Derry’s An Chroí Community Hub transformed into ‘Teddy Bear Hospital’ for local families

In its third year, the Teddy Bear Hospital initiative returned to Derry, expanding its reach at the An Chroí Community Hub.

The initiative is designed to help children living with medical conditions become more comfortable with clinical environments by exploring them in a safe, playful, and child-led way. This year’s expansion includes the involvement of Ulster University student nurses for the first time, strengthening interprofessional learning and widening the hands-on experience available to participating families. 

Organisers are also working closely with Salus Medical, who are kindly providing an ambulance on-site for children to explore, offering an additional opportunity to familiarise themselves with emergency care equipment in a relaxed environment. 

Hosted by the Ulster University Child Health Society, the event brings together medical students, nursing students, WHSCT staff, and APG volunteers to deliver interactive sessions covering clinical examination skills, PPE familiarisation, and mythbusting conversations about healthcare procedures. The activities encourage confidence, reduce anxiety, and build a positive connection with hospitals and healthcare professionals.

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.”

Speaking on behalf of Altnagelvin Parents Group, Yvonne Devenney, APG Committee Member said: “We are delighted to see the Teddy Bear Hospital in its third year supporting children and their families through play-based learning. We know all too well that a visit to the hospital or an encounter with a healthcare professional can be frightening for children.

“Working in partnership with Ulster University’s Child Health Society, the Western Trust, and now with student nurses joining us too, has allowed us to create an inclusive, engaging space that truly supports children to feel safer and more confident around healthcare.”

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Sinéad Doyle, Ulster University Medical Student and Child Health Society member, added: “It’s fantastic to see the Teddy Bear Hospital expanding this year. Welcoming our student nurse colleagues and partnering with APG and the Trust allows us to offer even more meaningful, handson experiences for the children who attend.

“Watching children explore medical equipment with curiosity rather than fear, while caring for their favourite teddy bears, is incredibly rewarding. We’re privileged to play a small part in helping families feel more at ease with healthcare environments.”

Professor Peter Bazira, Dean of Ulster University School of Medicine, commented: “We are very proud of our students for developing a communitycentred initiative that continues to grow in scope and impact. This year’s involvement of both medical and nursing students reflects Ulster University’s commitment to interprofessional learning and to nurturing compassionate, communityfocused future healthcare professionals.

“The Teddy Bear Hospital is a wonderful example of how meaningful engagement can reduce anxiety and improve children’s experience of healthcare.”