**LEGO Experts Craft Miniature Hospital Equipment to Alleviate Young Patients’ Anxieties**
A group of LEGO enthusiasts in New Zealand is working to create a less intimidating environment for young hospital patients by constructing miniature replicas of hospital equipment. These models, which include MRI scanners, X-ray machines, and waiting rooms, are designed to familiarise children with the medical machinery they may encounter during their hospital visits, thereby reducing their fear and anxiety.
The initiative, spearheaded by the LEGO User Group (LUG) South, is targeting hospitals in the Southland and Otago regions. The concept of using LEGO models to ease children’s hospital experiences is not entirely new. Approximately eight years ago, LEGO produced hundreds of brick replicas of hospital machinery, which were quickly snapped up, leaving New Zealand without any. However, the South Island LEGO group has now acquired the necessary “blueprints” to build their own versions.
Gavin Evans, the secretary of LUG South, explained that the idea came about after they were contacted by a play specialist from a local hospital who had seen the LEGO models online. “They asked us if we knew anything about these models, and fortunately, we did,” Evans said during an interview with Checkpoint. He further explained that obtaining the blueprints was straightforward, thanks to his extensive international connections within the LEGO community. “I reached out to friends worldwide, and one of them was able to provide the blueprints,” he added.
Each model is composed of several hundred LEGO bricks, with some, like the MRI machine, requiring rare pieces. “Sourcing the parts is not easy, but we have experts in our club who excel at finding these elusive bricks,” Evans noted. The group utilises an online trading platform for LEGO pieces, which is used by enthusiasts globally. “The most challenging pieces to find are those that form the surround of the MRI machine because they are in a particularly rare colour,” he explained.
Evans emphasised that the group is committed to authenticity and is unwilling to substitute the rare pieces with different colours. “We could change the colour, but the models look much better with the original pieces,” he said.
LUG South operates as a charitable trust, organising events across the South Island to raise funds for sick children. Their recent LEGO show in Southland not only raised money but also helped fund the current project. “We showcased a prototype of the MRI machine and received donations from the public,” Evans mentioned.
For some members of the group, the project holds personal significance. One member, who overcame cancer as a child, is particularly passionate about giving back to the community. “He had a tough time as a child, and it has shaped his outlook on life. He is incredibly generous and committed to helping others, just as he was helped when he needed it,” Evans shared.
The group hopes that the LEGO replicas will provide comfort to other children during their hospital stays. Evans cited research indicating that the models have a significant positive impact on young patients. “When children play with the models, the medical equipment becomes less intimidating and more familiar,” he explained. “This familiarity can lead to children being calmer and more relaxed, sometimes even requiring less or no sedation, which is a significant benefit.”
Currently, the models are still in the prototype phase, but the group is diligently working towards completing the final products.
The use of LEGO models in hospitals is part of a broader movement to incorporate play and familiarisation into paediatric care. Hospitals worldwide have increasingly recognised the importance of creating child-friendly environments to alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with medical procedures. By integrating play into the hospital experience, healthcare providers aim to improve the overall well-being of young patients.
The idea of using LEGO models to demystify medical equipment is supported by research in child psychology. Studies have shown that play can be a powerful tool in helping children process and understand complex experiences. By engaging with miniature versions of medical equipment, children can explore their fears in a safe and controlled environment, leading to reduced anxiety during actual medical procedures.
In addition to the psychological benefits, there are also practical advantages to using LEGO models in hospitals. By reducing the need for sedation, the models can contribute to shorter recovery times and fewer side effects for young patients. This not only improves the child’s experience but also reduces the burden on healthcare resources.
The initiative by LUG South is part of a growing trend of using innovative approaches to improve paediatric healthcare. Around the world, hospitals are experimenting with various strategies to make medical environments more welcoming and less intimidating for children. From colourful murals and interactive play areas to virtual reality experiences, the focus is on creating spaces where children feel safe and supported.
As the LEGO models move from prototype to final product, the team at LUG South remains committed to their mission of supporting young patients. With their dedication and expertise, they are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children facing medical challenges.
The project also highlights the power of community and collaboration. By leveraging their connections and resources, the members of LUG South are able to bring a creative and impactful solution to local hospitals. Their work serves as an inspiring example of how individuals and groups can come together to address important issues and make a positive impact in their communities.
