Making the trek from the waiting room to the operating theatre is never a delightful experience. It is made even worse when the patient is a child. The whole experience can be stressful, scary and overwhelming for everyone involved, especially when you’re just a kid.
But Rolls-Royce hopes to change this. They recently unveiled a pint-sized Rolls-Royce SRH, designed for the littlest of car enthusiasts who are awaiting surgery at St. Richard’s Hospital Paediatric Day Surgery Unit.
The Unit is located in West Sussex, England, which also happens to be the home town of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited.
Mini Rolls-Royce aims to provide a stress-free spin into surgery
Sure, it may be small, but the Rolls-Royce SRH is about to make a big impact. Rather than entering the operating room with apprehension, children will be able to cruise through the corridors to the OR.
With traffic signs along the hallway, the mission of the mini model is to make the whole experience a little less frightening and a little more fun for the kids.
“It’s wonderful seeing a smiley face on the way to theatre, rather than an apprehensive one,” says Sue Nicholls, Paediatric Matron at Western Sussex Hospitals NSH Foundation Trust.
A luxury ride for little patients
These brave little fighters are certainly in for a treat. Powered by a 24-volt gel battery and painted Andalusian White and Salamanca Blue, the car oozes style.
No expense was spared in the making of the model, which took more than 4o0 hours to put together and even includes the iconic Rolls-Royce hood ornament. Plus, it comes with a top speed of 16km/hour for a speedy cruise into the operating theatre. But in a nod to nervous parenting, kids can be restricted to a rather leisurely 4km/pace if parents prefer.
This unique gift will allow hundreds of children to self-drive into the OR before their surgery.
Marianne Griffiths, Chief Executive, of Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said, “The Rolls-Royce SRH is simply priceless. It is a very special gift and one of the most wonderful donations ever received.”
While Rolls-Royce doesn’t have any intentions on rolling out these mini cruisers to the public, it’s great to see that the only existing model will bring a smile to children who need it the most.
Next, read our other story about an amazing hospital project helping spread some much-needed cheer to sick kids.
