We've hit the funny bone here

Mar 13 2007 By Audrey Forbes, The Journal

Clown doctors are bringing a smile to children's faces at North-East hospitals. Audrey Forbes reports.

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The special laughing docs are proving that laughter really is the best medicine for kids on children's wards. Youngsters are clowning around with the special doctors as part of a new programme funded by Arts Council England, North-East.

Using performing arts, the professional artists trained to work in health care settings aim to help children through the experience of being in hospital.

Dr Jemima Jamjuggle has paid a cheery visit to the children's ward at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, bringing a smile to the face of six-year-old Britney Hill-Sherwin.

She said: "I thought it was fun. They made me laugh when they used an oil can to oil my joint under my arm."

Mum Chrissie, 28, said: "It really seemed to lift her spirits and make her smile."

The Clown Doctors programme uses story-telling, music, improvisation and clowning to help children through the often confusing and frightening experience of being in hospital.

Professional artists managed by TIN Productions, a regional arts development company, visit hospitals in Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland.

Its director, Martin Wilson, believes the programme benefits both children and their families.

He said: "The Clown Doctors programme recognises that the implications of hospitalisation are far wider than simply those relating to medical conditions.

"Fear, boredom, loss of control and other insecurities can adversely affect children in hospital. This programme offers a way of entertaining, supporting and empowering children who may be suffering with these issues."

This is the first time a Clown Doctors programme has been used in the North-East, but similar programmes have been used to great success in Scotland, London and many countries around the world.

Lead Clown Doctor, John Quinn, said: "The biggest fear for many youngsters when they go into hospital is not understanding the situation.

"The Clown Doctors can help to explain medical procedures and jargon to minimise the distress and confusion of the children. We can also help them come to terms with their situation through humour and play. The scheme is in no way intended to replace medical treatment but we can offer something that the hospitals can't. It is not just about entertainment but working with a specific child and helping them overcome the problems they are facing."

Clown Doctors use song, dance, circus skills and storytelling to help hospitalised children come to terms with their situation, and feel a whole lot better.

Jane Wiles, nurse lead for children's services at the James Cook University Hospital, said: "Play is very important for the children. It is clear we should be injecting more fun into the hospital and making their stay as fun as possible.

"This helps us work with children and build their confidence.

"You only have to see the clown doctors to realise how talented and dedicated they are.

"Seeing the children's faces when they are with them is fabulous."

Laughter research

When you laugh, the production of endorphins in your body keeps you feeling good for ages.

Laughter eases muscle tension, which can be good for rheumatism.

Laughter aids ventilation and helps clear mucus plugs, which is good for respiratory conditions like emphysema.

Laughter induces an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which increases blood circulation causing a rise in the volume of oxygen and nutrients that are pumped to the tissues.

Laughter increases catecholamines, which are known to boost mental function. Therefore laughter improves mental alertness, memory and interpersonal responsiveness.

Laughter enhances blood oxygen levels and boosts circulation. This is particularly important in combating cancer because cancer needs an oxygen-depleted body to survive.

Laughter increases pain tolerance.