Adam Kay Launches His New Book ‘Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor’ At The CW+ MediCinema, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital
Dexter Procter, the world’s youngest doctor, was greeted with huge enthusiasm and heaps of laughter at the CW+ MediCinema at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London at a special launch event for young patients on Wednesday 11 September.
Former doctor and author Adam Kay and illustrator Henry Paker celebrated the publication of Dexter Procter, the 10-Year-Old Doctor, the first children’s fiction series from the bestselling duo, with an event for 30 children and their families.
Kay and Paker brought their trademark humour to a very funny, frequently disgusting and quietly educational visit which featured readings, stand-up, a draw-a-long and personal meet and greets. Every patient received a signed copy and play kits, including doctor dress-up costumes.
My daughter is in and out of the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital but unfortunately hasn’t been able to come to the MediCinema until today. Watching Adam and Henry there was fantastic, seeing them being so creative – especially someone who was a doctor – and Alannah loved drawing along with Henry.
Dad to Alannah, pictured above.
Dexter Procter The 10-Year-Old Doctor is a hilarious new medical mystery series which demystifies medicine and hospitals for young readers. The visit to CW+ MediCinema at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, is the first in a series of four in-hospital events for young patients to support the work of MediCinema and Starlight, the UK’s leading charity for children’s play in hospitals and hospices.
During Play in Healthcare Week (from 14th October) Kay and Paker will also visit MediCinema at the Serennu Children’s Centre in Newport as well as children’s hospitals in Oxford and Leicester.
MediCinema and Starlight know that feeling anxious and sad are emotions which many children struggle with when away from their family, friends and communities. Adam and Henry hope these events and the donation of Puffin mini-libraries to each hospital will help the amazing work of both charities to improve the wellbeing and quality of life for young patients and their families through play and entertainment.
I’m desperately proud to partner with charities as special and important as MediCinema and Starlight. Hospitals can be very scary places for kids, and both charities make a very real difference to how young people experience our health services. I’ve seen their amazing work in action and I’m really proud to add to their amazing programme of events. So far nobody’s dragged me off to the ward to do a shift afterwards.
Adam Kay
We were so thrilled that Adam and Henry could bring their characteristic fun into the MediCinema for patients to enjoy. It was an incredibly special evening full of smiles and laughter, which as one family told me, can sadly be rare in hospital. We know that special experiences like this can be transformative in helping young patients feel much less anxious about being in hospital, help them engage better with their treatment, and support their mental and emotional wellbeing too. We cannot thank Adam and Henry - and Dexter! – enough.
Paul Giggal, Chief Operating Officer, MediCinema