By Luke Voogt
Local teddies will no longer have to grin and bear their pain with Deakin’s expert team of medical students coming to central Geelong on Sunday.
A gold coin donation and a visit to their temporary hospital will cover more than just the ‘bear’ necessities, according to chief teddy doctor Tara Grayson.
“Every teddy will be triaged when they arrive before seeing their teddy doctors to be checked and treated,” she said
“Children of all ages can bring in their teddies and toys for a check-up from our teddy doctors and to be referred on to our medical imaging and optometry stations.
“Referrals to medical imaging students will check teddies for healthy bones and muscles before an eye check up with our optometry students.”
The Deakin University and allied health teddy specialists will treat all types of grizzly injuries to raise money for the children’s ward of Geelong Hospital.
“Help us raise funds to help care for Geelong’s sick kids,” Tara said.
The program allows the doctors and health professionals of tomorrow to improve their communication with children and teddies in a playful setting, Tara said.
The teddy bear hospital would help Geelong cubs see hospitals in a more ‘pawsitive’ light and take the ‘panda-monium’ out of visits, she said.
“Our program improves health literacy in children, encouraging healthy lifestyles while also reducing the fear many children may have towards hospital environments.”
“Proudly supported by Deakin University Student Association, this is a special teddy bear event not to be missed.”
