Young patients at East Surrey Hospital run by Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) who need surgery can now drive a miniature sports car (Tesla Model S car) to the operating theatre.
Mr Tim Campbell-Smith, Fellowship Royal College of Surgeons, consultant general and colorectal surgeon, Royal College of Surgeons surgical tutor and Tesla car owner, was keen to get a little car for young patients to drive themselves to theatres prior to having a surgical procedure.
Mr Campbell-Smith said: “Allowing young patients to drive a mini car to theatres can help to improve patient experience by helping children to feel less anxious and focus on something else before surgery.
“I put a post on the Tesla owners Facebook page to ask for support to try and get a free model car for our young patients. I was over the moon when I received a response from Mark Print in Glasgow, Scotland, who kindly offered to donate a brand new Tesla Model S car that he owned. Mark told me that he was very grateful to the NHS and was delighted that young patients would benefit and use the car.”
“Mark Print, a Tesla owner, was pleased to donate the mini-Tesla as a big thank you to the whole of the NHS for looking after him after receiving a lung transplant five years ago at Freeman hospital, Newcastle. A small token of his thanks for everything the NHS does to make people better, and hopefully this can bring some extra happiness to children experiencing the toughest of times”.
