Children at Derriford Hospital are now able to drive themselves to surgery or X-rays in their very own Tesla car.
Derriford Hospital is the fourth children’s unit in the country to receive a Tesla car which is a battery-powered replica of the full size models, with a working MP3 sound system and space in the boot to carry toys and other belongings. Children will be accompanied to theatre, X-ray or other appointments and will be able to drive the car themselves.
Matron Anita Dykes said: “This is a lovely gesture and will make a big difference to lots of children who could really benefit from having their minds distracted.”
The man behind the donation, Mark Freeman, is the director of KK Control and Equipment Ltd, a Plymouth-based electrical company whose firm has worked at Derriford Hospital over the years. Mark is also part of the Tesla Owners Group UK, whose members have been donating child-sized Tesla cars to various hospitals and charitable trusts.
“This will allow children to drive themselves to areas they need to go in the hospital, just to try and make the experience a little less daunting," said Mark.