Archbold Hospitals has introduced a new initiative to support pediatric surgery patients by providing them with stuffed bears named “Archie” before their procedures. The program is a collaboration between the Archbold Auxiliary volunteer organization and the hospital’s surgical department.
Each year, Archbold treats thousands of surgical patients, including about 250 children. The hospital aims to reduce fear and anxiety for young patients through this effort. The Archie bears are funded by donations from the Archbold Auxiliary.
Kelly Durrant, RN, BSN, Assistant Nurse Manager of Surgical Services at Archbold Memorial, leads the project. Durrant said, “Research supports the use of non-pharmacological comfort interventions, such as therapeutic play and comfort objects, to reduce anxiety and improve coping in pediatric patients. When children receive the stuffed animal prior to surgery, it provides emotional comfort throughout their time at Archbold and even after they return home.”
The Archie bears wear custom blue shirts that match the uniforms of both the Auxiliary volunteers and surgical staff. The Auxiliary has committed to funding this project for the rest of the year.
Bonnie Hayes, Director of Volunteer Services at Archbold, stated, “We are proud to partner with the nursing staff in Surgery to implement this program. Our team of volunteers always strives to ensure each patient and visitor is treated with compassion at Archbold. We’re happy to welcome Archie, the newest member of our team, who will help share that compassion with our smallest patients.”
Archbold Hospitals operates as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving community health through wellness programs and educational initiatives across South Georgia and North Florida via its network of hospitals and clinics according to its official website. Its flagship campus is located in Thomasville, Georgia and it has been recognized among the nation’s top 100 hospitals by Fortune and PINC AI.
