On a visit to Glasgow Children’s Hospital the Clowndoctors visited a very unwell little boy who was about to go for surgery and needed a little distraction.
“We had a beautiful visit with an 18 month old baby, Daniel* in strict isolation and due to go for surgery. The staff were very keen we visited through the window saying they felt he could do with being cheered up. The staff very tentatively helped Daniel up from bed into arms and over to the window with all his fluid tubes attached. After a short while, and with minimum discomfort, he was in place to say hello to Dr Groovy’s joyous little fish puppet who was happily swimming in lots of bubbles and occasionally bursting one! The squeak that sounded as the bubble burst was heard through the door and the young boy loved following the play with smiles and reached out with his hands. Daniel would often look at the staff and they encouraged him and gradually everyone was smiling and laughing at the play. The atmosphere was lightened and just as we were about to finish, his Dad came along and we got to celebrate his arrival with everyone. Before entering the room, the Dad shared that he was feeling very anxious at his son’s upcoming surgery. He said you wouldn’t guess that he was severely ill when we were there. There was a sense of relief and it was great to gently acknowledge and celebrate together despite the anxious situation.”
Therapeutic clowning can help distract a child from a stressful experience and alleviate anxiety for parents too. The Clowndoctors are there for families and staff as well as the young people they visit.
*name changed for privacy
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