The main goal of the Teddy Bear Hospital is to alleviate childhood anxiety about medical environments, procedures and medical professionals.
Primary school students (usually aged 4-6) bringing their own teddy bears (who act as the patients) rotate through a number of role-play scenarios run by Medical School students, simulating common healthcare encounters. Each station has a different educational topic, such as ambulance, x-ray and surgery. These activities enable children to learn about the nature of medical consultation in a fun and engaging way. It gives children an opportunity to ask questions and discuss their fears associated with medical settings and treatments and promotes the importance of a healthy lifestyle and preventative medicine (for example, healthy nutrition and handwashing).