Inspired by the book Curious George Goes to the Hospital, Jude Keller, Manager of Volunteer Services at Parker Adventist Hospital with the help of a group of dedicated volunteers and staff members, has developed an educational and realistic hospital tour for children ages 4 to 7. Children enjoy a positive experience in a nurturing environment.

The MOMS Club of Parker SE recently arrived with ten kids from 2 to 5 years old. Volunteers Cheri Peyton and Nora Ami took over while moms stepped back and watched. With a 4-foot tall stuffed toy, Curious George, observing from a wheelchair, Cheri Peyton read from the classic book in which George accidentally swallows some pieces of a jig-saw puzzle. The children then dressed up in disposable surgical caps, shoes and masks and took on the role of a team of doctors.

The new doctors went to work applying dressings and bandaids to George and injecting him with toy syringes. George was wheeled to emergency admissions and ushered into the X-Ray room where Radiologist Lori Blakely welcomed the group and told them all about the specialized equipment. George was gently lifted onto to the table and everyone moved behind a protective window while he was X-rayed. The X-ray plate was then shown on a digital screen and the kids could diagnose the problem. The puzzle pieces were clearly visible in Curious George's stomach!

The tour took about an hour and even the younger children remained engaged and interested. One mother, whose child had had real surgery some months before, commented "I just wish my child had been able to do this tour before his surgery." Radiologist Lori Blakely said that she had seen a number of children come in for X-rays after doing the Curious George Tour and she is able to see a marked difference in their level of confidence and lessened anxiety.

Parents or educators interested in scheduling a tour are encouraged to call Jude Keller at 303-269-4970 or email judekeller@centura.org. Group size should be no more than 12 children and parent or teacher assistance is required. Tour duration is typically 45 minutes to 1 hour. Tours can be adjusted to meet specific age and/or developmental needs and with advance notice a nutritious snack or lunch can be provided.

Photographs shown here were taken on Thursday 13 th December when the MOMS Club of Parker SE visited Parker Adventist Hospital and took the Curious George Tour.