Full house at the clinic for cuddly toys

A dragon with a tummy ache, a teddy bear with a sprained paw, a rabbit with a toothache: on 22 May 2025, Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) once again became a hospital for stuffed animals. Over 150 pre-school children brought their favourite companions to the Teddy Clinic and helped to treat them themselves.

The young "assistant doctors" guided their cuddly toys through registration, examination, operating theatre and aftercare. They were accompanied by more than 60 students of medicine, dentistry and psychology.

"Many children experience their first contact with medical procedures in an exceptional situation - such as an accident or an acute illness. The Teddy Clinic offers them the opportunity to get to know a hospital visit in a playful atmosphere," explains Clarissa Schur, who is part of the organisation team. "They are allowed to ask questions, help make decisions and learn what is involved in getting well." Conversely, volunteering at the Teddy Clinic is an ideal opportunity for students to practise interacting with young patients.

Preparing for everyday life in hospital or at the practice

In the dental ward, the three to six-year-olds practised brushing their teeth properly with a stuffed crocodile. In radiology, they analysed X-ray images of their cuddly toys, in surgery they helped with splinting paws - and were even allowed to assist at the operating table themselves with face masks and caps. On the psychology ward, symbol cards helped them to put feelings such as fear, joy or sadness into words. Another highlight was the ASB KV Witten e.V. ambulance, which the children were able to explore from the inside and have explained to them.

Next Teddy Clinic planned for autumn 2025

Participation in the Teddy Clinic is free of charge. The project is financed entirely by donations and is sponsored by the Witten University Society (WUG). Kindergartens that would like to take part in autumn 2025 can add their name to the mailing list by emailing teddykrankenhaus@uni-wh.de.