Tag: hospital visit

Paddington Bear and Hugh Bonneville surprise young patients

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde was delighted to welcome Hugh Bonneville and Paddington Bear to the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow this week.

The BAFTA-nominated actor was welcomed in a delightful reception by excited young patients and their families, who were treated to a special screening of Paddington in Peru in the MediCinema at the hospital.

Bonneville, who plays the character Mr. Brown in the beloved family film series, made a surprise visit to the in-hospital cinema in Glasgow run by MediCinema, a charity which improves the wellbeing and quality of life of NHS patients and their families through the power of the shared cinema experience and the magic of film. 

The actor handed out soft Paddington bear toys to young patients at the MediCinema, speaking to them and their families before introducing the special screening.

Lucas, a young patient at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children said: “I enjoyed everything about tonight, it was amazing. I’m so happy I got to see a premiere and ask questions to one of the actual people in it. 

“This has been my favourite movie experience – Paddington is my new number one.”

The highly anticipated third film follows in the paw prints of two hugely successful cinematic outings of the charming and lovable bear, bringing Paddington’s story back to Peru as he returns to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy at the Home for Retired Bears.

With the Brown Family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru.

Guests at the MediCinema screening on Wednesday were amongst the first in the UK to watch the brand-new Paddington cinematic adventure, ahead of its nationwide release on Friday 8th November.

Mandy Meechan, Chief Nurse at the Royal Hospital for children said: “The children and parents were absolutely delighted to meet Hugh and Paddington.

“We aim to deliver person-centred care and visits like these enable us to create special moments that make a difference.

“A huge thank you from all of us to Hugh, Paddington, Medicinema, and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity for making this possible.”

Paul Giggal, MediCinema Chief Operating Officer said: “It’s been a true joy to have Hugh and Paddington make this surprise visit to the MediCinema for patients and their families in Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children. 

“Then seeing the film before it’s open to the public has been the icing on the cake – or the marmalade on the sandwich! Experiences like this can transform a young person’s experience of hospital and bring joy at the most difficult times. The children loved every minute tonight and it is something they’ll remember forever.”

Hugh Bonneville said: “It’s a real privilege for me to visit Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children and to introduce some young adventurers to Paddington’s latest escapade, Paddington In Peru at the wonderful MediCinema.”

Young ‘bravehearts’ inspire Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad

The Scotland Euro 2024 Men’s Squad surprised patients at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), Glasgow this afternoon with an unexpected meet and greet, ahead of jetting off to Germany next week.

There were squeals of excitement and joy throughout the hospital as Captain, Andrew Robertson, led the team of Scotland’s best male footballers and coaches to visit patients and their families on the wards.

The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament kicks off on Friday 14th June, with Scotland playing Germany in the tournament’s opening match. Having noted the incredible work of the RHC staff and the care that they provide for children from across the country, the squad visited to give thanks to the hospital – and, of course, to drum up excitement among their youngest supporters.

Scotland Team Captain, Andy Robertson said: “It was a privilege for us to visit the Royal Hospital for Children and see the dedicated work of the staff up close.
 
“We have a squad of players from different backgrounds, at different ages and stages, but the vast majority will have a personal story to tell about loved ones who have benefited from the care and expertise on offer from RHC or somewhere similar.
 
“It was impossible not to be moved by the kids we met, especially as the father of young children myself. They’re all facing into their own difficult, varied challenges but, in every case, their resilience shines through and it’s reassuring to know they’re being looked after as well as they are by hospital staff, and the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, who are doing everything they can for them.
 
“We are not short on motivation for the Euros, but it meant a lot to hear how excited they all are to watch the games and follow our progress. They won’t be far from our thoughts when we’re in Germany.”

The RHC and the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity work hard throughout the year to bring experiences to patients and their families that extend ‘further than the medicine’ – including visits like these.

Mandy Meechan, Chief Nurse at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow explained: “We can’t believe how lucky we have been to have the Scotland team visit us today.

“We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for the smiles they created today, and we hope they take that energy and have great success in Germany. We pride ourselves on our person-centred care, and this visit has inspired hope, strength and tenacity in the kids and their families. It was just what we all needed”.

Kirsteen Watson from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity added: “We are so grateful to the squad for visiting the children’s hospital today.

“The children felt like VIPs when they realised that the players had taken time away from the training pitch to pay them a special visit, and many have made memories that will last a lifetime.

“There was a sense of unity, hope and positivity during the visit, which can truly transform the hospital experience for children and young people. I’d like to thank our donors and volunteers who help to create moments like this all year round by supporting our hospital play programme.”