Dunedin's annual Teddy Bear Hospital, which tries to make hospital visits less anxious for preschoolers, has become increasingly popular.
Otago University Medical Students Association teddy bear event co-ordinator Olivia Brown said there was growing demand from kindergartens, and about 600 youngsters were expected to participate this week, well up on last year.
"I think it's excellent for the children to have a chance, before they get in any real health care setting, to see that it doesn't have to be scary.''
The hospital event invites preschool children to bring in their favourite cuddly toy for a check-up with Otago University medical and dental students.
Hospitals, dental surgeries and medical centres could make children anxious, and the teddy bear event aimed to "create a positive and fun experience for them'', she said.
The latest "hospital'' will run through pre-booked "clinics'' until Thursday, and a Community Day will also be held at the Hunter Centre, in Great King St, from 10am to 2pm on Saturday.
Anyone wanting to participate in a teddy bear "clinic'' on Saturday is invited to book on tbhdunedin.com via internet but some other public events can be attended there without booking.
Having spent six months helping prepare the event, with fellow organising committee members, Miss Brown had initially felt "quite nervous'' yesterday but had an "amazing'' experience as the latest hospital got under way.
About 130 youngsters had participated at Elim Church on the first morning -"it all came together'', she said.
