THE healing power of laughter has never been so well articulated as it is in the work of the affectionately known ‘clown doctors’.
More formally recognised as the Artscare NI Clown Doctors, this troupe of actors, performers, musicians and dancers are marking 20 years of raising a laugh and a smile on the Ulster Hospital’s paediatric wards.
Ulster Hospital Healthcare play specialist Sharon Pauley said the Clown Doctors have provided an amazing service over the years for the children and they are great at engaging the children, young people and parents that are in our care.
“They promote mental health and well-being and have such a positive impact on people’s mood on the ward. They say that laughter is the best medicine and we have seen that in action thanks to the Clown Doctors.”
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt joined patients, staff, children and young people in the 20th anniversary celebrations, hosted at the Ulster Hospital.
Fourteen-year-old Lucie Frame described how much the Clown Doctors had cheered her up as she had plans to go away over the weekend.
“They are really funny and my dad was even joking around with them and they made me feel better,” she said.
Founding member of the group, Paul Taylor, otherwise known to children and young people on the hospital wards as ‘Dr Clooless’, explained how much 20 years’ bringing joy and laughter meant to him and the team.
“I want to say thanks to the Ulster Hospital for allowing us to come and entertain and meet the children these past 20 years. I even have ‘Clown Doctor’ down as my profession on my children’s birth certificates.
“We work so well with the hospital play specialists and the staff here, we are a big team here. We like to think we bring a different atmosphere onto the ward and I know how anxious you can get on a hospital ward, I’ve been here with my own children.
“As Clown Doctors, we hope that the children and young people can build a relationship with us.”
