Fun and games for poorly children at Watford Hospital

Young patients on the children’s ward at Watford Hospital are enjoying new gaming equipment, thanks to a generous donation from Microsoft and Get-Well Gamers. The Get-Well Gamers Foundation was founded with the goal of bringing video game systems and games to children’s hospitals. Video games are an effective and proven pain management tool and provide needed entertainment during long hospital stays. The donation included gaming consoles, an Xbox Kinect, Guitar Hero kit and more than 40 different games. The kit donated is to be used in the play room and also in one of the side rooms for children who need to remain in isolation. Professor Tracey Carter, Chief Nurse at the hospital, said: “On behalf of our young patients, their families and our staff I would like to say a huge thank you to Microsoft and Get-Well Gamers who have donated so generously to improve our patient experience whilst in hospital – your kindness will make a real difference. “Play is really important, especially in hospital. Donations like this have a really positive effect on our young patients, particularly those who may have to stay in hospital over longer periods of time”. Hugh Millward, Microsoft’s Director of Corporate Affairs commented: “Watford Hospital has already done so much to make Starfish and Safari wards a comfortable, diverting and entertaining place for the kids who need to stay or spend regular time there. As a leading games publisher and manufacturer, there is no cause more deserving the use of our technology and we will continue to support Get-Well Gamers in this and all the other inspiring work they do.” For more information about our hospitals, visit www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk. You can also join our 4,000 followers on Twitter (twitter.com/westhertsNHS) or find us on Facebook (facebook.com/westhertsNHS).