Patients at King’s will now be able to play on game consoles to distract them from being in hospital – in memory of a former patient and avid gamer.
Three hand-held gaming consoles have been funded by the charity Gaming the Mind to keep younger patients entertained during their stay at King’s College Hospital.
Staff applied for funding in memory of Jonathan Carroll, from Dulwich, who was an avid gamer and King’s patient.
Jonathan sadly passed away in April aged 41 after a battle with a liver condition.
Paul McKie, specialist social worker (Liver Transplant) at the Denmark Hill site, explained: “Jonathan had Alagille syndrome, a genetic condition affecting the liver, and as a result, he spent over 12 months with us at King’s receiving care and treatment.
“He found the use of a handheld console a distraction and help when he was pretty much confined to the ward through ill health and unable to go home.
“When Jonathan was with us, he enjoyed playing on gaming consoles to break the boredom. There is clear evidence that gaming can help reduce patients’ stress and anxiety during a hospital stay, and we felt that helping to keep other people entertained would be a wonderful tribute to Jonathan.
“Jonathan’s gaming avatar has also been made into a sticker attached to each gaming console, in Jonathan’s memory.”
Jonathan’s mother, Marilyn Kanes, added: “Despite constantly battling medical problems, Jonathan stayed amazingly cheerful and always had a smile.
“Games were his life support system, particularly during prolonged periods in hospital. They brought him so much fun and enjoyment, and it is wonderful to think that other patients at King’s can now share something he loved so much.”