August 2023: Due to popular demand, all sessions are now sold out. Please check back intermittently for available sessions as cancellations may occur. Walk-ups are limited, subject to availability.
Visiting the doctor as a kid can be intimidating, but here to assuage kids' nerves and introduce them to the world of hospital medicine is the Teddy Bear Hospital at Chadstone – The Fashion Capital. This annual fundraising event is where children can get their teddies treated while learning about health care. It’s fun, interactive and educational, but best of all, proceeds benefit the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
For the seventh annual Winter Check-Up, activity stations will be set up on Chadstone’s Lower Ground Level near David Jones, all manned by volunteer medical and allied health students from the University of Melbourne. Kids can pull on lab coats and check their teddies’ eyes, ears, heart and teeth before deciding which treatment they need. They’ll usher their furry patients through radiology, speech pathology, physiotherapy and more to make sure their teddies are in tip-top shape. Between stations, roaming ambulances will dispense emergency bear care.
You can BYO a patient from home or purchase an adorable companion at the event. Bookings are essential and tickets start from $20 for one adult and one child or $30 for two adults and two children. Additional kids can get a check-up for free. The Teddy Bear Hospital Winter Check-Up will be in Chadstone – The Fashion Capital on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20 from 9am to 5pm. Head to the Teddy Bear Hospital website to book – it’s the best way to guarantee a spot for your teddy.