Seton’s annual Teddy Bear Clinic is this Sunday

EDITOR’S NOTE: Seton’s Teddy Bear Clinic is one of our favorite events on the Coastside.

Seton Coastside in Moss Beach will host its 19th Annual Teddy Bear Clinic, on Sunday, September 24, 2006 from 11am – 3pm.  Every year for the past 19 years, Seton Coastside has provided this worthwhile event, introducing children to the emergency department and hospital setting, in a fun "pain-free" way.

To help create this positive experience, the children are encouraged to bring in their favorite toy stuffed animal as the "patient". The child and his or her toy then go through the entire process of the emergency visit in a non-threatening atmosphere.  First, they make an appointment, apply for "Teddy-Cal" insurance, and then have their toys’ vital signs taken along with the "patient’s" history.  From there, the children are directed to the radiology department (a copy machine), where an "x-ray" is taken, and onto the lab where a "blood sample" is taken.

Then it’s on to the waiting room.  Of course at the Teddy Bear Clinic, there is hardly ever any waiting time. The doctor, upon examination of the "patient", orders appropriate treatments like a cast, a shot, or possibly surgery and consults with the child and their stuffed animal.  Apples are given (an apple a day keeps the doctor away) and then everyone gets a nutritional consultation followed by a visit to the Physical Therapy department.

There are lots of activities outdoors as well, informing the children and their families about the support services provided in the surrounding community.  These booths, manned by volunteers from all over the Coastside, fill the parking lot.  The Pillar Point Harbor Patrol, the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and the Point Montara and Half Moon Bay Fire Protection District are on-hand to give demonstrations of their life-saving equipment and techniques.  If Life Flight is available, they always make a stop to give the kids a tour of the helicopter. The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office offers fingerprinting services, and First National Bank will be doing photo IDs for the children to take home.  The Children’s Health Initiative provides information and assistance on obtaining medical insurance for kids. Seton Medical Center’s Dietary staff and The Knights of Columbus cook turkey hot dogs, and serve fruit, pretzels, juice and water.

For many volunteers, it is an annual event. "We are so fortunate to have100 staff and community volunteers that can hardly wait to volunteer each year," says Cheryl Sinclair, Manager of Community Outreach and Business Development. "Dr. Ted E. Bear, also known as Larry Looby, one of Seton Coastside’s Chaplains, will be working in the Emergency Department, once again this year". Seton Coastside is the only 24-hour Physician staffed Standby Emergency Department for a span of 70 miles on the San Mateo coast.

If interested in attending or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Cheryl Sinclair, Manager of Community Outreach and Business Development at 650-563-7121 or [email protected]