Clowning around in Tamworth

Though the rural doctor shortage is no laughing matter, the situation will be temporarily eased with a visit from Laughter Specialists Doctor B Looney and Doctor I M Crackers.

The Sydney Humour Foundation Clown Doctors are making a special visit to Tamworth Hospital on 3 October to promote the healing power of humour and laughter therapy.

Between 10am and 1pm the Clown Doctors will be prescribing doses of laughter to children and adults at Tamworth Hospital, and administering it through improvisational play and music.

The Clown Doctors are professional performers, with training in dealing with the sensitive hospital environment. 

Clown Doctors parody routine hospital procedures that patients are familiar with.  Their routines help patients adjust to an unfamiliar environment and distract children during painful procedures.

Co-Founder and Creative Director of The Humour Foundation, Jean-Paul Bell (Dr B Looney) selects and trains the Clown Doctors and often speaks to health professionals and community groups. In 2000 he was one of three Clown Doctors to visit East Timor and in 2002 he was part of the International Patchwork for Peace mission visiting Afghanistan.

“When people see the Clown Doctors dispensing doses of fun and laughter in hospitals, they may not realise that Clown Doctors are highly skilled professional performers who have undergone an audition process and initial training to work in the sensitive hospital environment,” Mr Bell said.

“They also continue training with a regular on-going professional development program.”

Contact: Tamaryn Curry

Phone: 4921 4801