0:00:02 > 0:00:04Hand versus chainsaw.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06That looks painful.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09Our hospitals are taking care of more patients than ever...
0:00:11 > 0:00:13- Are you all right?- No...
0:00:13 > 0:00:15Oh, poppet.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17..with medical teams under constant pressure...
0:00:17 > 0:00:18BEEPING
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Could Dr Pitsy come to Resus, please?
0:00:20 > 0:00:22Somebody as poorly as this little one,
0:00:22 > 0:00:24we really need to treat them quickly.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27..to meet our expectations. CRYING
0:00:27 > 0:00:30I'm just worried about what he's going to be like afterwards.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33But there's a crucial member of the team we sometimes forget.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35I've never ever been on a bed like this.
0:00:37 > 0:00:38The hospital bed.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42Another ward, another story, another bed.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Ah!
0:00:45 > 0:00:47In our lifetime,
0:00:47 > 0:00:50we are likely to need one of them at least three times.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53I've probably spent a quarter of my life on a hospital bed!
0:00:54 > 0:00:55In this series,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58our cameras have been given unprecedented access to beds
0:00:58 > 0:01:01in four very different hospitals across the country.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06It's life. Life and death, and everything that goes in between.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08We'll see the world through the bed's eyes...
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Hello, my love. Hiya.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12..as they share the most challenging...
0:01:12 > 0:01:15I don't know what to do...
0:01:15 > 0:01:16I don't know.
0:01:16 > 0:01:17..most intimate...
0:01:17 > 0:01:18I'm OK.
0:01:21 > 0:01:22I know.
0:01:22 > 0:01:23..and most rewarding...
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Happy birthday!
0:01:25 > 0:01:27In't hospitals wonderful?
0:01:27 > 0:01:28..moments of our lives.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Thank you for being here.
0:01:31 > 0:01:32I'm not going anywhere else.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35The hospital cannot function without beds.
0:01:35 > 0:01:36Beds are vital.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40This is The Secret Life Of The Hospital Bed.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50Last year, there were more than 22 million visits
0:01:50 > 0:01:53to hospital emergency departments in the UK.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56Having a high-grade fever, and...
0:01:56 > 0:02:00a heart rate of between 120 to 140...
0:02:02 > 0:02:05The Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle
0:02:05 > 0:02:07has more A&E beds than monitoring bays
0:02:07 > 0:02:09or examination rooms.
0:02:11 > 0:02:12Hi, Rosie, it's just Gemma.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15Do we have another cubicle round there?
0:02:16 > 0:02:18These beds are never empty for long.
0:02:18 > 0:02:19At busy times,
0:02:19 > 0:02:23the emergency beds have nowhere to go but the corridors.
0:02:25 > 0:02:26BRAKES CLANK
0:02:27 > 0:02:29With all bays full of patients,
0:02:29 > 0:02:31A&E bed nine is standing by.
0:02:33 > 0:02:34BRAKE CLANKS
0:02:36 > 0:02:38It's just before 4pm,
0:02:38 > 0:02:39and today,
0:02:39 > 0:02:4327-year-old Sister Hill is in charge of the department's workflow.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46In the last hour,
0:02:46 > 0:02:50I've had about 20 patients booked in to the emergency department,
0:02:50 > 0:02:53so we've had an increased volume,
0:02:53 > 0:02:54so we could call that a surge.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57We don't get any more staff,
0:02:57 > 0:02:59it's the same staff we've had all day.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02I've got no beds on the assessment suite at the moment,
0:03:02 > 0:03:03which is our admissions unit.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07The A&E department is already dealing with
0:03:07 > 0:03:08a major motorway pile-up.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12All bays and rooms are occupied by patients.
0:03:12 > 0:03:13PHONE RINGS
0:03:15 > 0:03:16RVI A&E?
0:03:18 > 0:03:21And then, another road traffic accident.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Hi, you all right?
0:03:24 > 0:03:25OK. Cheers.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Someone's been driving down the A1
0:03:28 > 0:03:29and a ladder's fallen off the back of a lorry
0:03:29 > 0:03:31and hit a car and bounced off.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35Hiya. Sorry, I'm supposed to have a word with you.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37A car has been hit by a ladder.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39It flew off the roof of a van
0:03:39 > 0:03:42whilst 38-year-old Joanne was travelling at speed.
0:03:44 > 0:03:45Onto that trolley, here, please.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Joanne is transferred to A&E bed nine.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52You keep your arms nice and still. OK. Thank you.
0:03:52 > 0:03:53On the lift.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Ready, steady, lift.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Paramedics who were first on the scene assess the mum of two.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Remember what I said about your breathing?
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- Yes, sorry.- It's really important.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10She may have damaged her neck and spine.
0:04:10 > 0:04:11As a precaution,
0:04:11 > 0:04:13she's been put in a neck brace.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Well, you're in the right place, OK?
0:04:15 > 0:04:16- You're well looked after.- Oh!
0:04:17 > 0:04:18Joanne is in shock.
0:04:23 > 0:04:24Right, we'll get you booked in.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26Thank you. Thanks very much indeed.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28I'll go and ring Autoglass for you.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31Emergency care assistant Buxton,
0:04:31 > 0:04:33who was first to attend, is a friend.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37I heard the voice first, and then realised it was Gemma!
0:04:37 > 0:04:39THEY LAUGH
0:04:39 > 0:04:41When we seen the job came up on the screen
0:04:41 > 0:04:44and I didn't realise it was her, until I seen her dad,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47then...I looked at the screen and noticed it was Joanne's name.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50It's nice to know that somebody's there that you know
0:04:50 > 0:04:52when you've had an accident like that.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59Joanne's 66-year-old father Brian was a passenger in the car.
0:05:00 > 0:05:01All of a sudden,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04the ladder's just flew off the van
0:05:04 > 0:05:07and just smashed straight into the windscreen in front of us.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10So obviously, I slammed the brakes on,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12we were just lucky that...
0:05:12 > 0:05:14We're just lucky to be here, put it this way.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17I'm surprised nobody went into the back of the car
0:05:17 > 0:05:19and caused any more accidents.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23Dad Brian was taken straight to see a consultant on arrival.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Paramedic Colin has news on Joanne's father.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30He's all right, don't worry about it.
0:05:30 > 0:05:31He's fine, he's a big, strong man, isn't he?
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- He is. He is.- He's been very lucky, like yourself.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- He's been examined in the back of the ambulance.- Right.
0:05:37 > 0:05:38But we'd like an X-ray.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- Right, no problem.- But he's happy for him to walk around.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43- As long as he's all right. - Don't worry about him.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45You just get, like, shock, don't you?
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Definitely. Natural reaction after what's happened.
0:05:48 > 0:05:49Are you still in pain?
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- Oh, aye.- Out of ten?
0:05:52 > 0:05:54I'd say it's gone up to seven, now.
0:05:54 > 0:05:55- It was seven before.- Was it?
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- I thought it was six.- Eight!
0:05:59 > 0:06:01It could have been a lot worse, but it wasn't.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03SHE SIGHS
0:06:03 > 0:06:04Have I got glass on my face?
0:06:07 > 0:06:08- Got you some tiny cuts. - Tiny shards.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15Joanne's dad Brian has also been given a neck brace
0:06:15 > 0:06:17ahead of an X-ray.
0:06:19 > 0:06:20Are you all right?
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- Aye.- Are you sure?
0:06:23 > 0:06:26The accident happened less than an hour ago.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Brian is also still in shock.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31You're just driving along and...
0:06:31 > 0:06:33Prang.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35But...
0:06:35 > 0:06:37we're here, that's the main thing.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- Lucky. Lucky to be here.- Yes.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43One guy I must see, he worked for the electric van.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- We need to find out who he is. - We need to find out who he is.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49There was a gentleman that stopped in an electricity van behind him,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51got Joanne and her dad out, and sat them in their van.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55And unfortunately, I didn't get his name for to thank him very much.
0:06:56 > 0:06:57- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Thank you very much for what you did.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04He... Well, he just...
0:07:05 > 0:07:11He stopped and he helped and he put Joanne in the van,
0:07:11 > 0:07:13and...and just looked after her until everybody came.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15He was really, really good.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20Joanne is shown pictures of her car.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23I can't believe that, looking at the picture,
0:07:23 > 0:07:26I cannot believe that I haven't been decapitated.
0:07:26 > 0:07:27Oh, you're right. That was it,
0:07:27 > 0:07:29it was the ladders underneath the car that had come off.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35A&E bed nine will stay with Joanne and her father
0:07:35 > 0:07:37as they wait for a further examination.
0:07:37 > 0:07:38HIGH-PITCHED BEEPING
0:07:43 > 0:07:47Nice deep breaths, you're going to blow baby out, OK?
0:07:47 > 0:07:48Across the UK,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51around 80 new babies are born every hour.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57Baby!
0:08:00 > 0:08:01There we go!
0:08:02 > 0:08:04One of the country's largest maternity units
0:08:04 > 0:08:06is at Queens Hospital, Romford.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10The 25 maternity beds here are in high demand.
0:08:12 > 0:08:13Once a baby is born,
0:08:13 > 0:08:16they need to be freed up ready for the next expectant mum.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Maternity services are a bit like A&E departments.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23For maternity, you prioritise, you triage.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26We escalate, we have a traffic light system here at Queens,
0:08:26 > 0:08:29and basically, for any woman that comes in,
0:08:29 > 0:08:31you'll be deemed as low, medium or high-risk.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36Maternity bed seven is moved for its next mum-to-be.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40They're cleaning your room at the moment,
0:08:40 > 0:08:42but as soon as it is nice and clean and done,
0:08:42 > 0:08:44we're going to transfer you.
0:08:44 > 0:08:45OK.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Iona and Liviu are originally from Romania,
0:08:48 > 0:08:50and are having their first baby.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Iona's contractions have started.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57The contraction, too much.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02Iona was scheduled to have an elective Caesarean section tomorrow
0:09:02 > 0:09:04because her baby is in the breech position.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11Tomorrow, 8am, she have appointment for the Caesarean.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- But...- The water is...
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- ..she's broken. - She's now, the Caesarean,
0:09:18 > 0:09:19not tomorrow, you know?
0:09:19 > 0:09:21The baby want out!
0:09:30 > 0:09:32The baby, the head is here.
0:09:43 > 0:09:44OK.
0:09:44 > 0:09:45Your room is ready.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52Working alongside maternity bed seven is midwife Madzikanda.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56Breech, it is a complicated delivery.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59The baby is coming bum-first instead of headfirst,
0:09:59 > 0:10:04so the head is right at the top of her abdomen,
0:10:04 > 0:10:07and then the bum is presenting down instead of coming headfirst.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09And it will be difficult for the...
0:10:10 > 0:10:11..legs to be delivered,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14so that's when they normally opt for a section.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18The surgical team in theatres
0:10:18 > 0:10:20are currently tied up with other emergencies.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27Until they become free, all Iona can do is wait with maternity bed seven.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Newcastle RVI's emergency department is full.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41Seriously injured patients are being treated
0:10:41 > 0:10:42following a motorway accident.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- So there's a cubicle ready now for her.- Right.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49There's also an additional cubicle if we need it.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54A&E bed nine has been with mum-of-two Joanne for 45 minutes.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58She was brought in by ambulance with her dad, Brian.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00They were involved in an accident on the A1.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Three-storey ladder, straight through the windscreen.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06Lucky it didn't take her head off.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08And they didn't hit the ground, did they? No.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- No, they didn't hit the ground. - They came straight off.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13I just remember shouting to Joanne, the ladders!
0:11:13 > 0:11:14And then, bang.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16The windscreen was out.
0:11:16 > 0:11:17Joanne's in shock,
0:11:17 > 0:11:19and has pain in her back.
0:11:20 > 0:11:21She's been given pain relief.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Dad Brian is taken to X-ray.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- Now, we need to get around this side.- OK!
0:11:28 > 0:11:30All right, Dad, I'll be here.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Obviously, I went forward and...
0:11:37 > 0:11:40..hit my head off the windscreen and whatnot, you know, but...
0:11:40 > 0:11:44luckily, I had my arms up when the windscreen came in.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46I'm more worried about my daughter
0:11:46 > 0:11:47than what I am about myself.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50As long as she's all right, that's the main thing.
0:11:50 > 0:11:51That's all I want.
0:11:52 > 0:11:53I suppose that's a...
0:11:53 > 0:11:54It's a dad thing.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59Joanne and her children live around the corner from her mum and dad.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04A&E bed nine is taking her to a monitoring bay.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08The backboard is taken away.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10SHE SIGHS
0:12:11 > 0:12:12And I think I've got blood on my new top!
0:12:12 > 0:12:13SHE CHUCKLES
0:12:13 > 0:12:15I'm pleased I'm off the board now.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18I knew it was precautionary for them to put us on.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21I've definitely done something to the bottom of my back,
0:12:21 > 0:12:22the doctor hasn't examined yet,
0:12:22 > 0:12:24cos they're going to give us some more painkillers.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27I don't know if it's a new injury,
0:12:27 > 0:12:28or if it's pre-existing,
0:12:28 > 0:12:31and it's just exasperated it or not, I don't know.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37A further examination shows that Joanne's existing back complaint
0:12:37 > 0:12:39has been aggravated.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42She's referred for physio, and given pain relief.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49The results of dad Brian's x-rays
0:12:49 > 0:12:52are being assessed by consultant Dr Carol.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55I can't see anything that resembles a break,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58but he does have long-standing degenerative problems
0:12:58 > 0:12:59affecting his neck,
0:12:59 > 0:13:03so that is likely to be aggravated by whatever injury he's had today.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06So I'll go and have a chat with him.
0:13:06 > 0:13:07But there's certainly no new injury
0:13:07 > 0:13:09that we need to do anything active with.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17Yes.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19Mr Short, is that right?
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Hiya, I'm Brian, I'm one of the other doctors.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23Nigel told me about what he found.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27What you will experience is when you've been in bed overnight,
0:13:27 > 0:13:28it's all going to seize up,
0:13:28 > 0:13:29so when you wake up tomorrow morning,
0:13:29 > 0:13:31it's going to feel... as bad as it gets.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33If you're getting regular painkillers,
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- that should loosen up quite a bit.- Right.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37But then, the following morning,
0:13:37 > 0:13:40you're going to be backwards again and you're going to be stiff again,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42so it's important you keep some painkillers by your bed.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44Shall I take that for you, then?
0:13:44 > 0:13:45Take this off, please. Thank you.
0:13:47 > 0:13:48HE SIGHS
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- That's a relief, just getting that off.- Fine.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Even now, you're probably going to be fairly seized up...
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- Yeah.- ..having sat in the collar for a little while.
0:13:54 > 0:13:55OK?
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Joanne's pain relief is taking effect.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04Dad Brian joins her alongside bed nine, back in the corridor.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09Ow. Ow.
0:14:10 > 0:14:11Oh, it's stuck in my head.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13- What, some glass?- Aye.
0:14:13 > 0:14:14Ow. Ow.
0:14:14 > 0:14:15Just a minute.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16SHE GASPS
0:14:19 > 0:14:20Ohh... You got it?
0:14:22 > 0:14:23- SHE GASPS - Ow!
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- Aw!- Aye, there is a chunk of glass.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Whoa, Jesus!
0:14:28 > 0:14:29SHE SIGHS
0:14:29 > 0:14:30A piece of glass stuck in her head.
0:14:30 > 0:14:31There's some more as well.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38Was, you know, going to hopefully be home in time for a cup of tea
0:14:38 > 0:14:41and watch Corrers, but I don't think that's...
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- Maybe breakfast!- I was going to say,
0:14:43 > 0:14:45I think that may be Coronation Street tomorrow night
0:14:45 > 0:14:46instead of tonight!
0:14:47 > 0:14:49But at least we're smiling.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52Takes more than this for to knock Geordies back!
0:14:52 > 0:14:54HE LAUGHS
0:14:56 > 0:14:58As soon as Joanne's cuts have been cleaned,
0:14:58 > 0:15:00they can both leave A&E
0:15:00 > 0:15:01and bed nine.
0:15:09 > 0:15:14The emergency department at Newcastle's RVI is busy 24/7.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Each bed sees up to ten patients daily.
0:15:18 > 0:15:19There's also some bruises there,
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- where it looks as if you might have been grappled a bit.- Uh-huh.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30Running the emergency department is a bit like running a kitchen.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Everything is time-dependent,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35everything has to be run through a head chef.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37If it doesn't work like that,
0:15:37 > 0:15:39the emergency department falls apart.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42Nine can, eight can't.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44She's not ready to go yet, she hasn't had any antibiotics.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- He's...too sick.- I'll just... - Yep, okey dokey.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52A&E bed nine is ready for the next one.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Right, I'll get you to hop onto this wizardy-looking bed.
0:15:57 > 0:16:0019-year-old Ashley has come into hospital.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- Is that too high for you? - He's passing large amounts of blood.
0:16:03 > 0:16:04- It's a bit high.- Right.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Come and have a seat up here.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09He's also been vomiting, and is in lots of pain.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11So how can we help you today, love?
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Ashley's being seen by registrar Dr Long.
0:16:15 > 0:16:16As soon as I got off the bus,
0:16:16 > 0:16:17I just... I felt like...
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- ..I had a accident from the back.- Right.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23So I went to the toilet, and it was just all blood.
0:16:23 > 0:16:24- Right.- Like, lots and lots of blood.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26What colour was the blood?
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- Some was, like, really light red.- Yeah.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- And then other times, it was like...dark.- OK.
0:16:32 > 0:16:33From then,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35I've just been nonstop vomiting,
0:16:35 > 0:16:37with the pain, and everything else.
0:16:37 > 0:16:38- Your pain's kicked up a bit, has it?- Yeah.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42Ashley recently had his appendix out.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45After the surgery, there were serious complications.
0:16:46 > 0:16:47Popped into the nurse when I got discharged,
0:16:47 > 0:16:48like, with the blood,
0:16:48 > 0:16:50and it was an infection thing
0:16:50 > 0:16:53in my stomach after I got it out.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- In the stomach, or...in the appendix?- In the appendix area.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- And you had bleeding with that as well, did you?- Yeah.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- So you've had quite a complicated appendix.- Yeah, I have.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03And before that, are you normally fit and well?
0:17:03 > 0:17:06Well...a month before I got my appendix out,
0:17:06 > 0:17:08I had an emergency tonsillectomy.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11You're having a lot of emergency surgery, aren't you?!
0:17:11 > 0:17:13You get no points for coming back, you know?
0:17:13 > 0:17:15I know!
0:17:15 > 0:17:1910% of adults in the UK will experience rectal bleeding.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23When serious, it's treated as a medical emergency.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Since his appendix operation,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31Ashley has been taking medication to help with his pain.
0:17:31 > 0:17:32No, it's just I'm...
0:17:32 > 0:17:35I'm on regular medication at the minute,
0:17:35 > 0:17:36I'm on morphine,
0:17:36 > 0:17:38tramadol...
0:17:38 > 0:17:40and regular paracetamol.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- And you took all that, and you're still in pain at the moment?- Yeah.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45- I'm going to have a feel of your stomach.- Yeah.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Where is it most sore, if you had to point to one spot?
0:17:50 > 0:17:51- Here.- Just down there.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54Have we given you anything for pain relief yet?
0:17:54 > 0:17:56No, she tried to put a cannula in my arm,
0:17:56 > 0:17:57but she couldn't.
0:17:57 > 0:17:58HE GASPS
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- That sore? - She couldn't get my veins.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04Dr Long must establish whether Ashley's symptoms
0:18:04 > 0:18:06are a result of his previous surgery,
0:18:06 > 0:18:07or something new.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09That better?
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Just going to press a wee bit harder, love, all right?
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Big breath in for me.
0:18:13 > 0:18:14And all the way out.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16She needs to do an internal examination.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- OK, have you had one of these done before?- Yeah.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20I'm just going to pop a wee finger up.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22If it's really uncomfortable, let me know, all right?
0:18:24 > 0:18:26There's no blood there at the moment that I can see.
0:18:26 > 0:18:27It could just be a one-off.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29We need to do some blood tests, OK?
0:18:29 > 0:18:31So we'll get you going on some fluids.
0:18:31 > 0:18:32Take your watch off for me, love.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35They normally have to get it through the side of my wrist, before.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38Oh, that's a cheery thought, isn't it!
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Ashley needs fluids.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43Vomiting has left him dehydrated.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Blood tests will detect any infection.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50We've got a few tiny ones for us to play with.
0:18:51 > 0:18:52OK?
0:18:52 > 0:18:53Just a lot of pain?
0:19:03 > 0:19:05I'm feeling this is probably blocked off.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09How do we normally find anything on you?
0:19:09 > 0:19:10Is it your other arm?
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Normally they get them in... Like...
0:19:13 > 0:19:15We can't get in that one.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18That... Like, that one's normally best.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Is that the best one?
0:19:20 > 0:19:21We'll do round this side.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Ashley's had trouble providing a blood sample before.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30How many attempts last time?
0:19:31 > 0:19:32- About eight!- Oh, no!
0:19:32 > 0:19:35I had like, little holes all over my arms!
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Cos they tried, like, the same one a couple of times.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40And it was like, ow!
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Ashley will stay with A&E bed nine until the blood sample is taken.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49It will reveal if there's any serious infection.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58At Queens Hospital in Romford,
0:19:58 > 0:19:59the labour ward is busy.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03Yeah, I can't actually book the appointment, Nikki,
0:20:03 > 0:20:05but I can e-mail 'em with the patient...
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Staff are dealing with several emergencies.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12There we go.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13Hello!
0:20:13 > 0:20:14Hey, lovely!
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Maternity bed seven is with Iona.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23She was scheduled to have a Caesarean section
0:20:23 > 0:20:25because her baby's lying in a breech position.
0:20:25 > 0:20:26SHE GROANS
0:20:27 > 0:20:30But she's already started contractions.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Gas and air is helping to ease the pain.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Iona and Liviu married a year ago.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48They moved to the UK to make a better life for themselves.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Iona has been waiting with maternity bed seven
0:21:05 > 0:21:06for over two hours.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10Her contractions are getting stronger.
0:21:11 > 0:21:12Oh!
0:21:18 > 0:21:20Ohhhh!
0:21:25 > 0:21:26SHE GROWLS
0:21:28 > 0:21:31The sensation to push is a sign that the birth is imminent.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Tell me what you feel like doing.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35The sensation for to push.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- You feel like pushing?- Yes.
0:21:37 > 0:21:38Hmmm.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- Hello, there.- Hello.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47How are you doing?
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Obstetrician Dr Robinson arrives to establish
0:21:50 > 0:21:52how far Iona's labour has progressed.
0:21:54 > 0:21:55You have progressed in labour,
0:21:55 > 0:21:57you are about 8cm dilated,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00so that's why the pains have got stronger
0:22:00 > 0:22:02and you're feeling the urges to push.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06I'm going to go and speak to a consultant
0:22:06 > 0:22:09and see what the safest way is to deliver your baby.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12But because you have progressed so quickly,
0:22:12 > 0:22:14it may not be safe to do a Caesarean,
0:22:14 > 0:22:17we may end up delivering you vaginally in the theatre.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22A Caesarean section is no longer an option for Iona.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Maternity bed seven takes her to theatre.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- You need to stay here...- Oh!
0:22:31 > 0:22:34A team of midwives is on standby.
0:22:34 > 0:22:35SHE GROANS
0:22:36 > 0:22:40They will assist in what is going to be a high-risk breech birth.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55In the heart of Newcastle
0:22:55 > 0:22:57sits the Great North Children's Hospital.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01It has its own A&E department...
0:23:03 > 0:23:05..with nine special paediatric beds.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09Obviously, if the patients need to come, the patients need to come.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11I haven't got any medical beds, do you know what I mean?
0:23:11 > 0:23:13So it's just whether it's bed or cubicle,
0:23:13 > 0:23:15if I'm going to pop them on, like, Ward 10 or 11, kind of thing.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21The beds are the smallest in the hospital...
0:23:23 > 0:23:25..designed to look after patients under 16
0:23:25 > 0:23:27who need emergency treatment.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Breathe in!
0:23:30 > 0:23:31Breathing in.
0:23:31 > 0:23:32And out.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37Paediatric bed 27's next patient is 11-year-old John.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42His mum Tina brought him in after he fell off his bike.
0:23:42 > 0:23:43Swing your legs round, then.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46That's it. OK, I'm Laura...
0:23:46 > 0:23:48He may have broken his arm.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- Just stay there for a moment, all right?- Thank you.
0:23:57 > 0:23:58- Now, is it John?- Yes.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03Nurse practitioner Raine gets the details of the accident.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06This your mum that you've brought with you today?
0:24:06 > 0:24:07Yes.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09OK. I'll give my hands a little wash,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12then we'll find out what's been happening with you.
0:24:12 > 0:24:13What's happened tonight?
0:24:13 > 0:24:16I came off my bike going down stairs.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19And how many were you attempting to go down?
0:24:19 > 0:24:20About 20.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22About 20. And when did you come off?
0:24:22 > 0:24:23At, like, the last one.
0:24:23 > 0:24:24At the last one. So, you've gone down 19,
0:24:24 > 0:24:26and then you fell off at the last one.
0:24:26 > 0:24:27And he had his cousin on the back.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30Right. And how old's your cousin?
0:24:30 > 0:24:31- Nine.- Nine.- Nine.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33And then when you fell off, did you go over to the side?
0:24:33 > 0:24:36Nurse Practitioner Raine checks to see if it's broken.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39- Can you make your elbows go nice and straight?- Yes.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41OK, and then can you bend them up?
0:24:41 > 0:24:42And then bend them back out?
0:24:42 > 0:24:45And then can you flip them over and then back again?
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Brilliant. Let me just have a little peep at this arm.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51OK.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Now, any pain down in there?
0:24:53 > 0:24:54No.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Any pain as we come up?
0:24:56 > 0:24:57- Any there?- Not there.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00OK. How about there?
0:25:00 > 0:25:03A little tingly. A little tingly, OK. And what about up there?
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- Nope.- No. OK. Anything there?
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Can you lift your foot up and touch...
0:25:08 > 0:25:12Brilliant, and then back down to the bed, squash my hand in.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14Let's see. If you curl your toes up...lovely.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17With no broken bones,
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Nurse Practitioner Raine
0:25:19 > 0:25:22examines the deep lacerations on John's elbow.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24- I think your worst cut is up here, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26So if you just pop it out for me...
0:25:28 > 0:25:29- It's deep, as well.- It is, isn't it?
0:25:29 > 0:25:32My brake, I think, went into it.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34You're a tough cookie.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37So, what I want to do, I want to give these a really good clean,
0:25:37 > 0:25:39especially that one, and then hopefully
0:25:39 > 0:25:41we can put a Steri-Strip along there,
0:25:41 > 0:25:43just to bring the edges back together.
0:25:43 > 0:25:44Is that all right?
0:25:44 > 0:25:46- If it doesn't hurt.- Yeah.
0:25:46 > 0:25:47I'm relieved that there's nothing broken.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Just a good clean-up and we can get home and have some tea.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57This is not the first time John's mum, Tina, has brought him to A&E.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00He's always into mischief when he's outside playing on his bikes,
0:26:00 > 0:26:03falling off scooters, going to the skatepark, banging his head.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06He's always got bruises up and down his body.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08He's a typical little boy.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10I usually get hurt climbing trees
0:26:10 > 0:26:13and going to the skatepark and all that.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Where I split my hand open, it's got scars.
0:26:18 > 0:26:19It's when I was climbing the fence.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22I tried to grab the top, but then I realised it had spikes on it.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24You might need a stitch.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29I hope I don't because it'll sting even more and I don't like stitches.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35Nurse Beatty arrives to clean the grit from John's cuts.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37Shall we start on this arm?
0:26:39 > 0:26:41That one looks all right, doesn't it?
0:26:41 > 0:26:44So, you often give your cousin rides on the back of your bike, do you?
0:26:44 > 0:26:46- Sometimes.- Sometimes.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48I don't usually let him.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51- Do you not normally go down stairs with him on the back?- No.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53I can't go down the stairs on my bike
0:26:53 > 0:26:56without anybody on the back, anyway. I'm too scared.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59They're all pretty clean, to be honest.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01This one's got a bit of sock fluff.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03- They're brand-new socks. - THEY LAUGH
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Right, elbow.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12It's a big one, there.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17- OK.- She needs to make sure there's no glass or anything in.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Children suffer 2,000 injuries every year on their bikes.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34- How we getting on?- All right.
0:27:34 > 0:27:35We're good.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37- Do you think you'll go down them again?- Yes.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39Do you? Do you think you'll wear a helmet next time?
0:27:39 > 0:27:41- No.- You should wear a helmet.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45- MUM:- I know.- You'll end up back on this bed, won't you?
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- That's good.- It's not good.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51- It is, I like these beds.- Oh.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53If grit is left in the wound,
0:27:53 > 0:27:55it's likely to get infected and fail to heal.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01Just pop your arm out straight for me again.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Nurse Practitioner Raine
0:28:04 > 0:28:08wants to prepare the area with anaesthetic cream.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10What we'll do, we'll put that magic cream on to make it go numb
0:28:10 > 0:28:12and then we can give it a really good clean
0:28:12 > 0:28:15cos you've got little dots of gravel in there.
0:28:15 > 0:28:16- MUM:- You can see it, can't you?
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- NURSE:- Yeah, and it needs to come out. Is that OK?
0:28:19 > 0:28:20Will I not feel a thing when...?
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- No.- You'll just feel us, like, rubbing.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27So, we'll put a little bit of gel in the wound and a little bit around.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30And then cover it over and it'll go nice and white
0:28:30 > 0:28:32and that's how we know it's numb.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Give us a look.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- HE WINCES - You all right?
0:28:54 > 0:28:55There you go.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57Just relax your arm down.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59That's it.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02In 20 minutes, the wound will be numb.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07Until then, John will have to wait with paediatric bed 27
0:29:07 > 0:29:09to find out if stitches are needed.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21At Newcastle's RVI,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24A&E bed nine is with 19-year-old Ashley.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28He was rushed into hospital following heavy blood loss.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Registrar Doctor Long has struggled to get a blood sample.
0:29:33 > 0:29:34Shall we look at the ultrasound
0:29:34 > 0:29:36before we stick any more holes in you?
0:29:36 > 0:29:38She's having to use an ultrasound machine
0:29:38 > 0:29:40to find a suitable vein in Ashley's arm.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44Can I just have a look at your other arm and see if that's any better?
0:29:46 > 0:29:48Just in case that one looks any better.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54OK, sharp scratch coming.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57We've found some blood, which is good.
0:29:57 > 0:29:58We know you're not a zombie.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03Here's your bits and bobs.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07Ashley recently had his appendix taken out.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11The blood loss he's experiencing could be a sign of infection.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15A&E bed nine takes him for an X-ray.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20The heavy bleeding could also be caused by a perforated bowel.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25The X-ray will also cover Ashley's chest and abdomen.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29Ashley, can you just tell me your date of birth, please?
0:30:29 > 0:30:32Dr Long is concerned about Ashley's extreme abdominal pain.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36He's looking like he's going to have to come into hospital
0:30:36 > 0:30:38for a couple of days, so I think our priorities at the moment
0:30:38 > 0:30:41is to get him comfortable in terms of pain relief,
0:30:41 > 0:30:45make sure he's not got any ongoing infection, and I think just due to
0:30:45 > 0:30:47his level of pain and his past medical history,
0:30:47 > 0:30:51a surgical review would be appropriate for him.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54OK, Ashley, deep breath in there.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58A consultation with a surgeon will determine whether Ashley needs
0:30:58 > 0:31:00another operation.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03I'll give him a call now for you.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06Meanwhile, Nurse Burke has arrived at A&E bed nine
0:31:06 > 0:31:09to give Ashley more pain relief.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11Right, have you had morphine before?
0:31:11 > 0:31:12Yeah.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16But Ashley's condition is deteriorating.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22You all right?
0:31:25 > 0:31:26You OK?
0:31:27 > 0:31:28Ashley?
0:31:30 > 0:31:31Ashley?
0:31:33 > 0:31:35Are you OK?
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Ashley?
0:31:41 > 0:31:42You OK?
0:31:44 > 0:31:47Are you all right?
0:31:47 > 0:31:49What's the matter? Ashley?
0:31:50 > 0:31:52What's the matter?
0:31:52 > 0:31:54Is it the pain? Has it come back?
0:31:57 > 0:32:01A&E bed nine takes Ashley back to the bay to be monitored.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03You all right?
0:32:05 > 0:32:07I just had a massive pain and...
0:32:07 > 0:32:09Don't know what happened.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16Dr Long has made the decision to transfer Ashley
0:32:16 > 0:32:19to the surgical team.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Oh, hi, it's Becky on A&E reg's.
0:32:21 > 0:32:22Can I refer you a patient, please?
0:32:22 > 0:32:24He's taken his own Oramorph,
0:32:24 > 0:32:26tramadol, and he's still in a lot of pain,
0:32:26 > 0:32:28so he's had some IV morphine from us. But I think,
0:32:28 > 0:32:30given his past history and the amount of pain that he's in,
0:32:30 > 0:32:33he's not going to escape, I think, without a surgical review,
0:32:33 > 0:32:36plus admission.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40Ashley leaves A&E bed nine for a bed in the observation unit,
0:32:40 > 0:32:42where he'll be seen by a surgeon.
0:32:44 > 0:32:45This one's much better, yeah.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48It's more comfier than the one round the corner.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52A&E bed nine is free for the next emergency patient.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55Yeah, I feel like I'll be all right, yeah.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07Across at the Great North Children's Hospital...
0:33:07 > 0:33:09Hello, Paed A&E.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11Hello, Paed DD, Becky speaking.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14The paediatric emergency department is also busy.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Has he been coming regularly for blood tests, has he?
0:33:17 > 0:33:20A&E bed 27 and 11-year-old John
0:33:20 > 0:33:23have been together for just over an hour.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26He's had an accident and fallen off his bike.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28My arm's killing.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32The wound, which is filled with gravel, may need stitches.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34I'm not getting stitches.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38Needles going through my arm. I'll end up punching them.
0:33:38 > 0:33:39Nurses have tried to clean the wound,
0:33:39 > 0:33:41but the pain was too much for John.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45You ready for us to try again?
0:33:45 > 0:33:47- Yes.- Yeah?
0:33:47 > 0:33:50Anaesthetic cream was applied 45 minutes ago.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53Nurse Beatty will try again.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57- Are you scared?- Yes. Why's it white?
0:33:57 > 0:33:59Because it'll have gone a bit numb.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03- Thank you.- Don't look.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07- I can still feel it. - Don't kick the nurse!
0:34:07 > 0:34:09THEY LAUGH
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- His legs are going...- Yeah, I don't want an injury, as well.
0:34:12 > 0:34:17- Squeeze my hand.- Good lad. - I'll squeeze my own.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Don't want to break your hand.
0:34:19 > 0:34:24The wound has to be cleaned in case John needs stitches.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26They're really stuck in there.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31- Keep still.- It hurts.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36- Give us your hand.- I'm getting the bits out, don't worry.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38They're coming.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40HE TAKES SHALLOW BREATHS
0:34:40 > 0:34:42- Hurry up.- I'm trying. I'm trying!
0:34:42 > 0:34:44THEY LAUGH
0:34:44 > 0:34:45Oh, got some more.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52- Aah!- Maybe we could swap places and have your mum on the bed.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55Yeah. I'm not holding his hand any more!
0:34:55 > 0:34:56THEY LAUGH
0:34:56 > 0:34:59It looks just all, like, black and dirty
0:34:59 > 0:35:01and ugly and disgusting.
0:35:03 > 0:35:08There's one piece of grit that Nurse Beatty is struggling to remove.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10I just can't get that last bit of gravel at the back.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13- Oh, just leave it. - You can't just leave it!
0:35:13 > 0:35:16Are you happy for me to have another little poke?
0:35:21 > 0:35:23I think we've got it.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35- Good?- Is that it out?
0:35:35 > 0:35:37I think we've got it.
0:35:37 > 0:35:38- Yeah.- Yes!
0:35:38 > 0:35:40It looks like it's gone, doesn't it?
0:35:40 > 0:35:42- Yes.- Now, whether we can get that together...
0:35:44 > 0:35:47If John's large cut can't be closed with Steri-Strips,
0:35:47 > 0:35:49he will need stitches.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55I don't know whether we're going to get that together.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Will it not just heal?
0:35:57 > 0:35:59- No, it's quite... It's deep.- Oh.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02Right, I need you to keep your arm straight for me.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08No.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10Sorry.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12So, will I need stitches?
0:36:12 > 0:36:15I think what we should do is ask Louise to come back
0:36:15 > 0:36:17and have another look.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20I just don't think the Steri-Strips are going to stick.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23I couldn't get the wound together just with the small Steri-Strips.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27They just wouldn't stick and the wound wouldn't come together.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29I don't know if you could come and have a quick look
0:36:29 > 0:36:31- and see what you can do.- Yeah, no, I'll have a little look.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35Hello, poppet!
0:36:35 > 0:36:38- Can I have a look at this as well?- Yeah.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41Let me just have a little peep, see how clean it is.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43That's perfect. Let me see what we can do.
0:36:43 > 0:36:44I don't want stitches.
0:36:44 > 0:36:45You don't.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47So, if you pop your arm out for me...
0:36:51 > 0:36:53Nurse Practitioner Raine attempts to
0:36:53 > 0:36:57bind the wound with a longer Steri-Strip.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59- How does that feel?- OK.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02I'm just going to put another one on.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04Can I have a look?
0:37:04 > 0:37:06Oh, yes.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09- Are you all right?- Yes. - You've been super-brave today.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14So, these need to stay on for five days,
0:37:14 > 0:37:16and they need to stay clean and dry
0:37:16 > 0:37:18in that time, OK?
0:37:20 > 0:37:23John didn't want stitches, but he would like something else...
0:37:25 > 0:37:27Have you got a bandage?
0:37:27 > 0:37:29We'll give you a nice dressing on, maybe.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31You're desperate for a bandage, aren't you?
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- THEY LAUGH - Let's have a little look.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36I think it'd probably be better if we leave that open,
0:37:36 > 0:37:38rather than putting a dressing on.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41Right. Aw, I want a bandage!
0:37:41 > 0:37:42- MUM:- You don't need a bandage!
0:37:42 > 0:37:44THEY LAUGH
0:37:45 > 0:37:47- MUM:- Come on, then. We can go home.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51John and his mum head home.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Paediatric bed nine is cleaned and prepped,
0:37:57 > 0:37:59ready for its next patient.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20It's midnight at Queen's Hospital, Romford and there's an emergency.
0:38:22 > 0:38:2530-year-old Iona has been rushed to theatre
0:38:25 > 0:38:27on maternity bed seven.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30We're just going to clean you and check how the baby is.
0:38:30 > 0:38:31Is that OK?
0:38:31 > 0:38:33IONA MOANS
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Iona was scheduled to have a Caesarean
0:38:35 > 0:38:38to deliver her breech baby.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41But now she's gone into labour naturally.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43It's progressed too far for surgery
0:38:43 > 0:38:45or an epidural for pain relief.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48You just stay here, make sure that she stays on the table
0:38:48 > 0:38:50and doesn't fall off.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52Deep breath in and out.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54A little bit more in the middle...
0:38:54 > 0:38:58That's it. We're going to get your husband in, OK?
0:38:58 > 0:39:00Dr Noyan is the anaesthetist
0:39:00 > 0:39:03dealing with this emergency delivery.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05The plan was to do a Caesarean section.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- Yeah.- OK. The Caesarean section doesn't make any point
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- because the baby is too low down. - Yeah.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13So, in that case, I can't do the spinal anaesthetic
0:39:13 > 0:39:17because with the spinal anaesthetic, she can't push as hard
0:39:17 > 0:39:18to get the baby out.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22I think this baby's coming, so let's see if we can deliver your baby.
0:39:26 > 0:39:27IONA MOANS
0:39:27 > 0:39:30- The baby's coming now, all right? Yeah?- Yeah.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32All right, Iona, you're doing so well.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35I know you're in a lot of pain, but it's too late now for the epidural
0:39:35 > 0:39:37- because the baby's just there. - IONA MOANS
0:39:37 > 0:39:39Is that better?
0:39:39 > 0:39:41A ten-strong team of doctors,
0:39:41 > 0:39:44midwives and other theatre staff are working together
0:39:44 > 0:39:46to try and deliver the baby safely.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50It's a very high-intensity situation.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54There's a lot of things that can go terribly wrong.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58Any movement of the mum can be dangerous.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01I'm going to put your legs up into the stirrups.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05- IONA:- Oh, no! Oh!
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Iona, look at me, OK?
0:40:07 > 0:40:09- With the pain, I want you to push. - SHE STRAINS
0:40:09 > 0:40:12Push all the way down, nowhere else.
0:40:12 > 0:40:153% of all births are breech.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19Most aren't delivered naturally.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21This will soon be over.
0:40:21 > 0:40:22Deep breath...
0:40:22 > 0:40:24Iona, push into your bottom.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28And push, push, push, like you've never pushed before.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Lower, lower.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33- She's coming...- That's it. That's it.
0:40:33 > 0:40:3630 minutes after being brought to theatre, Iona gives birth.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38That's it.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40Good job, you two.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42Congratulations.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44BABY CRIES
0:40:44 > 0:40:45IONA CRIES
0:40:48 > 0:40:50It's a healthy baby girl.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56THEY SPEAK OWN LANGUAGE
0:41:18 > 0:41:20BABY CRIES
0:41:22 > 0:41:24- Is that your first baby?- Yeah.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27- Wow!- Well done. Congratulations.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35THEY SPEAK OWN LANGUAGE
0:41:41 > 0:41:44Over three hours after arriving on maternity bed seven,
0:41:44 > 0:41:47Iona and Liviu are with their new baby daughter, Chloe.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54- No, it's OK.- It's OK if I put you on monitor?
0:41:54 > 0:41:56- Congratulations. - Thank you very much.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00I'm really happy.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Now, we're absolutely perfect.
0:42:03 > 0:42:04The baby's good,
0:42:04 > 0:42:07my wife is OK, you know.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09We're together, a family.
0:42:11 > 0:42:12It's perfect.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21Our hospital beds have given us intimate access
0:42:21 > 0:42:23to the work of the NHS.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28After a short stay on paediatric bed 27,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31John's wounds have healed, and he's back doing stunts on his bike.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35Ashley was treated for a serious infection
0:42:35 > 0:42:38and spent five days in hospital.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40It's now cleared up.
0:42:40 > 0:42:41Since the car accident,
0:42:41 > 0:42:44Joanne and Brian have tracked down the driver who helped them,
0:42:44 > 0:42:46to say thank you.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51And after a high-risk delivery, baby Chloe is doing well.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56The beds are now back on their wards,
0:42:56 > 0:42:59ready and waiting for their next round of patients.