Alder Hey’s MediCinema: 2000+ patients attend screenings in first six months
Thousands of young patients are seeing their lives transformed following the recent opening of MediCinema’s newest screen at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool.
It’s been six months since the movie theatre opened its’ doors. In that time, more than 2,000 children, youngsters and their families have been able to enjoy a shared cinema experience. The charity says it’s transforming their hospital experiences.
‘Since opening in November, our incredible MediCinema has transformed the hospital experience for over 2,000 children, young people, and their families,’ explains Nathan Askew, Chief Nurse at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.
‘It has provided a magical escape and a sense of normality during sometimes long stays and brings smiles to those who need it most.’
The state-of-the-art cinema is currently the only one at a standalone paediatric hospital in the UK – and the first cinema in a hospital in the Northwest of England.
The foyer features a bold, colourful rainbow design visible from the ground floor atrium and includes a quiet zone for children should require any downtime. There’s even a digital wall which shows the latest movie trailers.
The MediCinema experience is allowing patients to experience UK premiers and character visits. There’s also a chance for vulnerable patients to experience personal screenings.
The past six month has seen more than 2000 patients and loved ones attending 116 screenings. Just over 80 patients have attended a screening in their hospital beds.
Image: MediCinema / Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Charity
Personal screenings for vulnerable patients
There’s also been 18 personal screenings for vulnerable patients or for those receiving end of life care. Organisers explain it provides families a chance to build lasting memories and moments of connection.
Patients were also given the chance to see two UK premiers – with Moana 2 and A Minecraft Movie screened ahead of general cinema release.
Families say the cinema is having a massive and positive impact on the wellbeing of their children. One of the patients, Oliver, is two year’s old.
He has a long-term heart condition and was admitted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital at the end of last year. He was given the chance to attend a private screening of Disney’s ‘Mufasa: The Lion King.’
‘It was amazing,’ says his Mum, Chloe. ‘Oliver loved the film and seeing the lions on the screen. He was singing and dancing along and after the past couple of weeks this was really special to see. Oliver has never been to a cinema before, so this truly was a wonderful experience.’
The MediCinema at Alder Hey Children’s hospital was launched in November 2024 and is run in partnership between MediCinema, Alder Hey Children’s Charity and Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.
The cinema shows latest release at no cost to patients – or the NHS. Each MediCinema has room for hospital beds, wheelchairs and medical equipment. Every screening is supported by two MediCinema nurses.
Honoured by BAFTA
‘We want to say a massive thank you to all our supporters who have helped bring this dream to life,’ says Fiona Ashcroft, CEO, Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
‘Also a special thank you to our volunteers and nurses who make each screening special for everyone attending. We couldn’t imagine not having the cinema at Alder Hey.’
MediCinema was recently honoured with BAFTA’s Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award at the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards.
