widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

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.

James with student nurse Alice Miller who accepted the donation on behalf of the Gilbert Bain Hospital. Photo: NHS Shetland

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:

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

“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 member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/exchange-53widget/exchange-54widget/pd_widget-8widget/exchange-55widget/pd_widget-9widget/exchange-56

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.