University of Otago medical student Elise Forman said the Teddy Bear Hospital at Elim Church helped children overcome fear and anxiety about seeing healthcare providers. Ariana Kristel (6) holds her teddy Cookie for a check-up by medical student Alice Ihaka at the Teddy Bear Hospital in Dunedin yesterday. Those without a teddy were not left out, as the hospital had 150 soft toys to give away to children who needed them. It was the ninth year the Teddy Bear Hospital had operated, and parents had reported many stories of success, Miss Forman said. One parent told her that when their son broke his arm he was unafraid of the doctor because he had already been through the process with his teddy bear.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 12, 2021 16:36 UTC