Southern Hills Hospital & Medical Center "Ted” Talks Help Ease Children’s Anxiety About Hospital Visits
Generations of children have been soothed and comforted by their teddy bears. In a Las Vegas health care facility, Pooh assumes the role of patient to help small children overcome their fear of hospital visits.
Southern Hills Hospital & Medical Center hosted a free Teddy Bear Clinic at its ER in November to help children feel more comfortable in medical settings through fun, interactive activities. The kids received a teddy bear, stethoscope, and goodie bag, and were encouraged to perform “check-ups” on their teddy bears at various medical stations.
"Our goal is to help children feel more comfortable in a hospital setting by making the experience enjoyable and interactive,” said Alexis Mussi, chief executive officer of Southern Hills Hospital. “By role-playing as doctors, they learn that hospitals are safe places where people go to get better."
The clinic also provides an opportunity for children to meet friendly medical staff, fostering trust and comfort with health care providers. This event is part of the hospital's commitment to community outreach and education.