Director Ron Howard, whose films include How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Da Vinci Code, once described the power of cinema perfectly: ‘Life's distractions are sealed off outside those four walls, as our field of vision becomes filled with the vision of the filmmaker…in the theatre, movies own us.'

That belief has driven MediCinema for more than two decades. The charity, which builds fully accessible cinemas inside NHS hospitals, has opened its ninth site at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. 

Speaking to Healthcare Management sister publication, Social Care Today, Colin Lawrence, chief executive of MediCinema, said: ‘Quite often the difference I see between a patient coming into the cinema, and when they leave after the film, can be really transformational. Perhaps just the choice of being asked to go and see a film has given them some agency at a time when they feel that their choices are taken away from them.'

Founded by Christine Hill, MediCinema was inspired after she saw nurses at St Thomas' Hospital wheeling patients outside to look at the River Thames for a change of scenery.

Since the first MediCinema opened in 1999, the charity has expanded to nine NHS hospitals across the UK including, Birmingham, Liverpool, London and Glasgow. Each screen is built so patients can attend in wheelchairs or hospital beds while continuing to receive medical care.

Manchester's new showing

13-year-old Elliot Martin was one of the first patients through the doors at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, where he watched an early release of Minions & Monsters. Recovering after the discovery of a non-cancerous brain tumour, he had spent more than two weeks on the ward. 

‘It was really fun to meet the Minions today and to be part of the opening,' Elliot said. ‘It is brilliant for patients, and I hope I can come back again!'

However, for Elliot's mother, Deborah, the significance of the day had little to do with the film itself.

‘Elliot has been in hospital for over two weeks, and it is really hard for him to be away from home, away from his older sister, his friends and normal family life,' she said. ‘[The screening was] really fun for him. It brought a huge smile to his face and brightened up his day. It was lovely that his dad and I were able to share that experience with him, too.'

Alongside showcasing new releases, the 50-seat theatre will also present old classic and host sessions around specific needs, including support for young people's mental health, palliative care and end-of-life patients.

Kimberley Salmon-Jamieson, deputy chief executive and chief nursing officer at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘Hospital stays can be incredibly challenging for patients and their loved ones.

‘This wonderful new space offers the opportunity to spend time together away from the ward environment, creating positive memories and helping to support emotional wellbeing throughout treatment and recovery.'

Kimberley isn't the only person that has praised MediCinema's efforts. In February 2025 the charity was awarded a BAFTA for Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema. Speaking afterwards, Colin described the honour as ‘a really incredible once-in-a-lifetime moment.'

He added: ‘I think this recognition could really change our future beyond our wildest dreams,' and with nine cinema's now operating across the country, I believe it did just that.