New episode of 24 Hours in A&E: Count My Blessings…
The RTS award-winning documentary series returns for a twentieth series following patients treated in the same 24-hour period at St George’s in south west London.
The hospital has one of the busiest A&E departments in Britain – under more pressure than ever. It’s a place where stories of life, love and loss unfold every day.
This episode follows the stories two families and the way they offer each other support when hearing difficult news.
Throughout the film consultant Mark explains the challenge of balancing dual aspects of a doctor’s role; the need to fix patients but also to ensure you are honest with them about the limitations of medicine.
95 year old Sylvia is brought to A&E after falling down a flight of stairs when she lost balance from her chairlift. Doctors are concerned about internal bleeding and life changing injuries to her hip. Sylvia’s daughter Liz tells the story of Sylvia’s life; growing up in WW2 and the freedom that offered a young woman. Then following the war returning to a more conventional role as a mother and wife. Liz recalls how, even in the hardest of times, her mother was able to see the brighter side of life.
39 year old Mark is rushed to St George’s after being struck by a car and knocked off his bike at 40mph whilst cycling on a rural road. Doctors are concerned about injuries to his brain after he lost consciousness and became agitated and confused. Mark’s brother Terry recounts their youth; growing up as two of three close brothers, and the life changing circumstances which brought the brothers closer than ever before.
