MediCinema Magic for Two Year Old Oliver at Alder Hey
Since its opening in November, the new MediCinema at Alder Hey has already given more than 300 patients and their families the opportunity to experience the magic of the movies from the safety and comfort of the hospital.
By showing the latest big screen releases, the cinema allows long-term patients to access a feeling of normality during their stay. One young person who has experienced the magic that the MediCinema has to offer is two-year-old Oliver, who has been going to Alder Hey since last August when he was diagnosed with heart failure.
On a ward since Boxing Day, Oliver attended a private screening of the new hit film Mufasa: The Lion King, along with his mum, dad and older brother Arthur. Oliver is a huge fan of The Lion King, with his mum Chloe saying it provides him with a huge comfort and that he has watched it over and over since he was first admitted. During the film he danced along to all the songs and laughed and smiled throughout, relishing in the valuable family time spent with his parents and brother.
Oliver’s mum Chloe said that the whole family loved their afternoon in the MediCinema.
It was amazing, Oliver loved the film and seeing the lions on the screen. He was singing and dancing along and after the past couple of weeks this was really special to see. Oliver has never been to a cinema before, so this truly was a wonderful experience
Chloe, Oliver's Mum
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Alder Hey Staff Nurse Denise Davies has been working shifts for MediCinema at numerous screenings since it opened and attended the Mufasa screening with Oliver and his family.
It meant so much to Oliver and his parents to do something as a family, especially because they were admitted over Christmas and missed out on the 'normal' festivities at home. They have been confined to a small room so being able to do something the four of them is very special and greatly appreciated. Oliver sat through the whole film and was completely engrossed; it was such a pleasure to see him enjoy himself like that. MediCinema is making such a difference.
Staff Nurse Denise Davies
Cinema Manager Laura Smith has been running the MediCinema screenings at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital since it opened in November 2024 and made sure that this special screening could take place for Oliver.
It’s been wonderful seeing so many brave young patients, like Oliver, and their guests coming through the MediCinema doors. With inpatient screenings four times a week, many children have had their first ever cinema experience here at Alder Hey which is such a privilege to facilitate. Moana 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Mufasa; The Lion King have all been huge hits, as well as some Disney classics and heartwarming Christmas movies. Our team of MediCinema nurses and incredible volunteers have made the magic possible. I am so proud of the collaborative effort of everyone involved to give children a vital break from the ward. It truly provides a moment to escape, fire up the imagination and enjoy the simple but transformative experience of the cinema.
Cinema Manager Laura Smith
