Palisades Pediatric Patients Can Now 'Drive' To Surgery

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ – Young patients at Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center can now swap wheelchairs for four wheels and drive themselves to surgery in electric motorized cars.

The newly-donated mini-motorized cars are being used to help make the journey into surgery a more positive experience for youngsters at the North Bergen hospital.

In the same-day surgery unit, one of the first young patients to get behind the wheel of prior to her procedure was Genesis Monjes, a 3-year-old girl from North Bergen. As soon as the little girl climbed into the car, she became relaxed and began smiling.

Patricia Carroll, chief operating officer of Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center, said “We have been thrilled to see that the cars have lessened anxiety for both the children and their loved ones. Reducing preoperative anxiety in a natural way is always a priority in providing the highest quality of care for our patients.”

The two cars were donated by Carpet Etcetera, a Cedar Knolls-based company that specializes in the sales and installation of floors.

The company’s vice president, Hector Genao, said they’re “proud to make this donation to make surgeries a little less daunting for children.”