Skip to content
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Happy News

This “Kitten Scanner” Is Saving Kids

Eight-year-old Rosie was terrified of the massive MRI machine at Grantham District Hospital until she discovered the “kitten scanner”, a miniature toy version that let her practice the procedure before her real scan. The $20,000 teaching aid allows children to pretend-scan stuffed animals while learning exactly what to expect during their actual MRI, transforming one of medicine’s most intimidating procedures into an approachable game. Since its introduction, at least 28 children have avoided the need for general anesthesia before their scans, a remarkable improvement that radiographers credit entirely to the pre-scan playtime with the tiny replica.

Radiographer Helen Disbrow-Carpenter explains that the kitten scanner teaches the crucial skill of staying perfectly still during scanning, resulting in faster procedures and higher-quality images that benefit both patients and medical staff. The United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity’s investment has already recouped its cost through the money saved on anesthesia procedures, proving that sometimes the most innovative medical solutions come in the smallest, most playful packages. What started as a simple idea to comfort frightened children has evolved into a cost-effective tool that’s revolutionizing pediatric radiology. This ingenious blend of education and play demonstrates that healing doesn’t always require complex technology, sometimes it just takes understanding that a child’s fear can be conquered with the right-sized scanner and a stuffed kitten.

PrevPreviousA Once-Toxic River Just Became Swimmable Again
NextThe Blind Dog Whose Heroic Barking Saved Two Lives From FireNext

Recent Articles

Happy News

Bill Nye Will Receive His Well Deserved Lifetime Achievement Award

February 8, 2026

Bill Nye the Science Guy is about to receive one of the highest honors in children’s television when the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presents him with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 4th Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards on March 1 at Jazz at Lincoln Center

Read More
Happy News

Taylor Swift’s Kitchen Skills Were Unexpected

February 8, 2026

Taylor Swift has become a beloved member of the Kelce family not just through her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce but also through her impressive skills in the kitchen, particularly her baking abilities that have won over the entire clan including Chiefs teammates. On her podcast Not Gonna Lie,

Read More
Happy News

Will and Jada Smith Support Their Son During Fashion Week Debut

February 8, 2026

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith proudly supported their son Jaden at his debut appearance as Christian Louboutin’s first men’s creative director during Paris Fashion Week, and they reportedly looked to be in great spirits despite living separately since 2016. The couple’s outing marked the first time they had been

Read More
« Previous Next »
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2026 HappyNews.