TGH teams up with The Florida Aquarium to offer virtual tours for kids
Tampa, FL (BLOOM) – Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has partnered with The Florida Aquarium to bring a unique and immersive experience to pediatric patients. The Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH now offers robot-guided virtual aquarium tours, allowing kids to explore marine life from their hospital beds.
This groundbreaking program, one of the few in the nation, lets pediatric patients enjoy virtual tours of The Florida Aquarium using a custom-built robot. John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General and president of the Board of The Florida Aquarium, highlighted the innovative nature of this partnership. “We’re proud to revolutionize the care experience for our pediatric patients and their families. This program exemplifies how unconventional partnerships can elevate patient care,” he said.
Tampa General, as the leading academic and research health system in the region, often treats critically ill patients, many of whom spend extended periods in the hospital. Recognizing the challenges long-term pediatric patients face, TGH collaborated with The Florida Aquarium to help these kids connect with the world outside the hospital.
Roger Germann, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. “Both The Florida Aquarium and Tampa General share a commitment to healing and teaching. This partnership delivers an exciting, educational experience for our community’s pediatric patients,” he said.
Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) at TGH play a crucial role in this program, helping to reduce stress and anxiety through education and play. They identify interested patients for the 30-minute virtual tours and coordinate with The Florida Aquarium to schedule them. Using a remotely controlled robot, patients can navigate the aquarium’s exhibits, guided by a team member at the aquarium and a CCLS in their hospital room.
The program was designed with patient feedback, incorporating suggestions from Tampa General’s Patient and Family Advisory Council. Before the official launch, pediatric patients helped name the robot, eventually christening it Aquabot 3000. Real patients previewed the program to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Melissa Golombek, vice president of the Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH, emphasized the positive impact of the program. “We’re thrilled to partner with The Florida Aquarium in such a meaningful way. This program offers our pediatric patients something fun and gives them a sense of autonomy and joy during a challenging time in their lives,” she said.
Looking ahead, Tampa General and The Florida Aquarium plan to expand the program with a second robot, creating more opportunities for kids to engage with this cutting-edge technology.
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