Machine makes scans less scary for children

Dartford Lions Club donated a £23k kitten scanner to Darent Valley Hospital

A machine that makes scans less scary for children has been donated to Darent Valley Hospital.

The £23k 'kitten scanner' - a miniature version of the MRI machine with a "playful twist" - was donated by Dartford Lions Club.

Children can put their favourite toy into the machine and watch a video with fun characters to guide them through the process.

Lions Club president Avtar Sandhu said the donation - one of the largest the club has ever made - will "affect the lives of so many".

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust said the kitten scanner, made by Phillips, introduces a playful twist to MRI and CT procedures.

Different characters like Ollie the elephant or Doris the chicken guide children through the MRI process, helping them understand the strange sounds and offering tips on how to stay still.

It significantly reduces the need for sedation and general anaesthetic in claustrophobic young patients, says the hospital.

The new machine at Darent Valley is one of the only scanners in the south east and the only one in Kent and Medway.

Professor Seshadri Sriprasad, deputy chief medical officer, said: "Young children are apprehensive in getting a scan done.

"The Kitten Scanner goes a long way in allaying their fears and is a welcome development. We are thankful to the Dartford Lions Club for making this happen.”

Mr Sandhu added: "This is only possible because of the continued support being offered to us by the local community of Dartford and surrounding areas."