Seton’s Teddy Bear Clinic is Sunday, Sept 26

Every member of my family at one time or another has received prompt and excellent care at Seton’s Coastside Medical Center emergency room. It’s not just that they’re local. They’re small and friendly. They’re one of the treasures of the community. That’s one of many reasons their annual Teddy Bear Clinic is so important.

Seton will host its 16th Teddy Bear Clinic on Sunday, September 26, 2004, at Seton Coastside in Moss Beach at 600 Marine Boulevard off of Highway 1 [map],  from 11 am - 3 pm.  The Teddy Bear Clinic introduces children painlessly to the emergency department and hospital. From the press release:

To help create this positive experience, kids 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 toy’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. Prescriptions for M&M’s are given which are filled at the pharmacy and then everyone gets a nutritional consultation followed by a visit to the Physical Therapy department.

There are outdooor activites as well, including demonstrations from the Pillar Point Harbor Patrol, Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and the Point Montara and Half Moon Bay Fire Departments. The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office offers fingerprinting services. The Children’s Health Initiative provides information and assistance on obtaining medical insurance for kids and Smokey the Bear and McGruff, the Crime-Fighting Dog both make appearances.  The Knights of Columbus provide hotdogs, popcorn, pretzels and drinks.

If interested in attending or to sign up as a volunteer, please call Cheryl Sinclair 650-563-7121.