MCSI Team make gaming accessible post SCI

An innovative collaboration between Shropshire’s specialist orthopaedic hospital, Aspire and SpecialEffect has successfully created a bespoke adaptive gaming set-up for a spinal cord injury patient.

Gabriel Popa, known as Gabi, an inpatient on the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI) at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, was a keen gamer before his injury. His high-level spinal cord injury has affected all four limbs and his trunk, meaning he is unable to use a standard gaming controller.

To support his wellbeing during his stay, the teams have worked together to create a personalised, adaptive gaming system. The set-up connects an Xbox console to a ceiling-mounted TV via HMDI, enabling Gabi to play games independently and comfortability while on bedrest.

The equipment has been provided by charity SpecialEffect, who specialise in helping disabled people play video games, and includes an Xbox adaptive controller, joystick and six accessibility switches.

“This set-up is a gamechanger for Gabi,” said Tanith Place, Occupational Therapist on MCSI. “Gaming was a huge part of his life before his injury, and we’ve worked closely with Aspire and SpecialEffect to tailor the equipment, so it meets his needs both now, while on bed rest, and as his rehabilitation progresses.”

The ceiling-mounted screens, installed by Sky Inside UK and fully funded by the League of Friends are positioned above several bedspaces on MCSI. They were originally intended to replicate windows and support Circadian Rhythm™ programming that mirrors the natural daylight cycle, however their ability to connect to devices via HDMI has opened new opportunities for patients on bedrest.

The system is also compatible with monitors or TVs for use when Gabi is seated in their wheelchair, meaning it can be used throughout different stages of his rehabilitation.

Jess Potts, Assistive Technologist for Aspire, is based on MCSI at the Oswestry-based hospital. She said: “This collaboration shows how adaptive technology can transform the daily experiences of our patients.

“Something as simple as being able to play a favourite game can restore a sense of normality, independence and fun, which is so important during long hospital stays.”

Tanith added: “Looking ahead, we are exploring funding options to purchase a gaming console and adaptive accessories for MCSI. This will allow us to assess more patients and offer them tailored gaming solutions they can use throughout their time on the unit.”