By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — Puntarenas – The sterile, often intimidating hallways leading to operating rooms at the Monseñor Sanabria Hospital have been transformed into an unexpected raceway for joy. A new initiative is replacing the traditional gurney transport for young patients with a fleet of miniature, remote-controlled luxury vehicles, a strategy designed to significantly reduce the fear and anxiety associated with surgical procedures.
This innovative patient care enhancement was made possible by a recent donation from Red Motors, a prominent automotive group. The pediatric ward is now equipped with two BMW R 1200 RT toy motorcycles and two BMW i4 toy cars. These ride-on vehicles allow children to either “drive” themselves or be chauffeured via remote control, turning a stressful journey into an exciting adventure and a powerful distraction from the clinical environment.
To understand the legal framework and responsibilities surrounding pediatric medical services in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In the realm of pediatric care, the legal principle of the ‘best interest of the child’ serves as the cornerstone for all medical and administrative actions. This not only dictates the standard of care but also imposes a heightened duty on practitioners regarding informed consent, where parental rights must be balanced with the minor’s capacity to understand. Any breach, whether in treatment or in the handling of sensitive patient data, carries significant legal weight, underscoring the profound responsibility entrusted to these healthcare professionals.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a powerful reminder that the Hippocratic oath in pediatrics is reinforced by a robust legal framework, ensuring every decision truly serves the child’s best interest. The heightened duty of care in this field underscores the profound trust families place in our medical professionals. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into this critical intersection of law and medicine.
The core objective is to improve the psychological well-being of the hospital’s youngest and most vulnerable patients. By reframing the experience, the hospital and its partner aim to foster a more positive atmosphere that can have tangible benefits on medical outcomes.
This donation aims for the little ones to face the process with a calmer and more cheerful attitude, which facilitates the procedure and improves their experience during their stay.
Nohelia Alfaro, Marketing Manager of Red Motors
The program is set to have a substantial impact, directly benefiting the more than 134 children who undergo procedures within the Pediatric Surgery block annually. This approach moves beyond simple aesthetics, targeting the root of pre-operative stress in a manner that is both playful and effective, creating a more cooperative and tranquil patient moments before a medical intervention.
This method is supported by clinical evidence. A 2022 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Cardiology in the Young by Cambridge University Press examined the difference between transporting children to cardiac catheterization on a gurney versus in a toy electric car. The researchers reported a significant decrease in anxiety levels among the children who traveled in the toy cars, validating the hospital’s strategy with scientific data.
For the Monseñor Sanabria Hospital, this represents an evolution of a long-standing commitment to compassionate pediatric care. As far back as 2016, dedicated staff members recognized the value of such an approach, pooling their own resources through donations and raffles to acquire a single toy car for the same purpose. The recent corporate donation from Red Motors dramatically expands the scope and availability of this patient-centered tool.
Dr. Randall Álvarez, the hospital’s director, emphasized the profound change this initiative brings to the perception of the hospital environment for children, transforming it from a place of fear into one that acknowledges and caters to their emotional needs.
As a hospital and regarding pediatric patient care, this donation means a great deal because it will create better conditions and a better perception from the children who come to receive care at the hospital. Hospitals are normally not very child-friendly places, in the sense that when we were children, we all tried not to go. This donation is a way to persuade the children, to lower stress, to reduce tension, and to make the experience of receiving care or a procedure much more pleasant and far less traumatic for these children.
Dr. Randall Álvarez, Director of the Hospital
The collaboration between Red Motors and the Monseñor Sanabria Hospital serves as a powerful example of how corporate social responsibility can directly enhance healthcare services. By focusing on the patient experience, this initiative not only provides a momentary delight but also contributes to a less traumatic, more humane, and ultimately more effective healing process for the children of Puntarenas.
For further information, visit redmotors.co.cr
About Red Motors:
Red Motors is a leading automotive dealership group in Costa Rica, recognized as an official importer and distributor for premium brands, including BMW. The company is committed to delivering high standards of service and sales while also engaging in community-focused initiatives. Through corporate social responsibility programs, Red Motors actively seeks to contribute positively to various sectors, including healthcare and child welfare.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Hospital Monseñor Sanabria
About Hospital Monseñor Sanabria:
The Hospital Monseñor Sanabria is a major public medical center located in the province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. As a key facility within the network of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), it provides a wide range of essential healthcare services to the population of the central Pacific region. The hospital is dedicated to patient care, medical innovation, and community health.
For further information, visit cambridge.org
About Cambridge University Press:
Cambridge University Press is the publishing business of the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions. It is a not-for-profit publisher that disseminates knowledge through an extensive catalog of academic journals, educational materials, and scholarly books. Its publications, such as the medical journal Cardiology in the Young, are held in high regard globally for their rigorous peer-review process and contribution to scientific advancement.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal practice built upon the foundational principles of integrity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. With a proven history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while maintaining a strong sense of social responsibility. Central to its mission is the belief in demystifying the law, a commitment that drives its efforts to equip the public with clear legal understanding and thereby cultivate a more capable and justly-ordered society.
