Archive for » December 5th, 2009«
Hospital Humor Programs Prepare for Flu Season:
Tighter Controls, Focus on Hygiene and Best Practices
Visitation policies and more stringent procedures have been established, and are now observed at many healthcare facilities in preparation for the flu season. The policies apply not just for the staff, but for volunteers as well.
Hospital clowns and healthcare family entertainers should adhere to “Best Practices” related to hygiene and patient-visitor-staff contact in any season. This is a huge issue in the healthcare setting, and must be taken very seriously, observing “Best Practices” throughout visitations.
In selecting props and sight gag items to bring on Rounds, do NOT bring an item that:
- has a part that is loose or detachable
- could come apart and drop on the floor
- has the potentiality of dropping on the floor in your performance or during the presentation
- has unattached parts or pieces that could fall on the floor at any time
- Juggling paraphernalia: scarves, balls, and rings notoriously drop on the floor often, even by an experienced juggler
Bring items that:
- Can be easily carried, stowed safely away between uses (in pockets, etc.)
- Are simple to manipulate in performance routines
- Won’t fall on the floor all throughout the hospital, during or after performance
Hospitals are very serious about “Best Practices” in the healthcare setting. Be advised there is likely zero tolerance for not following “Best Practices” at all times on Clown Rounds. Not observing the procedures and following appropriate guidelines might cause an offending performer or group to be banned from a healthcare facility.
Consult with your hosting facility for more information on hygiene and facility policies if you are unsure of them.
Additional training on “Best Practices” and more is available through a new online A Heart 4 Clowning Mentoring-Training Program, based on my experience as the coordinator and training director for one of the oldest all-volunteer hospital clown groups, since 2003.
For information on Private Member-Only Online Mentoring-Training program for Hospital Clowns, Caring Clowns and Healthcare Family Entertainers: click on this link, to find out more
