Movie Magic Continues in MediCinema

Over 2,000 patients and family members at Scotland’s biggest children’s hospital have benefited from the charity-funded MediCinema in the last year, as Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity announces it will fund screenings for another 12 months. 

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity has provided £55,000 to continue operating the MediCinema for children in hospital in 2024/25, with two special paediatric screenings every week.  

The funding means children in hospital with long-term health conditions don’t miss the movies they are excited about such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Elemental, and Wonka. This includes the 179 patients who attended screenings in a wheelchair over the last year, while 45 children watched a movie in the cinema from their hospital bed. 

Every patient’s needs are considered, which is why charity funding also supports personal screenings for specific patients. Thanks to the support of The Walt Disney Company, children who prefer to watch in the comfort of their own room have received Disney+ subscriptions.

This has been made possible in part thanks to the incredible fundraising of the Donna Miller Foundation, a long-term supporter of children in hospital. 

Kirsten Watson, CEO at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Over 20 years since the first MediCinema in Glasgow opened at the former Yorkhill hospital, it is thanks to our incredible supporters that children in hospital can still be transported into the world of film, providing an environment to relax and be entertained during a long stay on the wards. 

“We are delighted to continue to fund the MediCinema and work with our friends at the MediCinema charity for another year.” 

In a survey from the MediCinema charity, over 90 percent of attendees believed the experience of going to the cinema reduced anxiety and stress, improved wellbeing, and supported mental health. Over half believed the cinema experience reduced physical pain. 

Colin Lawrence, CEO at MediCinema, said: “We are so grateful for the ongoing support of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.  It’s thanks to them and their supporters that we are able to run our services for children, making a positive and lasting impact and giving them and their families the strength to cope at challenging times.”