MedNews #04-39
October 8, 2004
Article MN043907

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Oak Harbor Hospital Launches Teddy Bear Program

By: Pearl DePender, Naval Hospital Oak Harbor

OAK HARBOR, Wash. - The Pediatric department of Naval Hospital Oak Harbor approved and officially launched its first “Teddy Bear Patrol” program over the summer.

The program supplies Oak Harbor’s smallest patients with teddy bears designed to comfort them during their care at the hospital.

When children come into the hospital for medical procedures as part of their evaluation, it may require temporary separation from their parents, especially if emergency transfer is needed. They may need hospitalization for an illness, or they may just be anxious for variety of reasons, like a parent being deployed.

“A small token in the form of a cuddly bear to hold, can mean big comfort to a child during their ordeal,” said Lt. Cmdr. Andrea Donalty, the department head of the Pediatric department who originally spearheaded the Teddy Bear Patrol.

The teddy bears are donated by the Department of Washington Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars to the Pediatric Clinic.