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Facility:
Sainte-Justine Hospital
Centre hospitalier universitaire mère-enfant
3175 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road
Montreal, Quebec
H3T 1C5
www.sainte-justine.com
450 beds and 55 nursery beds |
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The program
 The pilot project began in September 2003, with the financial assistance of a number of generous donors, most especially Clarica. Sainte-Justine is a very big facility, providing care for a wide variety of patients - children and mothers. For our pilot, we focussed on the transplants and multiple specialties department, where we met children of all ages, needing organ transplants or suffering from illnesses like cystic fibrosis. Many children are in isolation to protect them from outside germs, and to prevent them from infecting other children.
Every morning, the artists meet the head nurse of the department, who tells them which patients are their priorities. The clown-doctors start their day by putting on gowns, masks, and gloves, so that they can spread a little joy to children in isolation without putting themselves or the patients at risk.
Even though they have a busy schedule, the staff like to take a break sometimes and watch us struggle with hospital material or get soaked as we try to wash our hands. There are even some staff members who like to play tricks on their favourite clown-doctors! The staff also know when to call on us for help, during painful or difficult procedures.
At the end of our pilot project, the staff, children, and families all gave the program a very positive evaluation, which led us to consider the possibility of extending our work to other departments.
What they have to say
“I really like it, and sometimes the clowns have helped me in my approach to certain patients.”
“ . . . laughter and high spirits are conducive to healing. I think the project should be part of all hospitalized children’s lives.”
“A big thank you to the founders of the program, and congratulations to the clowns – you really make a difference. Everybody appreciated your visits!”
“It’s important to mention that the clowns make everyone smile – children, parents, and staff. From the tiny tots to the big kids, everyone seems to enjoy the clowns’ visits.”
“This is a project that strikes me as absolutely necessary.”
“They should offer this service all over the hospital!”
Montreal Children's Hospital < top > CHSLD Paul-Lizotte
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