How MediCinema is improving the mental health of NHS patients.
Being in hospital can be challenging with hospital stays often accompanied by feelings of isolation, anxiety, and stress. Â Â
For the past 25 years, MediCinema, has been transforming the experience of NHS patients across the UK. Through the power of film and the shared cinema experience, MediCinema improves the mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of patients and their loved ones at some of their most challenging timesÂ
Â
Proven ImpactÂ
The impact of MediCinema on patients’ mental health is profound. Â
According to our regular surveys, 94% of attendees reported that the cinema experience reduces feelings of isolation, while 93% said the experience reduces anxiety and stress. Additionally, 92% said it improved overall wellbeing, and 90% felt it supported mental health and helped people to cope. Â
Georgie, Lead Occupational Therapist, Adolescent Mental Health Services at Chelsea & Westminster has seen first-hand the psychological impact that MediCinema has had for the young patients in her care.
![get_sub_field('image')['alt']](https://www.medicinema.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Georgie-Griffin.jpg)
MediCinema is an incredibly motivating activity for our patients … The experience enables them to positively engage in an activity, and helps reduce anxiety by allowing them to concentrate on something else for a while, often leading them to be able to cope better with their situation.
David’s storyÂ
When David was admitted to hospital for surgery, he felt overwhelmed by the psychological effects that being away from family can often have on patients.Â
When I think back on my first night in hospital, the night before the surgery, I was absolutely terrified... But the biggest thing for me was the isolation. My daughter lives 300 odd miles from where I live. And lying there in hospital the night before my surgery, I just felt very alone…
An unexpected invitation to the MediCinema at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow helped David to overcome his feelings of isolation and offered a welcome distraction from the anxiety about his upcoming surgery. Â
And then the film started and all the anxiety I had been feeling just washed away… When the film finished, I felt happier. I hadn’t had an evening of idle despair that I’d imagined I would. Instead, I was taken out of my own little world and entertained. That’s the power of the cinema – to take you away from things.
Community of SupportÂ
Beyond the feeling of escape and connection experienced at our regular inpatient screenings, MediCinema also fosters a sense of community among patients, families, and hospital staff through tailored screenings for specific groups, such as teenagers and young people with cancer or individuals with mental health challenges. The shared experience of watching a movie together breaks down barriers and opens avenues for conversation and connection.Â
Peter is part of the Advanced Prostate Cancer Club at Guy’s Hospital.
![get_sub_field('image')['alt']](https://www.medicinema.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Peter-Picture-support-page-not-sure-if-you-can-use-this.pdf-e1708454530380-1110x1024.png)
It is a great opportunity for us to talk, share our experiences and reassure each other. We meet for the film and stay afterwards to talk, and it is such an uplifting experience.
