Illumination’s Minions & Monsters Preview Brings Big-Screen Fun to Manchester MediCinema Opening

Manchester’s first fully accessible in-hospital cinema officially opened today at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s Oxford Road Campus, welcoming children, young people and families from Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital into the brand-new MediCinema experience.

To mark the occasion, young patients from Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital were invited to a special screening of Illumination’s joyful, riotous new feature film, Minions & Monsters, ahead of its release in UK cinemas July 1. Patients and families also took part in film-themed activities and met James and Henry, two of the film’s all-new Minion stars, before enjoying the first official screening together – the film’s first screening in the UK.

Elliot’s MediCinema Experience

Among the first patients to experience was Elliot Martin, aged 13, who attended the screening with his parents, Deborah and Simon. Elliot has been a patient on Ward 78 for two weeks after the discovery of a non-cancerous brain tumour.

Mum Deborah said: 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.  Today has been really fun for him. It has 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.

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

For patients and families spending days, weeks or even months in hospital, the new MediCinema offers an opportunity to step away from the ward environment, enjoy time together and experience a sense of normality during their hospital stay. The shared experience of film can provide escapism and connection during what is often a challenging time for patients and their loved ones.

The Manchester MediCinema Appeal

The new MediCinema has been made possible through a partnership between BAFTA Award winning charity MediCinema, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and MFT Charity, following the successful completion of their Manchester MediCinema Appeal.

The appeal raised £1.1 million thanks to the generosity of individuals, schools, community groups, charitable trusts and businesses across the region, and has enabled the creation of a purpose-built, fully accessible cinema for patients from across MFT’s Oxford Road Campus hospitals, including Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary, at no cost to the NHS.

Why a MediCinema is Special

The 50-seat facility is the first of its kind in Manchester. Designed to provide an authentic cinema experience within the hospital environment, it includes space for wheelchairs, hospital beds and essential medical equipment, enabling patients to attend screenings safely while continuing to receive the care and support they need.

Patients attending screenings are supported by dedicated MediCinema nurses and specially trained volunteers, helping ensure that as many patients as possible can benefit from the experience.

The cinema will offer a year-round programme of films, which are free for patients and their families to attend, including the latest blockbusters, family favourites and much-loved classics. Alongside regular screenings, tailored sessions will be developed for specific patient groups such as youth mental health and dementia support groups, as well as for individual needs such as palliative care and end-of-life screenings, helping to ensure the experience is accessible to as many patients and families as possible.

Built on the principles of therapeutic cinema, the new MediCinema has been designed to support emotional wellbeing alongside clinical care. Research into therapeutic cinema has shown it can help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and isolation for patients, while creating opportunities for connection and positive shared experiences during hospital stays. The screenings improve mood and help better engagement with medical treatment.

Manchester’s MediCinema Opening Reception

Kimberley Salmon-Jamieson, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Nursing Officer at MFT, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to open our MediCinema and welcome patients and families through its doors for the very first time.

“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.”

David Walliker, Executive Chief Officer, said: “This is a landmark moment for our hospitals and for everyone who has helped make the Manchester MediCinema a reality.

“We are incredibly grateful to the many individuals, schools, community groups, organisations and businesses whose support and generosity has made this possible. Seeing patients and families enjoying the cinema for the first time is a powerful reminder of the difference that we can make together.”

Colin Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer of MediCinema, said: “We are immensely proud to open our latest MediCinema here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

“Today has been a wonderful celebration, seeing patients and families enjoy a shared cinema experience together. Our screenings can make a profound difference to the hospital experience, providing moments of joy, connection and escapism when they are needed most.

“Thanks to our partnership with MFT and its Charity, this outstanding facility will benefit thousands of patients and families for many years to come.”

The MediCinema will host more than 260 screenings each year, providing thousands of opportunities for patients and families to experience the magic of the movies during their time in hospital.