An Emergency Room visit can be scary for a child who doesn’t know what to expect. With this in mind, Riley Hospital is hosting Teddy Bear Clinics for kindergarten students around Meridian.
During the Teddy Bear Clinic, the kindergarteners will watch a short film on a cartoon character’s visit to the hospital and tour Riley’s ER to see what happens when a child is brought to the emergency room. They will see what procedures the nurses and doctors perform such as checking their eyes and ears and having their temperature and blood pressure taken. The students will also get to see X-Ray and EKG machines, and they will tour an ambulance as part of the event.
“Often times, children become nervous around medical personnel. By acquainting the children with the emergency room’s equipment, procedures and staff, we hope to help alleviate their fears of the hospital,” said Janet Terrell, RN, Director of Riley’s Emergency Department.
“Children learn through play and experiences, and Teddy Bear Clinic is an opportunity for them to learn about emergency medical care in a non-threatening environment,” said Elizabeth Busbee, Director of Marketing.
For more information, please contact Elizabeth Busbee at 601-484-3586.
Riley Hospital is a State and Joint Commission-accredited acute care medical complex that has served the east Mississippi and west Alabama region since 1930. Riley Hospital is owned and operated by Health Management Associates, Inc. (HMA), which is headquartered in Naples, Florida. HMA owns 57 hospitals, with approximately 8,100 licensed beds, in non-urban communities located throughout the United States.