Children on the way to the operating room at Northwest Surgical Hospital in Amarillo, Texas, definitely have the right of way. That’s because they get to drive themselves to their procedure in one of three remote-controlled mini-cars recently donated to Northwest Texas Healthcare System.
Chauncy’s Automotive, a local repair shop, donated the vehicles in hopes of easing children’s fear of surgery. Patients ages 3 to 10 can climb in the driver’s seat of the cars, which are equipped with safety belts and a horn.
“As a parent watching your child being taken into the OR screaming and crying, this would hopefully be alleviated since the child would be preoccupied with the vehicle and driving themselves into the OR,” said Lori Hanke, Chauncy’s Automotive co-owner and a registered nurse at Northwest Texas Healthcare. “We think this is a win for patients, their families and nurses alike.”
“We are hopeful that this is something children will look forward to and will divert their attention, taking their minds off the procedure ahead,” said Keisha Bailey, director of surgical services at the system.
