Children staying as inpatients at Doncaster Royal Infirmary are enjoying the use of a brand new Radio-flyer Tesla model S, a top-of-the-range ride along car, perfectly suited for youngsters.
Battery powered, the state-of-the-art ride comes with working headlights, a working horn and even a trunk to store and transport other toys. The motor is also equipped with a fully functional MP3 sound system so young patients spending time in hospital can listen to their favourite songs in the luxurious interior, by just plugging in their own devices.
Tesla recently ran a referral reward scheme where Tesla owners could refer their friends to win a Radio-Flyer Model S. Members of the Tesla Owners UK Facebook decided to donate their toy cars to local children’s hospitals and hospices.
Tesla founder Elon Musk has pledged his support to the idea and has funded some additional models for donation, bringing the total up to over 100 nationwide.
Charlotte and Matt Hibbert, who live locally and are members of the Tesla Owners Facebook Group, procured the car for the ward after they heard about the cause online.
As well as being the centrepiece of the children’s play room on the ward, the car can be seen travelling down the hospital corridor taking children to appointments in other departments.
Iqbal Lall, Play Leader on the Children’s Ward at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “We are delighted by this exciting arrival on the Children’s ward. Often a hospital can be a scary place but our patients get comfortable on the Children’s ward which we’ve tried to make as homely as possible. When they hear they need to go to another department for tests, or for treatment, it can be unsettling to introduce them to another new environment.
“We hope that having the option for the kids to travel down there in the car, it will encourage them to think of tests and treatment as a positive experience on their way to recovery and take their minds off the destination while they enjoy the ride!”