Teddy clinic opens again: children treat their cuddly toys!

Teddy clinic opens again: children treat their cuddly toys!

The Ulm Teddy Clinic has opened its doors again and offers an innovative opportunity for children to deal with the topic of health. On Tuesday, June 3rd, there will be an open consultation hour in the Eselsberg Community Center from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Here, children aged three and over can have their “sick” dolls and teddy bears examined by student teddy docs. Registration is not required and is aimed particularly at kindergarten and primary school children.

The aim of the Teddy Clinic is to relieve children of their fear of medical examinations. Through playful learning, fear of contact should be reduced. Over 150 volunteer students from Ulm University support this project, which is taking place for the 15th time. Children can help “X-ray” broken bones or even determine the “blood type” of their stuffed animals.

Insights into the operations of the Teddy Clinic

The Teddy Clinic offers everything you need for a medical visit. The little patients receive a U-booklet for their examinations and values. Emergencies are treated with teddy medicine, for example with plasters or bandages. There are also “medications” such as “Smarticillin” or “Bonbonin” in the clinic’s pharmacy, which are introduced to the children in a playful way.

One morning the focus will also be on dental hygiene: dental students will demonstrate how important it is to take good care of your teeth. The Teddy Clinic offers an environment in which learning and entertainment go hand in hand, and it is expressly stated that repairing broken toys is not part of the offer.

Similar events also take place in other places, such as: B. at the University Hospital of Würzburg. This teddy clinic will take place from May 13th to 15th, 2024, also organized by students of human medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. Here, children aged four to six can have their cuddly toys examined and receive care items to take home after the treatment. The event focuses on reducing fears of visiting the doctor and dentist.

Teddy clinics in comparison

In addition, a teddy clinic is also offered in Giessen at the Justus Liebig University. This project is aimed primarily at preschool children and their families. Here the children take on the role of companions to their cuddly toys and experience the healing process at various stations in the clinic. The goal is to build trust in medicine and offer children a special experience.

All of these initiatives focus on learning through play and reducing fears. The teddy clinics create a relaxed atmosphere in which children can learn about medical procedures in a safe environment. In order to continue making these important projects possible, donations are often necessary, be it in the form of materials or through volunteer help.