Teddy Bears Help Patients Yound and Old

One of the many teddy bears that help improve patient care at First Assist Urgent Care clinics

 

First Assist Urgent Care Radiologic Technologist Charae Thomas, R.T.R., continually strives to provide excellent, patient-centered service and care. One day, while caring for an elderly, lonely patient, she thought, “How nice it would be if the clinic had something to give to patients who need a little extra loving care.” Thomas brought the idea to her supervisor, and after careful thoght and research, the First Assist Urgent Care teddy bear was born.

“With the help of Kohl’s department store, which sold us 100 cuddly bears at a discounted rate and later donated another 300 bears, we’ve been able to add something extra special to the care we give our patients,” says Linda Snodgrass, practice administrator at First Assist Urgent Care. Many patients have benefited from Thomas’ compassionate idea.

“I’ve given more bears to adults than to children and have received the same reaction from each of them,” says Thomas. “How easy it is for us to think that only children are in need of the extra love and support a care bear provides. The truth is, everyone needs an extra hand of caring and comfort from time to time.”

Other staff members agree. “I love having bears to give out,” says Debra Clark, R.N., of the First Assist Urgent Care clinic in Gray. “We give them to children when they get shots or we take temperatures—things that may make them afraid. It’s great to walk into the room and hand them a bear and watch the fear change to a smile. I like seeing the smiles and forgiveness after the tears.”

The editorial content of this online publication is taken from the print version of Your Health Matters published by Blue Ridge Physician Group.

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