Community / Charity brings gaming joy to youngsters at Gilbert Bain
A CHARITY which delivers games and consoles to patients in healthcare settings has levelled up the experience for children at the Gilbert Bain Hospital with the donation of two new Nintendo Switches.
Get-Well Gamers was founded by Lerwick man James Stewart in 2014 to keep patients entertained during their stay in hospital, and since then it has extended out of the UK and into Canada.
Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Get-Well Gamers has delivered around five consoles and 62 games to hospitals in 2021, with the Gilbert Bain donation marking the most northerly donation of the year so far.
Software engineer and cafe owner James, who donated the items in person on Friday (23 July), said:
“It’s great to come home and be able to loop Gilbert Bain into the Get-Well Gamers network, which stretches as far south as Penzance.
“Besides all the joy and distraction that video gaming brings to youngsters in hospitals, there is a weight of scientific evidence that highlights the many social and medical benefits for gaming in hospitals.
“Children with access to gaming call on the nurse less often, can better manage their pain and anxiety, and socialise more with other patients.
“I am sure the Switches will be very well used and will make a big difference. We’re already looking forward to another donation in the near future.”
Child health manager Clare Stiles said: “We are delighted with the donation from Get-Well Gamers and know these consoles and games will make a big difference for young people during hospital stays. It was also great to be able to meet James and thank him in person for the donation.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
