The Teddy Bear Clinic at CCMC is a program started in 2006, designed to help put children at ease when they visit the hospital. Tyce Young, Director of Nursing, summed up the clinic by saying, "The whole idea is for them to be comfortable with the hospital environment and make the experience fun for them."
Employees in many different departments help make the event a success. Staff from admissions, medical records, nursing, emergency room, radiology, dietary, wellness and administration all cooperate to make the day a success.
The clinic "admits" teddy bears to the hospital, and through the use of play therapy, the children use their imaginations in describing mock injuries or illnesses of their teddy bears. Each admission receives an ID bracelet, a trip to the emergency room and radiology. Additionally, each teddy bear receives an examination which includes listening to breath & bowel sounds with a stethoscope, a check of blood pressure with a pediatric cuff, and a check of the ears and nose with an otoscope and an ophthalmoscope. The children also get to see how a pediatric oxygen mask operates (which is shaped like a dinosaurs face)! After determining what ails the patient, they are given a diagnosis of "tickleitis" and a laminated prescription care for three hugs and kisses per day.
In the radiology department, the children are allowed to sit on the x-ray table and ride it up and down. They also view an actual film of a child who swallowed a coin and they are cautioned about doing that. They also see an x-ray of a teddy bear.
When the exams are finished, the children follow hospital personnel on a tour. They end their day by having their picture taken in front of Cecil, the ambulance. When leaving, each child receives a CCMC balloon to take home and the teachers are given cookies for the children from the Dietary department.

Teddy Bear Clinic Wins Award

In June 2007, Clay County Medical Center was recognized by the Kansas Hospital Association for their Teddy Bear Clinic with a Community Connections Award in the amount of $1,000.00. CCMC was one of six hospitals to be recognized in the state.