This year’s expansion includes the involvement of Ulster University student nurses for the first time, strengthening interprofessional learning and widening the hands-on experience available to participating families.
Photos from Press Eye/Darren Kidd.
1. 11 February 2026. ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd Pictured left to right with Ulster University School of Medicine and School of Nursing students at a Teddy Bear Hospital event in An Chroi in Derry~Londonderry are: Sinead Doyle, Ulster University medical student and Child Health Society member; Lisa Storey, Child Development Interventions Coordinator at the Western Trust; Ciaran O’Driscoll, Ulster University medical student and Child Health Society chair; and Yvonne Devenney, Altnagelvin Parents’ Group Committee member. Children join Ulster University medical and nursing students at expanded Teddy Bear Hospital event in Derry~Londonderry. Ulster University School of Medicine’s Child Health Society, in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) and the Altnagelvin Parents Group (APG), welcomed local children and their families to this year’s expanded Teddy Bear Hospital, at An Chroí Community Hub The Teddy Bear Hospital initiative, now in its third year, is designed to help children living with medical conditions become more comfortable with clinical environments by exploring them in a safe, playful, and child-led way. This year’s expansion includes the involvement of Ulster University student nurses for the first time, strengthening interprofessional learning and widening the hands-on experience available to participating families. Organisers are also working closely with Salus Medical, who are kindly providing an ambulance on-site for children to explore, offering an additional opportunity to familiarise themselves with emergency care equipment in a relaxed environment. Hosted by the Ulster University Child Health Society, the event brings together medical students, nursing students, WHSCT staff, and APG volunteers to deliver interactive sessions covering clinical examination skills, PPE familiarisation, and mythbusting conversations about healthcare procedures. The activities encourage confidence, reduce anxiety, and build a positive connection with hospitals and healthcare professionals. Lisa Storey, Child Development Interventions Coordinator at the Western Trust said: “Many children and young people who face frequent hospital stays and complex medical journeys, can understandably build up debilitating fears that something bad is going to happen. The goal of the Teddy Bear Hospital is to create a fun experience which fosters positive attitudes so children can come away feeling more comfortable, confident and their anxieties eased for the next time they have to attend hospital or interact with healthcare professionals.” Speaking on behalf of Altnagelvin Parent’s Group, Yvonne Devenney, APG Committee Member said: “We are delighted to see the Teddy Bear Hospital in its third year supporting children and their families through play-based learning. We know all too well that a visit to the hospital or an encounter with a healthcare professional can be frightening for children. Working in partnership with Ulster University’s Child Health Society, the Western Trust, and now with student nurses joining us too, has allowed us to create an inclusive, engaging space that truly supports children to feel safer and more confident around healthcare.” Sinéad Doyle, Ulster University Medical Student and Child Health Society member, added: “It’s fantastic to see the Teddy Bear Hospital expanding this year. Welcoming our student nurse colleagues and partnering with APG and the Trust allows us to offer even more meaningful, handson experiences for the children who attend. Watching children explore medical equipment with curiosity rather than fear, while caring for their favourite teddy bears, is incredibly rewarding. We’re privileged to play a small part in helping families feel more at ease with healthcare environments.” Professor Peter Bazira, Dean of Ulster University School of Medicine, commented: “We are very proud of our students for developing a communitycentred initiative that continues to grow in scope and impact. This year’s involvement of both medical and nursing students reflects Ulster University’s commitment to interprofessional learning and to nurturing compassionate, communityfocused future healthcare professionals. The Teddy Bear Hospital is a wonderful example of how meaningful engagement can reduce anxiety and improve children’s experience of healthcare.” ENDS Notes to editors For further information or interview requests, please contact: [email protected] About Ulster University Ulster University is a forward-looking institution, uniquely placed to drive economic, social and cultural development through our three campuses at Derry~Londonderry, Coleraine and Belfast. Student experience is at the very heart of everything we do and our high-quality teaching, informed by world-leading research across key sectors, boosts the economy and makes a positive impact on the lives of people around the world. Ulster University was the University of the Year, UK and Ireland, 2024 (Times Higher Education) Ulster University is ranked Best UK University for careers services and job prospects, as voted upon by students. It is also ranked in the top five for value for money, course content, campus and facilities, personal tutors and teaching quality. (StudentCrowd, 2024). Ulster University is ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2025) Ulster University is in the top 10 for course quality rankings across the UK (University Compare 2023). 93% of Ulster University students are in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Student Outcomes 2020/21) Research and innovation at Ulster University: Ulster University was ranked in the top 10% of UK universities for research impact in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Headline results for Ulster University include: In the top 10% of UK universities for research impact 97 % of Ulster University’s research impact having outstanding or very considerable impacts in reach and significance 80.1% of Ulster University’s research outputs have been assessed as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
11 February 2026. ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd Pictured left to right with Ulster University School of Medicine and School of Nursing students at a Teddy Bear Hospital event in An Chroi in Derry~Londonderry are: Sinead Doyle, Ulster University medical student and Child Health Society member; Lisa Storey, Child Development Interventions Coordinator at the Western Trust; Ciaran O’Driscoll, Ulster University medical student and Child Health Society chair; and Yvonne Devenney, Altnagelvin Parents’ Group Committee member. Children join Ulster University medical and nursing students at expanded Teddy Bear Hospital event in Derry~Londonderry. Ulster University School of Medicine’s Child Health Society, in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) and the Altnagelvin Parents Group (APG), welcomed local children and their families to this year’s expanded Teddy Bear Hospital, at An Chroí Community Hub The Teddy Bear Hospital initiative, now in its third year, is designed to help children living with medical conditions become more comfortable with clinical environments by exploring them in a safe, playful, and child-led way. This year’s expansion includes the involvement of Ulster University student nurses for the first time, strengthening interprofessional learning and widening the hands-on experience available to participating families. Organisers are also working closely with Salus Medical, who are kindly providing an ambulance on-site for children to explore, offering an additional opportunity to familiarise themselves with emergency care equipment in a relaxed environment. Hosted by the Ulster University Child Health Society, the event brings together medical students, nursing students, WHSCT staff, and APG volunteers to deliver interactive sessions covering clinical examination skills, PPE familiarisation, and mythbusting conversations about healthcare procedures. The activities encourage confidence, reduce anxiety, and build a positive connection with hospitals and Photo: ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd
2. 11 February 2026. ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd Anthony Toland and Abel Storey with Ulster University School of Nursing student Marie Conway at the Teddy Bear Hospital event in Derry~Londonderry. Children join Ulster University medical and nursing students at expanded Teddy Bear Hospital event in Derry~Londonderry. Ulster University School of Medicine’s Child Health Society, in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) and the Altnagelvin Parents Group (APG), welcomed local children and their families to this year’s expanded Teddy Bear Hospital, at An Chroí Community Hub The Teddy Bear Hospital initiative, now in its third year, is designed to help children living with medical conditions become more comfortable with clinical environments by exploring them in a safe, playful, and child-led way. This year’s expansion includes the involvement of Ulster University student nurses for the first time, strengthening interprofessional learning and widening the hands-on experience available to participating families. Organisers are also working closely with Salus Medical, who are kindly providing an ambulance on-site for children to explore, offering an additional opportunity to familiarise themselves with emergency care equipment in a relaxed environment. Hosted by the Ulster University Child Health Society, the event brings together medical students, nursing students, WHSCT staff, and APG volunteers to deliver interactive sessions covering clinical examination skills, PPE familiarisation, and mythbusting conversations about healthcare procedures. The activities encourage confidence, reduce anxiety, and build a positive connection with hospitals and healthcare professionals. Lisa Storey, Child Development Interventions Coordinator at the Western Trust said: “Many children and young people who face frequent hospital stays and complex medical journeys, can understandably build up debilitating fears that something bad is going to happen. The goal of the Teddy Bear Hospital is to create a fun experience which fosters positive attitudes so children can come away feeling more comfortable, confident and their anxieties eased for the next time they have to attend hospital or interact with healthcare professionals.” Speaking on behalf of Altnagelvin Parent’s Group, Yvonne Devenney, APG Committee Member said: “We are delighted to see the Teddy Bear Hospital in its third year supporting children and their families through play-based learning. We know all too well that a visit to the hospital or an encounter with a healthcare professional can be frightening for children. Working in partnership with Ulster University’s Child Health Society, the Western Trust, and now with student nurses joining us too, has allowed us to create an inclusive, engaging space that truly supports children to feel safer and more confident around healthcare.” Sinéad Doyle, Ulster University Medical Student and Child Health Society member, added: “It’s fantastic to see the Teddy Bear Hospital expanding this year. Welcoming our student nurse colleagues and partnering with APG and the Trust allows us to offer even more meaningful, handson experiences for the children who attend. Watching children explore medical equipment with curiosity rather than fear, while caring for their favourite teddy bears, is incredibly rewarding. We’re privileged to play a small part in helping families feel more at ease with healthcare environments.” Professor Peter Bazira, Dean of Ulster University School of Medicine, commented: “We are very proud of our students for developing a communitycentred initiative that continues to grow in scope and impact. This year’s involvement of both medical and nursing students reflects Ulster University’s commitment to interprofessional learning and to nurturing compassionate, communityfocused future healthcare professionals. The Teddy Bear Hospital is a wonderful example of how meaningful engagement can reduce anxiety and improve children’s experience of healthcare.” ENDS Notes to editors For further information or interview requests, please contact: [email protected] About Ulster University Ulster University is a forward-looking institution, uniquely placed to drive economic, social and cultural development through our three campuses at Derry~Londonderry, Coleraine and Belfast. Student experience is at the very heart of everything we do and our high-quality teaching, informed by world-leading research across key sectors, boosts the economy and makes a positive impact on the lives of people around the world. Ulster University was the University of the Year, UK and Ireland, 2024 (Times Higher Education) Ulster University is ranked Best UK University for careers services and job prospects, as voted upon by students. It is also ranked in the top five for value for money, course content, campus and facilities, personal tutors and teaching quality. (StudentCrowd, 2024). Ulster University is ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2025) Ulster University is in the top 10 for course quality rankings across the UK (University Compare 2023). 93% of Ulster University students are in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Student Outcomes 2020/21) Research and innovation at Ulster University: Ulster University was ranked in the top 10% of UK universities for research impact in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Headline results for Ulster University include: In the top 10% of UK universities for research impact 97 % of Ulster University’s research impact having outstanding or very considerable impacts in reach and significance 80.1% of Ulster University’s research outputs have been assessed as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
11 February 2026. ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd Anthony Toland and Abel Storey with Ulster University School of Nursing student Marie Conway at the Teddy Bear Hospital event in Derry~Londonderry. Children join Ulster University medical and nursing students at expanded Teddy Bear Hospital event in Derry~Londonderry. Ulster University School of Medicine’s Child Health Society, in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) and the Altnagelvin Parents Group (APG), welcomed local children and their families to this year’s expanded Teddy Bear Hospital, at An Chroí Community Hub The Teddy Bear Hospital initiative, now in its third year, is designed to help children living with medical conditions become more comfortable with clinical environments by exploring them in a safe, playful, and child-led way. This year’s expansion includes the involvement of Ulster University student nurses for the first time, strengthening interprofessional learning and widening the hands-on experience available to participating families. Organisers are also working closely with Salus Medical, who are kindly providing an ambulance on-site for children to explore, offering an additional opportunity to familiarise themselves with emergency care equipment in a relaxed environment. Hosted by the Ulster University Child Health Society, the event brings together medical students, nursing students, WHSCT staff, and APG volunteers to deliver interactive sessions covering clinical examination skills, PPE familiarisation, and mythbusting conversations about healthcare procedures. The activities encourage confidence, reduce anxiety, and build a positive connection with hospitals and healthcare professionals. Lisa Storey, Child Development Interventions Coordinator at the Western Trust said: “Many children and young people who face frequent hospital stays and complex medical journeys, can understandably build up debilitating fears that something bad is going to happen. The goal of the Teddy Bear Photo: ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd
3. 11 February 2026. ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd Everett Sharkey with Ulster University medical students Hugh Etchingham-Coll and Aimee McEvogue at the Teddy Bear Hospital event in Derry~Londonderry. Children join Ulster University medical and nursing students at expanded Teddy Bear Hospital event in Derry~Londonderry. Ulster University School of Medicine’s Child Health Society, in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) and the Altnagelvin Parents Group (APG), welcomed local children and their families to this year’s expanded Teddy Bear Hospital, at An Chroí Community Hub The Teddy Bear Hospital initiative, now in its third year, is designed to help children living with medical conditions become more comfortable with clinical environments by exploring them in a safe, playful, and child-led way. This year’s expansion includes the involvement of Ulster University student nurses for the first time, strengthening interprofessional learning and widening the hands-on experience available to participating families. Organisers are also working closely with Salus Medical, who are kindly providing an ambulance on-site for children to explore, offering an additional opportunity to familiarise themselves with emergency care equipment in a relaxed environment. Hosted by the Ulster University Child Health Society, the event brings together medical students, nursing students, WHSCT staff, and APG volunteers to deliver interactive sessions covering clinical examination skills, PPE familiarisation, and mythbusting conversations about healthcare procedures. The activities encourage confidence, reduce anxiety, and build a positive connection with hospitals and healthcare professionals. Lisa Storey, Child Development Interventions Coordinator at the Western Trust said: “Many children and young people who face frequent hospital stays and complex medical journeys, can understandably build up debilitating fears that something bad is going to happen. The goal of the Teddy Bear Hospital is to create a fun experience which fosters positive attitudes so children can come away feeling more comfortable, confident and their anxieties eased for the next time they have to attend hospital or interact with healthcare professionals.” Speaking on behalf of Altnagelvin Parent’s Group, Yvonne Devenney, APG Committee Member said: “We are delighted to see the Teddy Bear Hospital in its third year supporting children and their families through play-based learning. We know all too well that a visit to the hospital or an encounter with a healthcare professional can be frightening for children. Working in partnership with Ulster University’s Child Health Society, the Western Trust, and now with student nurses joining us too, has allowed us to create an inclusive, engaging space that truly supports children to feel safer and more confident around healthcare.” Sinéad Doyle, Ulster University Medical Student and Child Health Society member, added: “It’s fantastic to see the Teddy Bear Hospital expanding this year. Welcoming our student nurse colleagues and partnering with APG and the Trust allows us to offer even more meaningful, handson experiences for the children who attend. Watching children explore medical equipment with curiosity rather than fear, while caring for their favourite teddy bears, is incredibly rewarding. We’re privileged to play a small part in helping families feel more at ease with healthcare environments.” Professor Peter Bazira, Dean of Ulster University School of Medicine, commented: “We are very proud of our students for developing a communitycentred initiative that continues to grow in scope and impact. This year’s involvement of both medical and nursing students reflects Ulster University’s commitment to interprofessional learning and to nurturing compassionate, communityfocused future healthcare professionals. The Teddy Bear Hospital is a wonderful example of how meaningful engagement can reduce anxiety and improve children’s experience of healthcare.” ENDS Notes to editors For further information or interview requests, please contact: [email protected] About Ulster University Ulster University is a forward-looking institution, uniquely placed to drive economic, social and cultural development through our three campuses at Derry~Londonderry, Coleraine and Belfast. Student experience is at the very heart of everything we do and our high-quality teaching, informed by world-leading research across key sectors, boosts the economy and makes a positive impact on the lives of people around the world. Ulster University was the University of the Year, UK and Ireland, 2024 (Times Higher Education) Ulster University is ranked Best UK University for careers services and job prospects, as voted upon by students. It is also ranked in the top five for value for money, course content, campus and facilities, personal tutors and teaching quality. (StudentCrowd, 2024). Ulster University is ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2025) Ulster University is in the top 10 for course quality rankings across the UK (University Compare 2023). 93% of Ulster University students are in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Student Outcomes 2020/21) Research and innovation at Ulster University: Ulster University was ranked in the top 10% of UK universities for research impact in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Headline results for Ulster University include: In the top 10% of UK universities for research impact 97 % of Ulster University’s research impact having outstanding or very considerable impacts in reach and significance 80.1% of Ulster University’s research outputs have been assessed as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
11 February 2026. ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd Everett Sharkey with Ulster University medical students Hugh Etchingham-Coll and Aimee McEvogue at the Teddy Bear Hospital event in Derry~Londonderry. Children join Ulster University medical and nursing students at expanded Teddy Bear Hospital event in Derry~Londonderry. Ulster University School of Medicine’s Child Health Society, in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) and the Altnagelvin Parents Group (APG), welcomed local children and their families to this year’s expanded Teddy Bear Hospital, at An Chroí Community Hub The Teddy Bear Hospital initiative, now in its third year, is designed to help children living with medical conditions become more comfortable with clinical environments by exploring them in a safe, playful, and child-led way. This year’s expansion includes the involvement of Ulster University student nurses for the first time, strengthening interprofessional learning and widening the hands-on experience available to participating families. Organisers are also working closely with Salus Medical, who are kindly providing an ambulance on-site for children to explore, offering an additional opportunity to familiarise themselves with emergency care equipment in a relaxed environment. Hosted by the Ulster University Child Health Society, the event brings together medical students, nursing students, WHSCT staff, and APG volunteers to deliver interactive sessions covering clinical examination skills, PPE familiarisation, and mythbusting conversations about healthcare procedures. The activities encourage confidence, reduce anxiety, and build a positive connection with hospitals and healthcare professionals. Lisa Storey, Child Development Interventions Coordinator at the Western Trust said: “Many children and young people who face frequent hospital stays and complex medical journeys, can understandably build up debilitating fears that something bad is going to happen. The goal of the Teddy Bear Photo: ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd
4. 11 February 2026. ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd Emi and Amelia Gilland with Paramedic Kate O’Neill at the Teddy Bear Hospital event in Derry~Londonderry. Children join Ulster University medical and nursing students at expanded Teddy Bear Hospital event in Derry~Londonderry. Ulster University School of Medicine’s Child Health Society, in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) and the Altnagelvin Parents Group (APG), welcomed local children and their families to this year’s expanded Teddy Bear Hospital, at An Chroí Community Hub The Teddy Bear Hospital initiative, now in its third year, is designed to help children living with medical conditions become more comfortable with clinical environments by exploring them in a safe, playful, and child-led way. This year’s expansion includes the involvement of Ulster University student nurses for the first time, strengthening interprofessional learning and widening the hands-on experience available to participating families. Organisers are also working closely with Salus Medical, who are kindly providing an ambulance on-site for children to explore, offering an additional opportunity to familiarise themselves with emergency care equipment in a relaxed environment. Hosted by the Ulster University Child Health Society, the event brings together medical students, nursing students, WHSCT staff, and APG volunteers to deliver interactive sessions covering clinical examination skills, PPE familiarisation, and mythbusting conversations about healthcare procedures. The activities encourage confidence, reduce anxiety, and build a positive connection with hospitals and healthcare professionals. Lisa Storey, Child Development Interventions Coordinator at the Western Trust said: “Many children and young people who face frequent hospital stays and complex medical journeys, can understandably build up debilitating fears that something bad is going to happen. The goal of the Teddy Bear Hospital is to create a fun experience which fosters positive attitudes so children can come away feeling more comfortable, confident and their anxieties eased for the next time they have to attend hospital or interact with healthcare professionals.” Speaking on behalf of Altnagelvin Parent’s Group, Yvonne Devenney, APG Committee Member said: “We are delighted to see the Teddy Bear Hospital in its third year supporting children and their families through play-based learning. We know all too well that a visit to the hospital or an encounter with a healthcare professional can be frightening for children. Working in partnership with Ulster University’s Child Health Society, the Western Trust, and now with student nurses joining us too, has allowed us to create an inclusive, engaging space that truly supports children to feel safer and more confident around healthcare.” Sinéad Doyle, Ulster University Medical Student and Child Health Society member, added: “It’s fantastic to see the Teddy Bear Hospital expanding this year. Welcoming our student nurse colleagues and partnering with APG and the Trust allows us to offer even more meaningful, handson experiences for the children who attend. Watching children explore medical equipment with curiosity rather than fear, while caring for their favourite teddy bears, is incredibly rewarding. We’re privileged to play a small part in helping families feel more at ease with healthcare environments.” Professor Peter Bazira, Dean of Ulster University School of Medicine, commented: “We are very proud of our students for developing a communitycentred initiative that continues to grow in scope and impact. This year’s involvement of both medical and nursing students reflects Ulster University’s commitment to interprofessional learning and to nurturing compassionate, communityfocused future healthcare professionals. The Teddy Bear Hospital is a wonderful example of how meaningful engagement can reduce anxiety and improve children’s experience of healthcare.” ENDS Notes to editors For further information or interview requests, please contact: [email protected] About Ulster University Ulster University is a forward-looking institution, uniquely placed to drive economic, social and cultural development through our three campuses at Derry~Londonderry, Coleraine and Belfast. Student experience is at the very heart of everything we do and our high-quality teaching, informed by world-leading research across key sectors, boosts the economy and makes a positive impact on the lives of people around the world. Ulster University was the University of the Year, UK and Ireland, 2024 (Times Higher Education) Ulster University is ranked Best UK University for careers services and job prospects, as voted upon by students. It is also ranked in the top five for value for money, course content, campus and facilities, personal tutors and teaching quality. (StudentCrowd, 2024). Ulster University is ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2025) Ulster University is in the top 10 for course quality rankings across the UK (University Compare 2023). 93% of Ulster University students are in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Student Outcomes 2020/21) Research and innovation at Ulster University: Ulster University was ranked in the top 10% of UK universities for research impact in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Headline results for Ulster University include: In the top 10% of UK universities for research impact 97 % of Ulster University’s research impact having outstanding or very considerable impacts in reach and significance 80.1% of Ulster University’s research outputs have been assessed as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
11 February 2026. ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd Emi and Amelia Gilland with Paramedic Kate O’Neill at the Teddy Bear Hospital event in Derry~Londonderry. Children join Ulster University medical and nursing students at expanded Teddy Bear Hospital event in Derry~Londonderry. Ulster University School of Medicine’s Child Health Society, in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) and the Altnagelvin Parents Group (APG), welcomed local children and their families to this year’s expanded Teddy Bear Hospital, at An Chroí Community Hub The Teddy Bear Hospital initiative, now in its third year, is designed to help children living with medical conditions become more comfortable with clinical environments by exploring them in a safe, playful, and child-led way. This year’s expansion includes the involvement of Ulster University student nurses for the first time, strengthening interprofessional learning and widening the hands-on experience available to participating families. Organisers are also working closely with Salus Medical, who are kindly providing an ambulance on-site for children to explore, offering an additional opportunity to familiarise themselves with emergency care equipment in a relaxed environment. Hosted by the Ulster University Child Health Society, the event brings together medical students, nursing students, WHSCT staff, and APG volunteers to deliver interactive sessions covering clinical examination skills, PPE familiarisation, and mythbusting conversations about healthcare procedures. The activities encourage confidence, reduce anxiety, and build a positive connection with hospitals and healthcare professionals. Lisa Storey, Child Development Interventions Coordinator at the Western Trust said: “Many children and young people who face frequent hospital stays and complex medical journeys, can understandably build up debilitating fears that something bad is going to happen. The goal of the Teddy Bear Hospital is to create a fun experience which Photo: ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd