SAN DIEGO, California (Reuters) — The staff at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego is working to make being sick a little better.
The hospital unveiled a collection of remote-controlled cars on Tuesday (September 19) that allow young patients to ‘drive’ themselves to the operating room.
Actually operated by a nurse or doctor, the cars are part of a new program designed to make kids more relaxed before their procedures.
“The kids are having fun. The parents are seeing that they’re relaxed and that they’re happy. But for us, I mean, we’re driving the car, we’re having fun, too, of course,” said Rady Children’s medical director of surgical services, Dr. Daniela Carvalho.
“It helps with us knowing that they’re doing so well, that they’re happy, it makes us happy, too.”
The cars were donated by the San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive.
Children have their pick of a BMW, Mercedes, or Lamborghini, ensuring their ride to the O.R. is a luxurious one.
