Children's hospital has a full-time gamer to play with patients

If you have ever been unlucky enough to spend any time in hospital, you will know there's often a lot of waiting around.

Alongside that, there could be worry and the feeling you are missing hanging out with your pals.

But one hospital in Scotland is trying to tackle that with a new job.

Glasgow Children's Hospital has a full-time gamer-in-residence, which means they spend their working day gaming with the children who are receiving medical attention on the wards.

Mario Kart and Minecraft are popular choices for many patients.

Steven Mair, who is 26, says his aim is to help them relax, reduce potential feelings of isolation and boredom, and distract them during their time in hospital.

This is the first full-time role of its kind in the UK. The new role has been paid for by donations from the Scottish gaming industry and community fundraisers adding up to more than £100,000.

The money means Steven can work full time in the hospital, and they can update the old consoles with new ones.

Recent medical studies demonstrated a link between playing video games and reduced feelings of anxiety in hospital, with some even suggesting video games could reduce pain.

Steven told Newsround the children love playing Mario Kart, Minecraft and FC25.

Mario Kart is just one of the games Steven plays with the patients

"Lots of the children who have to spend sometimes weeks in hospital have said they were missing playing with their pals, so having a player to come and sit with them gives them the social interaction they are missing," he said.

But it's not just Steven who games with patients. Volunteers can join in too, and even Premier League footballer Matt O'Reilly has popped in to lend his gaming skills.

Seven-year-old Jace has been gaming with Steven, and his mum Catherine, said: “When the gamer-in-residence came round to play Mario on the Nintendo, he immediately lit up and smiled. It was an instant energy boost for him mentally and physically.

"In reality, I think often what kids want is some quality time and gaming with new friends.”