Bradford Royal Infirmary - Clown Doctors

UPDATE: This project was completed in 2009.

The Childrens Unit within Bradford Infirmary provides essential care and treatment to children and young people with all sorts of conditions including surgery , accidental injury and medical problems they have been born with. Bradford Infirmary helps over 7150 children and families per year. 

With your support we will provide a specially trained "Clown Doctor" to assist in Bradford Infirmary's Children's Unit for six months at a cost of £4,840.00.

This innovative and hugely popular work was first introduced at Great Ormond Street Hospital ten years ago. The clown doctors are trained to work alongside hospital staff to spend time every week with children in hospital. They work one to one or in small groups, and for the young patients the clown's weekly visit offers a welcome respite from the medical routine of their hospital stay. Depending on the needs and age of the child , the clown may sit and speak to them, encourage activities, present balloons or perform entertainments for a small group of children. The beneficial effect of laughter is hugely important for a child's recovery. 

The total cost is £9,680.00 we have already had pledges of support worth £4,840.00 from many rotary clubs within and around the Bradford area.