Apr 30, 2026
Where do teddies go when they get sick?
In the "operating room", children can treat a sick teddy themselves.
The same emergencies pile up at the Teddy Hospital every year: bicycle crashes, broken arms and the urgent need for an X-ray. From April 28 to 30, the Children and Women Center at Dresden University Hospital has transformed into a clinic for toys for the 22nd time. Around 1,200 children came as "teddy parents" and told what was wrong with their stuffed animals.
It's about more than just play: the children experience a visit to the doctor from a safe distance and can observe how examinations are carried out without fear. They ask questions, make decisions and accompany their teddies through the "treatments". The students from the Faculty of Medicine naturally slip into the role of teddy doctors and explain medical procedures in a child-friendly way. For many, this is a first practical exercise in communication, empathy and health education.
"As soon as the children come and talk excitedly about their teddies, it feels serious," reports Romy Klädtke, a student of human medicine, who is taking part for the fourth time this year. "The children take it so seriously that you automatically slip into this doctor-patient relationship yourself."
The most common diagnoses are quickly recounted: Bicycle crashes, broken arms and abdominal pain are among the classics. There are also clear expectations when it comes to treatment. "No matter what the teddy has, the children always want it to go for an X-ray and get a bandage," says Romy with a laugh. At the end, each cuddly toy receives a small "vaccination card" and a package from the teddy pharmacy.
Behind the three days is a well-rehearsed student organization team that prepares the project throughout the year, from student recruitment to logistics planning and public relations.
Even though the team is well staffed, the need for new students remains constant. Many are involved for several years, others drop out when their studies become more intensive. The campaign is regularly advertised at the start of the semester in lectures; registration is also possible via the project page and Instagram.
The demand for the project is so great that the team cannot meet all the requests, which is why the Teddy Hospital focuses on the three project days in April as well as additional formats such as the Dresden Science Night and a family afternoon, which is also open to siblings and families outside the daycare centers.
The project is under the patronage of Prof. Reinhard Berner, Director of the Department for Pediatrics at the University Hospital Dresden. It is supported by numerous partners who provide materials, bandages and little surprises for the children.