Furry friends for kids’ wards

‘‘They're used by medical staff to show procedures. They might put a bandage around its head or have a plaster on its arm.’’

Children at Hutt Valley hospitals will soon find themselves with a furry new friend when they’re facing surgery.

On Tuesday, 1500 teddy bears were delivered to children’s wards across Hutt Valley hospitals, and at Hutt Hospital they were accompanied by a larger-than-life bear – an obliging staff member in a suit.

The soft toys are part of the phil&teddys project, and are donated to serve two main purposes: firstly to give children a comforting ‘‘hospital buddy’’, and secondly to help doctors explain daunting medical procedures.

Six-year-old Isabella Mitchell was pleased to receive her little bear, but was even more excited to meet the larger teddy.

Hutt Hospital play specialist Maria Eneliko said the toys would bring brightness to the children.

‘‘It makes them happy, especially for those that have nothing.’’

Surgical Research Trust trustee Julie Millar said it was a ‘‘fantastic project’’.

‘‘They’re used by medical staff to show procedures. They might put a bandage around its head or have a plaster on its arm.’’

The bears even wear an accurate hospital gown that ties up at the back, to help normalise little medical care details.

The teddy bears come from a joint venture between the Surgical Research Trust and baby product company phil&teds.

The bears are given to children roughly aged 7 and under, who are facing surgery.

Each bear comes with its own adoption certificates so they can go home with a patient once they’ve finished their hospital stay.

The teddy bear programme has been in place in the Wellington region, Christchurch and the Waikato for several years and was relaunched on November 21 in the Hutt Valley.

Boulcott Private Hospital also received its own supply of bears, and general manager Sarah Boyes said they would help in one of the most stressful events in children’s lives.

‘‘Children are coming to a strange environment where they meet lots of new people.

‘‘We see the bear as a new friend they make when they arrive and that can travel with them through the whole journey of surgery and take home after.’’