2004 Press Releases

Saint Barnabas Medical Center to Hold Educational Teddy Bear Clinic

LIVINGSTON, N.J. -- Saint Barnabas Medical Center invites children between the ages of 4 and 8 to a Teddy Bear Clinic on Wednesday, July 14, 2004. Kids can bring their Teddy Bears or favorite stuffed animals to the clinic to learn about medical equipment and procedures to become comfortable with visiting a hospital.

“The Teddy Bear Clinic is designed to be similar to the experiences that children and their family members might have when they go for an annual checkup or are admitted into the hospital,” says Stephanie Scinto, from the Child Life Department at Saint Barnabas. “Participation in the clinic will help kids become more familiar with a hospital setting and allow them to dispel fears that they might have about going to the doctor.”
Upon arrival, each Teddy Bear will be registered, receive an identification band and visit a series of medical play stations including weight, height, immunization, blood pressure and much more. All the displays are interactive, so the children will have a good time learning that they don’t have to fear a trip to the hospital.

Children will also have the opportunity to tour The Saint Barnabas Fire Safety House which addresses common home fire hazards and uses a non-toxic smoke machine to simulate fire conditions.

The free Teddy Bear Clinic will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Saint Barnabas Health Care System Corporate Offices, 95 Old Short Hills Road in West Orange, located across the street from the emergency entrance to the hospital. Free parking and refreshments will be provided. Registration is required, please call 1-888-SBHS-123.

The event is sponsored by the John LaConti, M.D. Fund, administered by the Saint Barnabas Medical Center Foundation.

Date: June 11, 2004

[ top ]