A large loveable grey elephant is making it easier for our only hospital, to get messages to young children (and even adults!).

Dr Eddie is the mascot of the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) and together with summer interns Tahdae Tucker and Kara Boyles, he is spreading the news that the new wing – the Acute Care Wing, will open to the public at 12.01 am on Sunday morning, 14 September.

The interns have prepared a fun presentation that they deliver to summer day camp students.

In the 20-minute show they explain that the new wing will cater to patients with acute conditions – that is, patients who have suddenly become very sick, or have had major surgery.

The students learn that the Emergency Department is moving to the new wing and that this is where they may have to come if they feel very unwell and their doctor cannot be reached.

“We’ve presented to three camps so far,” said Tahdae. “Camp Bermudez had almost 50 attendees, Camp Chameleon had 70 children and CARE Learning Centre Camp brought about 20,” she added.

“The children really loved Dr Eddie and after the presentation wanted to greet him, get their photos taken with him and just talk to him in general,” said Kara.

“The excitement he caused with the students really made us feel good about the project, “she added.

Why is Dr Eddie an elephant? Elephants are intelligent, dependable, great listeners and have a fantastic memory: qualities that contribute to being a great doctor and are important for everyone to maintain good health. Campers immediately understood.

When asked why the mascot was used, we got the following answers: “He makes sick people feel better, Children will like him. He makes people not afraid to come to the hospital. He’s loveable.”

At the end of each presentation campers become BHB Junior Ambassadors and are given badges and flyers to help spread the news on the opening of the new wing and services that will be offered there.

If you are interested in your camp having a presentation by Dr Eddie please call Kara and Tahdae on 239-5920.