Ormskirk hospital has found a creative way to make medical procedures less daunting for children, by providing them with a miniature electric car.

Thanks to a generous donation from leading car dealership Halliwell Jones Southport, children at the hospital can now drive themselves to their own procedures in a top of the range BMW M8 GTS Ride on Car.

Studies have shown that children using an electric car to take them to their procedures can have a major effect on reducing anxiety levels, and thanks to the generous donation from Halliwell Jones Southport BMW this is now the case for young people in Ormskirk.

Hospital Play Specialist, Caroline Birtwell, said “A big part of our role focuses on the patient’s journey and overseeing the patient experience and this car is a great way to reduce the fears any young person may have at just the right time as they go towards any type of procedure.’’

Aidan Williams, Group Marketing Manager at Halliwell Jones, said: “As a company we love to support our local community groups and charities and when we were asked if we could support this initiative we were delighted to help.

“We heard that using toy cars was a big help for children in hospital and we had the perfect product in this electric car which we hope will reduce the stress any young person may have as they make their way towards an appointment or an operation.

“As a family company the fact we can help families at times when they need support is something that is close to our heart, and it is lovely to see the car in place.

“I’m sure the children will love it and it will bring a little bit happiness at a time when it is needed most.’’

Lesley Neary, Chief Operating Officer at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, added: “I would like to say a massive thank-you to Halliwell Jones Southport BMW for such a fantastic donation to our paediatric wards.

“After seeing the children’s reaction to it for myself I know it really will make a huge difference and be a real distraction for our young patients who are going to theatre or having a procedure.

“Seeing the smile on the young people’s faces means so much.’’

For further information about the work of Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals Charity, or for details on how to donate, please call: 01704 704714 or visit their website at www.SOHcharity.org. Your support can bring so many more smiles to our patients both young and old.