Circus Patientus
Children in hospitals design their own world

The project Circus Patientus, which was first initiated by Zdravotní Klaun founder, Gary Edwards, focuses on helping long-term severely ill children of all ages become an integrative and pro-active part of a group within the hospital environment.

Two clowndoctors work together with sick children in hospital and produce a small circus programme. They practice easy clown acts, magic and circus skills from Monday to Thursday. During this time, the children are busy putting up the “stage” in the ward, making simple costumes and stage decorations, and creating invitations and posters for their big appearance.

Parents, relatives and hospital staff get involved too as they support the little “stars” – not only as being part of the audience but also by contributing greatly to the actual success of the “show”. The general rehearsal is on Thursday and the Grande Finale takes place on Friday: Let the show begin! The little patients are the actors, the clowns are the assistants and everyone else makes up the audience.

Circus Patientus enables long-term paediatric patients to actively take part in playing, and in so doing, in stocking up on new vitality and the pleasures of life, which directly influences the healing process in a positive manner.

Our plan is that all our partner organisations (in Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Germany) run this special programme in their hospitals.

Why Circus Patientus?

... because long-term paediatric patients experience something new.

In comparison to the regular short visits made by RN clowndoctors to hospital wards, sick children are encouraged to learn something special here – which can be lots of fun! They learn their own little tricks, their own magic, which makes not only them, but also the people around them happy.

... because the little patients are actively involved.

The traditional role of the child in hospital is lifted for a certain period of time.

The severely ill children are the actors, whilst the nursing staff, doctors, parents and other children on the ward are the audience.

Active participation stimulates the zest for life and activates the body’s immune system.

... because professional RN clowndoctors provide a special service.

The task of the RN clowndoctors is very sensitive and requires them to follow the medical development of each child with focused interest and empathy, also involving the daily routine of the hospital staff.

... because parents experience their children differently.

The RN clowns also motivate parents to become more involved as important actors. To see one’s own sick child laugh and have fun during a lengthy stay in hospital can console parents and help them to overcome sad and hopeless moments.

... because everybody in the ward profits.

Artistic recreation with the RN clowns brings variety and relaxation to otherwise serious hospital routines. Illnesses can be forgotten for a few moments.

... because all sick children with lengthy hospital stays in RN partner countries should be given the opportunity to be a star in the circus arena of Circus  Patientus.