CLEVELAND — For a child, having to stay at a hospital and undergo an operation or procedure can be stressful.
One of the small ways the Cleveland Clinic Children's works to reduce the anxiety of their youngest patients is with a little bit of fun on the way to the operating room.
Last week, the clinic received six miniature electric cars that kids can jump in and use to “drive” themselves to their operation or procedure, according to a Facebook post from Cleveland Clinic Children’s. The cars are in a variety of locations, including Cleveland Clinic Children’s and Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation.
The cars are actually controlled by a caregiver, but the kids can still steer. The cars also have seat belts, a working radio and a horn for blasting tunes and bringing smiles to the faces of passers-by.
“The hope is that the cars will be a fun distraction and help reduce any stress or anxiety kids could be feeling,” the Facebook post states. The cars are intended for patients aged 2 to 7.
The post showed 5-year-old leukemia patient Reid Webster was all smiles as he took a mini-convertible for a spin at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s.
The cars were donated by Serpentini Chevrolet of Strongsville and rolled out on Friday, Sept. 13.
