LAKEPORT, Calif. – Sutter Lakeside Hospital welcomed Brownie Troop No. 10514 for a hospital tour on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

The troop, along with their parents and families arrived at the hospital and toured the clinical laboratory, medical imaging, surgery and emergency departments.

“We love to give tours of our emergency department to be able to share the great things we have to offer with our community,” said emergency department nurse Cyndy Forbes. “It’s especially rewarding for me to host the Brownie Troop as I am a former Girl Scout and know how important interactions like these are for young girls.”

“With the tour of the hospital and learning about hospital care of patients, the Brownies have now all qualified for the First Aid Badge,” said Brownie Troop Leader Leslie West. “We are very happy to be collaborating with Sutter Lakeside Hospital to help our Brownies learn about health care.”

Myra Dawang, clinical lab scientist, showed how laboratory tests can take a small sample of blood and discover all kinds of things about a person, including a fondness for eating fatty foods.  

In the imaging department, director Jose Aponte showed the children various pieces of equipment and demonstrated the lead-lined aprons used for patient and staff safety.

Diana Iniguez, surgery director, displayed the hair nets and foot coverings that surgical clinicians are required to wear to protect patients and families from germs.

Iniguez also showed the troop the “red line” in the surgery department that requires anyone crossing it to have full-protective coverings.

Diane Pege, MD, talked to the children about preventing the spread of germs and everyone was encouraged to use the many, many hand sanitizer dispensers located throughout the hospital.

“I am a former Girl Scout myself and I was thrilled to be able host a hospital tour for them,” said Chief Administrative Officer Siri Nelson. “Doing things like this for community groups gives our staff the opportunity to showcase what they do. We all decided on a career in healthcare to give back so this was an honor for us. We sincerely want to thank the Girl Scouts for their time and attention. They’re a great group of girls.”