Clown doctors prescribe laughter

IF LAUGHTER is the best medicine, then children in a Dublin hospital are in good hands with the introduction yesterday of ‘clown doctor’ rounds.

Serving up a mixture of juggling, puppetry, mime and magic, the performing artists at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin have been specially trained by the Humour Foundation to work in hospitals and use laughter to improve children’s health.

As part of the novel programme, ‘clown rounds’ are being conducted through all wards at the hospital, including intensive care, emergency and outpatients, as well as in the corridors, foyers and lifts. Bedside visits are also an option, involving the young patients and their families.

Assistant director of nursing Sharon Hayden said the hospital was delighted with the new concept.

“Clown doctors work together with the hospital routine to help children and families laugh and adapt to the hospital environment,” she said.

Clown Doctors co-founder John-Paul Bell said the project used the healing properties of laughter to help children recover. They depend on public goodwill to fund the project.