Kids receiving burn treatment will experience an extra day of care from Clown Doctors Australia, helping transform clinical moments into experiences of courage, play and connection thanks to funding from Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Clown Doctors attend the Pegg Leditschke Children’s Burn Centre at Queensland Children’s Hospital twice weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays. Offering warmth, calm and joy to young patients and families while working alongside clinical teams to support childrens’ emotional wellbeing during treatment.
Now, with new funding from Children’s Hospital Foundation, Clown Doctors are increasing their presence by an extra day, with visits soon to extend to Fridays.
Making laughter a vital form of care
Clinical evidence indicates that reducing procedural anxiety, stress and pain can accelerate wound healing for children with burns, potentially decreasing the need for skin grafts, scar management and reconstructive procedures.
As 70% of children treated through the Queensland Children’s Hospital burns service are under five years of age at time of injury, imagination, play and emotional support are a critical part of their treatment.
“Clown Doctors are trusted companions in care who work in partnership with healthcare staff, to transform clinical spaces into places of courage, resilience and hope,” said David Symons, Artistic Director of Clown Doctors Australia.
“They provide person-centred, consent-based care and are responsive to the clinical context in which they work. With empathy, imagination and a deep understanding of the hospital environment, they help children navigate fear and pain through laughter, play and connection.
Clown Doctors Australia is very proud of our long-standing partnership with the Pegg Leditschke Children’s Burn Centre at Queensland Children’s Hospital, alongside Children’s Hospital Foundation, working together to improve the care of children in hospital.”
Whether it’s blowing bubbles to distract from painful treatments, playing games to calm pre-appointment nerves or offering a moment of joy to families, Clown Doctors help soften the clinical environment, creating moments of connection, relief and emotional safety for children and families.
Dr Wobble, a clown doctor working in the burns clinic, shared how rewarding it is to be a part of the program.
“Working in clinics and alongside medical teams to provide a holistic approach to healthcare, and hearing a parent tell me that after interacting with the Clown Doctors, their child is more like themselves again, or it may have been the first time they’ve smiled or laughed in weeks, is pretty special.”
Changing the burns research and treatment landscape
Since opening its doors in 2014, the Pegg Leditschke Children’s Burn Centre has revolutionised the treatment and care of more than 10,000 young burns patients.
Where burns once meant long hospital stays, painful procedures and a high likelihood of scarring, today’s treatments focus on faster healing, less invasive care and better long‑term outcomes.
“The outcome for burns is so much better than it used to be,” shared Professor Roy Kimble, Director of Paediatric Surgery, Burns and Trauma at Children’s Health Queensland.
“27% of all the children we saw ended up getting a skin graft – now, we graft less than 2% of the patients we see.”
Support from the community is what drives these incredible changes in burns treatment and care.
Since 2006, Queensland Fire Department’s Bike 4 Burns charity ride has raised $1.1 million for paediatric burns research, specialist care and recovery support.
This year, the initiative celebrates its 20th anniversary with a goal of $200,000 raised and a journey of 800 kilometres from Bundaberg to Queensland Children’s Hospital.
“The improvements we’ve made have not been possible without the efforts of everyone,” said Professor Kimble.
“It’s not just for the children here, it’s for children all over the world.”
Your support ensures the vital work in paediatric burns research and care continues to help children recover and thrive. Donate today to help ensure every child receives the specialised care and support they deserve.
The difference that shapes their world
Through supporting the Children’s Hospital Foundation, you can improve childhoods and ensure all children and young people have access to treatment - sooner.
