Rusty helps kids munch their lunch
The blue Rhino recently visited Netcare Krugersdorp Hospital – and boy did the kids love him!
Being in hospital is a scary experience, especially if you are just a child, and sometimes the children are too scared to eat.
This is why Medirest South Africa decided to create an interesting character to help children eat the nutritious food they’re offered while they’re in hospital.
This character, a blue rhino called Rusty, forms part of the paediatric patient catering programme for South Africa. He recently visited Netcare Krugersdorp Hospital as part of the programme’s launch, and boy, did the children love him!
Amé Riley Spies, a toddler in one of the paediatric wards, was feeling a little down and did not want to smile or eat. But when Rusty made his grand entrance into the ward, Amé’s eyes widened and she immediately laughed at this gigantic blue creature. She was fascinated by his strange yellow horn and chubby cheeks. Rusty was happy to come really close, so Amé could touch his ears and look into his eyes.
Yeolin Morkel, one of the other patients in the ward, jumped up from her bed and gave Rusty a big hug. His cheeks even began to turn red when she told him she liked him.
Rusty’s programme aims to help children eat nutritious food in hospital to ensure their speedy recovery. Patients who eat these foods are rewarded with a certificate, a star sticker and a huge hug from Rusty. They also receive colouring sheets and crayons to enjoy while they are recovering and to make their time in bed feel a little shorter.
Why did Medirest use a rhino?
The programme originated in the USA and was originally called Moose on the Loose. However, there very few children in South Africa who know what a moose is. The programme directors in South Africa needed another character who embodied their aims and the nation’s spirit. The rhino seemed like a good idea because of its ability to make people, especially kids, smile at its short legs which don’t seem able to carry its body, its enormous horn and its mischievous nature. In the story of Rusty, he gets into the kitchen and gets up to all kinds of antics and activities.
Rusty the Rhino hospitals have the following characteristics:
• Their menus are age-specific and contain a few old-time favourites that children enjoy.
• The crockery is decorated with Rusty’s smile to make meals fun. Their trays are also colourful.
• The children who eat their healthy food or take their medication are awarded with brave girl/ boy stickers. They also receive a Bravery certificate during their stay.
• The hospital has a colouring station where they keep children entertained. They colour pictures of Rusty doing all sorts of fun stuff.
• The catering staff at the hospital wear Rusty Rhino caps that have cute ears and a yellow horn. They also wear funky aprons.
• Children can also take pictures with Rusty at the photo board before they go home and cherish that moment forever.
Why they believe children enjoy their food:
• The food is created in a way so that children can eat with their hands.
• The food is customisable: it is cut into animal shapes (especially rhino shapes).
• The food is dip-able.
• The food is cut into sizes that make it look like treats.
• They get blue balloons when they eat.
Click here to view more photos.
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