Celebrating 25 Years of Partnership at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital
This year, we were delighted to celebrate a special milestone: 25 years of Clown Doctors at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide.
Clown Doctors Australia recently joined staff, families and supporters at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) in Adelaide to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 25 years of bringing laughter and joy to children and families receiving care. For a quarter of a century, Clown Doctors have been a familiar and trusted presence throughout the hospital, using imagination, creative play and humour to help make challenging days a little easier.
The anniversary morning tea brought together members of the Clown Doctors team, including Dr Dodo and Dr Gum Nut, alongside CEO Emma Pollard, hospital staff, executives and current patient families. Over shared stories, conversations and plenty of cake, attendees reflected on the impact of a partnership that has helped transform hospital experiences for thousands of children and families across South Australia.
A Partnership Spanning 25 Years
The celebration was an opportunity to recognise not only the longevity of the program, but the strong clinical partnership that has developed between Clown Doctors Australia and WCH.
Since first visiting the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in 2001 with a team of five Clown Doctors working one day per week, the program has grown significantly. Today, Clown Doctors visit WCH three days a week, supporting children and families across wards, outpatient clinics and the Emergency Department. Hospital staff also call on Clown Doctors to support children during procedures and provide emotional support when needed.
Transforming the Hospital Experience
Throughout the celebration, staff and families spoke warmly about the ways Clown Doctors have supported children during some of their most challenging moments. Many reflected on the joy and relief that Clown Doctors bring to the hospital environment, while staff expressed their gratitude for the program’s ongoing contribution to patient care and welcomed the opportunity to celebrate the milestone together.
Among those recognising the impact of the program was Kylie Webb, Orthopaedic Nurse Consultant at WCH, who highlighted the important role Clown Doctors have played in supporting procedural care.
‘Working alongside staff in the K-Wire clinic, Clown Doctors help distract children during procedures to remove temporary metal pins, significantly reducing the need for sedation. They are always warmly welcomed by staff, patients and families at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.’
Her reflection speaks to the unique role Clown Doctors play within healthcare settings, where humour and creativity can complement clinical care and help children feel more confident and supported during medical procedures.
This milestone is also a testament to the generosity of supporters who have helped make 25 years of laughter, connection and care possible at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
As the celebrations concluded, there was a strong sense of appreciation for what has been achieved together over the past quarter century and excitement for what lies ahead. The relationship between Clown Doctors Australia and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital continues to demonstrate the profound impact that humour, creativity and human-centered care can have in healthcare, paving the way for a future where no one fears hospital visits or aging alone.
