MediCinema

Who we are

MediCinema is a small, vibrant, friendly and growing charity.

Our Mission is to improve the wellbeing of patients, their families and carers through the magic of the shared cinema experience. We do this by building and running fully installed, high specification cinemas in hospitals, bringing the magic of the silver screen to patients young and old.

Our Vision is for as many patients as possible to benefit from a shared cinema experience during their hospital stay.

Founded in 1999 at St Thomas’s Hospital, we build, install and manage state-of-the-art cinemas, screening the latest releases the film industry has to offer in hospitals and health facilities. We do this so that patients and their families can enjoy some precious normality and the escapism, magic and excitement that a trip to the cinema brings to each and every one of us – and feel better with film.

Feedback from attendees is conclusive. In a recent survey 96% of respondees said MediCinema makes a big or massive difference to their experience of hospital; 90% said it reduces anxiety, 93% that it reduces isolation, 92% that is makes them feel relaxed, 90% that it gives them something to talk about afterwards, 97% that it gives them a sense of normality, and 91% that it makes them feel better.

Most importantly, patients and their families tell us what it means to them. Uzayr, aged 10, in London says “when the door closes I forget all about my pain”; Mr Donnelly in Glasgow said of his young daughter “I am 100% certain that Jennifer has not smiled so much since the onset of her illness 18 months ago”, and Kai, aged 26, says: “it’s been a massive struggle, I have been very low, but I saw a MediCinema poster and it was like a shining light”.

We are now embarking on an exciting phase of growth the greatly extend our impact and reach, and are building our team to enable the charity to do achieve our exciting goal of doubling our cinemas and tripling the number of people we reach each year by 2025. 

Our culture and values

Being unwell and in hospital can be challenging, frightening and often isolating for people who are already feeling vulnerable. Leaving the wards to experience a film screening in one of our cinemas makes a positive and lasting impact, giving patients – and families - the strength to cope.

With room for their hospital beds, wheelchairs, and medical equipment, we provide a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for our patients.

Our services help to reduce pain, anxiety, stress, and feelings of isolation, to giving those in hospital a sense of normality and being connected to others.

Thanks to the support of major film studios and distributors we screen the latest releases for free, from blockbusters to smaller releases, comedy, action and romance.