A true miniature hospital was set up at Arrábida Shopping, from 2 to 6 March, in an initiative promoted in partnership with Hospital da Luz Arrábida, viewing to bring children closer to the hospital environment and contributing to overcome their fear of the health professionals “white coat”. The Puppet Hospital, already recognized for its pedagogical and playful character, gathers annually hundreds of children aged between 3 and 7 so that they can learn the basic hospital health routines by playing . This was the 25 th edition of the Puppet Hospital, which is ensured by the Students Association of the Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute, with the participation of around 300 students from Oporto University. The little ones had the opportunity to take their puppets to consultation, going through different stations simulating the spaces and procedures of a hospital. By this process, the children contacted simple concepts around healthcare and were able to grasp the role of doctors, nurses, and other health professionals in a relaxed way. The main goal of the initiative was to demystify clinical procedures and create a more trustful relation between children and the hospital context. Lu, the Hospital da Luz mascot, was present at the event cheering the atmosphere, interacting with children, and accompanying them along the educational path prepared for their puppets. Gifts were also distributed providing the young ones moments of joy. Hospital da Luz Arrábida regularly supports and promotes awareness-raising and educational activities on health near the local community. We believe that this collaboration with Arrábida Shopping has enabled to extend the reach of the Puppet Hospital and offer children and families a positive, safe, and enriching experience.
