KCH Teddy Bear Hospital will have kids, toys in 'stitches'
LEXINGTON, KY. (March 14, 2024) — Kentucky Children’s Hospital (KCH) will host the inaugural “Teddy Bear Hospital” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Living Arts and Science Center in Lexington.
The event is a fun, interactive way to introduce children to health care. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite toy to the mock hospital environment and visit the “bear treatment areas,” including an operating room, radiology, lab and more. KCH doctors and staff will “treat” the toys while engaging with the children and teaching them about hospital settings, procedures and routine exams.
“Children learn through play, and by incorporating their favorite toys, we can help them understand procedures and process the fear and anxiety that can come with a doctor’s visit or a hospital stay,” said Jennifer Guilliams, manager of the Child and Family Life Program at KCH. “While no parent wants to think about their child in the hospital, research shows that kids cope better with medical experiences and hospital stays if they are prepared.”
“Between the easy going setting of our exhibit spaces and historic home we are located in, The Living Arts & Science Center is the perfect environment for families to have this experience, said Jeanette Tesmer, executive director of the LASC. “We are really proud to work with the team at UK to bring this event to the community.”
This event, presented by Ace Hardware, is designed for kids ages 3 to 11 but is open to children of all ages and abilities. The Teddy Bear Hospital is free and open to the public.
The Living Arts & Science Center is located at 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. in Lexington. Click here for more information.
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