Gamer role introduced in children’s hospital

A Scottish children’s hospital charity introduced a gamer to a residence for young patients in Glasgow.

The new job involves visiting children to play video games with them, stave off boredom and have some fun.

Stephen Mair, the designated charity for Glasgow Children’s Hospital, says the games have already brought huge benefits to patients.

He said playing Mario Kart has improved the dexterity of patients’ arms and has also become a useful distraction tool for children during medical procedures.

“One of my first sessions here in the hospital was with a patient on a plasma exchange, and it can be quite intrusive,” he added.

“When I went in to play with this patient, it distracted him throughout the entire procedure.”

Josephine, mum to eight-year-old Laura Jane, said her daughter was in hospital for six months.

She said: “It was really nice just to pass the time. Sometimes this helps her interact with players. She really gets a lot out of it.”