Running a hospital cinema is my most rewarding role
The children’s TV veteran tells Christine Smith about his big screen adventures
He was one half of Saturday morning kids’ telly duo Trevor and Simon in the 80s. But now Simon Hickson is bringing even more joy to the movies – managing a hospital cinema.
The former Going Live and Live & Kicking star runs CW + MediCinema at Chelsea and Westminster hospital, providing thousands of patients with a chance to watch one of the latest blockbusters during their stay.
First launched 21 years ago, the MediCinema charity has six cinemas in hospitals dotted across the country, including Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and Serennu Children’s Centre in Newport.
It has a very simple mission: to give a sense of normality to patients, whether they are in hospital on drips and respirators, recovering from an operation, undergoing chemotherapy or on dialysis.
Simon, 58, says: “I loved working as a
children’s presenter, but four years ago, Trev and I had not been doing much on-screen stuff and we were mainly writing for kids’ sitcoms.
“I was starting to get fed up and I felt I wanted a job that was good for my soul. I am a massive film fan and back in 2017 a friend spotted an advert looking for someone to manage the MediCinema.
“I didn’t think I was qualified enough, but my friend persuaded me to apply. I had to prepare a CV that was applicable to the role, though, as mine was, ‘ he has swung his pants and done stupid sketches!’ Amazingly I got the job and I am so pleased I did. Being able to offer something positive is the most rewarding job you can dream of.”
The MediCinema is unique. The Chelsea and Westminster one seats 40 patients and family members, with further space for six wheelchairs and room at the back if patients need to be wheeled in on a bed. There is also emergency resuscitation equipment.
Sixty nurses, also funded by the charity, take it in turns to be at one of the four screenings per week. A further 80 volunteers, who Simon manages, are on hand to take the patients from their wards to and from the cinema.
And what makes the MediCinema even more special, says Simon, is the fact moviemakers have bent over backwards to ensure they are able to screen the latest films. They have even arranged for movie stars, such as Tom Hiddleston, to make special visits.
“The film industry is stupendous,” says Simon. “Its support for us is incredible and it will go to any length.”
Before each film is aired, Simon goes around the wards to check which patients would be able to come along by liaising with the staff nurses.
They are then given a “cinema ticket” listing all medical information, which is then handed over to the cinema nurse.
“Some can’t get out of the bed and when I explain they can be wheeled in, they can’t believe it,” says Simon.
“I remember a 94-year-old who came. We were showing Fast And Furious and she was holding on to the bed rails as if she was driving a car.”
And watching a film brings more than just entertainment.
Simon says: “It gives patients a sense of normality when they are going through the most stressful time. It also helps with loneliness and anxiety. They tell us they forget about their pain too, which is amazing.”
As well as special silver films shown to try to encourage dementia patients
to remember things from their past, the movies are also beneficial for stroke patients. Personal screenings are even arranged for those nearing the end of their life.
“One lady, Yasmin, was only 43 and suffering from cancer,” Simon recalls.
“She had been coming regularly and told me that it was a beacon during the toughest storm of her life.
“We were planning to show Bohemian Rhapsody but Yasmin was leaving the next day to go to a hospice and was so disappointed she wouldn’t be able to come along.
“We didn’t even have a copy of the film at that stage but thanks to the incredible help of the film industry, we managed to arrange her own private screening.
“Yasmin, her brother and friend sat in the seats and all swayed along to We Are The Champions at the end. The value of this can’t be underestimated.”
It comes as no surprise to hear that Covid has put a massive spanner in the works.
All cinemas were shut in lockdown and the charity estimates it will have lost £1million in income before the end of the year. But a month ago, three MediCinemas reopened, including Simon’s, with social distancing measures in place. Up to eight patients and family members can now attend with two nurses also present.
“I’m so pleased we are back up and running again,” he says. “Just think about the relief we all felt being able to eat out again after lockdown.
“MediCinema gives patients a sense of normality.”
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We’ve even had movie stars, like Tom Hiddleston, come along to visit patients
For more details, or if you would like to donate, go to medicinema.org.uk. During lockdown, Simon has undertaken 20 movie-themed challenges. Donate at just giving.com/ fundraising/simon-hickson4