New episode of 24 Hours in A&E: Hope Springs Eternal
The RTS award-winning documentary series returns for a twenty sixth 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 – a place where stories of life, love and loss unfold every day.
This episode focusses on a day at St George’s during the global pandemic, exploring the impact of Covid-19 on the hospital and its staff. We also meet members of the public whose lives have been affected.
79-year-old Colin is rushed to St George’s after collapsing in his garage. Doctors are concerned that he has suffered a stroke but Colin has also recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour, which could be causing similar symptoms. We meet Colin’s wife, Alison, who shares how important Colin’s career in hairdressing is to him and how difficult not being able to work has been during the pandemic.
Dr Yuki, an ED doctor, reflects on the changes in her department during the first lockdown, and reveals the concerns within her family about her working in a hospital during that time. Dr Yuki recalls how she wanted to become a doctor and the health challenges she faced along the way that almost jeopardised her chances. She talks about the importance of putting her patients first and the comfort she takes in knowing she has found her “Ikigai” – her reason for being – in becoming a doctor.
88-year-old Tony is minor injuries with crippling pain in his fingers. Tony reflects on his life and his love of dancing. Whilst the restrictions have caused his dancehall to close, Tony believes the pandemic has brought the best out of people in a similar way to the generosity and spirit he witnessed during another national crisis the second world war.
Executive Producer: Spencer Kelly, Rachael Smith & Lucie Duxbury
Series Producer/Directors: Kate Walker, Helen Crampton, Joe John
Series Editor: Tom Wilde
Producer/Director: Ben Cotton
Editor: Laura Bryant
