Send in clowns for fun therapy

YOU wouldn't want them to perform a delicate operation on you, but Clown Doctors are bringing doses of fun and laughter to children in hospitals across Australia, including the Royal Hobart Hospital.

An initiative of the Humour Foundation, Clown Doctors are professional performers trained to help children in hospital to smile.

They parody hospital routines to help children adapt to this unfamiliar environment, and distract kids during painful or distressing procedures.

RHH pediatric ward acting nurse manager Cassandra Tichanow said there had been a great response since Dr Do Little (Peter Dowling), Dr Fix-It (Sara Cooper) and Dr Feelgood (Andrew Brassington) began visiting the hospital last October.

"The kids just love it," she said.

"The kids get to know them and look forward to them coming in, but it's also really important for the staff - the clowns are actually a very good support for us.

"They make us laugh as well."

Miss Tichanow said laughter could sometimes be the best medicine.

"It has been proven that a good distraction, as well as making kids forget about the pain, also has a psychological effect on your pain pathways," she said.

"Laughter can also stimulate your immune system, so it's very good for you."

The second annual Smile Day will be held on Friday, and the Humour Foundation hopes to raise $500,000 to help Clown Doctors bring smiles to the faces of children in hospitals across Australia.

The public can help by purchasing selected Cadbury Schweppes products, Smile Donor badges, pens and tattoos from Woolworths or Big W stores.

You can also make a donation at any Commonwealth Bank branch or hold a "fun-raiser" at your workplace, school or club before April 3.

For more information on the program, go to www.clowndoctors.com.au

Article from  http://www.news.com.au