Kids Riding in Style to Surgery at South Texas Health System Children’s in Edinburg

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

South Texas Health System/Edinburg Children’s administration unveils fleet of electronic toy cars to ease patients’ fears when heading to surgery. STHS/Edinburg Children’s Administration (Standing left to right) Carlos Guajardo, CFO; Cat Domian, CNO; Laura Ibarra, Pediatric RN; Stephanie Villalobos, Childlife Specialist; Monica Saenz, Director of Pediatric Services; Lance Ames, CEO; Taylor Fowers, Administrative Resident; and Rosio Contreras, Pediatric RN.

Mega Doctor News

- Advertisement -

Edinburg – Pediatric patients now have the option to get behind the wheel of a kid-sized electric vehicle as they make their way to the operating room at South Texas Health System Children’s in Edinburg.

The hospital staff recently unveiled the fleet of five new vehicles which can be controlled remotely by a nurse if the child does not want to operate it on their own. Of course, the patient’s parents must consent to the ride, and the patient is always monitored by medical staff and must wear a seatbelt.

The children can choose between a Lamborghini, Maserati, Jeep, fire truck or police SUV to navigate down hospital corridors.

- Advertisement -

“The stress of undergoing surgery can be overwhelming for anyone, especially a pediatric patient, which is why South Texas Health System Children’s decided to purchase these electric cars for those children headed to the operating room,” said Lance Ames, CEO of South Texas Health System Children’s. “It’s fun and exciting for them, taking away some of the fear and stress from laying on a stretcher as they are moved into surgery.”

Ames says staff at the children’s hospital are being trained to properly operate the vehicles, and mock speed limit signs and traffic lights will be installed around the patient floors, emergency room,and pediatric intensive care unit to give kids a playful and safe environment on their journey to recovery.

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

STHS Edinburg Teams Up with Reserva Coffee Roasters for Premium Patient Experience

With the grand opening of Reserva Coffee Roasters’ newest café, the warmth and comfort of home are now just a brew away at South Texas Health System Edinburg (STHS) and STHS Children’s, helping create the perfect setting for connection, conversation and community for hospital visitors, staff and physicians.

McAllen Mayor Leads Public Push for Early Lung Cancer Detection

McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos hosted a televised discussion on lung cancer awareness with pulmonologist Juan P. Rey Mendoza and retired McAllen Police Lieutenant Joel Morales to encourage Rio Grande Valley residents to seek screening and recognize the risks of delayed diagnosis.

Pharr Goes Purple: City Proclaims June 2026 as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

The Pharr City Commission proclaimed June 2026 as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, recognizing the millions of individuals, families, caregivers, and researchers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

DHR Health Celebrates Graduating Class of Medical Residents, Fellows, and Pharmacy Residents

DHR Health proudly celebrated the accomplishments of its graduates from their Graduate Medical Education (GME) program during a special graduation ceremony held on June 13, 2026, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance.
- Advertisement -