Clown Doctors deliver a prescription for joy at PCH

Dr Dopey and Dr Big with a young patient at his mother at PCH.

Dr Dopey and Dr Big spreading joy to patients and families at Perth Children's Hospital

October 22, 2025

At Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) healing comes in many forms, and sometimes, it wears a red nose.

Since 2018, the Clown Doctors have been a joyful presence at PCH, offering children and families a dose of humour where it’s most needed.

Operating four days a week, they visit wards, outpatient clinics, and the Emergency Department, helping to ease anxiety and build trust in clinical settings.

In the past year, nearly 20,000 people – including children, families, and staff have benefited from Clown Doctor visits.

Their presence has been especially impactful in specialist clinics, with recent pilots in Plastics, Orthopaedics, and Burns Outpatient Clinics showing improved cooperation and reduced distress during procedures.

Backed by research and evaluation, a recent impact report found:

93% of carers saw improved mood in their child.
100% felt relief or respite.
94% of healthcare workers said Clown Doctors helped them provide more efficient care.
96% of healthcare workers said children were more receptive to care.
The program delivered $2.8 million in value to PCH in the past year.

As one parent shared:

“He was very sick, lethargic and in pain… After the Clown Doctors quietly played music and talked to him about his toys, he became more settled and slept after they left. I think this helped him and our family cope with the uncertainty and stress of the stay in hospital and treatment.”

The Clown Doctors are part of Clown Doctors Australia, a national charity dedicated to enhancing wellbeing through the uplifting power of humour.

Learn more at clowndoctorsaustralia.org.au.