The doctor is a clown...
A group of well-trained volunteers have launched a Clown Doctors service at Mater Dei, aiming to raise a smile among the young patients.
The service, based on an idea from the film Patch Adams, was launched this morning by Health Minister Joseph Cassar, who remarked that laughter is the best medicine.
The volunteers form part of an NGO called Dr Klown. They receive psychological and artistic training before donning their red noses and going near patients.
Maria Delicata, who heads the NGO, recalled how Clown Doctors used to delight her young son in a UK hospital, and said it had been her wish to launch such a service in Malta.
Dr Edward Curmi, Psychological Support Officer, underlined the training which the volunteers receive.
Dr Cassar praised the volunteers for their professionalism and thanked them on behalf of the patients.
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13 Comments
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ninu gale
Nov 6th 2011, 14:50
Good idea, maybe you better also send in the clowns on the Stages as people waiting hours for Arriva need to be entertained from their swearing at Austin Gatt and Arriva.
Pule' Carmel
Nov 5th 2011, 22:33
Antics of clown in a hospital is like any other medicine , only the clown's medicine works much faster than ordinary medicine.
Martinique Vb
Nov 5th 2011, 21:18
How can we contact this organization please?
m. borg
Nov 5th 2011, 21:03
If laughter is the best medicin they should let the kids watch parliamentary debates live, like the one we had yesterday.
.
In fact I believe that it is a good idea although not original and has been too long to act on it, but better late than never.
Victor Vella
Nov 5th 2011, 20:56
Keep the wee ones happy during their stay in hopspital,Well done al, may God bless you.
S.M. Cuschieri
Nov 5th 2011, 20:48
What a sweet idea!!! Apart from the therapeutic effect laughter brings, it will even help alleviate the daily stress the doctors go through too. so it is even good for the docs apart from the little patients!! well done to all involved!!
Alfred Grech
Nov 5th 2011, 19:33
Excellent idea. Prosit to all involved.
julian Portelli
Nov 5th 2011, 19:26
cya @ J challenge Gudja next weekend. Keep up the good work Dr.klown. www.jchallenge.org.mt
Joseph Calleja
Nov 5th 2011, 17:47
Awesome. A very noble and excellent idea. There is no price for putting a smile on a child's face especially on the face of a sick child. Keep up the good work Doc, and that goes for Nurses too.
Jacob Vella
Nov 5th 2011, 17:09
Well done for this noble gesture - am sure that besides allaying distress from parents and children (and even staff), you will be improving the relationship of present and future generations with the medical environment which tends to be perceived as one of fear and pain, especially among the younger patients.
Medical students also hold a project, called 'Teddy Bear Hospital' in young people's institutions were a better clinician-child relationship is aimed for and health advice is given to their parents.
Shaun Camilleri
Nov 5th 2011, 17:04
Very good idea.keep up the good work guys!
doig eht pu peeK .aedi doog y
Mark Anthony Fenech
Nov 5th 2011, 16:18
a commendable idea :)
R Axisa
Nov 5th 2011, 15:47
Service with a smile! Good idea and well done!