Hospital gets 'kitten scanner' to reassure children

The miniature version of the MRI scanner is intended to make scans less daunting

A toy version of an MRI scanner has been introduced at a Lincolnshire hospital to put children at ease before their own scans.

Youngsters can pretend to scan a toy in the "kitten scanner", which is intended as a teaching aid.

Staff at Grantham District Hospital say at least 28 children did not need a general anaesthetic before their scans after playing with the "toy".

The United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity bought the machine for £15,000 and a spokesperson said it has already recouped its price tag through savings.

Rosie, 8, loved using the "kitten scanner" before her own scan

Rosie, 8, who used the scanner before her MRI, said: "I was a little scared when it was my first time because [the machine is] massive and a bit scary."

But being shown the process via the kitten scanner made her calmer, she said.

Radiographer Helen Disbrow-Carpenter was involved in establishing the kitten scanner

Radiographer Helen Disbrow-Carpenter said the "kitten scanner" had reduced the number of general anaesthetics needed.

"With MRI one of the most important things is keeping still during the scan. This really helps our paediatric patients understand the importance of keeping still.," she said.

"It means that we can get our scans done more quickly, the images are better quality and getting [the young patients] in the scanner is much easier."

Gary Burr, from the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity said the purchase was "£15,000 well spent".

The "kitten scanner" helps prepare children for real MRI scans