Greenwich Hospital’s Teddy Bear Clinic Draws Record Crowd

More than 1,700 children and parents took part in Greenwich Hospital’s 17th annual Teddy Bear Clinic on Sunday, Oct. 4.

Youngsters from Fairfield and Westchester counties brought their teddy bears and stuffed toys to be treated by physicians, nurses and other health professionals at the outdoor mini-hospital under tents. A record 600 children ranging from infants to pre-teens attended.

“The Teddy Bear Clinic teaches children about healthy habits and helps lessen fears about going to the hospital and their doctor,” said Norman G. Roth, president of Greenwich Hospital. “Many of the children and parents who attend have been coming to this family-friendly event for years.”

Nearly 30 hospital departments were represented, including emergency, maternity, pediatrics, respiratory services, surgery, pharmacy, cancer prevention, orthopedics, cardiology and more.

Dr. Ted E. Bear was on hand to greet the children, who began their hospital tour by bringing their stuffed toys to “admitting” and “emergency” for a diagnosis. From there, children brought their furry friends to various stations for x-rays, ultrasound, surgery, respiratory therapy, splints or stitches, depending on the diagnosis.

Dressed in a doctor’s white coat, Conrad Gillis, 4, of Greenwich brought his teddy bear to the clinic for a “check-up because he wasn’t feeling good.” His mom, Megan, said Conrad “gets excited about this event every year. We’ve been here the past three years. He loves it.”

Greenwich Library was on hand for story time, as well as Greenwich Emergency Medical Services, which provided ambulance tours.

Greenwich Hospital is a member of Yale New Haven Health. Greenwich is a 206-bed (includes 32 isolettes) community hospital serving lower Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. It is a academic affiliate of Yale School of Medicine. Since opening in 1903, Greenwich Hospital has evolved into a progressive medical center and teaching institution representing all medical specialties and offering a wide range of medical, surgical, diagnostic and wellness programs. Greenwich Hospital is recognized throughout the healthcare industry as a leader in service and patient satisfaction excellence. Greenwich Hospital has the prestigious Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation’s highest honor of nursing excellence. www.greenwichhospital.org