At Elliot 1-Day Surgery, we know surgery can be a stressful experience for children and their families. That’s why our team has found a unique and comforting way to ease that anxiety— an electric mini-Jeep, that children can “drive” into the operating room. The program has made a big difference in creating a calm and confident environment for kids and their families.
Ashley Brandes, RN, brought the idea to life after noticing how upset children and parents would become as children
were taken into surgery. “The Jeep came to be because I was watching kids go into the operating room stressed, upset, and crying, and the parents experienced the trauma of seeing their child upset,” she explained. “As a parent, it’s disheartening to watch your child crying in the arms of a stranger, even when knowing that they are in good hands.”
Since Elliot 1-Day Surgery introduced the Jeep two years ago, the experience has changed dramatically. Now, instead of focusing on the surgery ahead, children over the age of three — with no IV and no anesthesia yet— get excited about their chance to drive the electric Jeep. They “enter the workshop” with smiles and waves, reducing stress and making the experience smoother for everyone. Parents, too, love the program, often snapping photos of their kids driving into the procedure room, which turns a traditionally nerve-wracking moment into one filled with joy and pride.
“We’ve seen so many children smile and wave at their families as they ‘drive’ into the OR,” says Ashley. “The Jeep provides a little boost that shifts their focus from the fear of surgery to something exciting to look forward to. It makes for a much smoother transition, and the parents really appreciate it.”
This small but impactful change has reduced stress on children, parents, and staff. It’s all part of Elliot 1-Day Surgery’s commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. By adding a touch of fun and play, we are transforming the surgery experience from one of fear and anxiety to one of comfort and excitement, making every step of the process a little easier for our young patients and their families.