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Making hospitals kinder for kids

How clowns and consoles are making a stay in hospital a bit easier for unwell youngsters.

Being in hospital can be frightening and lonely for children — but playful ideas are helping make the experience a little easier. In Scotland, professionally trained clowns are visiting paediatric wards to bring joy and distraction, while in the US, immersive video games are helping young patients come to terms with illness and long stays. We meet the people using creative ways to brighten up a stay in hospital for children and teenagers.

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Presenter: Myra Anubi
US reporter: Scott Miles
Producers: Craig Langran, Richard Kenny
Editor: Jon Bithrey
Sound mix: Annie Gardiner

(Image: Clown Doctors Dr Biscuit and Dr Groovy with presenter Myra Anubi, BBC)

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