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Older patients can benefit from games, occupational therapist says

Monday 5th July 2010

An occupational therapist has noted that elderly patients can gain advantages from playing computer games as part of their treatment.

According to Fiona Graham, there are a range of benefits that can be gleaned from using the Nintendo Wii, the Scotsman reports.

The medical expert, who is head of occupational therapy for mental health in East Lothian, said: "There is growing evidence that using these games with older people can help with balance, flexibility and hand-to-eye co-ordination."

Currently, NHS Lothian - which employs nearly 28,000 members of staff, including 15,000 nurses and midwives - is trialling the console.

Patients located at Herdmanflat Hospital are among those involved in the initiative.

It is part of research being conducted by health chiefs into how conditions such as dementia can be improved.

Meanwhile, a number of people with jobs as occupational therapists are among those working at a new medical centre at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, which specialises in plastic surgery.

Written by Angela Newbury