A therapeutic hospital clown is a professional entertainer who has been thoroughly trained in the specifics of working in a hospital environment – physical hygiene, emotional hygiene, infection control, confidentiality and professional etiquette. The therapeutic clown works on a regular basis (for example, once a week) and is directly responsible to the Child Life Department. The clown is fully briefed by the child life specialists before engaging with the patients, and understands that the wishes and needs of the child takes priority over those of the clown“Doc Willikers” began at Children’s in 1994. Since then, he has been coming into the hospital weekly to spend time with inpatients. Doc also visits outpatient clinics monthly. In 2004, we saw the addition of a second therapeutic clown, “Ms. Phizzio Fit – FrizzioTherapist,” or “Fizzie” as many of the children fondly refer to her. For more information, refer to the Canadian Association of Therapeutic Clowns website.
Please contact the Child Life Department at 604-875-2345 ext 7686 for more information about the Dog Visitation Program.