Freddie visits the Kingston Centre

Freddie the Clown is visiting a geriatric care and rehabilitation centre in Melbourne's south-east run by Monash Health as part of a six-month trial with Clown Doctors Australia.

Skeptics become believers

Sue initially rolled her eyes at the idea of a clown doctor. Three months into the trial, she says, "Now I think, 'Wow Freddie, you are really good. You make everyone happy'."

“Now I think, 'Wow Freddie, you are really good. You make everyone happy'.”

Behind the nose is David Wells

Freddie is performer David Wells, who has had a forty-seven-year career in performing arts from treading the boards to busking the streets. He completed a one-year clownternship with Clown Doctors Australia.

Training makes the difference

About one hundred clown doctors have visited more than one hundred thousand patients at Australian hospitals and aged care facilities this year.

Meeting patients where they are

The clownternship teaches performers to connect with patients as individuals, meeting them in their mental or physical state.

“It might be small and gentle. It might be raucous and loud, but it is what that person needs now.”

The ward sees real change

Ward nurse unit manager Ashley Southin says the trial has been a resounding success, with laughter contagious.Patients look forward to visits and love when staff join in.