces the shyness of real health matters.

conclusion with pharmacy

A highlight of the event was a visit to the teddy bear pharmacy, where the young "doctors" were able to pick up their "medicine" for the plushed patients. Participation in this free event took place in the auditorium of the Med Uni Graz, in the new Stiftingtalstraße 6, and enjoyed great popularity among families.

The concept of the TeddyBär Hospital is not unique for Graz. A similar project also takes place in Cologne. There the TeddyBär Hospital opened its doors on May 28 and 29, 2024 and is aimed at children aged 3 to 10. The aim is to play the fear of hospital stays in a playful way.

interactive experiences for children

During the event in Cologne, the children go through various stations in one to one care with students. This includes the registration of the cuddly toy, which receives a "teddypass". In internal medicine, the cuddly toys are listened to and receive vaccinations. In the X-ray area and in the operating room, the small participants can actively help by fixing mistakes from the "patient: inside" or carrying out treatments. A toothbrush station and a pharmacy round off the experience and offer the children rewards for their active support.

For the event in Cologne, registration for daycare centers is required from May 6, 2024, whereby the places are awarded according to the principle of "First Come, First Serve". Further information and registration links will be provided in the coming days. Interested parties can contact the TBK team directly via the email koeln@teddykrankenhaus.de.

Overall, the TeddyBär hospitals in Graz and Cologne show how important it is to reduce fears in early childhood and to promote a positive relationship with medical treatments.