The Son Espases University Hospital has strengthened its commitment to patient-centred care with the development of its own collection of children’s storybooks. These stories are designed to help young patients better understand medical procedures and feel more at ease during their stay. The initiative, promoted by the hospital’s Humanisation Committee, has resulted in several titles now used daily in pediatric units.
One of the featured books is “CMA”, created by the Pediatric Section of the Anesthesiology and Recovery Service, coordinated by Cristina Aulí Turner and illustrated by Marina Cascales. The story walks children through the experience of outpatient surgery simply and reassuringly, helping reduce pre-procedure anxiety.
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Son Espases Creates a Children’s Storybook Collection to Make Hospital Stays More Comfortable for Young Patients
From the same department comes “Los sueños mágicos de la anestesia” (“The Magic Dreams of Anaesthesia”), a tale that explains what anaesthesia is and how it works through gentle language and imagination, turning a potentially intimidating moment into a safe and familiar adventure.
Another story, “Aina and Nurse Mosquito,” depicts a girl’s experience before a blood draw, using humour and empathy to help children understand the procedure. Created by Sonia Gutiérrez and continued thanks to supervisor Nuria Navas and Miguel Vargas, it has inspired the decoration of the extraction room to make it more welcoming.
The newest addition is “Special Mission in Urpilandia”, starring Urpi, the mascot of the pediatric emergency unit. Written by nurse director and Humanisation Committee president Natalia Vallés Ruiz, together with the hospital classroom team, it guides young patients through the emergency circuit with colourful illustrations and character references designed to reduce fear and uncertainty.
These storybooks are part of a broader effort led by the Humanization Committee, which works to improve the hospital experience by enhancing spaces, training staff in communication skills, and developing materials that support emotional wellbeing.