The Power of Gaming: Scott's Story

Seven-year-old Scott loves gaming.

After a recent stay in Glasgow Children’s Hospital, Scott and his mum experienced the benefits of our Gaming Service, which provided a vital distraction and aided in both his mental and physical recovery.

Hear from his mum, Marta, about why this service is so important to children and their families cared for in Scotland’s largest children’s hospital.

Scott's Hospital Journey

When he was just four, Scott was diagnosed with a genetic condition called Noonan Syndrome. As a standard protocol, his heart has been checked regularly. The cardiology team discovered heart murmurs, as cardiac complications often come hand in hand with Noonan Syndrome.

On the 20th of August, Scott underwent open heart surgery to repair a hole in his heart. After initially recovering well, Scott faced further challenges throughout his 20-day hospital stay. He continued to need hospital care and two more surgeries, including having a pacemaker fitted.

Gaming Through Recovery

During this time, our gaming service provided invaluable support to Scott and Marta, who shares:

“Scott has a Wii at home which he plays quite often, and he loves Mario. We don't have an Xbox or Switch, so it was quite interesting for Scott to explore something different. The gaming sessions gave us back a bit of normality.

“It was something enjoyable, something where we didn’t have to think of what's going on around us and where we are. We were ultimately able to focus on the enjoyable part of gaming, and able to socialise with the hospital gamers.

"Gaming suspended our reality and was something Scott looked forward to every single day."

“It definitely helped him mentally recover, as it was something positive to look forward to, but also it helped him with the physical recovery.

“In Scott's case, when he was getting excited, he was able to stand up, even when standing was difficult. And before he was able to stand up, he was able to sit unaided and move his body back and forward without even thinking about it.

"He was so engrossed in the game, that his body was physically working without him thinking about it."

“The mental recovery and the physical recovery both go hand in hand after any major surgery. So having the gamers coming in was just a fabulous thing to know that Scott is not only in good hands, but he's also doing something he enjoys and he's being physically active with that.

Family Support

“The hospital gamers were invaluable for me. I am not a gamer, but the fact that my son can enjoy something that I have not been brought up with, it gave me a great sense of relief of knowing that someone is helping and supporting me to make this environment a happy place for Scott.

“The majority of Scott’s time in hospital, I was there by myself. So even going away for a walk, getting some fresh air, for my own mental health, was very beneficial."

"That simple hour of gaming, and of knowing Scott is enjoying himself and that he didn’t have to worry where I was or what time I will be back, was brilliant.”

How You Can Help

Games for the Weans provides a year-round gaming service to children and their families in hospital and is kindly sponsored by Child’s Play and Devolver Digital.

You can help support the future of gaming in Glasgow. Whether you're a gamer, streamer or just love to play games with friends and family, Games for the Weans is for you!