The RTS award-winning – and 2019 BAFTA nominated – documentary series is back with its 18th series on Channel 4.

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.

St George’s treats over 1200 stroke patients every year.  In this episode, we meet the specialist stroke team who are dedicated to caring for people when they suffer the potentially devastating consequences of a stroke.

77 year old Alex has been rushed to St George’s with a suspected stroke, having woken up unable to speak or move the left hand side of her body. The specialist stroke team decide to give her a powerful clot busting drug in an attempt to reverse the damage to her brain. Her husband Paul sits nervously at her bedside as they wait to see if the drug will bring back her speech and movement.

Meanwhile, 66 year old Steven is in majors with severe stomach cramps. As doctors examine him and take bloods to determine the cause, we hear from Steven how his parents care during a childhood illness left him with a lifelong gratitude for their devotion towards him. When they became elderly, he was determined to return the favour.

16 year old Aaliyah is in paediatric A&E after her fingernail was badly damaged in a fight. Her sister Tia and mum Maria can hardly bear to look as doctors surgically remove the broken nail.

Notes to editors

For media enquiries, please contact philippa.harper@stgeorges.nhs.uk