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Going to the hospital can be overwhelming for kids – but it doesn’t have to be.
HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital is inviting area kids to get comfortable with medical settings by hosting a “teddy bear clinic” for their favorite stuffed animals in celebration of Child Life Month. Youngsters aged 2 to 12 will use play and actual medical equipment on their stuffed animals to learn how to take vital signs, try out an oxygen mask, treat injuries with stitches or staples and even apply a cast to a broken arm or leg.
Trained medical professionals will be on hand to instruct kids on how to treat the adorable patients through age-appropriate medical play stations.
“When children get to explore equipment, ask questions and be the caregiver for their stuffed animal, it reduces anxiety and gives them a sense of control,” said Jill Guptel, Child Life Specialist at the children’s hospital. “Our goal is to help reduce any fear before a real hospital visit happens.”
The event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21 at St. John’s Children’s Hospital, 415 N. 9th Street, in the Tea Room located on the left side of the lobby.
The hospital’s child life services, which ensure children feel safe as they cope with medical experiences, are funded by generous donations to HSHS St. John’s Foundation.
For more information about HSHS St. John’s Hospital, visit st-johns.org.
