Filming for a brand new two-part series following women experiencing complex pregnancies through to birth and beyond started last month to highlight the work of our fetal medicine, neonatal and maternity units alongside other related services such as paediatric surgery at St George’s.

The series aims to show the highs and lows of parenthood through more complex pregnancies and the decision making that goes into them by both the families and our clinical teams.

As one of the UK’s leading fetal medicine units, the series will showcase some of the most pioneering baby surgery performed, by our specialist teams, both inside and outside of the womb to save and improve the lives of babies.

Professor Basky Thilaganathan, Clinical Director for our Fetal Medicine Unit at St George’s, said: “As a designated centre for specialist fetal care and multiple births, we care for a number of babies each year that require surgical intervention in the womb, or soon after birth.

“This series is a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the experiences of families we treat at St George’s, as well as the many different staff and specialist teams involved in their care.”

‘Baby Surgeons’ – the series working title – is being directed by James W. Newton and Executive Produced by Wonderhood’s Chief Creative Officer, Samantha Anstiss, and Executive Producer, Katharine Patrick and has been commissioned by Channel 4 Documentary Commissioner, Alisa Pomeroy for broadcast later in 2020.

Katharine Patrick said: “The incredible scientific advances in the fetal medicine world is not something we’re often aware of and this series, alongside the very real and often heartbreakingly ethical dilemmas that expectant parents face, is an extremely privileged look into the world of the cutting-edge surgeons carrying out such delicate and sensitive operations.”

James Newton said: “Modern medicine is now making even the trickiest of pregnancies possible, where previously babies may not have survived. As a result, medical staff and pregnant mothers can face difficult decisions as they navigate when, how or even if they should intervene. It’s sensitive access, but the team here are really supportive and my hope is that these deeply personal stories will show how, when it comes to having a baby, there are often no right or wrong choices.”

Alisa Pomeroy added: “Wonderhood have secured phenomenal access to the remarkable work of these pioneering surgeons at St George’s Hospital.  The series will no doubt offer up both a fascinating and emotionally challenging insight into the extremely delicate and highly complex medical support that is provided to all those concerned.”

 

Information for patients can be found here.

Image caption: Professor Khalil (front centre) and Professor Thilaganathan (front right) and supporting teams, attempting the UK’s first fetoscopic intubation of a fetus with a neck tumour at St George’s Hospital, London.

Photo credit: Wonderhood Studios

Notes to editors

For more information, please contact Pippa Harper, Media Manager, via philippa.harper@stgeorges.nhs.uk

Production Company: Wonderhood Studios
Executive Producer: Samantha Anstiss/Katharine Patrick
Commissioning Editor: Alisa Pomeroy
Distributor: BBC Studios Distribution