The thought of going to the doctor or to hospital is often too much to bear for small children, but thanks to a joint initiative by Kingsley and medical students from Warwick University many local youngsters will be less fearful in the future.
Kingsley hosted a Teddy Bear Hospital, organised by trainee doctors, to help children overcome their fears about hospitals through role play and, at the same time, provide medical students with the opportunity to improve their communication skills with the younger generation.
Using a child’s favourite teddy bear, soft toy or doll as a “patient”, the trainee doctors demonstrated and explained a range of procedures from x-rays and immunisations to plaster casts and bandages. There were other activities for youngsters to learn about hand and teeth hygiene, healthy eating and basic life support techniques.
Kingsley Head teacher Ms Heather Owens says: “We are proud to be associated with this very worthwhile activity, which is both educational and fun for all involved. It was a real community event which attracted many local children as well as our own pupils.”
Ms Owens was so impressed with the initiative that she has invited the medical students back to Kingsley to give basic life support training to pupils.
Photos:
Kingsley School pupils Thea Thomas aged 8 (left) and Nieve Thomas (5) from Stoneleigh with trainee doctor John Williams.
Operating on teddy.
Kingsley pupil Emily Enoch (10) from Leamington Spa is shown basic life support techniques…
… and then has a go herself.