LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE
Every week, Dr Doppit goes round the wards at
the children's hospital. But instead of a white
coat and a stethoscope, Dr Doppit has a red
nose and carries balloons. She is the hospital's
'clown doctor' and her real name is Hilary Day.
After studying drama at university, Hilary saw
an advert for a clown doctor at the hospital.
'The job was perfect for me,' she says. 'My
mother and grandmother were both nurses, so
caring for people is in my blood. Also, I love
doing children's theatre.'
Before she started, Hilary did four weeks
training, where she learnt how to do magic
tricks and make balloons into funny shapes.
She also had to study child psychology and
basic medicine.
Her visits to the hospital start with a meeting
with the nursing staff to find out which
patients a visit will be most useful for. Most
children are delighted to see a clown, but
there are some who are too ill, or are afraid of
clowns. Hilary always checks first. Then she
does some magic, makes balloon animals or
tells them a story.
'We know that laughing can have a positive
effect on a person's health,' says Hilary. 'It
produces chemicals in the brain that make you
relax and feel better.' Everyone agrees that
regular visits from Dr Doppit can make a big
difference to a child's recovery. 'Children in
hospital miss their everyday life at home and
at school,' says one hospital manager. 'As well
as possibly being frightened and homesick they
are often bored. The clown doctor gives them
something to look forward to and happy
memories to take home afterwards.'
1.
What is the writer’s aim in this text?
A to describe a typical day in a children's
hospital
B to explain a method of helping young patients
C to encourage doctors to learn some circus
skills
D to show students how to get a job in a hospital
2.
Why was Hilary particularly suitable for the
job of clown doctor?
A She had studied medicine at university.
B She already knew how do magic.
C She enjoyed working with children.
D She had been a nurse in a hospital.
3.
Before Hillary starts, the staff tell her which
children …
A have asked to see her.
B are going to leave the hospital soon.
C want to hear a particular story.
D will benefit most from her visit.
4.
The hospital manager thinks that Dr Doppit’s
visits …
A are useful if the parents can't visit.
B help the children get better more quickly.
C might be frightening for some children.
D help the children forget their stay in hospital.

1. What is the writer’s aim in this text?B to explain a method of helping young patients2. Why was Hilary particularly suitable for the job of clown doctor?A She had studied medicine at university.3. Before Hillary starts, the staff tell her which children …D will benefit most from her visit.4. The hospital manager thinks that Dr Doppit’s visits …D help the children forget their stay in hospital.