Medical and East Narrogin Primary School students learn health care skills at the Teddy Bear Hospital program

East Narrogin Primary School students brought their fluffy friends to class for the annual Teddy Bear Hospital last week to promote health and wellbeing and relieve hospital anxiety. On March 13, young students pretended to be parents taking their teddy to hospital and were actively engaged in the check-up while the University of Notre Dame Australia medical students explained the procedures and health issue of the toy. Each child worked through a scenario which facilitated discussions on important aspects of health such as diet, physical activity and sun protection. The community program is designed to ease fears and anxiety children may associate with doctor or hospital visits while promoting their health awareness by providing them with a positive hands-on healthcare experience. Narrogin medical students also received the opportunity to practise their paediatric communication skills by using child-friendly language to form and explain a treatment plan to improve the teddy’s welfare. East Narrogin deputy principal Joanna Hayes said it was a successful day of learning for all. “The Teddy Bear Hospital was a success because it provided a mutually beneficial learning experience for both the children and the medical students from Notre Dame, promoting trust, reducing fear and enhancing communication skills,” she said. “The Teddy Bear Hospital also allowed the children to bring their favourite stuffed animals, making the medical environment feel less intimidating.”