Preparing for an MRI scan can make anyone nervous, and children are no exception. Now, a charity-funded Kitten Scanner is soothing kids and helping them feel brave before their scans at Poole Hospital.
In December, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity introduced a Kitten Scanner, an interactive miniature scanner, to the Children’s Unit in Poole Hospital to help young patients prepare for MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans.
Scans are crucial for diagnosis, treatment planning and assessments, but for children, they can feel frightening. The machines are noisy, enclosed and require stillness for anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, which means some children may need to undergo general anaesthesia (GA) and sedation.
University Hospitals Dorset appointed a play specialist in 2016 to reduce the use of general anaesthetics for MRI scans. The initiative was highly successful, with 71% of children scanned without sedation.
Given the volume of children undergoing scans each year, University Hospitals Dorset provides support as widely as possible. The Kitten Scanner, funded through support from the Mazars Charitable Trust, is now there to assist the play team in helping children understand the medical procedure and feel less anxious about them.
When they use the Kitten Scanner, a child can select one of a variety of foam animal “patients” to be scanned. The machine detects which character the child has chosen, and a short animation plays on an accompanying screen about the chosen animal’s journey to being scanned and their “charts”.
Caroline Fawcett, University Hospitals Dorset’s Play Team Lead, said: “We are incredibly fortunate to have the miniature MRI/CT ‘Kitten Scanner’ in our Children’s unit. This innovative tool allows children to explore and practise the scanning process through play, reducing anxiety and helping them feel calm, confident, and prepared for their real scan.
“By turning an unfamiliar medical experience into a playful one, it helps children understand what to expect, builds confidence, and often reduces the need for scans done under general anaesthetic.
“We are extremely grateful to the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity team for raising the funds to bring this vital resource to our service.”
Jessica Tyler, fundraising manager for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, said: “Bringing the Kitten Scanner to Poole Hospital is one of those moments that reminds you why supporting our local hospitals is truly impactful. For a child, an MRI can feel scary and overwhelming, but this equipment helps children understand what’s happening and gives families peace of mind, which is incredible. Knowing that our fundraising and support from the Mazars Charitable Trust will make such an impact is truly amazing.”
The Kitten Scanner will transform children’s MRI experiences by reducing the need for anaesthetic and sedation. Fewer procedures by general anaesthetic means shorter waiting times, quicker diagnoses, better quality scans and less stress on children and parents.
The Kitten Scanner has been funded as part of the Charity’s mission to enhance care for the Children’s Unit through The BEACH Appeal and the Do It for the Kids campaign.
Every child and young person deserves a happier hospital experience. Help fund those special touches that will make a big difference in their little lives by supporting the Do It for the Kids campaign: www.UHDcharity.org/kids
Press release and image -UHD Charity