0:00:04 > 0:00:08Hospital beds in the NHS have never been under more pressure...
0:00:08 > 0:00:11It's just unrelenting at the moment.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13..with more patients to care for than ever before,
0:00:13 > 0:00:17and only 150,000 beds to go round.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24It is a fast-paced job. It's a non-stopping conveyor belt.
0:00:24 > 0:00:25In this series,
0:00:25 > 0:00:29we use special cameras on beds in four very different hospitals...
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Comfy bed.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41..to see the world through the beds' eyes.
0:00:41 > 0:00:42Left at the lights.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46SHE SOBS ..as they share the most challenging...
0:00:46 > 0:00:47- SHE SIGHS - Oh, it's coming again.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Don't get upset. We'll look after you, OK?
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Are you OK, pet?
0:00:57 > 0:00:58..most intimate...
0:00:58 > 0:01:00That's good.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03..and most rewarding moments of our lives.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05So, so happy.
0:01:11 > 0:01:12Coming up...
0:01:13 > 0:01:18In Newcastle, on Resus Bed Two, toddler Nicholas fights for breath.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21He's two, and he's saying, "Mummy, help."
0:01:21 > 0:01:24It's horrible. It's absolutely...horrible.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30In Birmingham, on Day Surgery Bed 30,
0:01:30 > 0:01:3325-year-old Thomas is having a life-changing operation.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36Any questions that you want to ask me about your anaesthetic?
0:01:36 > 0:01:39Nope. Just make sure I'm asleep. I don't mind the operation.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41It's the whole sleeping process what does me in.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45And in Romford, on Maternity Bed Seven,
0:01:45 > 0:01:4832-year-old Mevish faces complications.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Roll a little bit onto your left side, please.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Yeah? Baby's heart rate's dropped down ever so slightly.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01Your bed's like an extra member of staff, almost.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04This is The Secret Life Of The Hospital Bed.
0:02:14 > 0:02:15Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Here, the Royal Victoria Infirmary is rated one of the top five
0:02:19 > 0:02:21hospitals in the country.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26All these people are still in the main waiting room waiting to be seen.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28Like most hospitals, its A&E department
0:02:28 > 0:02:31has a special area for critical patients called Resus.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34Right, what I need to do, my love, is listen to your lungs
0:02:34 > 0:02:36and your heart, and all that, OK?
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Resus beds are real workhorses...
0:02:40 > 0:02:42Get some bloods off her.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46..running around the clock, and rarely getting a break.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50This is Resus Bed Two,
0:02:50 > 0:02:52standing by for its next emergency.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55PHONE RINGS
0:02:55 > 0:02:59Emergency department, RVI. Ten minutes, lovely. Thanks a lot, bye.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Two-year-old Nicholas has been rushed in by ambulance with his mum,
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Claire, because he's struggling to breathe.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07Do you want to come and sit on the bed with the little one?
0:03:07 > 0:03:08- And who's this?- This is Nicholas.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Nicholas, come on, then. My name's Laura, I'm one of the doctors.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15Bed Two has seen its fair share of respiratory problems.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19It's the fifth most common cause of death in children.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24- His mam said he did have a temperature last night.- Yeah, he's very flushed, isn't he?- Yeah.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27Lots of children come in acutely short of breath, with a very high respiratory rate.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30So they're breathing very fast.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Dr Attwood is the consultant in charge today.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- So has he been in for a similar kind of episode before, then?- Yeah.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38Back in March, he had...
0:03:38 > 0:03:41- That was after his adenoids were taken out, was it?- Yeah.- OK.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45Staff are hoping that salbutamol, a medication to treat asthma,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47might help stabilise Nicholas.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50They're also monitoring oxygen levels in his blood.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53He's two, and he's saying, "Mummy, help."
0:03:53 > 0:03:57It's horrible. It's absolutely...horrible.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01Are you OK, Mum?
0:04:01 > 0:04:05So I think we'll just give him a few more of the nebulisers back-to-back.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08We'll let that settle. He's just really, really tight in his chest.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11So we can't hear much. We're going to give him a little bit of steroids
0:04:11 > 0:04:14to help dampen all the tightness down and help with the wheeze as well.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- And he's had a little bit of Calpol, as you know.- Yeah.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- Is that all right? Are you happy with that?- Yeah.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26Student nurse, Kirk, has mainly dealt with adults in her career so far.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29It's just normally, like, they fill the bed, and he doesn't even fill...
0:04:29 > 0:04:34Like, his mum's holding him on the bed, because he's so tiny.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36We're, like, adult nurses.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40Because we're not used to it, it's scary, cos they're just so little.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45It's absolutely awful, you know.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49You're the protector, at the end of the day. You know, I'm a single mum.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53I am his only, sole protector.
0:04:53 > 0:04:54NICHOLAS CRIES
0:04:56 > 0:05:00Nicholas has been on Resus Bed Two for 50 minutes.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03Staff prepare him for a drip in case his condition gets worse.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16The next 20 minutes will be critical.
0:05:16 > 0:05:22We'll return to Resus Bed Two to find out if Nicholas's condition stabilises.
0:05:22 > 0:05:23Good boy.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35At the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham,
0:05:35 > 0:05:37Bed 40 in day surgery has been part of the team
0:05:37 > 0:05:39for the last three years.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- We always go to make the trolleys as a bed.- I know.- Always.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47Unlike the fast turnaround beds of A&E,
0:05:47 > 0:05:49this bed is by your side all day.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- Next.- Ready for the next patient!
0:05:53 > 0:05:57It's waiting to meet patient Thomas, who has very high expectations.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Yeah, yeah, course.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01Is it a double bed, or...?
0:06:01 > 0:06:02You may top and tail!
0:06:02 > 0:06:04THEY LAUGH
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Thomas's lip and gums failed to develop properly in the womb,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10so he's been in and out of hospital since birth.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14Today, he's come for a final attempt to reconstruct his palate.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18His girlfriend, Sophie, and her dad, are here for support.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- So we're just going to Bed 40, which is just here.- Brill.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23'When I was born, it was quite horrific.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25'The cleft lip and palate was.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29'So I think I was about six months old when I had my first operation.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32'I'm now 25.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34'So it's a long process.'
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- Do you want me to take my shoes off? - If you want to.- Yeah, yeah, course.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40I just don't want to get the bed dirty.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44It's like, if we go out for a meal, cos of his artificial teeth,
0:06:44 > 0:06:48he can't eat properly with them in, so he has to, like, take them out.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50It's just constantly - if he wants to brush them,
0:06:50 > 0:06:52he has to take them out, brush his teeth.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Because it was supposed to have all been done by the age of 18.
0:06:55 > 0:07:00But now, obviously, he's 25, so I think he's fed up of it now.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02This is the fourth time we've had this one done.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07Basically it's just failed, so I've got to come and get it done again.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09But I've had maybe, what...
0:07:09 > 0:07:15Maybe 10-15 operations previous to this, which have all gone well.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17It's just this one what's holding it back.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- Hello.- Hi. How are you? - I'm all right, how are you?
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Surgeon Mr Sharp, who is a cleft palate specialist,
0:07:22 > 0:07:26will be carrying out the tricky procedure.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28So, risks. Infection is the big one.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31We'll give you antibiotics in theatre and afterwards,
0:07:31 > 0:07:33and it's important you keep your mouth clean.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37Basically, today is about a final attempt to get enough bone
0:07:37 > 0:07:41to give him the implants that he wants to replace his missing teeth.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44And if that doesn't work, then there are other options.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47But I think for a man of his age, this is the better option, if we can,
0:07:47 > 0:07:50to put implants in and fix his teeth to him,
0:07:50 > 0:07:52rather than having a plate, or anything else.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- So, if you want to put your gown on. - Yeah.- We'll get you up there.- Right.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- Right.- Thank you very much. Cheers. Thank you.- There you go.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Thomas is almost ready for the operation,
0:08:02 > 0:08:06but Bed 40 is about to learn something else about this patient.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09He just doesn't like when he's being put to sleep.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13That's it. I think he doesn't mind the actual operation,
0:08:13 > 0:08:15it's just the putting to sleep bit,
0:08:15 > 0:08:17cos he watches this film called Awake,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21and then it's where this man has been put to sleep,
0:08:21 > 0:08:23but he's still awake, so, yeah.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- Just worried about it. - Yeah, that's his worrying bit.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- You all right?- Hi, Thomas. How are you?- Yeah, good, are you?
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- I'm one of the anaesthetists.- Yep.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32I've looked at your previous anaesthetic charts.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36- There doesn't seem to have been any problem with anaesthetics you've had before.- No, seems fine.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- Fantastic.- So, you're the one who puts me asleep? - Yeah, there's two of us today.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44Just make sure you put plenty in there. I always say that!
0:08:44 > 0:08:45Don't leave me half soaked!
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- We won't do that.- Just put plenty in, and then I'll be fine.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50Have you watched that film called Awake?
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- No.- Haven't you ever watched it? - No! Should I?
0:08:52 > 0:08:54I hate that film, I do.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Go back home and watch it.
0:08:56 > 0:08:57It's brilliant.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Any questions you want to ask me about your anaesthetic?
0:09:00 > 0:09:02No, just make sure I'm asleep.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05Keep an eye on me, cos that's me worst... I don't mind the operation.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08It's the whole sleeping process what does me in, so, yeah.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- Good. All right. We'll see you shortly, then, OK.- See you later.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16- You're in good hands. - Yeah. Best put me to sleep.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19The one thing Thomas can rely on throughout his procedure
0:09:19 > 0:09:21is Day Surgery Bed 40.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23It will be with him from the ward,
0:09:23 > 0:09:27into surgery, and then back into recovery.
0:09:27 > 0:09:28We're going to theatre now.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- Here we go.- Can I just check your wristband again, please? - Yeah. Thank you.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Give us a kiss. Yeah.
0:09:35 > 0:09:36- Right, love you.- Love you.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39All right, then, mate. Yeah. Look after yourself.
0:09:39 > 0:09:40I hate this part!
0:09:48 > 0:09:50So, have you ever been with us before, then?
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Yeah, quite a few times, to be fair.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- Oh, OK.- Yeah.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57I just hate the whole putting to sleep process, I do.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Yeah, it's a bit daunting, isn't it?
0:10:00 > 0:10:04Yeah. I don't mind the operations, it's just, you know when they say,
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- "Oh, you're going to go to sleep," sort of thing. - Yeah.- It's a bit weird, isn't it?
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Right, I need to get mentally prepared for this.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- Oh, you'll be fine.- Huh?
0:10:16 > 0:10:19We'll rejoin Thomas later, as he undergoes this important operation.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31In Newcastle's A&E, the waiting room is filling up fast.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Here, seriously ill patients take priority.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38A&E Bed Nine is about to meet one patient
0:10:38 > 0:10:40who fears she's had a stroke.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Do you think you'll be able to pop up on the trolley?
0:10:45 > 0:10:47If we give you a hand?
0:10:47 > 0:10:49Yeah, we could help.
0:10:50 > 0:10:5373-year-old Sandra has been rushed in by ambulance
0:10:53 > 0:10:56after her speech became slurred.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58She's with her daughter, Alexis.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- There we are. Well done.- That's it.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Oh, Alexis, you're brilliant.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09It's down to junior Dr Richardson, who's been at the RVI for just two months,
0:11:09 > 0:11:11to try and diagnose Sandra.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16'When we examine the patient we look for speech problems,
0:11:16 > 0:11:18'and, you know, loss of sensation, things like that.'
0:11:18 > 0:11:21She does have a little bit of slurring of her speech.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25This is quite a deterioration of her normal baseline.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28At the moment, she's just not particularly safe.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30I'll just come and run those blood tests,
0:11:30 > 0:11:32and then we'll take things from there, all right?
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- Thank you, very much. - No problem at all.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51I know.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00It's OK. It's OK.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02I'm here.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04SANDRA SOBS
0:12:07 > 0:12:11Strokes are the third most common cause of premature death in the UK.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15They occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20Dr Richardson sends Sandra for a scan of her brain.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23I've just come to tell you, I think we're going to get a scan of your
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- head, and then they're going to come and see you after that.- Yes.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30We need to make sure whether they've had a stroke, which is a blood clot,
0:12:30 > 0:12:32or whether there's a bleed on the brain.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34If there's a bleed on the brain, there's a lot less we can do,
0:12:34 > 0:12:36than if there's a clot.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40I'm right behind you, Mum.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44I'm just kind of worried about what they're going to find,
0:12:44 > 0:12:47or if something is really wrong.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- Ready, steady. - Oh, that's it.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51Here you go.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56Diagnosis is tricky
0:12:56 > 0:12:59due to Sandra having a serious existing condition,
0:12:59 > 0:13:00Parkinson's disease,
0:13:00 > 0:13:02which affects her mobility.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09Suddenly, you're the one looking after your mum.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11It's quite scary, as a child.
0:13:11 > 0:13:12I know I'm not a child,
0:13:12 > 0:13:15but you still feel like a child with your mum, you know?
0:13:15 > 0:13:18I'll hold that, you just get the straw.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24'I don't know. It's quite scary.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26'It's a real reality check today.'
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- That's better.- Yeah?
0:13:29 > 0:13:33We'll come back to Sandra and daughter Alexis as they find
0:13:33 > 0:13:36out the results of Sandra's blood tests and her brain scan.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49As UK birth rates reach an all-time high,
0:13:49 > 0:13:53we join Bed Seven on one of the NHS's largest maternity units
0:13:53 > 0:13:55in Romford, Essex.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57We've got the next patient coming.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- OK.- Make sure that you have your room prepared.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02She's in triage.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Queen's Hospital is just 15 miles from London.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11Its 25 labour beds offer round-the-clock care,
0:14:11 > 0:14:14meeting about two women each day.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16Go on, push again.
0:14:16 > 0:14:17Yes!
0:14:19 > 0:14:23Congratulations! Hello!
0:14:25 > 0:14:26BABY CRIES
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Today, midwife Pareva will be part of the team
0:14:30 > 0:14:34looking after the next expectant mother.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36'It can be really quick.'
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Sometimes within 20 minutes, half an hour.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Yeah, every person's different.
0:14:42 > 0:14:4532-year-old Mevish has joined Maternity Bed Seven
0:14:45 > 0:14:47to give birth to her second child.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49She had a long labour with her first,
0:14:49 > 0:14:53and is hoping this time it won't be so drawn out.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57Finally, I've got a very nice and comfortable bed.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01The couple were introduced to each other by family members.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04It's kind of arranged marriage. It's not a love story, actually.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07My family doesn't believe it, but, yeah, that's true.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11We started seeing each other in February or March somewhere,
0:15:11 > 0:15:17and in June and July we decided, "Look, we can't go without marrying."
0:15:17 > 0:15:18So, you know, that's when we decided...
0:15:18 > 0:15:20We have to get married.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25I think it was just four months, that's it.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27That was over three years ago.
0:15:27 > 0:15:28The couple have since had a son.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32We've been through this three and a half years ago!
0:15:32 > 0:15:34What do you already have?
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- A boy.- A boy.- He is excited.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40We asked him, "You want a baby boy or a baby sister?"
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- And he said... - And he always says sister.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Oh, he's always wanted a sister!
0:15:47 > 0:15:49Play with the ladies, not...
0:15:51 > 0:15:54He's going to be a gentleman.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56There were serious complications with their son's birth,
0:15:56 > 0:15:59and they're worried the same thing might happen this time.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06It's a very normal concern that what happened before will happen again.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09And, you know, we can never say it won't happen either,
0:16:09 > 0:16:12so we can't say to him, "Right, that won't happen."
0:16:12 > 0:16:16We'll return to Mevish later as her labour progresses.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29The Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Back with Resus Bed Two,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36toddler Nicholas is still battling for breath.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40He was rushed into A&E by his mum, Claire,
0:16:40 > 0:16:45and is still being treated with an inhaler to deal with asthma attacks.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Anybody as poorly as this little one,
0:16:47 > 0:16:49we really need to treat them quickly.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53That's why we're in Resus.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Nurse Emerson has 22 years of medical experience.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00So he's had...
0:17:00 > 0:17:03One, two, three, four, five, six lots of medication.
0:17:03 > 0:17:09And that's got on top of his problem a little bit.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11But he's still a poorly man.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13NICHOLAS COUGHS
0:17:15 > 0:17:19'We probably get more respiratory problems than anything else, really.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25'More so, as well, in the winter.'
0:17:25 > 0:17:29The weather's just changing now, so we'll see a lot more.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Ow, hurts!
0:17:35 > 0:17:37"Ow, hurts," he said.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44I'm keeping a record of his observations,
0:17:44 > 0:17:46just so we can look back and see.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48He has improved a little, we can see by that.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50It's much easier if you do them regularly,
0:17:50 > 0:17:53so you can see what's going on.
0:17:53 > 0:18:00NICHOLAS CRIES Nicholas has now been in Resus Bed Two for close to three hours.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02Now he's getting his voice back a little bit -
0:18:02 > 0:18:04this is a good sign, I think.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06This is a good sign.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11He's starting to show some signs of improvement.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Here you go.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Do you want some?
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- NICHOLAS GRUNTS - No? OK.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Yes? Oh, that's good.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36Oh, you want your juice.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39He's like, "Oh, water, urgh!"
0:18:46 > 0:18:50All done? All done?
0:18:50 > 0:18:52Shall I slip in the back, and try and have a listen?
0:18:52 > 0:18:55Do you want to lean him forward for me?
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Dr Astell is a specialist from the children's unit.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01She's back to check on Nicholas's progress.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Mummy!
0:19:03 > 0:19:05I think he's a bit better.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08I'm not going to rush to give him that medicine through the drip.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12I think he's just turning a corner with all that salbutamol.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14We'll pop him into the monitoring bay round the corner
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- where I can dip in and out a lot easier.- Yeah.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20I think the fact that he's just talking...
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Yeah. He's woken up a bit, hasn't he?
0:19:23 > 0:19:25Where are we going?
0:19:25 > 0:19:28Nicolas and Bed Two are moved around the corner
0:19:28 > 0:19:30to the children's observation unit.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38He's perked up, and the one thing he wants is his wellies.
0:19:38 > 0:19:39Come on, then.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41Wellies!
0:19:41 > 0:19:44We think that he's probably had some sort of asthma attack,
0:19:44 > 0:19:48probably triggered by a viral infection.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50Doctors want to keep Nicolas overnight,
0:19:50 > 0:19:52to make sure he's fully recovered.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54You happy now?
0:19:54 > 0:19:56Yes.
0:19:56 > 0:19:57Mama!
0:19:57 > 0:19:59Ba-ba.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Ba-ba. Ba!
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Coming up on The Secret Life Of The Hospital Bed...
0:20:13 > 0:20:18In Birmingham, on Day Surgery Bed 40, Thomas faces his biggest fear.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- It's this whole thing about going to sleep.- Yeah.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Well, you're out of control, aren't you, completely?
0:20:27 > 0:20:29In Newcastle, on A&E Bed Nine,
0:20:29 > 0:20:3173-year-old Sandra hits a real low point.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35It's OK. It's OK.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38I know.
0:20:39 > 0:20:45And in Romford, on Maternity Bed Seven, Mevish goes into full labour.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47We'll be having Baby soon.
0:20:47 > 0:20:48MEVISH GROANS
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Coming thick and strong now.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52She'll be here soon.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Back at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital,
0:21:01 > 0:21:05Day Surgery Bed 40 has not left the side of anxious Thomas.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09He's having an intricate bone graft operation to rebuild his palate,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12following several failed attempts.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- You all right? You all right? - I'm Simon, I'm your anaesthetist. - Fantastic.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18But it's not the two-hour procedure that's worrying him.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21It's his fear that the anaesthetic won't knock him out.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Are you guys over there all the time?
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Yeah, so we're with you all the time.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32We're with you in here, in the theatre, and then in recovery when you wake up.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- Just monitor everything and make sure.- Yeah, we'll keep a close eye on you.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- It's just the whole thing of going to sleep.- Yeah.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Well, you're out of control, aren't you, completely?
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- It's not good. So, please keep an eye on me, make sure... - Yeah, no problem.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- So what we're going to do is give you a little bit of oxygen to breathe, OK?- Nice, easy breaths.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- Just a few big breaths. - Just relax your breathing.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53Just breathe normally for me, OK?
0:22:00 > 0:22:02THOMAS MUTTERS
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Doing really, really well.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Keep your eyes open as long as you can.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11THOMAS MUTTERS
0:22:17 > 0:22:22Surgeon Mr Sharp has carried out over 1,000 cleft palate operations
0:22:22 > 0:22:24in his 12-year surgical career.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26In previous attempts,
0:22:26 > 0:22:28Thomas's body has rejected artificial implants,
0:22:28 > 0:22:31and an implant using bone from his hip.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37While the bed stays with Thomas throughout the operation,
0:22:37 > 0:22:40girlfriend Sophie is left waiting in the empty bay.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44I think it's nerve-racking, actually.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48Because I always think there's a slight, so many percentage, I don't know what the percentage is,
0:22:48 > 0:22:51but it could always go wrong, couldn't it?
0:22:51 > 0:22:54And I know it's really, like, a dull moment, but, yeah,
0:22:54 > 0:22:57I think it could always go wrong. You never know, do you?
0:22:58 > 0:23:00Tom?
0:23:02 > 0:23:03Tom?
0:23:05 > 0:23:06Come on, Tom.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10He was just saying how comfy this bed is.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12It is, it's very comfortable.
0:23:12 > 0:23:13Come on, Tom.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Tom?
0:23:19 > 0:23:23I can't relax until he's back, and he's awake,
0:23:23 > 0:23:26and I know he's all right. Yeah.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29Take a big, deep breath for me.
0:23:29 > 0:23:30- Well done, Tom.- Well done.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35There we go. Open, open, open.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37Well done. Hello.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40I just want to see him now.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43That's it - I just want to see, because I think he'll be in a bit of a mess, really.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45It went well.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49I think I've got to be cautious here because I've bone grafted Tom before
0:23:49 > 0:23:52and thought that it went well, and found out that I was wrong,
0:23:52 > 0:23:54so I can't guarantee it, and he knows that.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57But I'm pretty confident that we'll be able to finish this now,
0:23:57 > 0:24:01and get him some teeth that are fixed and that will be the end.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Back on the ward, and Thomas has rallied.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07- I feel really good.- Good.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09I feel really good.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12I do, honestly.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14I feel really good. So...
0:24:14 > 0:24:17I think the best I've ever felt after an operation.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21So, if someone said to me now, "Go and do something,"
0:24:21 > 0:24:23I could easily go do it.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26So, yeah, they've got it spot on, haven't they, yeah?
0:24:27 > 0:24:28Let's go.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Let's go. Yeah?
0:24:32 > 0:24:34It'll be six months before Thomas finds out if his good feeling
0:24:34 > 0:24:38about his operation does mean his palate is finally fixed.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Back at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary,
0:24:46 > 0:24:51A&E Bed Nine has been with 73-year-old Sandra for over an hour.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55She fears she may have had a stroke after her speech became slurred,
0:24:55 > 0:24:57and has undergone a series of tests.
0:25:00 > 0:25:01You what, pet?
0:25:02 > 0:25:05No, no, this is A&E, darling.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Sandra is already having to cope with Parkinson's disease,
0:25:08 > 0:25:11a progressive condition affecting her nervous system.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14So, Sandra, my name's Currie.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16- I'm one of the stroke specialist nurses, OK?- Hello.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18So I'm just going to ask you some questions,
0:25:18 > 0:25:20and ask you to do some things, OK?
0:25:20 > 0:25:22So just stay with us.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26Whilst Sandra waits on A&E Bed Nine for the results of a brain scan,
0:25:26 > 0:25:31specialist nurse Currie carries out some physical tests.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34What I want you to do now, if I stand down here,
0:25:34 > 0:25:37is just keep looking at my nose. OK?
0:25:37 > 0:25:38And just follow the pen with your eyes.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Keep your head still. Just keep looking at me, sweetheart.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- I am!- I know it's hard to do.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48Excellent, well done. OK.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50What I want you to do is squeeze...
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Grab hold of my hands, and squeeze both my hands as tight as you can.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56As hard as you can. You won't hurt us, you're fine.
0:25:56 > 0:25:57Pull us towards you.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00And push us away.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02- OK. Does that feel normal for you? - Yes.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04The strength in your arms there?
0:26:04 > 0:26:08- Does that feel normal?- Yes. - You're nice and warm!
0:26:08 > 0:26:11What I want you to do is keep looking at my nose, OK, and
0:26:11 > 0:26:14tell me what's moving, OK?
0:26:14 > 0:26:17- So what's moving now - can you see anything moving?- Your fingers.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20How many fingers are moving, can you see?
0:26:20 > 0:26:21- Two.- Two. Now?
0:26:23 > 0:26:27Sandra's decreased mobility has been putting a strain on the family.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Her time on A&E Bed Nine is proving cathartic.
0:26:31 > 0:26:36My dad's, I think, really frustrated for you, cos at first he kind of
0:26:36 > 0:26:40wanted to take charge, and, like, "We can get through this.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42"I can manage this. We can do this.
0:26:42 > 0:26:43"Keep going, Sandra, keep going.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46"Stand up straight, do this, do that."
0:26:46 > 0:26:49And my mum couldn't do that and he's had to realise,
0:26:49 > 0:26:52"OK, I'm going to have to take a step back and actually support her."
0:26:52 > 0:26:55And now my dad's doing things like the dishes
0:26:55 > 0:26:58and things like that, which is amazing because my dad -
0:26:58 > 0:27:00no idea, couldn't boil an egg.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02And I'm not kidding.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04One time we made some toast.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08Next thing I know, the grill's smoking like mad and I'm like,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11"What have you done?" He said, "Well, I put butter on."
0:27:11 > 0:27:15I'm like, "But you don't put the butter on the bread and then put it under the grill, Dad!"
0:27:15 > 0:27:17"Oh! Oh, right, I see." You know?
0:27:17 > 0:27:20And I mean, it's frightening me on a level,
0:27:20 > 0:27:26because the idea of my mum not being there terrifies my dad.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Because they've been in love, and I mean REALLY in love.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32They never argued when we were kids.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34It's OK, Mum.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36It's OK.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39I know.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41'Some days she can be really good.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45'And then other days it's down.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48'So we just keep assuming that she's going to get better.'
0:27:48 > 0:27:52You know, that there's light at the end of the tunnel.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55We just keep assuming that, you know, one day you're going to wake up
0:27:55 > 0:27:58and everything's going to go back to normal.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01And you've got to have that level of hope.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05You know. It's just difficult being confronted.
0:28:12 > 0:28:13Yeah.
0:28:14 > 0:28:15Yeah.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22SHE TRAILS OFF
0:28:23 > 0:28:24Low blood pressure?
0:28:29 > 0:28:30Yeah.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34Just shut your eyes for a bit.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36SHE MUMBLES
0:28:40 > 0:28:43She needs to be seen by the ED doctor.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45Sandra's CT scan has come back all clear.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48And specialist nurse Currie is happy
0:28:48 > 0:28:50Sandra's passed the key cognitive tests.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52I couldn't find anything out of the norm.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54Her daughter states that this is her baseline.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56All right, OK. That's fine.
0:28:56 > 0:28:57They've both said that her mouth is OK, as well.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59- Her mouth looks absolutely fine to me.- OK.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02But obviously if she deteriorates more just give us another ring
0:29:02 > 0:29:07- and we'll come down and reassess her.- That's fine.- Is that OK? - Yeah, that's great.- Thanks.- Cheers.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09But Dr Richardson is still concerned.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11Sandra had a few issues going on.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14Her blood test came back normal. CT and everything was OK.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16And the stroke team were quite happy from that point of view.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19And she's not having a stroke, or had had a stroke.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23But, obviously, it's just something we'd like to put to bed quite early
0:29:23 > 0:29:26and make sure we're not missing something on that front.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29Dr Richardson believes her slurred speech
0:29:29 > 0:29:32may be a worsening of her Parkinson's disease.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36But Bed Nine is needed for another patient.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38At the moment, she's just not particularly safe.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41I didn't feel safe in sending her home, so we've got her through to the assessment suite,
0:29:41 > 0:29:43where they can take a bit more time,
0:29:43 > 0:29:45and then we can get on with seeing other patients
0:29:45 > 0:29:48who we may be able to turn around, or we may need to admit.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52- Right.- It's a little hop down, OK?
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Sandra parts company with A&E Bed Nine
0:29:55 > 0:29:58as she's moved to a more comfortable one on a ward,
0:29:58 > 0:30:01where she'll stay until her condition stabilises.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Bed Nine, meanwhile, is prepped for its next patient.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth is the biggest single-site hospital
0:30:20 > 0:30:22in Britain.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25Its day surgery ward can handle more than 100 new patients
0:30:25 > 0:30:26every day.
0:30:28 > 0:30:29Any of these patients arrived yet?
0:30:29 > 0:30:31The cardiac has been allocated.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36I'll go and see if 25 and 26 are ready.
0:30:36 > 0:30:41Today, Day Surgery Bed 32 is playing host to Anthony.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44He's coming in for a double hand operation after an accident
0:30:44 > 0:30:46last year.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49We had some removal men moving our offices,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52and one of them was coming in through the door of the offices,
0:30:52 > 0:30:54I opened the door for him, the crates were too high,
0:30:54 > 0:30:58he tripped, the crates fell on him, and I caught them like this,
0:30:58 > 0:31:00and now I've had problems ever since.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03So it's that typical catching, and your thumbs bending back over,
0:31:03 > 0:31:05so that was what caused it.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09I was advised to have one done, then the other,
0:31:09 > 0:31:11but it would have meant too much time off work,
0:31:11 > 0:31:13so I've elected to have them both done together.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16And it will probably turn out to have been a very silly decision.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22Anthony is a senior manager at the hospital.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Today, he's taking time out to have his tendons repaired by
0:31:27 > 0:31:29consultant surgeon Mr Gupta.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33It's not very often that you operate on both hands together.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36Most people do prefer it to have one at a time done,
0:31:36 > 0:31:40so that they can carry on with their normal life in the other hand.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43The big advantage of having them both done at the same time is
0:31:43 > 0:31:45that your recovery time is cut into half.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47So the anaesthetist will come and have
0:31:47 > 0:31:48a chat with you about the anaesthesia,
0:31:48 > 0:31:52but it's most likely going to be a GA since we're doing both of them.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55There is a nerve that goes down from there up into your thumb.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58It supplies the area of the skin just around this.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00So we know that nerve is there,
0:32:00 > 0:32:02and we'll take a lot of precautions to protect it.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04- But it doesn't like being pushed and pulled around.- Sure.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06So there may be some numbness around that area afterwards,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- but that will recover with time. - OK. Yep.
0:32:09 > 0:32:10No worries.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13As well as being a senior manager here,
0:32:13 > 0:32:15Anthony is also a regular patient.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17He's had five operations this year.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23Mike Hallissey took a cyst off here, I've had Socrates do my shoulder...
0:32:23 > 0:32:25I'm on Liam Blaney's pain team,
0:32:25 > 0:32:30so he sees me two to three times a year for bilateral sub-patellar knee blocks.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34It's getting to the bit I don't like, now.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37I can't bear being cannulated.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39- Oh, dear.- Hate it.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44Cannulation is the process of putting a needle into a vein
0:32:44 > 0:32:47to allow drugs to be administered intravenously.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51I don't worry about the surgery, but I absolutely hate being cannulated.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55I'll probably go into a cold sweat and I'll just be thinking
0:32:55 > 0:32:56something else.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59Anthony and Bed 32 move to surgery.
0:33:09 > 0:33:10He's prepped for his cannula.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14It's inserted into his foot, leaving his hands free for surgery.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18- Done.- Thank you.- Without the sharp scratch.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31Anthony is separated from Bed 32 for the duration of the operation.
0:33:39 > 0:33:40We'll come back to him later.
0:33:51 > 0:33:52Back in Romford,
0:33:52 > 0:33:56Maternity Bed Seven has been with Mevish for almost an hour.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01She and her husband, Mohammed, are anxious about the birth.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05With their first son, which was three years ago,
0:34:05 > 0:34:07they had a shoulder dystocia,
0:34:07 > 0:34:10which is where the baby's head is born,
0:34:10 > 0:34:14but the shoulder will get stuck. So it can be quite stressful.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16You know, it's an emergency.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23Mevish's labour is proving uncomfortable,
0:34:23 > 0:34:25increasing the couple's anxiety.
0:34:25 > 0:34:26Is it still hurting?
0:34:30 > 0:34:32MEVISH MOANS
0:34:32 > 0:34:33Gas and air?
0:34:36 > 0:34:41The options that we have for pain relief are this,
0:34:41 > 0:34:45and if you think this is not good enough then there's pethidine - that's an injection into your thigh.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48If you don't want that one, you can still go for epidurals,
0:34:48 > 0:34:50but with the epidural, it's going to be a little while -
0:34:50 > 0:34:52it's not like it's going to be straightaway.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55When we had our first baby, she had an epidural,
0:34:55 > 0:34:59so probably she didn't feel the pains that time.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03So, probably, I should say that it's going to be her first time.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06- Do you have any pressure down below? - Yeah, yeah.- You're getting pressure?
0:35:06 > 0:35:07Loads of it.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13I'm thinking...a bit tricky.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16She really wanted pain relief, and she's feeling pressure,
0:35:16 > 0:35:21so most likely she's... She's likely going to deliver.
0:35:21 > 0:35:22MEVISH GROANS
0:35:25 > 0:35:29Especially when it's not first baby, it can be really quick.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32- Well done.- My back!
0:35:34 > 0:35:39My back is killing me!
0:35:39 > 0:35:43- SHE GROANS - OK. That's it, don't panic.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46- My back is killing me! - It's all right, just breathe, OK?
0:35:46 > 0:35:48Mev, you have to breathe.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50- My back...- Yeah, that's fine,
0:35:50 > 0:35:53you just have to breathe, and then it will be fine.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Mevish has been in labour for just under two hours,
0:35:56 > 0:35:58when suddenly, there's a complication.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02You can change your position. Roll a little bit onto your left side, please. Yeah?
0:36:02 > 0:36:04Baby's heart rate's dropped down ever so slightly,
0:36:04 > 0:36:06so just roll onto your side.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09- Let go of this hand completely, my darling.- Leave this one.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11Just go a little bit over.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14That's a girl. Don't worry, don't panic.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16It's OK, it's all right. Go with it, all right?
0:36:16 > 0:36:19MEVISH GASPS
0:36:19 > 0:36:22Mevish had serious complications with her first birth.
0:36:22 > 0:36:27The medical team are watching the baby's heartbeat closely.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30If it doesn't stabilise soon, they may have to intervene.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32MEVISH MOANS
0:36:39 > 0:36:42Back at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital,
0:36:42 > 0:36:46Day Surgery Bed 32 has been reunited with Anthony.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52He's been in surgery for just over an hour
0:36:52 > 0:36:54for an operation on both of his hands.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04OK, Anthony, there we go. Back on the ward.
0:37:04 > 0:37:05Thank you.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10All the best, now. Take care.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- See you later.- See you later. - That's better, thank you.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15I can't shield my eyes.
0:37:15 > 0:37:16THEY LAUGH
0:37:16 > 0:37:20Tendon damage is the second most common injury to hands.
0:37:21 > 0:37:26To aid recovery, he'll need help washing, dressing, and cooking.
0:37:26 > 0:37:27They found what they expected.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29There were no undue problems along the way.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31It all went very smoothly.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33It's not an unfamiliar environment for him,
0:37:33 > 0:37:35so it's not a strange environment.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37He's not overawed by the whole thing.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- Are you comfortable? - Yeah, I'm fine, thank you very much.
0:37:42 > 0:37:43A surgery is still a surgery.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46It doesn't matter whether you are a layperson out on the street,
0:37:46 > 0:37:48or even if you're a surgeon yourself.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50When you have a surgery, it's a big deal.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Now, if you're in any pain, you must let me know,
0:37:54 > 0:37:56but I will be coming around here every half an hour...
0:37:56 > 0:37:59Sure. I'll shout, don't worry.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03It takes time to recover back to normal, and that time can sometimes
0:38:03 > 0:38:08be quite frustrating for people, so patients do need a lot of support.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12Anthony has been alone for his operation,
0:38:12 > 0:38:15but as he is a senior manager here at the hospital,
0:38:15 > 0:38:18there's an ample supply of colleagues lining up to visit.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22- WHISPERS:- Hello. - Hello, you.- How are you?
0:38:22 > 0:38:24HE SCOFFS
0:38:24 > 0:38:25Hello.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- Hello.- How are you? What can I say?- Speechless.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- Hello.- Hello. How are you? - I'm all right, thank you.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34How long are you going to be elevated for?
0:38:34 > 0:38:36Well, probably until I go home.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38Cos I'm certainly not going to be elevated in the car.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41Well, no. You can't go home like that, can you, really?
0:38:41 > 0:38:43- Certainly not.- They couldn't do anything to my hands,
0:38:43 > 0:38:45so my drips and everything have gone through my foot.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49- Oh, of course. That's interesting. - Can you just hold that for me, could you?
0:38:49 > 0:38:52Yeah, yeah, absolutely, but you'll need to slip it under the covers.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54How are you going to do things?
0:38:54 > 0:38:56I'll manage.
0:38:56 > 0:38:57Do you want a sip of that water?
0:38:57 > 0:39:01Oh, please, yeah. Sue's doing some nursing care.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03Nasty.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05Don't... I'm not nasty, you know that.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07We'll come back and have a look at you in a minute.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09This is an opportunity to be abusive, isn't it?
0:39:09 > 0:39:11When I can't do very much about it.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17Could you take these off for me, please? I need to go to the loo.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21After six hours, Anthony is ready to say goodbye to his day surgery bed
0:39:21 > 0:39:24and get home, where he'll be supported throughout his recovery.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27Thank you.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30Day care surgery's great, because you're in, you're out.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33I mean, you know, I arrived at half seven this morning.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Here we are now - half one, I'm off home,
0:39:35 > 0:39:40back to my own bed and house, all sorted, so it's great.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43I guess the thing for me is not to do too much,
0:39:43 > 0:39:47otherwise I'll undo the work that Manish has just done in theatre.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49I need to let it rest and heal, so...
0:39:50 > 0:39:55Day Surgery Bed 32 is free, and ready for its next patient.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Back at Queen's Hospital, Romford,
0:40:07 > 0:40:10the maternity beds are with women throughout their labour,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13whether it lasts an hour or over a day.
0:40:13 > 0:40:18Bed Seven has now been with mum-to-be Mevish for two hours.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20I'm shivering.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22- Sorry?- I'm shivering.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24You're shivering? That's OK.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Nothing wrong. OK?
0:40:26 > 0:40:28You're doing great.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31- Can I have gas and air, please?- Yep.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34There were concerns the baby might be in distress,
0:40:34 > 0:40:36but the baby's heart rate is now stable,
0:40:36 > 0:40:38and Mevish is in the final stages of labour.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42What are you feeling with the contractions now?
0:40:42 > 0:40:44- There's pressure. - You're feeling pressure?- Yeah.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46Are you feeling like pushing?
0:40:46 > 0:40:48- Good. OK. Very good. - MEVISH EXHALES DEEPLY
0:40:48 > 0:40:49Well done.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52It's all right. I don't think we'll need that pethidine.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Midwife Pareva recognises the signs.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57- We've got baby on the way?- Yes.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59We'll be having baby soon. All right.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01MEVISH GROANS
0:41:01 > 0:41:03Good girl. Is another one coming?
0:41:03 > 0:41:05OK, go with it.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07Coming thick and strong now.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09She'll be here soon.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11It's all right, you go with it now, listen to me.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13When you feel that contraction, go with it. OK?
0:41:13 > 0:41:15Do what your body's telling you to do.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17All right.
0:41:18 > 0:41:19MEVISH GROANS
0:41:19 > 0:41:21Good girl.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25Bringing your baby a little bit closer every single time.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31Good girl! Good girl.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41Good girl. That's it.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44That's it. Fabulous.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47Well done. Come on, baby.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51And soon, Mevish gives birth to a healthy baby girl.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Hello! Happy birthday to you!
0:41:57 > 0:42:00Hello, Mummy. You're amazing.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02Oh, my baby!
0:42:02 > 0:42:03Look at that hair!
0:42:05 > 0:42:08- BABY CRIES - Oh!- Beautiful.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10- Well, we were so scared, actually. - I know.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12With the shoulder dystocia, etc.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14Oh, my God.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16Very happy.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20I'm so glad, I can't tell you.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23And I don't believe it that it happened so quick, like that.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26It's a textbook delivery.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29Great joy, and a new life.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32It's job done for Bed Seven, and on to the next.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Our hospital beds have given us intimate access
0:42:43 > 0:42:45to the work of the NHS.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49Thomas has since needed a follow-up operation.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51He's now seeing real improvements.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56After his short spell on Resus Bed Two, Nicholas's breathing is stable.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00And Mevish quickly recovered from her labour,
0:43:00 > 0:43:03and is enjoying time with baby Alise.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07The beds are now back on their wards,
0:43:07 > 0:43:09ready and waiting for their next round of patients.