Sykehusklovnene at Haukeland

Children & youth

Jun 11

Written By Annikken Grieg Sæthre

Who: Sykehusklovnene

What: Sykehusklovner på Haukeland

Where: Haukeland Sykehus, Bergen, Norway

Project period: 2026-2029

About the project

Sykehusklovnene has worked in close collaboration with Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen for many years, supporting children and young patients through challenging hospital experiences.

A hospital stay can be overwhelming and frightening for children and their families. At Haukeland, Sykehusklovnene meets children (aged 0–18) in many different situations – from emergency admissions to long-term treatment and serious illness. The clowns meet each child on their own terms, with respect for their situation, needs, and energy level on that particular day. We are there for all children, regardless of diagnosis, functional ability, or background.

The Grieg Foundation is funding 50 clown days annually at Haukeland University Hospital over a three-year period from 2026–2028. This long-term support helps secure a stable and predictable presence for children and families at the hospital.

Sykehusklovnene works closely with healthcare professionals at Haukeland University Hospital – including during medical procedures such as blood tests, wound care, MRI examinations, and induction of anesthesia. In these situations, we can help shift the child’s focus, reduce stress, and give the child a stronger sense of participation and control. This collaboration helps make the hospital experience safer, calmer, and more manageable for children and their families, and supports healthcare staff in carrying out procedures in a more child-centred way.

In 2025, Sykehusklovnene carried out 175 clown days at Haukeland, meeting more than 5,100 children and participating in 139 medical procedures. Fifty of these clown days were funded by the Grieg Foundation. The new three-year grant will contribute to 150 clown days from 2026–2028, reaching approximately 4,500 children and young patients and supporting around 420 medical procedures.

We are deeply grateful for the Grieg Foundation’s support. Their contribution is essential to maintaining and further developing our work for children and families at Haukeland University Hospital throughout 2026–2028.

About the organization

Sykehusklovnene is a non-profit foundation consisting of 47 professional hospital clowns and a small administrative team. We support children aged 0–18, regardless of diagnosis or condition, who are receiving care in hospital or undergoing treatment at home.

We work in collaboration with outpatient clinics, surgical departments, and pediatric wards at 20 hospitals across all four health regions in Norway. We also provide home visits to children receiving palliative care throughout the country. Through play, imagination, and humor, Sykehusklovnene helps improve safety, sense of mastery, and quality of life for children in vulnerable treatment situations. In close cooperation with healthcare professionals, we support children during medical procedures and contribute to a better experience for both children and their families.