Paramount Global pledges funds for a new state-of-the art MediCinema for MFT Oxford Road hospital campus

As part of its legacy to Manchester following the 2024 MTV EMAs, Paramount Global will provide funding towards the creation of a new MediCinema situated within Manchester University NHS Trust’s Oxford Road hospital campus, to bring the therapeutic power of cinema to patients and their families.

The charity MediCinema has been building and running cinemas inside hospitals for the past 25 years, equipped with space for beds, wheelchairs and medical equipment, to bring the magic of film to patients and their families, at no cost to the patients or the NHS.

The new partnership between Paramount Global and MediCinema, alongside the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, will kickstart the conversion of an existing lecture theatre inside the Manchester Royal Infirmary into a state-of-the-art cinema.

Once operational, the new MediCinema will support patients of all ages cared for throughout the Trust’s Oxford Road Campus hospitals, including Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Saint Mary’s Hospital and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, as well as Manchester Royal Infirmary.

When not in use as a cinema, the space will provide an enhanced facility for staff training and education services as a lecture theatre.

The build is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2026, with the MediCinema operational by the end of that year.

Lee Sears, President, International Markets Advertising Sales, at Paramount Global said:

“Each year, we aim to leave a legacy in each host city of the MTV EMAs, which endures beyond Music Week and has a positive impact on the wider community. In the 30^th year of MTV EMAs, Paramount is delighted to work with MediCinema and the NHS Trust and charity partners, to channel Paramount’s storied cinematic history into a space that can support the wellbeing of patients and their families.”

Colin Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer of MediCinema said:

“We are enormously grateful for the support and generosity of Paramount Global which has enabled this project to start to take shape with the MFT. It’s with immense pride that we are creating a partnership with MFT and their charity, enabling a MediCinema to be built within one of the UK’s most innovative and significant centres of care.  We know from our many years of operation within the NHS that MediCinema’s services boost wellbeing and are able to transform the hospital experience for patients, their families and careers. We are proud that NHS staff communities can also enjoy and benefit our screenings.”

Kathy Cowell OBE DL, Chairman of MFT said:

“Being in hospital can be difficult and distressing time for patients and their loved ones.  The introduction of a purpose-built cinema within our Oxford Road Campus will provide our patients – young and old – with much-needed opportunities to get away from the ward, enjoying the full cinema experience whilst still in a safe environment. It will make a huge difference for our patients and staff, and we are incredibly grateful to both Paramount and MediCinema for their support.”

MediCinema already operates successfully in five major NHS Trusts and Health Boards across the UK, boosting patient and family wellbeing with the magic of film during hospital stays.

With an impressive 25-year track record, their cinema-based programmes improve the emotional, psychological, and physical health of patients. This includes reducing feelings of isolation, stress, and anxiety while enhancing patient resilience and supporting recovery.