Laughter Care delivering smiles to older patients at Fremantle Hospital

A WA-first therapeutic program is bringing moments of joy, connection and companionship to older patients at Fremantle Hospital.

Laughter Care, a nationally recognised program delivered by Clown Doctors Australia, will continue at Fremantle Hospital following a successful four-week pilot that showed strong improvements in patients’ mood and engagement.

The program involves specially-trained performers interacting with patients in a therapeutic setting, with the aim of improving wellbeing, reducing emotional distress and brightening their day.

Thanks to funding from the South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) and The Hospital Research Foundation Group, the program is giving more older patients the opportunity to experience the benefits of laughter, connection and human interaction.

Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group (FSFHG) Executive Director, Luke Dix, said SMHS was pleased to support the continued delivery of the Laughter Care Program at Fremantle Hospital following the successful pilot.

"The program has demonstrated a positive impact on patients, families and staff, providing moments of connection, comfort and joy within the hospital environment," he said.

"Feedback received throughout the pilot has highlighted the value of meaningful engagement, particularly for patients experiencing vulnerability, isolation or prolonged admissions.

The Laughter Care program was first trialled at Fremantle Hospital in October 2025 and with funding secured, the program was then delivered weekly from May this year.

Following positive feedback highlighting strong demand for the program and the benefits it brings to patients, families and staff, Clown Doctors Australia has now expanded the program to two days per week from next month.

Performers will visit wards B7 North, B7 South, B8 South, B9 North, B9 South, D4 and D5 over the next 12 months. 

Laughter Care program engages aged care residents and older people in hospital, rekindling identity, building connections, and bringing joy to the care experience.

Patients like 78-year-old grandfather Ken Westgate who has spent the past five months at Fremantle Hospital following a fall at home in April. He is now awaiting placement at an aged care home.

While in hospital, it was discovered Ken also had bladder cancer. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment before starting immunotherapy in a few weeks time.

"Having these performers on the wards is just a tremendous idea, it lightens the mood which is terrific," Ken said.

"Everyone in here is so different so it's important for the performers to think fast on their feet to adapt to different circumstances."

Specially trained performers use creative engagement, music, storytelling, playful humour and a person-centred approach to foster meaningful engagement - they are catalysts for connection.

Dressed in elegant, but playful costumes and wearing the iconic red nose, performers evoke memories and invite play – creating moments of uplifting connection, companionship and laughter.

A keen jazz listener and radio program host, along with previous time spent as an amateur theatre actor, Ken was happy to play along with Audrey.

"Audrey's personality is just so cheery and joyful – she's such a bubbly person."

"I enjoyed singing and playing music with her – two of my greatest passions."

"Everyone in hospital has just been so caring an understanding, and my clinical team has worked hand in hand with the social workers so they look at my situation as a whole – not just the medicine but my personal social situation as well."

The program runs on a six-week cycle, starting with a duo of Laughter Care Specialists (professional performers), followed by a series of five solo visits, with just one professional performer.

Patients are selected by the clinical team prior to each visit.

"At SMHS we recognise that exceptional care extends beyond just clinical treatment - supporting emotional wellbeing and fostering human connection are important components of a positive healthcare experience, and initiatives such as the Laughter Care Program contribute significantly to this objective," Luke said.

"The overwhelming positive response reflects the program's ability to enhance the ward environment, improve patient experiences and support staff in delivering compassionate, patient-centred care.

"FSFHG supports efforts to secure ongoing funding for the program and welcomes opportunities to further explore its continuation and future expansion."

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