Relieving anxiety for NHS patients one film at a time with MediCinema
Being in hospital can be challenging. Prolonged hospital stays can often be accompanied by feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. In fact, studies show that 1 in 4 hospital inpatients experience significant anxiety*.
For over 25 years, MediCinema, has been transforming the experience of NHS patients across the UK. Our state-of-the-art cinemas, built in the heart of NHS hospitals, help to ease hospital-related anxiety one film at a time.
Proven Impact
According to our regular attendee surveys:
94% said the MediCinema experience reduced feelings of isolation
93% felt visiting the MediCinema reduced anxiety and stress
92% said it improved overall wellbeing
91% felt it supported mental health and helped people cope
Celeste James, Senior Staff Haematology and Oncology nurse at Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital, has seen first-hand the psychological impact that MediCinema has had for the patients in her care.
I have seen countless times patients experience pure joy, freedom, comfort, and a sense of normality while they are in the middle of very hard times. The chance to watch a brand-new film, gives them an alternative to think about, rather than fixating on distressing thoughts, anxiety and pain. Â
Transforming the Hospital Experience – Isabelle’s Story
When young Isabelle was rushed to hospital for an appendectomy her entire family experienced the stress and anxiety that comes with supporting a child through a serious illness.
MediCinema not only provided a distraction to Isabelle from the pain she was in but provided the whole family with moments of joy and normality that helped them through a challenging time and left them with positive memories, helping them to cope with the thought of potential future hospital visits.
![get_sub_field('image')['alt']](https://www.medicinema.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Isabelle-Case-study-article-featured-image.png)
The movie itself was great, but the real gift was the chance to have some quality family time – something hard to come by when you’re in hospital. It helped distract Isabelle from her pain, but it was even more than that – it was a source of happiness during a painful time.
Carolyn, Isabelle's Mum
Community of Support – Ted’s Story
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 clinical groups, such as teens 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.
When Ted was diagnosed with prostate cancer, like many, he felt alone. But MediCinema’s Tailored Screening Programme helped to ease the anxiety of his illness and connect with a community of others going through a similar experience, or as he calls it, his ‘band of brothers’.
![get_sub_field('image')['alt']](https://www.medicinema.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Teds-Story-featured-image-1440x810.png)
When you first get a diagnosis, it can feel like you’re on your own. But when you come here it’s pretty clear that you’re not – you’ve got all these people around you in the same boat. You can walk into the MediCinema and be around people who just get it. Life is normal, life is good. And suddenly you’re not alone anymore.
