Birmingham Children’s Hospital has officially opened its new, state-of-the-art MediCinema, offering a much-needed escape for young patients and their families. The 84-seat cinema, the largest of its kind in the UK, screened Disney and Pixar’s “Hoppers” for its first audience on Thursday, providing a moment of joy and normalcy for children undergoing treatment. The project, a testament to community support, was made possible by a £1 million fundraising appeal led by Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity and MediCinema.
For 10-year-old Ella Lowton-Smith, from Atherstone in Warwickshire, the opening of the MediCinema is particularly meaningful. Ella, who has been a heart patient at the hospital since birth and is currently receiving treatment for a heart infection, attended the premiere with her mother, Becky. “We’ve been in hospital for just over two weeks,” Becky said. “It’s really tough for Ella to be away from home and from her little sister Olivia, so to have somewhere they can go and spend time together, away from the bedside, is so special.” Ella underwent her first surgery at just five days old after being diagnosed with truncus arteriosus, a complex heart defect.
The MediCinema isn’t simply about entertainment; it’s about providing respite and improving wellbeing. “We know lengthy stays in hospital can impact an entire family’s physical and mental health, with patients often feeling isolated from their parents, siblings and friends,” explained Daljit Athwal, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at the hospital. “This often affects their overall wellbeing and recovery. Our MediCinema will support change that and we feel so privileged to be able to provide this opportunity for our children.” The cinema is fully accessible, designed to accommodate wheelchairs, and screenings are offered at no cost to patients or the NHS.
A Community Effort Brings the Magic of Cinema to Young Patients
The realization of the MediCinema was a collaborative effort, fueled by generous donations from individuals and organizations. The Julia Rausing Trust and The Walt Disney Company were key corporate supporters, while £400,000 came from the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity’s network of “Changemakers” – local business leaders, companies, and entrepreneurs. Mark Brider, CEO of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, emphasized the impact of this support. “To see the ‘curtain go up’ on our new MediCinema is simply incredible,” he said. “For our children to be transported from their clinical surroundings into a space where they can forget about being a patient for a short while, enjoying the latest Disney release with their family, is a gamechanger for every child’s experience at our hospital.”
More Than Just Movies: A Space for Healing and Connection
The MediCinema will primarily host screenings for patients during evenings and weekends, but will also be available for staff training and education during the day. A dedicated Cinema Manager, along with trained MediCinema nurses and volunteers, will oversee the service. Paul Giggal, Chief Operating Officer at MediCinema, highlighted the organization’s commitment to providing this unique service. “We are thrilled to open our latest MediCinema in this prestigious hospital, our first serving the Midlands community,” Giggal said. “Cinema has an extraordinary ability to transport and comfort us and we see the difference our shared screen experience makes to patients and their families in hospitals every day.”
The opening screening of “Hoppers” was a resounding success, with patients greeted by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, enjoying balloon entertainment and arts and crafts before the film. Each child also received a special gift from Disney to accept back to their bedside, creating lasting memories. Becky Lowton-Smith shared that her daughter Ella, a “massive movie fan,” was thrilled with the experience. “She’s been so excited about it and I know she’ll talk about it for weeks,” Becky said, adding that they are due to remain in the hospital for another three weeks and plan to return for additional screenings.
Supporting the Future of the MediCinema
While the £1 million fundraising appeal covered the construction costs and the first year of running expenses, ongoing support is crucial to ensure the MediCinema can continue to provide this invaluable service. The Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity will continue to fundraise to cover future operational costs, ensuring that the magic of cinema remains accessible to patients and families at no charge. Those interested in learning more about the MediCinema or making a donation can visit the appeal page.
The Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity will provide updates on fundraising efforts and the MediCinema’s impact on its website. The hospital anticipates announcing further screenings and community events in the coming weeks, continuing to bring moments of joy and respite to children facing challenging health journeys.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the emotional impact of a serious illness, resources are available. The NHS provides information and support on coping with illness and bereavement: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/.
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