So to make sure Dunedin teddies remain fit for active duty, University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic Te Pūkenga health professional students will be running two Teddy Bear Hospital clinics.
Event co-ordinator and third-year medical student Leilani Jones said children and their favourite toys could visit students training to be doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, dentists, nutritionists, public health workers, lab technicians and more this Saturday during the first clinic at the Hunter Centre, Great King St, from 10am to 2pm.
"It’s not just for teddy bears. It’s for their favourite toy, so we get a range of things like Tonka toys, dolls, cars, Paw Patrol — lots of different things."
She said consultations could be booked for student "teddy doctors", but walk-ins would also be available.
After the doctor's clinic, children could then head for an X-ray of their teddy bear, get an injection, get a blood test, chat to a dentist, and pick up a prescription.
"We’ve got stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, little things that look in the ears, eyes and mouth, we’ve got plasters and bandages and stuff like that.
"And for the really sick ones, we might even have some needle and thread to give some stitches."
She said the event aimed to help children feel positive about visiting the doctor, dentist or other health professionals.
If you miss this Saturday’s Teddy Bear Hospital clinic, there will be another at Carisbrook School on September 16, from 10am to 2pm.
