13/02/2026
We were delighted to work in partnership with Ulster University School of Medicine’s Child Health Society and Altnagelvin Parents Group at a recent Teddy Bear Hospital for children living with medical conditions to demystify clinical environments in a safe and playful way.
For many children, hospitals can feel intimidating, especially for those who spend a significant amount of their lives undergoing medical treatments. Opening its doors for a third year, the Teddy Bear Hospital aims to turn fear into familiarity by introducing young participants to medical scenarios using their most trusted companions – their teddy bears.
Hosted by the School of Medicine’s Child Health Society, graduate-entry medical students welcomed children and their families for hands-on activities such as clinical examination techniques, familiarisation of medical equipment and PPE, and myth-busting sessions. These activities are designed to promote a positive connection with healthcare settings while demystifying the process. This year’s expansion of the hospital included the involvement of Ulster University student nurses for the first time, strengthening inter-professional learning and widening the hands-on experience available to participating families.
Lisa Storey, Child Development Interventions Coordinator at the Western Trust said:
“Many children and young people who face frequent hospital stays and complex medical journeys, can understandably build up debilitating fears that something bad is going to happen. The goal of the Teddy Bear Hospital is to create a fun experience which fosters positive attitudes so children can come away feeling more comfortable, confident and their anxieties eased for the next time they have to attend hospital or interact with healthcare professionals.”