Edinburgh children's hospital brings cinema to patients

A CHARITY which supports the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh treated young patients and their families to an exclusive cinema experience by bringing the big screen in-house for Valentine's Day.

The Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF) teamed up with mobile community cinema, Pix in the Stix, on 14 February to give children, their family and friends a cozy night in with a front row showing of some of the latest blockbusters.

Marking the first time that the Edinburgh hospital had brought the cinema indoors, one ward was transformed into a mini movie screen and the audience was treated to two films over the course of the afternoon – Pixar’s Home for younger children, and Pan for older viewers – as well as a selection of Luca’s Ice Cream.

The aim of the activity was to bring an enjoyable, relaxing experience to what can be a stressful environment and to give the children and their families and friends the chance to spend some quality time together.

Fiona O’Sullivan, Arts Programme Manager of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, spoke of the benefits of hosting regular fun and interactive activities within the hospital.

Fiona said: “This was a fantastic activity organised for the children and we are extremely grateful to Pix in the Stix for helping us make it happen.

“We wanted to provide a normal, everyday experience for families who may not have had the chance to spend much time together recently. We also thought it would be a nice idea for any parents with children in intensive care to have the opportunity for a Valentine’s Day date.

“This is just one of the many activities we provide to ensure children and young people’s lives are less interrupted by illness; they are less scared of hospital and have a more positive experience.

“It’s definitely something we would look to do again in the near future.”

Julia Edmonds, from Pix in the Stix, said: “We really enjoyed working with the Sick Kids Friends Foundation and the hospital and being able to bring the cinema experience to the children and families who are receiving treatment there.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for us and we were glad to be able to share the big screen with people who may not otherwise be able to go to the movies on a regular basis.”

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