Giggle Doctors heading for Guernsey wards

Sunday 28 October 2018

Guernsey's Princess Elizabeth Hospital could soon have giggle doctors doing the ward rounds along with other medical staff.

The suggestion has come from two young patients who experienced them first hand while undergoing treatment in Southampton.

Theodora Giggle Doctors are professional performers, "highly trained to work in both the hospital and hospice environments, and with children with disabilities."

The Committee for Health and Social Care invited the Giggle Doctors over last week to find out more about how it works.

Emily Swords, Chief Executive of the Theodora Children’s Charity was among those who came over, to talk about the work of Giggle Doctors with her visit supported by the Friends of Frossard Ward charity, which raises money for the island's children's ward.

The Giggle Doctors themselves come from a wide range of backgrounds, including magicians, musicians and singers. They work to a programme which aims at improving children’s experiences of hospital life, by reducing stress and anxiety, increasing opportunities for play and improving wellbeing.

During her visit, which was aimed at establishing whether a model for Giggle Doctors could be introduced in Guernsey, Ms Swords was due to meet with teams from Frossard Ward, Childrens Dental Services and the Emergency Department. 

Pictured top: The Giggle Doctors in action, in an image from their website.