Sharon's experience of Dr Geehee's visit

I am a Senior Health Play Specialist at Chelsea Westminster Hospital, where I work on the high dependency unit (HDU) and elective surgeries wards. I would like to share a story that I observed when a Giggle Doctor came to visit our HDU area.

I have been working with a long-term patient for the past 4 years. She has a number of very serious health conditions, as well as special educational needs.  Whilst on HDU, she found it very difficult to focus on one activity for long periods and became agitated quickly when she lost interest in the activity.

The day before Dr Geehee visited, the patient had been introduced to a simple hand fan. I shared this information with Dr Geehee, and during her visit with the patient she took over. She quickly formed a connection with the child using simple Attention Autism techniques and managed to hold her interest for a longer time.  

Dr Geehee is an incredible Giggle Doctor and has wide expertise in all areas of our hospital. She brings laughter onto all wards and engages with the medical team. She is a ray of sunshine in what can sometimes be a very frightening place for our sick children. The difference she makes to the mental wellbeing of all our patients who are lucky enough to spend time with her is invaluable.

The children are often traumatised and within a short time will find smiles for Dr Geehee. She is able to normalise medical areas and show the patients that doctors in white coats do not need to be frightening.

Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for providing this service to our hospital, we really could not do our jobs without your Giggle Doctors.

Sharon, Senior Health Play Specialist at Chelsea Westminster Hospital