A GIFT of teddy bears will be taking the sting out of injections for children at Hope House Surgery, in Radstock.

The 24 fluffy teddies were donated by Midsomer Norton Freemasons from Connaught Lodge as part of their ‘Teddies for Loving Care’ initiative and will be used for the Friday morning child injection clinic.

They were received by practice nurses Debbie Williams, Hollie Skese, and Lucy Cotterill.

The ‘Teddies for Loving Care’ initiative provides cuddly teddies to hospitals and medical facilities for staff to give to young children.

Since the start of the scheme in 2001, four million teddies have been distributed to hospitals throughout England and Wales.

Freemasons volunteer their time to manage the scheme, as well as deliver bears to hospitals, campaign to raise funds, and increase awareness through events and talks.

A surgery spokesperson said: “Providing comforting teddies to help young children cope with difficult situations and to calm them down makes it easier for nursing and medical staff to look after them.

“It is also less distressing for the parents who may have to manage their upset child who is resisting treatment.

“The medical staff can demonstrate on the teddy that the injection did not hurt, or teddy has its arm bandaged, thus reassuring the youngster.

“The bears thereby distract the children so nurses and doctors can get their jobs done quickly and efficiently.

“As a reward for being brave, the child is allowed to take the teddy home.”

The scheme is funded solely through the generosity of the freemasons, and the TLC teddy has become an invaluable tool for medical professionals and a real comfort for children.

Nurse Williams said: “The kiddies come into the clinic quite happy, then start to protest once they realise what is going to happen.

“The teddies will certainly make treating a struggling child that much easier.”