Son Espases launches pirate ship-themed CAT scan in children’s ward

LAST week saw the official unveiling of the new pirate ship-themed CAT scan in the Paediatric Department of Son Espases University Hospital in Palma.

Some 350m² of decorative vinyl wrapping has given Son Espases entry into a very select group of hospitals to implement such an idea, alongside the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York, the Hospital Municipal Jesus in Rio de Janeiro and Hospital San Juan de Dios in Barcelona.

In each case they’ve proven that this fantasy décor creates a warm, inviting, relaxing atmosphere and reduces levels of anxiety – making life easier for patients and professionals alike. The number of young patients who need sedation to conduct a scan is reduced by 20 per cent – a significant amount considering Son Espases carries out around 4,000 CAT scans in this room each year.

In attendance at the inauguration were Minister of Health for the Balearic Islands, Patricia Gomez; managing director of Son Espases University Hospital, Victor Ribot; director of healthcare for the Health Service, Nacho Garcia; designer Kiko Sebastia, and co-sponsors, easyboats, Pirates Adventure and Rotula2, the latter also responsible for installing the stunning nautical backdrop.

Lorenzo Vila, director of yacht charter and brokerage company, easyboats, who co-sponsor the new CAT scanner commented: “Hospitals can be frightening places for young children, and their parents, particularly when faced with complex machinery in austere clinically-white rooms.

“Thanks to top-to-toe vinyl wrapping, the CAT scan is now a bright, fun, happy place to be. We hope children feel comfortable here – even when times are tough.”