By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – The sterile hallways of a hospital can be an intimidating place for anyone, but especially for a child facing surgery. In a groundbreaking initiative to transform this stressful experience, the Monseñor Sanabria Hospital in Puntarenas has introduced a novel solution to ease the journey of its youngest patients from their rooms to the operating theater: a fleet of miniature electric vehicles.
The hospital has incorporated four ride-on toy vehicles—two motorcycles and two cars—into its pediatric transport protocol. This innovative approach allows children to be driven to their procedures by hospital staff via remote control, replacing the traditional, often daunting, gurney ride with a moment of play. The initiative aims to significantly reduce the pre-operative anxiety and fear commonly experienced by pediatric patients.
To delve into the legal framework that underpins pediatric healthcare and the responsibilities of medical providers, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The legal doctrine surrounding pediatric care is anchored in the principle of the ‘best interest of the child,’ which imposes an elevated standard of care on medical professionals and institutions. This encompasses not just the technical execution of medical procedures, but a stringent obligation to secure fully informed consent from legal guardians. Failure to meticulously document and adhere to these protocols can expose providers to significant civil liability, as the vulnerability of the patient demands the highest level of diligence and transparency.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully underscores that the “best interest of the child” is not merely an ethical guideline but a stringent, legally enforceable mandate demanding meticulous transparency and diligence. The clear link between proper consent protocols and civil liability highlights the essential safeguards protecting our most vulnerable patients. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into these critical responsibilities.
This forward-thinking project was made possible through a timely donation from Red Motors, the official distributor of BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad in Costa Rica. The donated vehicles are child-sized replicas of actual models, providing a high-quality, engaging experience. The company emphasized that the donation was about more than just a gift; it was about fundamentally improving the patient’s emotional state during a critical time.
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 delivery of the vehicles took place on December 16, 2025, strategically timed to bring some holiday cheer to the children at the hospital. The impact is expected to be substantial, directly benefiting the more than 134 pediatric surgical procedures performed at the facility. By turning a moment of fear into a positive memory, the hospital is redefining what compassionate care looks like.
This method is not just a heartwarming gesture; it is backed by medical research. Numerous studies on non-pharmacological interventions in pediatric care have shown that using tools like toy electric cars for transport can dramatically lower anxiety levels in both young patients and their parents. This reduction in stress can lead to smoother inductions of anesthesia and better overall outcomes, proving that the patient’s emotional well-being is intrinsically linked to their physical recovery.
Dr. Randall Álvarez, the hospital’s director, praised the initiative for its profound effect on the pediatric patient experience. He highlighted the challenge of making clinical environments feel safe and welcoming for children and saw this donation as a crucial step in humanizing medical care.
As a hospital and in terms of 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. Normally, hospitals are not very child-friendly places… This donation is a way to lower stress and make the experience much less traumatic.
Dr. Randall Álvarez, Director of Hospital Monseñor Sanabria
This is not the first time the Monseñor Sanabria Hospital has implemented creative solutions for its pediatric wing. Back in 2016, dedicated staff members organized internal activities and fundraising to acquire a similar toy cart, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to innovative patient care. The recent corporate partnership with Red Motors allows the hospital to scale up this successful concept, ensuring more children can benefit from a less stressful journey to recovery.
The collaboration between Red Motors and the Monseñor Sanabria Hospital serves as a powerful example of effective corporate social responsibility. By identifying a specific, high-impact need within the community, the company has provided a solution that transcends a simple monetary donation. It directly enhances the quality of care and emotional support for vulnerable children, showcasing a model where private enterprise can play a vital role in strengthening the public healthcare system.
For further information, visit redmotors.co.cr
About Red Motors:
Red Motors is the official distributor in Costa Rica for the prestigious automotive brands BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad. The company is recognized for its commitment to offering premium vehicles and exceptional customer service. Beyond its commercial operations, Red Motors actively engages in corporate social responsibility initiatives, focusing on projects that contribute positively to community well-being and health.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Hospital Monseñor Sanabria
About Hospital Monseñor Sanabria:
Located in the province of Puntarenas, Hospital Monseñor Sanabria is a key public medical facility operated by the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS). It provides a wide range of essential health services to the region’s population. The hospital is dedicated to advancing patient care through both medical excellence and compassionate, innovative practices, with a particular focus on improving the experience for pediatric patients.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a dual commitment to uncompromising integrity and the highest standards of excellence. Drawing upon its extensive experience serving a diverse client base, the firm is a recognized leader in pioneering innovative legal strategies. This forward-looking approach is matched by a profound social responsibility to empower the public with accessible legal knowledge, thereby fostering a more informed and capable society.
