Episode 8

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0:00:02 > 0:00:04Hand versus chainsaw.

0:00:04 > 0:00:06It looks painful.

0:00:06 > 0:00:10Our hospitals are taking care of more patients than ever...

0:00:12 > 0:00:14- You all right? - HE SOBS

0:00:14 > 0:00:18..with medical teams under constant pressure...

0:00:18 > 0:00:20Can Dr Pitzy 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 > 0:00:26..to meet our expectations.

0:00:26 > 0:00:30I'm just worried about what he's going to be like afterwards.

0:00:30 > 0:00:34But there's a crucial member of the team we sometimes forget...

0:00:34 > 0:00:35I've never been on a bed like this.

0:00:37 > 0:00:39..the hospital bed.

0:00:39 > 0:00:40You're in another ward,

0:00:40 > 0:00:42another story, another bed.

0:00:42 > 0:00:44Argh!

0:00:45 > 0:00:48In our lifetime, we are likely to need one of them

0:00:48 > 0:00:50at least three times.

0:00:50 > 0:00:54I've probably spent a quarter of me life on a hospital bed.

0:00:54 > 0:00:57In this series, our cameras have been given

0:00:57 > 0:01:01unprecedented access to beds in four very different hospitals

0:01:01 > 0:01:02across the country.

0:01:02 > 0:01:06It's life. It's life and death. And everything that goes in between.

0:01:07 > 0:01:09We'll see the world through the beds' eyes...

0:01:09 > 0:01:10Hello, my love, hiya.

0:01:10 > 0:01:13..as they share the most challenging...

0:01:13 > 0:01:15I don't know what to do.

0:01:15 > 0:01:16I don't know.

0:01:16 > 0:01:19- ..most intimate... - It's OK.- All right.

0:01:20 > 0:01:22I know.

0:01:22 > 0:01:23..and most rewarding...

0:01:23 > 0:01:25Happy birthday!

0:01:25 > 0:01:27Isn't hospital wonderful?

0:01:27 > 0:01:29..moments of our lives.

0:01:29 > 0:01:32- Thank you for being here. - I'm not going anywhere else.

0:01:32 > 0:01:36The hospital cannot function without beds. Beds are vital.

0:01:36 > 0:01:40This is...

0:01:48 > 0:01:53The city of Newcastle has one of the UK's top paediatric units,

0:01:53 > 0:01:54the Great North Children's Hospital.

0:01:58 > 0:02:02It has a dedicated A&E Department for children up to the age of 16.

0:02:05 > 0:02:09The most critically ill children are brought straight to the Resus area.

0:02:11 > 0:02:13She developed the temperature last night...

0:02:16 > 0:02:20Today, Resus bed two is ready to receive one of its tiniest patients,

0:02:20 > 0:02:22who's struggling to breathe.

0:02:22 > 0:02:24How are we doing?

0:02:24 > 0:02:27A baby in, only about a month old,

0:02:27 > 0:02:29who they've been out to see and they're concerned about.

0:02:29 > 0:02:30Probably a chest infection -

0:02:30 > 0:02:33but little, tiny babies, you've got to be very, very careful.

0:02:35 > 0:02:39Baby Kalvin has been rushed in by ambulance, with his mum, Laura.

0:02:40 > 0:02:43His airways are blocked.

0:02:43 > 0:02:44He's fighting for his life.

0:02:44 > 0:02:47We're just going to have a little look.

0:02:50 > 0:02:54Erm, and how's... Has his breathing been like this all along?

0:02:54 > 0:02:57With him sucking in at the neck and under the chest?

0:02:57 > 0:02:59It was sort of like that at the weekend,

0:02:59 > 0:03:01and then, yesterday, it didn't seem as bad.

0:03:01 > 0:03:04- I took him to the GP yesterday. - I'll just pop this under the head.

0:03:04 > 0:03:08It was normal because he had been quite wheezy.

0:03:10 > 0:03:12The team working to save Kalvin

0:03:12 > 0:03:16is led by Paediatric Specialist Dr Astall and Nurse Emerson.

0:03:16 > 0:03:20He feels hot, but he looks a little bit shut down.

0:03:21 > 0:03:23Yeah, but he's warm.

0:03:23 > 0:03:25- He looks more normal... - ..Than he did.

0:03:25 > 0:03:28Kalvin has been ill for several days.

0:03:28 > 0:03:31An intense coughing fit and difficulty breathing

0:03:31 > 0:03:34led his mum, Laura, to call 999.

0:03:34 > 0:03:37He seemed quite blue around the mouth for quite a while.

0:03:37 > 0:03:42- And was he breathing during that time?- I...I think so.- Yeah, OK.

0:03:42 > 0:03:45He was breathing, he was making... just a really strange noise.

0:03:47 > 0:03:48As soon as the weather changes,

0:03:48 > 0:03:51there's lots of little ones come in with bronchiolitis.

0:03:51 > 0:03:53What can happen is they can be unwell,

0:03:53 > 0:03:56but then they get VERY unwell by about day four

0:03:56 > 0:03:58and that's what's happened, it's now day four.

0:03:58 > 0:04:00And he's actually a lot worse.

0:04:00 > 0:04:03Just remind me when his symptoms first started.

0:04:03 > 0:04:07I think he's had just a slight cold over this past week,

0:04:07 > 0:04:11and then Saturday was when I noticed his breathing and the cough

0:04:11 > 0:04:15became, like, I knew it was going to happen.

0:04:16 > 0:04:18Bronchiolitis is a chest infection

0:04:18 > 0:04:22that accounts for almost 20% of admissions of children under one.

0:04:25 > 0:04:27Kalvin is eight weeks old.

0:04:32 > 0:04:35The team must open Kalvin's blocked airway.

0:04:36 > 0:04:37It's restricting his breathing.

0:04:40 > 0:04:43So, what we need to do is we need to support him.

0:04:43 > 0:04:47We're going to support his breathing as he needs it with oxygen.

0:04:47 > 0:04:49We'll suck out his nose to help with his breathing

0:04:49 > 0:04:52and we'll send a sample of snot,

0:04:52 > 0:04:54but he's a bit mottled to me

0:04:54 > 0:04:56and I just wonder if he's a bit behind with his feeds

0:04:56 > 0:04:58and his fluids and I think, maybe,

0:04:58 > 0:05:01it might be sensible to pop a drip in

0:05:01 > 0:05:04and maybe just give him some fluid, just to try and catch him up.

0:05:04 > 0:05:07If Kalvin's condition doesn't improve once the fluids are onboard,

0:05:07 > 0:05:09he'll be transferred to intensive care.

0:05:12 > 0:05:15The next 30 minutes on Resus bed two are critical.

0:05:30 > 0:05:33The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

0:05:33 > 0:05:36Its Day Surgery ward has 81 beds,

0:05:36 > 0:05:39used for more than 4,000 procedures a year.

0:05:41 > 0:05:44Built for purpose, these beds have side rails,

0:05:44 > 0:05:46a steering pedal and a mount for oxygen.

0:05:48 > 0:05:52Day Surgery bed 32 is prepped and ready for its next shift.

0:05:53 > 0:05:57- Could you take this lady to 32, please?- Yes. This way, please.

0:05:57 > 0:06:02Cleaning business owner Anna-Marie has extreme pain in her knee.

0:06:02 > 0:06:06She needs surgery to repair the cartilage.

0:06:06 > 0:06:10This will be her second operation in less than seven months.

0:06:10 > 0:06:13I was only pushing a supermarket trolley when I heard it crack

0:06:13 > 0:06:15and it was about...

0:06:15 > 0:06:18four months after my last surgery?

0:06:18 > 0:06:21It just went pop, it went again.

0:06:21 > 0:06:23I literally couldn't walk on it.

0:06:23 > 0:06:28My daughter had to drive me home and after that, it just kept giving way.

0:06:28 > 0:06:30I nearly fall over with it, so...

0:06:30 > 0:06:33Are you going to wait here when I go down, or are you going to go back?

0:06:33 > 0:06:3748-year-old Anna-Marie is carer to her husband, Andrew.

0:06:38 > 0:06:42He's in constant pain from injuries to his back and hand.

0:06:42 > 0:06:44He's unable to walk properly or work.

0:06:45 > 0:06:48The problem I've got is I'm slightly restricted in what, well,

0:06:48 > 0:06:52very restricted in what I can do physically,

0:06:52 > 0:06:54and Anne-Marie has always been the one looking after me.

0:06:54 > 0:06:57The thing is, I'm the carer now,

0:06:57 > 0:06:59so, for me to be off my feet,

0:06:59 > 0:07:02literally, for the next couple of months,

0:07:02 > 0:07:03it's going to be really hard.

0:07:05 > 0:07:09We've been together since we were kids, so we've grown up together.

0:07:11 > 0:07:13We, er...

0:07:13 > 0:07:15As we said, we've been married,

0:07:15 > 0:07:18well, been together 34 years, but we renewed our wedding vows.

0:07:21 > 0:07:26Nurse McDonald carries out Anna-Marie's pre-op checks.

0:07:27 > 0:07:28- Are you all right with needles?- Me?

0:07:28 > 0:07:31- Yeah.- It's me that's not all right with needles!

0:07:31 > 0:07:35I just don't want any fainters on my hands!

0:07:35 > 0:07:37We just really look out for each other.

0:07:37 > 0:07:40We're always together

0:07:40 > 0:07:43and as I say, since my surgeries,

0:07:43 > 0:07:45things have become even closer, to be honest.

0:07:45 > 0:07:47Great. That's a good sign.

0:07:47 > 0:07:49She does so much for me.

0:07:49 > 0:07:51Perfect. 4.6.

0:07:51 > 0:07:52Just sweet enough.

0:07:55 > 0:07:56After her last operation,

0:07:56 > 0:07:59Anna-Marie started back at work too soon

0:07:59 > 0:08:02and her knee didn't heal properly.

0:08:02 > 0:08:04Now she can barely walk.

0:08:04 > 0:08:07Anna-Marie finds it difficult to sit down and relax

0:08:07 > 0:08:11and I think that's the problem with what happened last time.

0:08:12 > 0:08:14She actually started

0:08:14 > 0:08:17doing things too soon, didn't you?

0:08:17 > 0:08:19I can't listen to people.

0:08:19 > 0:08:20I don't sit down.

0:08:20 > 0:08:23So I'm finding it really hard sitting here now,

0:08:23 > 0:08:25thinking of things I could be doing.

0:08:25 > 0:08:28One of the couple's three children, Rachel, is a nurse at the hospital.

0:08:28 > 0:08:32She's come in on her day off to see her mum.

0:08:33 > 0:08:35You nervous?

0:08:35 > 0:08:38- Very.- You'll be fine. We'll look after you.

0:08:38 > 0:08:40I know. I know what's coming this time.

0:08:40 > 0:08:44- Do you work on this ward? - Yeah, this is where I work.

0:08:44 > 0:08:45- Is it?- Yeah.

0:08:45 > 0:08:48- It's busy though, isn't it? - Very busy.

0:08:48 > 0:08:53- So, when you say that you work hard...- Do you believe me now?

0:08:53 > 0:08:54ALL LAUGH

0:08:56 > 0:08:57It wasn't all lies.

0:08:57 > 0:08:59- How are you?- I'm fine, thank you.

0:08:59 > 0:09:02Anna-Marie's surgeon is Sir Keith Porter -

0:09:02 > 0:09:06the UK's only professor of Clinical Traumatology.

0:09:06 > 0:09:08We know from your MRI scan,

0:09:08 > 0:09:11you've got a new tear in your cartilage there.

0:09:11 > 0:09:16We know also you've got some background wear in your knee.

0:09:16 > 0:09:19Sir Keith operated on Anna-Marie's knee seven months ago.

0:09:19 > 0:09:23So, the intended benefits here are to assess your knee,

0:09:23 > 0:09:26to improve your pain and to improve your function.

0:09:27 > 0:09:29Because you've got some background arthritis,

0:09:29 > 0:09:32we can't guarantee that you're going to be symptom-free,

0:09:32 > 0:09:34but we know that anyway.

0:09:34 > 0:09:36I forgot to tell you, my knee,

0:09:36 > 0:09:41it's been just going from underneath me unexpectedly quite a lot.

0:09:41 > 0:09:44I think that's related to this new tear.

0:09:44 > 0:09:46Suddenly, that bit of the cartilage displaces

0:09:46 > 0:09:48and causes you some grief.

0:09:48 > 0:09:50Anything else you'd like to ask?

0:09:50 > 0:09:53Um, no. You've covered everything, thank you.

0:09:53 > 0:09:55- OK. See you upstairs.- Thank you.

0:09:59 > 0:10:00He knew I was a bit anxious,

0:10:00 > 0:10:05so he's made sure that he's there himself for me, as well, hasn't he?

0:10:07 > 0:10:11- Can I walk down to the theatre with her?- Yes, you can.

0:10:13 > 0:10:14Day Surgery bed 32

0:10:14 > 0:10:19is now ready to take Anna-Marie for her two-hour knee operation.

0:10:32 > 0:10:38In one year, NHS A&E departments see over 22 million cases.

0:10:38 > 0:10:40PHONE RINGS

0:10:40 > 0:10:42Emergency department, RVI.

0:10:42 > 0:10:45Ten minutes. Lovely. Thanks a lot. Bye.

0:10:45 > 0:10:49The Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle has 29 beds

0:10:49 > 0:10:52on which to treat the patients that walk through the door.

0:10:52 > 0:10:55Make yourself comfortable.

0:10:55 > 0:10:58Each bed here works to capacity,

0:10:58 > 0:11:01handling up to nine patients every 24 hours.

0:11:02 > 0:11:06A&E bed nine is ready to meet 36-year-old Chris.

0:11:08 > 0:11:11He's been in a serious road accident on his bike.

0:11:13 > 0:11:14He was hit by a car.

0:11:14 > 0:11:16I was hit on this side,

0:11:16 > 0:11:18but I've gone down on this side

0:11:18 > 0:11:20and that's where all of the kind of...

0:11:21 > 0:11:23..impact's been.

0:11:23 > 0:11:25It's mainly up here, this area here.

0:11:25 > 0:11:28It's very sore now.

0:11:28 > 0:11:32Chris's dad James was on his way to meet him when the accident happened.

0:11:34 > 0:11:38When I first literally got to Chris after he'd been knocked over,

0:11:38 > 0:11:40which was about five minutes or so,

0:11:40 > 0:11:43he had a very yellow, grey look on him,

0:11:43 > 0:11:46which I was a bit worried about, because clearly I thought,

0:11:46 > 0:11:49"Had he had a head injury or was he going to...?"

0:11:49 > 0:11:52But I think it was just the shock, the initial shock.

0:11:53 > 0:11:56Every year, over 20,000 people in the UK

0:11:56 > 0:11:59are injured in cycle accidents.

0:11:59 > 0:12:00You see people flying around on their bikes

0:12:00 > 0:12:03and they don't stop at lights,

0:12:03 > 0:12:05and no wonder people get hit,

0:12:05 > 0:12:08but I was abiding by the rules, kind of thing,

0:12:08 > 0:12:11and it's just ended up being an accident.

0:12:11 > 0:12:16If it'd been someone coming across, different story.

0:12:16 > 0:12:18- Or a bus.- Or a bus, yeah.

0:12:22 > 0:12:25More than 100 cyclists are killed each year.

0:12:25 > 0:12:28Chris is lucky not to be one of them.

0:12:28 > 0:12:31A&E bed nine takes Chris for multiple X-rays.

0:12:33 > 0:12:37These will reveal any breaks or fractures in his arm, ribs or leg.

0:12:38 > 0:12:41Fantastic, so I'm going to spin you round a touch.

0:12:41 > 0:12:42- We'll take several X-rays.- OK.

0:12:42 > 0:12:45Are you just doing the shoulder area?

0:12:45 > 0:12:47We're going to take your shoulder,

0:12:47 > 0:12:49the ankle and, also, the elbow, as well.

0:12:49 > 0:12:51- It's all on the left-hand side, is that correct?- Yeah.

0:12:51 > 0:12:55Senior Radiographer Mr Patterson is also a cyclist.

0:12:56 > 0:12:58And you fell off your bike, is that correct?

0:12:58 > 0:13:01I was knocked off my bike, yeah.

0:13:01 > 0:13:04- What kind of bike was it? Road bike, mountain bike?- Yeah, road.

0:13:04 > 0:13:07It's scary out there. You have to have eyes absolutely everywhere.

0:13:07 > 0:13:09- You do. We were just talking about that.- I cycle commute, too.

0:13:09 > 0:13:12You get that sort of sixth sense that something is going to happen,

0:13:12 > 0:13:16- but you never quite get out of the way, do you?- I know.

0:13:16 > 0:13:18The last time Chris was in hospital

0:13:18 > 0:13:21was for the birth of his first child, six months ago.

0:13:24 > 0:13:27Fantastic. That's the first one done. Just relax.

0:13:29 > 0:13:33- So, we're going to take some pictures of the ankle next.- OK.

0:13:33 > 0:13:35Is it more painful towards the very bottom of the ankle,

0:13:35 > 0:13:37or sort of up towards the shin?

0:13:37 > 0:13:39The shin. More towards the shin.

0:13:39 > 0:13:42I'm going to lower the back of the bed down slightly

0:13:42 > 0:13:45- and I'll get you to shuffle your bottom backwards if you can.- OK.

0:13:45 > 0:13:46So, gently does it.

0:13:49 > 0:13:51Have you ever injured this ankle before?

0:13:51 > 0:13:52Any previous breaks, dislocations?

0:13:52 > 0:13:55- No, just sprains.- Excellent.

0:13:55 > 0:13:57Let's hope we can say the same thing here.

0:14:00 > 0:14:03Fantastic. That's that one taken.

0:14:03 > 0:14:06Chris has six X-rays in all.

0:14:06 > 0:14:10He'll return to the ward and wait on A&E bed nine for the results.

0:14:20 > 0:14:23In the neighbouring Children's Hospital, Resus bed two

0:14:23 > 0:14:27has been with critically ill Kalvin for 30 minutes.

0:14:28 > 0:14:29He's eight weeks old

0:14:29 > 0:14:33and was rushed to Paediatric A&E with his mum Laura.

0:14:33 > 0:14:36With a severe chest infection, he's fighting for breath.

0:14:40 > 0:14:42It's just horrible when they're poorly, isn't it?

0:14:42 > 0:14:44It makes you feel so helpless,

0:14:44 > 0:14:46but you've done absolutely the right thing, so...

0:14:49 > 0:14:51Kalvin's throat is blocked.

0:14:51 > 0:14:54The priority for paediatric specialist Dr Astell

0:14:54 > 0:14:58is to get fluid into Kalvin intravenously.

0:14:58 > 0:15:00I'm just going to warm this hand up a little bit

0:15:00 > 0:15:01with some warm water in a glove.

0:15:01 > 0:15:03MACHINES BEEP

0:15:08 > 0:15:10A surgical glove filled with warm water

0:15:10 > 0:15:13makes a tiny hot water bottle for Kalvin's hand

0:15:13 > 0:15:15to bring his veins to the surface. KALVIN COUGHS

0:15:15 > 0:15:17Ooh! We've got a cough.

0:15:17 > 0:15:20It's such a bronchialytic cough.

0:15:20 > 0:15:24So, will you be able to run the gas through for us?

0:15:24 > 0:15:25I should be able to. It should let me.

0:15:25 > 0:15:27If you do that, then Hayley can pass me the other bottle.

0:15:27 > 0:15:29Right, OK.

0:15:29 > 0:15:32- OK, Mum, he might jump a bit. - That's fine.

0:15:32 > 0:15:34- KALVIN CRIES - Oh, I know. I'm sorry.

0:15:34 > 0:15:38I'd rather he was responding to us sticking things in here than not.

0:15:39 > 0:15:41I know, I know.

0:15:41 > 0:15:42It's OK.

0:15:42 > 0:15:44HE GRIZZLES

0:15:45 > 0:15:48What I'll get you to do firstly is...

0:15:48 > 0:15:51Mind the sharp. ..I'm going to put the gas in the tray,

0:15:51 > 0:15:54but if you can pass me the orange and the pink bottle?

0:15:54 > 0:15:55Yeah, of course I will.

0:15:55 > 0:15:57Next, the team check his blood sugar level

0:15:57 > 0:16:00to make sure it hasn't dropped dangerously low.

0:16:03 > 0:16:045.5. Happy.

0:16:10 > 0:16:13- Is this dad?- Yes. - Hi there, come on in.

0:16:13 > 0:16:15He's looking a bit better, so don't worry.

0:16:15 > 0:16:19Baby Kalvin's dad, Carl, has rushed to the hospital to be by his side.

0:16:21 > 0:16:25Kalvin's airways still need to be cleared to help him breathe.

0:16:27 > 0:16:29HE CRIES

0:16:44 > 0:16:48Kalvin is out of danger, but he's not well enough to return home.

0:16:52 > 0:16:55Resus bed two transfers him to a paediatric ward

0:16:55 > 0:16:58where he will stay under close observation.

0:17:04 > 0:17:08Resus bed two is put back into circulation,

0:17:08 > 0:17:10ready for its next critical patient.

0:17:19 > 0:17:23It's 3pm at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

0:17:23 > 0:17:26Day Surgery bed 32 is carrying Anna-Marie from the ward

0:17:26 > 0:17:28to the operating theatre.

0:17:35 > 0:17:38She's having knee surgery for the second time this year.

0:17:38 > 0:17:40It's crucial the operation works.

0:17:43 > 0:17:48- Can you just stop one minute? - Yeah.- Love you. Good luck.

0:17:48 > 0:17:51Anna-Marie is the family's breadwinner

0:17:51 > 0:17:53and carer to husband Andrew,

0:17:53 > 0:17:55who has chronic pain in his back.

0:17:56 > 0:17:58We met when we were really young,

0:17:58 > 0:18:02so we just really look out for each other.

0:18:02 > 0:18:05She's my carer, to a large degree,

0:18:05 > 0:18:08she does virtually everything for me because of my condition.

0:18:10 > 0:18:11Strong painkiller now, right?

0:18:11 > 0:18:14This will make you feel a bit light-headed.

0:18:14 > 0:18:16What's your favourite tipple?

0:18:16 > 0:18:18- Cocktails.- Cocktail. What sort?- Mojito.

0:18:18 > 0:18:21No, I like mojitos, but I like strawberry daiquiris, as well.

0:18:21 > 0:18:25- This is your strawberry daiquiri. - That's my strawberry daiquiri.

0:18:25 > 0:18:28- They usually knock me out, as well!- OK?

0:18:28 > 0:18:30A bit of oxygen now, all right?

0:18:30 > 0:18:32That's for you. That's fresh air.

0:18:32 > 0:18:37That's the main sleepy stuff going in now. Just go with the flow.

0:18:37 > 0:18:39Husband Andrew waits on the ward.

0:18:39 > 0:18:44I'm really worried. She struggled with the anaesthetic last time,

0:18:44 > 0:18:48so, hopefully, this time, she's not going to feel quite so sick.

0:18:50 > 0:18:54That's the big thing, really - the anaesthetic factor.

0:19:00 > 0:19:02Eminent trauma specialist Sir Keith Porter

0:19:02 > 0:19:06will repair the torn cartilage in Anna-Marie's knee.

0:19:06 > 0:19:09This afternoon's procedure is a planned operation.

0:19:09 > 0:19:10It's called an arthroscopy,

0:19:10 > 0:19:14which is placing a telescope inside a patient's knee,

0:19:14 > 0:19:16which we use for both diagnostic and treatment purposes.

0:19:20 > 0:19:23We know the patient has a tear in their cartilage, as well as

0:19:23 > 0:19:26some background wear changes.

0:19:26 > 0:19:28Whilst it will give more information on assessment,

0:19:28 > 0:19:31the main reason for the operation today is actually treatment.

0:19:37 > 0:19:42Without this operation, Anna-Marie's leg will continue to give way,

0:19:42 > 0:19:44damaging her cartilage further.

0:19:46 > 0:19:47Just anxious to see how she is

0:19:47 > 0:19:50because, hopefully, everything's gone OK.

0:19:52 > 0:19:54Nearly two hours now.

0:19:55 > 0:19:56Hopefully, back soon.

0:19:59 > 0:20:03She's in recovery at the moment, so...just waiting.

0:20:04 > 0:20:05After two hours,

0:20:05 > 0:20:10Anna-Marie is reunited with Day Surgery bed 32 and husband Andrew.

0:20:10 > 0:20:12This time she's actually going to have to listen to people.

0:20:12 > 0:20:14She's going to have to listen to me.

0:20:14 > 0:20:16- You all right?- Yeah.

0:20:16 > 0:20:18- Just tired?- Yeah.

0:20:18 > 0:20:22We've got three children, so they'll be around to help.

0:20:22 > 0:20:24Our youngest daughter, Jade,

0:20:24 > 0:20:26she still lives at home,

0:20:26 > 0:20:30so I've no doubt she'll be looking after her mum.

0:20:30 > 0:20:32Do you need me to open it for you?

0:20:32 > 0:20:35- I can do it.- You sure?- Yeah.

0:20:35 > 0:20:37It will take Anna-Marie three months

0:20:37 > 0:20:41to fully recover from the surgery on her knee.

0:20:41 > 0:20:44Nurse McDonald is in charge of her post-op care.

0:20:44 > 0:20:48She has to eat something, drink a hot drink and not feel sick.

0:20:48 > 0:20:51We can't send patients home when they're feeling sick.

0:20:51 > 0:20:53- I'm eating.- Is it going down well?

0:20:54 > 0:20:58I ate half. She asked me to eat half.

0:20:58 > 0:21:02You've got to eat a little bit more of this one. A little bit more.

0:21:05 > 0:21:07So bossy.

0:21:08 > 0:21:11I ate half a sandwich and I've managed to...

0:21:11 > 0:21:14- Nearly half a sandwich. - Nearly half a sandwich.- No, look.

0:21:16 > 0:21:18Just a little bit of crust on the corner.

0:21:18 > 0:21:19That's more than I managed before.

0:21:19 > 0:21:22- I believe you. And you've had a biscuit?- I had two biscuits.

0:21:22 > 0:21:25- Shall we try and get you out of bed, then?- Yeah.- Yeah?

0:21:26 > 0:21:30Anna-Marie needs to be able to bear weight on her leg

0:21:30 > 0:21:32otherwise she can't be discharged.

0:21:33 > 0:21:37- Feel all right?- Yeah.- So, you've passed urine, your obs are stable,

0:21:37 > 0:21:39you feel OK, you've had something to eat.

0:21:39 > 0:21:42- That's the criteria for discharge. - Thank you.

0:21:42 > 0:21:43So, I'll let you get dressed.

0:21:45 > 0:21:47After a ten-hour shift,

0:21:47 > 0:21:51Day Surgery bed 32's time with Anna-Marie is over.

0:22:04 > 0:22:07In Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary,

0:22:07 > 0:22:09A&E bed nine is carrying Chris.

0:22:12 > 0:22:14He has severe pain down his left side

0:22:14 > 0:22:16after being knocked off his bike.

0:22:17 > 0:22:19Hello. It's Louise in X-ray.

0:22:19 > 0:22:20I've got a gentleman on a trolley

0:22:20 > 0:22:22to go back to A&E, please. Thank you. Bye.

0:22:22 > 0:22:26A&E patient numbers are on the rise.

0:22:26 > 0:22:30It's putting hospital beds under more pressure than ever before.

0:22:30 > 0:22:33At the minute, there aren't any beds next door.

0:22:33 > 0:22:35There is movement next door, though,

0:22:35 > 0:22:37and I think there's about 20 beds in the system, so...

0:22:37 > 0:22:41All of the emergency bays are currently full with patients.

0:22:41 > 0:22:45The team's only option is to leave A&E bed nine and Chris

0:22:45 > 0:22:48in the corridor to wait for his X-ray results.

0:22:48 > 0:22:50You've been evicted.

0:22:51 > 0:22:54- Didn't take long, did it? - Oh, no. Never does.

0:22:55 > 0:22:57His X-rays have revealed no breaks.

0:22:57 > 0:23:00Nurse Bishop gives him medication for the pain.

0:23:00 > 0:23:03I've just got some ibuprofen and co-codamol for you, OK?

0:23:03 > 0:23:06- Yeah.- How's the bike, then? - It's fine, I think.

0:23:06 > 0:23:07I was hit square-on,

0:23:07 > 0:23:10so it just flung across the road rather than buckling it,

0:23:10 > 0:23:13but I'll have a proper look when I get...

0:23:13 > 0:23:16- Oh, that's OK. No breaks, bike's all right.- Yeah, I know.

0:23:16 > 0:23:19- Quite lucky there, actually. - Yeah, definitely.

0:23:19 > 0:23:22- Did you have your helmet on? - Yeah. Yeah, definitely.

0:23:22 > 0:23:25We're forever telling people, "Make sure you have your helmet on."

0:23:25 > 0:23:28I haven't looked at that, because I cracked the ground with that

0:23:28 > 0:23:31so it's probably got a crack in it.

0:23:31 > 0:23:33That's fine there, if you're all right to step down,

0:23:33 > 0:23:35if you feel OK to do so?

0:23:36 > 0:23:40An hour and a half after arriving, Chris is discharged.

0:23:45 > 0:23:47A&E bed nine needs to be turned around quickly

0:23:47 > 0:23:50to keep up with patient demand.

0:24:06 > 0:24:09Grandmother-of-11 Margaret has arrived,

0:24:09 > 0:24:12suffering with intense pain in her leg.

0:24:12 > 0:24:14There's only one bed for her - it's A&E bed nine.

0:24:17 > 0:24:19Right, we've got you booked in, Margaret. We'll get you seen to.

0:24:19 > 0:24:21Just have a seat.

0:24:21 > 0:24:25I got up one day and my knee was painful, swelling.

0:24:25 > 0:24:28Maybe it's just something that will go away,

0:24:28 > 0:24:31but after a week, it became unbearable.

0:24:32 > 0:24:35This is the second time Margaret has come to A&E with pain in her knee.

0:24:37 > 0:24:39On the first visit a month ago,

0:24:39 > 0:24:41she was admitted overnight.

0:24:41 > 0:24:44She was X-rayed and fluid was drained from her knee.

0:24:47 > 0:24:51Nurse Dyas is assigned to her case to carry out initial tests.

0:24:55 > 0:24:58I'm just going to check your blood pressure and check everything's OK.

0:24:59 > 0:25:01They drained it last time, is that right?

0:25:01 > 0:25:03Yeah, they drained it last time.

0:25:03 > 0:25:06So, they'll probably drain it. Come down and drain it again, maybe.

0:25:10 > 0:25:14Last time Margaret had this procedure, she had intense pain.

0:25:14 > 0:25:17They put the needle, it was a long needle,

0:25:17 > 0:25:20You know, they put it through here,

0:25:20 > 0:25:23you know, which was very, very painful.

0:25:23 > 0:25:26They tried it several times.

0:25:26 > 0:25:31It's like getting blood out of your vein, but with this,

0:25:31 > 0:25:35it's different because it's in between your bones...

0:25:36 > 0:25:39..and it was very, very painful.

0:25:39 > 0:25:43The worst pain ever, apart from childbirth.

0:25:43 > 0:25:46Dr Richardson, a junior doctor,

0:25:46 > 0:25:50wants to be sure a drain is the right course of action.

0:25:50 > 0:25:54When you had it drained, did that help with the pain?

0:25:55 > 0:25:57It helped a little bit.

0:25:57 > 0:25:59The drain itself...

0:26:00 > 0:26:03..had its own pain that it came with

0:26:03 > 0:26:06because they didn't give me any local anaesthetic.

0:26:06 > 0:26:08Oh, right. And are you able to walk on it?

0:26:08 > 0:26:12Yeah, but not weight-bear on this completely. It's mainly this.

0:26:12 > 0:26:16- On the right leg instead? - So, I hop, you know?- OK, fine, OK.

0:26:16 > 0:26:19I'm just going to come around this side.

0:26:19 > 0:26:22Now, can you straighten your leg out, do you think?

0:26:22 > 0:26:27- It's very, very painful.- OK. Just as best you can. That's fine.

0:26:27 > 0:26:30Margaret is part of a large family.

0:26:30 > 0:26:34Without her mobility, the whole family is affected.

0:26:34 > 0:26:36I'm going to press here.

0:26:36 > 0:26:38- Ooh!- Where did it hurt when I did that?

0:26:38 > 0:26:40- Here, right here.- That side, OK.

0:26:41 > 0:26:44There's possibly a bit of fluid in there still,

0:26:44 > 0:26:47but the orthopaedic doctors are going to come down and see you

0:26:47 > 0:26:49and I think they're going to take another sample off, as well.

0:26:49 > 0:26:54If there is fluid, and if they're going to drain it,

0:26:54 > 0:26:58- I will request if I can have a local anaesthetic.- OK.

0:26:58 > 0:26:59Because the last time...

0:26:59 > 0:27:02- It was too much. I understand. - I didn't have any.

0:27:02 > 0:27:05Let me go and see what the results are,

0:27:05 > 0:27:07because it may be that we might not need it.

0:27:07 > 0:27:08If they've taken quite a lot off it,

0:27:08 > 0:27:11it's unlikely that it's all come back, so, you know,

0:27:11 > 0:27:13it might not need that at the moment, but we'll see.

0:27:13 > 0:27:16I'll be back in sort of five, ten minutes, once I've had a look, OK?

0:27:16 > 0:27:18- Thank you very much, thank you. - OK. Thank you. No problem.

0:27:20 > 0:27:23I'm not entirely certain what's going on at the moment.

0:27:23 > 0:27:27I think she may have gout in her knee

0:27:27 > 0:27:30and that's possibly what she came in with at the start of the month.

0:27:30 > 0:27:34Gout is a build-up of crystals that can happen in the knee.

0:27:34 > 0:27:37They're usually formed by some of the waste products

0:27:37 > 0:27:40that your body forms and they can form in any joint.

0:27:40 > 0:27:42Usually, it's your toe or your knee or something like that

0:27:42 > 0:27:45and it's incredibly painful. Really difficult to walk on.

0:27:48 > 0:27:50- Hi.- Hi, Doctor.

0:27:50 > 0:27:53So, I've spoken to the orthopaedic doctors

0:27:53 > 0:27:56and they think what we need to do is get some blood tests,

0:27:56 > 0:28:00get an X-ray and they may need to take another sample.

0:28:00 > 0:28:04But we'll ask for the local anaesthetic, don't worry, OK?

0:28:04 > 0:28:05OK.

0:28:10 > 0:28:13A&E bed nine is quickly put to work.

0:28:23 > 0:28:26After a short stop in X-ray,

0:28:26 > 0:28:29the bed takes Margaret back to the bay

0:28:29 > 0:28:31to wait for the orthopaedic doctors.

0:28:33 > 0:28:37They will decide if her knee should be drained.

0:28:48 > 0:28:50The Great North Children's Hospital in Newcastle.

0:28:52 > 0:28:56Here, the Paediatric Emergency and Assessment Unit

0:28:56 > 0:28:58sees almost 500 cases a year

0:28:58 > 0:29:01of children with objects stuck in their nose or ears.

0:29:02 > 0:29:05It's Clem. I'm the Paediatric Coordinator.

0:29:05 > 0:29:08Oh, hi. I'm all right, thank you. How are you?

0:29:09 > 0:29:12Five-year-old Harsal has been admitted

0:29:12 > 0:29:16to Paediatric A&E bed 27 with a small ball in his ear.

0:29:16 > 0:29:18Oh, yeah, I can see it.

0:29:18 > 0:29:20Who put that in your ear?

0:29:20 > 0:29:22One of his best friends.

0:29:25 > 0:29:28Nurse Park makes an attempt to remove the ball.

0:29:28 > 0:29:32Can you do this? Can you hold your nose, or shall I hold it?

0:29:32 > 0:29:33- And you go... - SHE PUFFS

0:29:33 > 0:29:36HE PUFFS

0:29:38 > 0:29:40Oh, it's not moved.

0:29:42 > 0:29:43Let's have a look.

0:29:43 > 0:29:46I think it's moved a little bit out, but not much.

0:29:47 > 0:29:51Today was Harsal's first day back at school.

0:29:51 > 0:29:53His mum Priteema is by his side.

0:29:53 > 0:29:55He's very naughty.

0:29:55 > 0:29:57He's a little monkey.

0:29:57 > 0:29:58Never keeps still.

0:29:58 > 0:29:59He's a very hyper kid.

0:29:59 > 0:30:00Yeah...

0:30:00 > 0:30:02Very curious.

0:30:02 > 0:30:05Just wants to know about everything all the time.

0:30:05 > 0:30:09When I've been outside after lunch,

0:30:09 > 0:30:11when I was counting,

0:30:11 > 0:30:16someone put a little ball in my ear.

0:30:17 > 0:30:21Really, really worried about if it's damaged inside a lot.

0:30:21 > 0:30:23That's why I'm really, really worried about it.

0:30:23 > 0:30:28If the ball is pushed in too far, Harsal's ear canal could be damaged.

0:30:30 > 0:30:34A perforated eardrum could lead to a permanent loss of hearing.

0:30:34 > 0:30:38Nurse Practitioner Rutherford is next to try and retrieve the ball.

0:30:38 > 0:30:40For this reason, yeah.

0:30:40 > 0:30:42Right, can I have a little look in your ear, yeah?

0:30:42 > 0:30:45Can you look over to that wall for me?

0:30:45 > 0:30:48All right. Do you know what the ball was made of?

0:30:48 > 0:30:50A plastic ball.

0:30:50 > 0:30:51A plastic ball.

0:30:52 > 0:30:54Right. What we'll try and do is

0:30:54 > 0:30:56we'll try and suck it out.

0:30:56 > 0:30:59Oh, yeah, I know that.

0:30:59 > 0:31:00Have you seen one of these before?

0:31:00 > 0:31:03- Yeah.- It won't hurt.

0:31:03 > 0:31:04OK?

0:31:04 > 0:31:06Nice and still.

0:31:06 > 0:31:08You keep really, really still.

0:31:08 > 0:31:11The main problem when you're trying to remove something

0:31:11 > 0:31:15from a child's ear, it's very small anyway, they can move around.

0:31:15 > 0:31:17They don't always like to lie still.

0:31:17 > 0:31:19There's always the possibility that you could end up

0:31:19 > 0:31:20pushing it further down.

0:31:20 > 0:31:22Nice and still.

0:31:23 > 0:31:26- It's out yet?- No, it's not out yet.

0:31:26 > 0:31:29This will take a few minutes, Harsal, OK?

0:31:29 > 0:31:32Having no success with the suction tube,

0:31:32 > 0:31:36Nurse Practitioner Rutherford moves in with a small set of forceps.

0:31:36 > 0:31:38Right, you keep really, really still.

0:31:42 > 0:31:44- That's it. Out.- Oh!

0:31:44 > 0:31:45Oh, my goodness.

0:31:45 > 0:31:47HE LAUGHS AND GIGGLES

0:31:48 > 0:31:51- I want to keep that! - You want to keep it?

0:31:51 > 0:31:53It was a very small bead which had a little hole in,

0:31:53 > 0:31:56which was actually quite handy because, then,

0:31:56 > 0:32:00you could actually get the forceps into the hole and pull it out.

0:32:00 > 0:32:02Let me just have another little look.

0:32:02 > 0:32:03Look over to the side again...

0:32:03 > 0:32:06Nurse Practitioner Rutherford checks that the ball

0:32:06 > 0:32:08has caused no lasting damage.

0:32:08 > 0:32:11- Fine. Nothing, there. - Thanks very much.

0:32:11 > 0:32:13I really appreciate it.

0:32:13 > 0:32:16And Harsal takes a memento of the day.

0:32:16 > 0:32:19You'll have to tell your friends not to put things in your ear.

0:32:19 > 0:32:23Just keep an eye that it doesn't get any discharge or anything from it.

0:32:23 > 0:32:26- Oh, yeah, yeah. Thanks very much. Thank you.- All right.

0:32:28 > 0:32:32Harsal parts company with Paediatric A&E bed 27.

0:32:44 > 0:32:47At the Great North Children's Hospital,

0:32:47 > 0:32:50the Paediatric A&E beds can be turned around

0:32:50 > 0:32:51in less than ten minutes.

0:32:51 > 0:32:54Hello. Paeds AD, Becky speaking.

0:32:54 > 0:32:58Paediatric bed 27 welcomes its next emergency patient.

0:33:01 > 0:33:0514-year-old Abby has been admitted with stomach pain.

0:33:05 > 0:33:11Her mum Keeley is worried it's appendicitis.

0:33:11 > 0:33:12- Hello.- Hiya.- Hiya.

0:33:12 > 0:33:15I'm Becky, one of the nurse practitioners.

0:33:15 > 0:33:18Nurse Practitioner Ramshaw will examine her.

0:33:18 > 0:33:20So, can you tell us what's been happening today?

0:33:20 > 0:33:25Abby started complaining of a pain in her side on Friday night.

0:33:25 > 0:33:26She was saying it was really sharp

0:33:26 > 0:33:29- and it was hurting when she was breathing.- OK.

0:33:29 > 0:33:31We gave her paracetamol.

0:33:31 > 0:33:35She's had paracetamol for a couple of days and it's not easing at all.

0:33:35 > 0:33:38So, I her took down to the doctor this morning, explained to him,

0:33:38 > 0:33:40and he said we should bring her here and have it checked

0:33:40 > 0:33:42because he thinks she has appendicitis.

0:33:42 > 0:33:45- OK. All right. So, it's been going on since Friday?- Yeah.

0:33:45 > 0:33:48- We're on holiday on Sunday.- Are you? - Where are you going on Sunday?

0:33:48 > 0:33:53- Salou.- Oh, are you?- Yeah, so fingers crossed everything's OK.

0:33:53 > 0:33:57So, just tell me if I press anywhere that's sore.

0:33:59 > 0:34:02Appendicitis affects one in 13 people.

0:34:03 > 0:34:07- There.- It's started to get a bit uncomfortable?

0:34:07 > 0:34:10If it isn't stopped in time, it can be life-threatening.

0:34:10 > 0:34:14Just pop your hands just straight down by your sides if you can.

0:34:15 > 0:34:18- What about there? Is that sore, as well?- Yeah.- OK.

0:34:19 > 0:34:22- There.- That's uncomfortable there?

0:34:23 > 0:34:24- There.- OK.

0:34:26 > 0:34:28- We'll pop that bed back up now, OK? - OK.

0:34:30 > 0:34:31That OK?

0:34:31 > 0:34:34She is sore over the area where your appendix is.

0:34:34 > 0:34:36Obviously, I think that's what your GP was worried about

0:34:36 > 0:34:38- and made him think appendicitis. - Yeah, yeah.

0:34:38 > 0:34:41I think what we should do is take some blood samples from her.

0:34:41 > 0:34:44We'll have a little look at the inflammatory markers

0:34:44 > 0:34:46and just see if there's any sign of any infection

0:34:46 > 0:34:48going on that would then need me to refer you

0:34:48 > 0:34:50to see one of the surgeons today.

0:34:50 > 0:34:52OK, sweetheart. I won't be long, all right?

0:34:52 > 0:34:53I'll come back and get that sorted.

0:34:55 > 0:34:58Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix

0:34:58 > 0:35:02and it can become... It can make the child become more unwell

0:35:02 > 0:35:06because it can cause sepsis, which is quite a nasty infection,

0:35:06 > 0:35:09which she would need to get some treatment for, some antibiotics

0:35:09 > 0:35:12to cover her for the sepsis and then probably surgery to

0:35:12 > 0:35:14remove the appendix.

0:35:14 > 0:35:16I have three children.

0:35:16 > 0:35:18Abby's the middle child.

0:35:18 > 0:35:20I have Ellie, who's 16

0:35:20 > 0:35:23and Corby, who's seven in two weeks' time.

0:35:23 > 0:35:26This is Corby. This is Ellie, and this is Abby.

0:35:26 > 0:35:30We left Abby till last, didn't we?

0:35:30 > 0:35:31Best till last.

0:35:36 > 0:35:40OK, sweetheart. So, we can get sorted with this blood test.

0:35:40 > 0:35:41This is Sophie.

0:35:41 > 0:35:46The whole family are due to go on holiday to Spain in five days' time.

0:35:48 > 0:35:51I'm going to go on me phone with the other hand,

0:35:51 > 0:35:53that'll distract us.

0:35:53 > 0:35:56If she needs surgery to remove her appendix,

0:35:56 > 0:35:58Abby won't be well enough to travel.

0:36:00 > 0:36:03- Lovely, sweetheart. I'll go and get these sent off, OK?- OK. Thank you.

0:36:05 > 0:36:08Fingers crossed, legs crossed, toes crossed.

0:36:08 > 0:36:10We'll be devastated.

0:36:11 > 0:36:13Until the blood tests come back,

0:36:13 > 0:36:16Abby will stay with Paediatric bed 27 and wait.

0:36:30 > 0:36:34A&E bed nine at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary

0:36:34 > 0:36:38has been occupied by Margaret for two hours and 15 minutes.

0:36:40 > 0:36:43She's been struggling with intense pain and swelling in her left knee.

0:36:45 > 0:36:47Orthopaedic Specialist Doctor Ferns

0:36:47 > 0:36:51and Junior Doctor Nolan have arrived to drain liquid

0:36:51 > 0:36:52from her knee for analysis.

0:36:52 > 0:36:55OK, so, this is just the numbing agent.

0:37:00 > 0:37:03Is it starting to feel numb a little bit?

0:37:03 > 0:37:05A bit.

0:37:07 > 0:37:08Look away.

0:37:09 > 0:37:11And relax.

0:37:11 > 0:37:14Dr Nolan tries to draw off liquid,

0:37:14 > 0:37:15but the needle won't go in.

0:37:15 > 0:37:18And just guide it in quite gently.

0:37:18 > 0:37:20It feels like it's getting stuck.

0:37:21 > 0:37:23Move in a bit more inferior.

0:37:23 > 0:37:25- A bit more deep.- Yeah.

0:37:25 > 0:37:26Yeah.

0:37:29 > 0:37:31They need another needle.

0:37:31 > 0:37:33- Sharp scratch.- Ow!

0:37:33 > 0:37:35- Sorry.- Keep it in, though.

0:37:35 > 0:37:37Keep still, keep still.

0:37:38 > 0:37:40You want to be quite close to the hilt.

0:37:40 > 0:37:43Oh, is that fluid there?

0:37:43 > 0:37:46Take it out a little bit, not too much, the needle.

0:37:46 > 0:37:49Take as much out as you can.

0:37:53 > 0:37:55You see, there's quite a lot that's come out.

0:37:55 > 0:37:57Do you see that? That's it, keep the plastic straight.

0:37:59 > 0:38:00I'm going to let go, OK?

0:38:00 > 0:38:04I've got gauze, so you just take everything out and I'll put it over.

0:38:06 > 0:38:10This is a lot more than what was taken out the last time.

0:38:10 > 0:38:12Did you hear that?

0:38:12 > 0:38:14So, it's a lot better.

0:38:14 > 0:38:16- Can you try and bend your knee a bit more?- Oh, stiff...

0:38:16 > 0:38:19Oh, no, it won't be fixed altogether.

0:38:19 > 0:38:21- As long as it's a little bit better. - Yeah.

0:38:22 > 0:38:26Margaret's knee fluid is sent to the lab for tests.

0:38:30 > 0:38:32After two and a half hours, Dr Ferns returns.

0:38:34 > 0:38:36Sorry, have you been waiting here the whole time?

0:38:36 > 0:38:38- Yeah, yeah, I've been waiting. - Sorry about that.

0:38:38 > 0:38:41I got called with the results about half an hour ago,

0:38:41 > 0:38:42but I've not been able to come and see you.

0:38:42 > 0:38:45So, basically, the results came back all negative, OK?

0:38:45 > 0:38:49The fluid, there's nothing in it, OK? I think this is probably...

0:38:50 > 0:38:53..arthritis, OK? So the best thing,

0:38:53 > 0:38:56we're going to give you some stronger painkillers today, OK?

0:38:56 > 0:38:59So, we didn't really get an answer for Margaret today,

0:38:59 > 0:39:01but we ruled out anything serious.

0:39:01 > 0:39:03So, other than that, we can let her go home

0:39:03 > 0:39:06and we have increased her painkillers so she can sleep tonight

0:39:06 > 0:39:08and she'll be a bit happier, at least.

0:39:11 > 0:39:14It's a bit disappointing, to be honest with you.

0:39:14 > 0:39:17Obviously, the pain, that doesn't take the pain away

0:39:17 > 0:39:20and the swelling, as you can see, you know?

0:39:20 > 0:39:23And every move now is agony.

0:39:23 > 0:39:27I will be glad to be out of here,

0:39:27 > 0:39:30to see the back of the bed.

0:39:33 > 0:39:34I'm not very tall!

0:39:38 > 0:39:41I'll walk you down.

0:39:41 > 0:39:44Margaret leaves A&E bed nine.

0:39:44 > 0:39:47Investigations into the pain in her knee will continue.

0:39:58 > 0:40:01At Newcastle's Great North Children's Hospital,

0:40:01 > 0:40:06A&E bed 27 has been occupied by teenager Abby for an hour.

0:40:07 > 0:40:09She has suspected appendicitis

0:40:09 > 0:40:12and is waiting with mum Keeley for test results.

0:40:12 > 0:40:15So it doesn't look like we're going home in a hurry,

0:40:15 > 0:40:17so I hope that bed's pretty comfortable.

0:40:18 > 0:40:20Strong coffee is what I need.

0:40:21 > 0:40:23Anything to eat or drink is what I need.

0:40:23 > 0:40:25I'm so glad I had me Crunchy Nut.

0:40:25 > 0:40:29I wish I had've had something to eat. I'm absolutely clamming.

0:40:29 > 0:40:31If they're going to have to take your appendix out,

0:40:31 > 0:40:32you can't have anything, Abby.

0:40:32 > 0:40:35- I'll die of starvation before I get me appendix out!- You'll not, man.

0:40:35 > 0:40:39Hopefully, I don't need them out. I don't want them out.

0:40:39 > 0:40:42Abby's come in today with abdominal pain.

0:40:42 > 0:40:44There's a few possible causes of this

0:40:44 > 0:40:48and one of them is we're thinking it may be appendicitis.

0:40:48 > 0:40:51The only way to confirm that is through a test.

0:40:51 > 0:40:52Once those results are back,

0:40:52 > 0:40:55they'll speak to one of the paediatric surgeons here

0:40:55 > 0:40:57and we'll go from there.

0:40:57 > 0:41:00Abby's family have been planning a holiday to Spain

0:41:00 > 0:41:02for more than six months.

0:41:02 > 0:41:04Just think, next week, you might be on a bed in Spain.

0:41:04 > 0:41:08I've had a countdown since the day you booked it.

0:41:08 > 0:41:11It's four days, 14 hours and 21 minutes until we go to the airport.

0:41:13 > 0:41:15I could cry.

0:41:15 > 0:41:16You could.

0:41:19 > 0:41:22After two and a half hours, there's news.

0:41:25 > 0:41:27- Hello.- Hello.- You all right?

0:41:27 > 0:41:29So, the blood results are back.

0:41:33 > 0:41:36One of them is slightly raised a little bit, which would suggest

0:41:36 > 0:41:41that there's a bit of a viral illness going around at the moment.

0:41:41 > 0:41:43- Yeah.- But it doesn't look like appendicitis.

0:41:43 > 0:41:46Brilliant. That is amazing!

0:41:48 > 0:41:50OK, so we can take that cannula out

0:41:50 > 0:41:52and we can get you on your way.

0:41:52 > 0:41:53And if she develops any other symptoms

0:41:53 > 0:41:56that you're concerned about, or if she gets a temperature

0:41:56 > 0:41:59that you're worried about, pop her back and we'll check you over again.

0:41:59 > 0:42:01I don't think she would tell us if she did now!

0:42:04 > 0:42:06- Relief.- Yes! Thank you.

0:42:06 > 0:42:09- Enjoy your birthday and your holiday.- Thank you.- No worries.

0:42:09 > 0:42:11Thanks. Yay!

0:42:12 > 0:42:13Patient!

0:42:15 > 0:42:18Abby leaves Paediatric A&E bed 27.

0:42:27 > 0:42:31Our hospital beds have given us intimate access

0:42:31 > 0:42:33to the work of the NHS.

0:42:34 > 0:42:36Chris is back on his bike after the accident.

0:42:39 > 0:42:41Margaret has since been diagnosed with arthritis.

0:42:41 > 0:42:43She's managing the pain.

0:42:46 > 0:42:49Baby Kalvin made a full recovery and is back home.

0:42:53 > 0:42:55The beds are now back on their wards,

0:42:55 > 0:42:58ready and waiting for their next round of patients.