Stockholm, Sweden - Today Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX:PHI) announced the opening of the unique concept of "Ambient Experience" at the children radiology clinic at Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital - Northern Europe's largest department of pediatric radiology. The whole concept is designed around the latest version of Philips MRI where innovative design and technology in sound, lighting and animation creates a harmonious environment with the child's experience in mind. It also includes the "Kitten Scanner", a miniature model of a scanner to explain the scanning process to children and take away their anxiety.

The inauguration program started with a seminar about the importance of light in the future of healthcare. Invited speakers from Philips Design, Philips Healthcare and Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children, Orlando and they gave very inspiring presentations. The hospital director of Karolinska Hospital, Birgir Jakobsson, "cut the ribbon" followed by speakers about the project and the vision for the Children Radiology Clinic at Astrid Lingrens Hospital.

"We have found that "Ambient Experience" helps to demystify the MRI examination itself and when the patient is calm, it will also reduce patient motion. This in turn may contribute to shorter procedure time and increasing throughput of patients. It is certainly a valuable tool for both the children and all of us. The entire solution helps to improve clinical workflow and provides an inspiring work environment", says Katarina Johansson, radiology nurse MR section Astrid Lindgren Children's Radiological Clinic.

When the child wakes up curiosity and interest are drawn to the creative elements in the room also reduces the focus on the examination itself. As the children themselves can choose from different environments, it creates a sense of control over the situation; they become more relaxed and can more easily comply with any instruction.

"We want to contribute to innovations that save lives, and it's set certainty that technology and design in this way gives the patient the opportunity to choose their own environment. It can strengthen the patient's sense of self-control and facilitate the medical treatment, especially when it comes to children", says Christer Byfors, Manager for Philips Healthcare Sweden.

+  Read more about Ambient Experience
+ Images from the inauguration at Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital in Sweden