MediCinema provides magic for Alder Hey patient Oliver

Since its opening in November, Alder Hey’s new MediCinema has already given 300 patients and families the opportunity to experience the magic of the movies from the safety and comfort of our hospital. By showing the latest big screen releases, the cinema is allowing Alder Hey’s long-term patients to access a feeling of normality during their stay.
One young person who has experienced the magic that the MediCinema has to offer is two-year-old Oliver, who has been coming to Alder Hey since last August when he was diagnosed with heart failure. Oliver, who has been staying on Ward 1C since Boxing Day, attended a private screening of the new hit film Mufasa, along with his mum and dad and older brother Arthur. Oliver is a huge fan of The Lion King, with his mum Chloe saying it provides him with a huge comfort and that he has watched it over and over since he was first admitted. When Oliver arrived at the screening he was greeted with a special welcome message above the cinema. During the film he danced along to all the songs and laughed and smiled throughout, relishing in the valuable family time spent with his parents and brother.

Oliver’s mum Chloe said that the whole family loved their afternoon in the MediCinema. She told us:
“It was amazing, Oliver loved the film and seeing the lions of 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.”
Chloe, Oliver's Mum
Alder Hey Staff Nurse Denise Davies has been working at numerous MediCinema screenings since the Alder Hey cinema opened and attended the Mufasa screening with Oliver and his family. Denise said:
"It meant so much to Oliver and his parents to do something as a family, especially because they were admitted over Christmas and missed out on the 'normal' festivities at home.They have been confined to a small room so being able to do something the four of them is very special and greatly appreciated. Oliver sat through the whole film and was completely engrossed; it was such a pleasure to see him enjoy himself like that. MediCinema is making such a difference."
Denise Davies, Alder Hey Nurse
Ahead of the screening, we spoke to Alder Hey MediCinema Manager Laura Smith about the difference the MediCinema is already making to children, young people and their families in the short time since its opening. She said:
"It’s been wonderful seeing so many brave young patients, like Oliver, and their guests coming through the MediCinema doors. With inpatient screenings four times a week in our 29-seat auditorium with additional space for wheelchairs and beds, we welcome brave young patients and their guests to the latest blockbusters. Many children have had their first ever cinema trip here at Alder Hey which is such a privilege to facilitate! Moana 2, Sonic 3 and Mufasa have all been huge hits, as well as some Disney classics and heartwarming Christmas movies. Our team of MediCinema nurses and incredible volunteers have made the magic possible; I am so proud of the collaborative effort of everyone involved that is giving children a vital break from the ward. It truly provides a moment to escape, fire up the imagination and enjoy the simple but transformative experience of the cinema."
Laura Smith, Alder Hey MediCinema Manager
These magical moments are only possible thanks to your support. Thanks to your donations to our MediCinema Appeal, we are able to secure the regular running costs to bring these experiences to children like Oliver. Thank you so much to all of the donors who have and continue to support our appeal, we couldn’t do it without your support!