Being in hospital is never easy, but if you’re there for days, weeks or even months, it can be particularly challenging. The CW+ MediCinema at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital provides some welcome escapism for patients and their families.Â
At the CW+ MediCinema, patients can enjoy the latest film releases free of charge. It’s a great way for them to enjoy a few hours of normality with their loved ones, away from the wards.Â
The state-of-the-art cinema is fully digitalised with a 3D screen, Dolby Surround Sound and 40 luxury seats, as well as capacity for six wheelchairs and five beds. Two nurses are present at every screening so patients can continue to be cared for. Priority is given to inpatients.
The CW+ MediCinema is a partnership between CW+ and MediCinema. Together, our aim is to bring the magic of film to patients of all ages, and give families separated by illness an enjoyable and uplifting shared experience.Â
See a day in the life of CW+ MediCinema manager Simon Hickson:Â
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MediCinema is an integral part of this hospital. It's a part of how we do things. I’ve seen the difference it makes to do something the rest of us take for granted - go and watch a film. It's a transformational experience
All I do is show films, but I can't deny the impact that has. It can really help their whole attitude to being in hospital. You can be inspired, you can be uplifted
When you get invited to come here and watch films, it changes the way you perceive things, and helps you try and think more positively about situations, like ‘You can get through this’ and ‘You're not alone’
A lot of families that come into the hospital have nobody to talk to. They feel lost. And when you come in [to the cinema] you feel like someone cares. It gives you a sense of hope as well. It’s beautiful
Having a dedicated, clinically adapted space that patients and their loved ones can enjoy together has transformed our ability to bolster wellbeing and shown how vitally important this can be to a patient’s recovery or palliative journey
In 2024, we upgraded the cinema with the latest top-of-the-range audiovisual equipment. This means that, when there are no film screenings scheduled, the cinema can be used as a teaching and conference-style meeting space for up to 50 people.Â
The system features two cameras, a hands-free microphone for presenters, a hand-held microphone for audience members, built-in room microphones and speakers, and an easy-to-use touchscreen interface to connect to a multitude of applications.Â
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