Saving Lives in Leeds, a new BBC documentary, produced with the support of two OU academics, features the challenging work of doctors and surgeons at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHT Trust.
The eight-part series airs on Wednesday 1st March, 9pm on BBC Two and shows the tough dilemmas that doctors face each day behind the scenes, doing a job that affects so many people’s lives.
Cathy Lloyd, Professor of health studies and Julie Messenger, senior lecturer in nursing at The Open University, were the academic consultants for the series.
The series meets a group of world-leading doctors and surgeons at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which includes Leeds General Infirmary that has been saving lives for over 250 years, and St James’s University Hospital.
The programme sees them battle through their ever-increasing waiting lists to transform the lives of their patients and decide who to treat next.
It features in-depth interviews and life-changing operations, from operating on brain tumours; performing cardiac surgery on babies; providing life-saving liver treatment and carrying out a high-risk double hand transplant.
Julie Messenger said:
“This case study approach allows us to showcase materials within our nursing programmes, specifically to highlight the needs of different patient groups, interprofessional working and values driven behaviour.
“Audiences will see care reflect from childhood through to old age. Underpinning all aspects, we see a highly motivated, but at times exhausted workforce – keen to do their best for each person. There are some case studies included which may bring you to tears.
“At points it serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges faced by many. Although you only see snippets of individuals experiences, these are hugely relatable and honest.”
Professor Phil Wood, Chief Executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, says: “Saving Lives in Leeds really shines a light on the outstanding people working at Leeds Teaching Hospitals carrying out remarkable and world-leading surgery.”
This series was commissioned by Broadcast and Partnerships and is supported by the Faculty of WELS, with particular relevance to:
R26 – BA(Honours) Health and Social Care
R43 – Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship
- Commissioned by: Dr Caroline Ogilvie, Head of Broadcast & Partnerships
- Academic Consultants: Professor Cathy Lloyd & Julie Messenger
- Media Fellow: Dr Erica Borgstrom
- Broadcast Project Manager: David Bloomfield
- Supporting online content: Andrew Hudson
Supporting Online content:
Visit the NEW Broadcast & Partnerships website where you can see interviews from staff behind the scenes at the Leeds teaching hospitals.
Please note the website may not be live or complete until transmission.
ENDS
