Sick and poorly teddies, dolls and other favourite toys are being nursed back to full health at the Teddy Bear Hospital at University of Galway.
More than 1,000 school children are attending the much loved annual event, where medical and healthcare students help to allay fears and anxiety children may have around visiting doctors and hospitals.
From early morning pupils from across Galway city and county arrived on campus clutching their sick teddies and other favourite toys.
The event is run by the Sláinte Society at the University of Galway.
Ciara O'Connell is a second year medical student and has followed in the footsteps of her sister Siobhán
"Yeah I'm studying medicine like my sister and I'm thrilled to be part of the Teddy Bear Hospital because it was Siobhán who helped start it. It's such a wonderful event. The kids know that if Teddy doesn't mind coming to hospital then there's nothing to worry about. And it's great for us med students as well!"
The main focus of the Teddy Bear Hospital is to create an atmosphere of trust where children can become familiar with the medical environment and comfortable interacting with healthcare providers.
Dubliner Aoibhe Treacy is studying medicine in Galway
"Our goal is to ease the anxiety and fear that many children suffer when visiting the doctor. When they see us bandaging their dolls or giving Teddy an injection, it makes the whole experience a lot less scary for them."
The event also provides an opportunity for medical and healthcare students to improve their paediatric skills. They become Teddy Bear Doctors for two days and hold consultations with the owners of sick teddies and toys.
Caitlin Curley is a volunteer with the University of Galway's Student Volunteering Programme ALIVE which works with charities, schools, hospitals and NGOs.
"I love this special event at our college. It's so gratifying to help out and give something back. I just love being here today and seeing the faces of kids light up as they bring their precious bundles for x-rays."
Sometimes a plaster or bandage is all that is needed to put Teddy to rights. Others need X-rays for fractures and broken bones. It's off then to surgery and some stitching up of wounds.
The hospital appointment finishes with a visit to the pharmacy with prescriptions for antibiotics and other medicines.
Lilia Corless holds up her cuddly soft toy and his x-ray.
"He had a fall and broke his arm, but I thought he might have more broken bones. So it's just one arm. The doctors are so kind and I have a prescription now for the pharmacy," she said.
Finally it's a trip to the play area for rest and recuperation. After a spell on the bouncy castle and mindful of not getting injured, it's time for snacks. Bananas and oranges are part of a healthy teddy bears' picnic.
Through role-play, with the child as parent and teddy bear as patient, the Sláinte Society hopes children will see there's nothing to fear about being in a medical environment. In fact it can be a lot of fun!
Tiwatope Ajisefini is a pupil at Claddagh NS. She cuddles her big brown teddy bear after he had stitches in his leg.
"Well he had an accident on the stairs and it was real bad. I ran crying to my Mama and she said not to worry. You're going to the Teddy Bear Hospital with your school. And now everything is ok again and we're going off to play," she beams before waving "byeeee" as she scampers off.
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