MediCinema Deputy Cinema Manager

About MediCinema

MediCinema is a unique national, UK registered charity that improves the wellbeing and enriches the quality of life of NHS patients, their families and carers through the power of the shared cinema experience and the magic of film. We achieve this by building and running cinemas in hospitals and places of care equipped with space for beds, wheelchairs and medical equipment, and providing free films and activities for patients of all ages. Our services help to improve emotional, mental and physical health, reducing isolation, anxiety and stress, and increasing patient resilience to help them cope with what they’re going through.

Our purpose-built in-hospital cinemas are designed to accommodate patients in hospital beds and wheelchairs, on drips or with monitors. MediCinema provides a warm, welcoming and safe place that enables patients to escape the ward and have much needed breathing space - to have quality time together with loved ones, connect with the wider world, and forget their pain. From all our impact evaluation and with over 24 years’ experience, we know this equips people with the tools to navigate the stress and difficulties that come with illness, to create positive memories, positive healthcare experiences, and to help build resilience.

The Role

We are looking for a Deputy Cinema Manager to join the existing team at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

The post-holder will work with the Cinema Manager and the team of nurses and volunteers who support our MediCinema, and will work closely with them, the hospital, and with central office operations team to prepare for and run successful film screenings each week.

We run 4 regular inpatient screenings each week which includes evenings and weekends. The roleholder will be required to work on Saturdays as one of the two days to be worked each week. There will also be a programme of additional Tailored and Personal screenings on top of these regular inpatient screenings.

The role offers a unique, exciting and extremely rewarding opportunity for someone interested in a service delivery role at the heart of our charity, involving direct contact with the patients and families we support.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Service Delivery

• Support the Cinema Manager in delivering a programme of screenings each week as agreed according to the operating procedures of a MediCinema, including running and managing screenings on your own. Most screenings are held in the evenings and at weekends so the role requires regular evening and Saturday working.
• On screening days be responsible for:
  • Marketing the service through the hospital’s wards, organising collecting and returning patients, and for safety and care in the cinema itself.
  • Taking responsibility for health and safety of patients coming to the cinema, and the safety and appearance of the cinema space itself.
  • Preparing and operating the digital projection equipment for the screening, ensuring that films are screened to the highest technical standards at all times. Training and ongoing technical support will be provided for this.
  • Ensuring that all operational, welfare and safeguarding policies set out by MediCinema are followed accordingly and that, where appropriate, consent forms are obtained for photographic or filmed records.
  • Ensuring that all aspects of the operation comply with relevant health and safety legislation, and that areas where MediCinema might be in breach of such are dealt with immediately or brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities for rectification.
  • Keeping accurate monitoring and operational records, including contacts and database updating as required
• Help the Cinema Manager collate, analyse and report back on agreed metrics and KPI’s
• Assist with arranging and running any special events and special screenings
• When required, arrange and run additional personal screenings for patients unable to attend regular screenings, plus special tailored screenings with particular hospital departments and patient groups.
• Support the development and roll out of any new type of screenings we embark on.
• Support the delivery of our complementary bedside services, such as our Disney ‘Moments that Matter’ work.

Nurse & Volunteer Management

• Help the Cinema Manager build, manage and support the team of nurses and volunteers to assist in the duties outlined above and to ensure that screenings run safely and smoothly – this will include assisting with recruitment and creating monthly rotas.

Marketing and Relationship Management

• Be proactive in marketing the service within the hospital, building key relationships with hospital staff and members of the Infirmary’s Charity.
• Help develop and manage effective partnerships throughout the hospital and community
• Representing the organisation effectively and compellingly at all times.
• Support the programming and development of the MediCinema as a centre for entertainment, being pro-active in developing a creative programme of sustainable events at each site. This could include fundraising events, live performance and other relevant activities.

Administration and other duties

• Deputise for the Cinema Manager as and when required.
• Provide holiday or emergency screening cover when required.
• Help manage the collection, loading and returning of films.
• Champion the work of MediCinema within the hospital and cinema environment, as well as confidently and positively representing MediCinema in all interactions and at any meetings and events.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the Newcastle MediCinema, operations and MediCinema as a wider organisation
• Communicate effectively with all team members, ensuring an inclusive and whole organisation approach

• Undertake other tasks, projects and duties as reasonably required.

MediCinema is a small team and staff members are expected to support each other and share cross-organisational work in addition to fulfilling individual responsibilities.