Clown doctors bid to help children's recovery

Sick children are being treated with juggling, puppetry, mime and magic with the launch of ‘clown doctors’ rounds at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Dublin today.

The performing artists have been specially trained by the Humour Foundation to work in hospitals and use laughter to help children get better.

'Clown rounds' are now being conducted through all wards, including intensive care, emergency and outpatients, as well as corridors, foyers and lifts at the Crumlin hospital.

In the scheme, clown doctors visit children at their bedside and involve them and their families.

Assistant director of nursing Sharon Hayden said the hospital was very pleased to be launching the new concept for children and families.

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

“The clown doctors are professional arts performers selected for their high level of skills as well as their personal qualities such as sensitivity and compassion.

“Clown doctors will play a key role in the hospital in entertaining children through performing arts.

“The clowns are excellent at improvisation and have other skills such as music, magic, mime, puppetry and making balloon animals,” she said.

John-Paul Bell, co-founder of Clown Doctors, said the project used the healing properties of laughter to help children recover while they were in hospital.

“The Humour Foundation of Ireland is an established charity which depends on community support through donations, sponsorship, grants and fundraising events.

“It aims to establish Clown Doctors as an integral part of children’s well-being and recovery programmes in paediatric hospitals.

“The Humour Foundation acknowledges and thanks Our Lady’s and in particular The Children’s Medical & Research Foundation who have sponsored the project,” he added.