Sairaalaklovnit ry, also known as the Finnish Hospital Clowns Association, is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing joy and laughter to children in hospitals across Finland. Their trained clown doctors visit children's wards, aiming to provide entertainment and emotional relief to young patients and their families. The presence of these clowns helps children momentarily forget their illnesses and enjoy moments of laughter and play.

The clowns work closely with hospital staff, ensuring that their visits are appropriate and beneficial for the children. They use methods such as improvisation, music, magic tricks, and general silliness to engage with the children. One significant aspect of their work includes preparing children for medical procedures, which helps to reduce anxiety and improve the overall hospital experience.

Sairaalaklovnit operates nationally, with regular activities in all Finnish university hospitals and occasional visits to other hospitals. Their work has been recognized and supported by various organizations, including the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. These collaborations have helped to assess and enhance the impact of their activities on children's health and well-being.

The organization is funded through grants, donations, and support from various foundations and supporters. This funding is crucial for maintaining and expanding their operations, which reach over 50,000 people annually​.

Sairaalaklovnit ry, also known as "Hospital Clowns Finland," is a Finnish non-profit organization dedicated to bringing joy, laughter, and emotional relief to children in hospitals. The specialized services they provide include:

1. Clown Visits to Hospitals:

   • Professional clowns visit pediatric wards to perform and interact with hospitalized children, their families, and the hospital staff. These visits aim to alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with hospitalization.

2. Tailored Performances:

   • Performances and interactions are customized to suit the needs and conditions of the children, ensuring that each child receives individual attention and a unique experience.

3. Therapeutic Engagement:

   • Clowns engage children in therapeutic play, using humor and creativity to improve their emotional well-being and resilience.

4. Collaborative Efforts with Medical Staff:

   • Clowns work closely with medical professionals to ensure that their presence and activities are aligned with the children's medical care and routines, enhancing the overall hospital experience.

5. Support for Long-Term Patients:

   • Special programs and activities are designed for children who are long-term patients, providing continuous emotional support and helping them cope with prolonged hospital stays.

6. Special Events and Celebrations:

   • Organizing and participating in special events, celebrations, and seasonal activities to bring festive cheer to the hospital environment.

Sairaalaklovnit ry, also known as the Finnish Hospital Clowns Association, is highly regarded for its positive impact on the well-being of pediatric patients and their families in hospitals. The organization has received commendations for its role in alleviating the emotional stress associated with hospital stays through humor and interactive performances.

A survey conducted among hospital staff across all university hospitals in Finland, including Turku, Kuopio, Oulu, Helsinki, and Tampere, revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback. The staff noted that the presence of hospital clowns significantly enhances the hospital experience for children, helping them to forget their illnesses and enjoy moments of joy and laughter​.

Sairaalaklovnit's activities are evaluated and recognized by several bodies, including the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare (THL), which has peer-reviewed their practices and included them in the Finnish Best Practice Portal for evidence-based health and well-being promotion​​. Additionally, the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture has funded studies to assess the impact of hospital clown work, further validating the effectiveness and importance of their activities​​.

The organization operates nationwide, with regular visits to all university hospitals and some central hospitals. They conduct over 70,000 interactions annually, providing not only entertainment but also emotional support to children undergoing medical procedures, thereby improving their overall hospital experience and aiding in their recovery​.

Overall, Sairaalaklovnit ry is praised for its contribution to creating a positive hospital environment, supporting pediatric patients, and enhancing the psychosocial aspects of pediatric care.

Sairaalaklovnit ry is an organization that provides hospital clown services to bring joy and improve the well-being of children in hospitals across Finland. The strategic direction and purpose of Sairaalaklovnit ry focus on several key areas:

1. Enhancing Patient Experience: The primary aim is to improve the hospital experience for children and their families by providing emotional and psychological support through humor, play, and interaction. This helps reduce stress and anxiety associated with hospital stays and medical treatments​​.

2. Cultural Well-being: Sairaalaklovnit ry is committed to promoting cultural well-being within the healthcare system. They advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture as essential components of comprehensive health and well-being strategies in Finland​.

3. Sustainable Funding and Professional Development: The organization is dedicated to securing sustainable funding through grants, private donations, and sponsorships to maintain and expand its services. Additionally, they emphasize the professional development of their clowns through continuous training and support to ensure high-quality interactions with patients​​.

4. Community and Awareness: Sairaalaklovnit ry also works to raise awareness about the importance of emotional support in healthcare settings and actively engages with the community through various outreach programs and collaborations with other healthcare and cultural institutions​​.

Sairaalaklovnit ry has received numerous awards and recognitions for their impactful work in bringing joy and comfort to children in hospitals. Here are some notable accolades:

1. NENÄTYS Honorary Diploma: This award is given annually on Children's Rights Day (November 20th) to individuals or organizations that promote children's well-being, child-centered approaches, and joy in society. In 2020, the Children's Ombudsman Elina Pekkarinen and her office received this recognition​.

2. Kulttuurigaala Award: In 2021, Sairaalaklovnit ry was honored at the Cultural Gala in Tampere with a well-being through culture award. This event celebrates and highlights significant cultural contributions in Finland​​.

3. MedInfluencers List: Kari Jagt, the artistic director of Sairaalaklovnit ry, was named one of the top 100 health influencers by the Finnish health news magazine Mediuutiset in 2019. This recognition was for his efforts in professionalizing and expanding the clown doctors' activities across Finland​.

These recognitions underscore the significant positive impact Sairaalaklovnit ry has on children's hospital experiences, contributing to their emotional and psychological well-being through humor and play.