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Quick Link to Last
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A Masonic Initiative The TLC scheme originated a few years ago after one of our members in the South of England found himself taking his young granddaughter to the local A&E Department. Whilst waiting in the special children’s area equipped with toys and games, she adopted a particular doll which accompanied her through both the x-ray and treatment areas. When it was time to go home she was very distressed at having to give the doll back. Our colleague resolved to make sure that never happened again at his hospital and donated a number of toys that could be given to young patients to help their treatment and then take home with them. He mentioned this to other Masons in Essex and the scheme was borne. The teddies are specially made to the highest health and safety standards and are approved for use in a medical environment. They are imported for us by a shipping company who distribute them all over the country at our request. They are used entirely at the discretion of Medical Staff in the difficult and arduous task of treating traumatised young children. They can be used to befriend them, to demonstrate procedures (stories abound of Teddies being ‘injected’, plastered and bandaged) or simply something to cuddle to soothe and distract the pain. After treatment the Bears go home with their new owners. In recent months, Derbyshire Freemasons have established the scheme at the main A&E Departments at the Hospitals in Chesterfield, Derby and Burton. We see this initiative as a thank you from those of us who, at one time or another, have needed medical care and support, to help Nursing Staff in their difficult job and to bring some joy to those little faces when they most need it.
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