The much loved annual 'Teddy Bear Hospital' is taking place at the University of Galway today and tomorrow. More than 1,000 schoolchildren will be taking their sick teddies, dolls and other favourite toys to be treated by medical and healthcare students.
The queues formed early as children from all over Galway city and county presented their bruised and battered teddies and toys for urgent medical attention.
Their mishaps range from falling off cliffs whilst sky diving to one daddy sitting on a teddy by mistake and squashing him baldly.
There is a caring and friendly environment run by student volunteers from the Sláinte Society at the University of Galway.
Journalism student, Fiona Lawlor said the aim is to promote a positive experience for children surrounding healthcare and hospitals.
"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.
"When they see their favourite toys being treated they lose the fear and anxiety often associated with going to the doctor," she said.
Sometimes a teddy or doll just needs a plaster or a bandage.
But for the ones with serious injuries, they are admitted to hospital and triaged before proceeding to the X-ray and surgery department, where any tears or broken bones can be repaired.
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 favourite toys.
Jessica Teske is from Canada and is in her fourth year of studying medicine at the University of Galway.
"I've been giving my time to this event every year since coming to Ireland to study medicine.
"I absolutely love engaging with the kids and when you're specialising in paediatrics it's a great bonus for us as well. It's so gratifying to help out and give something back," she said.
"I just love being here today and seeing the faces of kids light up as they bring their precious bundles for x-rays."
After being checked and diagnosed, the next move is the pharmacy.
Then it is rest and recuperation, where oranges, bananas and lots of chocolate are prescribed.
Through this role-play of the child as parent and teddy bear as patient, the Sláinte Society hope children will see there is nothing to fear about being in a medical environment.
In fact it can be a lot of fun.
