Children on 6 North ward got the giggles when visited by a team of ‘laughter specialists’. Equipped with spinning plates, colourful handkerchiefs and musical instruments, the laughter specialists bring smiles to patients going through a difficult time. The charity has begun regular visits to the children’s and elderly care wards at BH and the RFH, coordinated by the Royal Free Charity. Annie Aris, founder of The Laughter Specialists charity, said: “Laughter has such a positive impact on the body, and our work is about connecting with a child during the hardest time for them to laugh. “We also see how we can work with staff by distracting the children during situations like having a cannula put in or helping them get used to using a wheelchair. We act silly so that they feel confident – we make them important people.” To become a laughter specialist, team members train for a year completing practical days and a theory Patients at BH are benefitting from a new minimally-invasive treatment option for recurrent superficial bladder tumours. Trans urethral laser ablation (TULA) allows for small bladder cancers to be removed under local anaesthetic using a flexible cystoscope and a laser. The procedure is carried out in an outpatient clinic and takes just 15 minutes, freeing up theatre space, and allowing the patient to go home within minutes of completion. If necessary, a biopsy can also be taken and sent for further analysis. Dimitrios Volanis, consultant urologist, said the treatment offers many benefits to both patients and the trust, and feedback from patients has been positive. “At Barnet we have an ageing population, often with complex healthcare needs so being able to treat them safely in a short period of time is a huge benefit,” he said. “Patients avoid general anaesthesia and don’t need to stop any of their regular medications, including blood thinners. Following the procedure patients can return to their normal daily activities within a few hours.” 10 Laughter is the best medicine Laser treatment targets bladder cancer course to prepare them for their working environment. Annie said: “It has its highs and lows, like any work, but to be part of a child’s journey or a patient with dementia and give them a good time is the best job in the world.” Play specialist Siobhan McCurry, who works on 6 North, said: “The children really appreciate the laughter specialists – it distracts them from what’s happening. The parents enjoy it as well because they can relax and see their children having a bit of fun.” Malcolm Ozin, from Hendon, received the treatment after a small recurrent bladder cancer was identified. “I didn’t know it was going to be a laser treatment, and it really didn’t hurt at all, it just felt like a pin prick,” said Malcolm. “I came into the hospital and within 45 minutes I was finished and ready to leave. “I enjoy going to the gym, yoga and swimming and I’ve been told I can do all of that again from tomorrow!” Mr Dimitrios Volanis (right) and the urology team at BH Martin Ozin said the procedure felt just like a pin prick The laughter specialists determined to bring smiles to the wards Cancer Ageing well
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