Hospitals are rarely a pleasant experience, and even less for children.

The New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, however, managed to make it at least a little less stressful, by installing a pirate-themed CT scanner.

When the time came to replace the old scan, were employees primarily looking for one that would deliver a smaller dose of radiation, but ended up improving its design as well.

The young patients in one of the largest children’s hospitals in the country seem to appreciate the welcoming pirate ship, “There is not scary pirates – there’s a pussycat pirate and one that looks like Curious George,” said Dr. Carrie Ruzal-Shapiro, chief for Pediatric radiology.

“Parents have been really positive. It makes it less scary for kids.”

Nurse Naomi Hawkins says the best response she has received so far was “Hurry and get out so I can play.”

Source: childrensnyp.org