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0:00:02 > 0:00:07- Ysbyty Gwynedd is the first - port of call in an emergency...
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- ..for the people - of North West Wales.
0:00:13 > 0:00:18- Hundreds of children come here first - if they're having any problems.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27- Some come here so often, - they become part of the family.
0:00:27 > 0:00:32- We know about the problems they - have to deal with from day to day.
0:00:33 > 0:00:38- You can't help - but put yourself in their shoes.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- Tonight, we bring you the story - of one little man.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- He's been in and out of hospital - since he was born.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- The doctors tend to ask if we want - to save Gwion or let him go.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- Obviously we know the answer - straight away. We want to save him.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- Since the beginning of - the first series four years ago...
0:01:05 > 0:01:07- ..we've seen hundreds - of little patients.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10- One of them has become - very familiar.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15- Good boy.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17- I'm nearly finished.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21- They're inserting an NG tube to take - food straight into his stomach.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24- He can't swallow very well.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31- We're here four or five times a year - usually.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34- With his chest.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41- When Gwion was born, everything was - fine until he was two weeks old...
0:01:41 > 0:01:47- ..and then he had meningitis Strep B - and was rushed to Alder Hey.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51- He was on a life-support machine - for nine weeks.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- As a result, he had brain damage.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00- He has blind, he has cerebral palsy - and he has fits.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- He'll be on medication - for the rest of his life.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13- Have you been a naughty boy?
0:02:13 > 0:02:17- You take the oxygen - out of your nose!
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- You're not supposed to!
0:02:20 > 0:02:24- He was in Alder Hey for a while - and he now has a lot of problems.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- He's now epileptic.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31- He has what's known - as quadriplegic cerebral palsy.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- He has diabetes insipidus.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- He has feeding problems.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43- That's all happened as a result - of the damage caused by meningitis.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58- His lungs are the biggest problem.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- When Gwion has a cold, it can turn - to pneumonia very quickly.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- To stop food - from going down his windpipe...
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- ..doctors at Alder Hey Hospital - have inserted a tube in his stomach.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- That's how he gets his food.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- But this doesn't protect him - from winter viruses.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- The weather makes a difference - for Gwion.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27- If it's damp and raining and cold, - he tends to come in more often.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- Gwion can't walk or move around - like we do...
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- ..which means he can't do anything - on his own.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- Everything collects - and sticks on his lungs...
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- ..which makes it difficult - for him to breathe.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- He has to come in to have oxygen - to help him breathe.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58- When Gwion comes to the children's - ward after the summer holidays...
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- ..everyone knows - that winter's on the way.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- Paediatrics is a seasonal business. - We're much busier in winter.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- In particular between October - and the end of February...
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- ..when the viruses are around.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- Children with asthma - come in regularly.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21- Babies come in with bronchiolitis...
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- ..which is a specific virus - that's around in winter.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27- We're always busier in winter.
0:04:28 > 0:04:29- But when Gwion has a cold...
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- ..he doesn't just - have to come in for a few days.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- He's here for weeks.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- I'm here until tonight...
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- ..and my partner will be here - tonight until tomorrow.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43- We have a three-year-old at home so - one of us has to be home with her.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- She also works in between.
0:04:51 > 0:04:57- They can be quite difficult nights. - Gwion doesn't sleep well anyway.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- We do it at home and in hospital.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- One of us is up all night.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04- It can be quite difficult.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- Between work and caring for Gwion, - we all struggle.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14- After four years of coming here...
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- ..Dewi Ward is like home from home - for Gwion's parents.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- The nurses are like a second family.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- I've nursed Gwion - since he was a baby.
0:05:33 > 0:05:39- I've really developed a relationship - with Gwion...
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- ..his parents and the whole family - - I'm very fond of them.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50- You couldn't ask for a better family - to look after their child.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- Gwion means a lot - to everyone on the ward.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- We sometimes feel - as though he's our child!
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- We all love Gwion.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- It's so nice to see him go home - with his parents when he's better.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- It is difficult for us as a family.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- We don't know what's going to happen - from one day to the next.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- We've been home for a week now...
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- ..but maybe tomorrow - things won't be so great.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- For his mother, - this morning is like so many others.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- She wakes up to another day - on Dewi Ward.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- We like to do everything for Gwion - in the hospital.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- We do everything at home - so we do it in the hospital as well.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- They give him his medication - but we tend to sort out his food...
0:06:49 > 0:06:51- ..and anything else he needs.
0:06:55 > 0:07:02- Sometimes it's hard being - in that room seeing him suffer.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- That part is difficult - from day to day.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- I'll put these in the wash for you.
0:07:08 > 0:07:09- I can wash them.
0:07:10 > 0:07:10- Are you sure?
0:07:10 > 0:07:11- Are you sure?- - Yes.
0:07:13 > 0:07:19- Before things get busy, Sister Mel - has some organizing to do.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- Who's looking after who today?
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- I'm going to find out who was here - yesterday and who knows who.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- I try to allocate the same nurse - to the same patient for continuity.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- I haven't been here for over a week - so I don't really know anyone.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- So I'll find out who the girls know - and then I'll allocate.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- But the doctors are here already.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53- Gwion's condition has deteriorated - so he's their first patient today.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- Hello. He's awake!
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- Shall we have a listen - to your chest then, please.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- Will he be better a bit upright - with his oxygen levels?
0:08:04 > 0:08:06- He's very hard to position.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- I think this is the best position - Mum's...
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- So he's got a bit more work - breathing compared to yesterday.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- Can you see it recessing?
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- Recession bilateral.
0:08:18 > 0:08:19- Let's have a listen.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23- Two minutes. Two minutes.
0:08:24 > 0:08:25- Two minutes, Gwion.
0:08:25 > 0:08:26- OK.
0:08:28 > 0:08:29- I know. Sorry.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- OK. All done. Good boy.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- Just keep up the levels.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- The chest infection - is getting worse.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- I think we will still - withhold the x-ray.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- We should do repeat bloods, put him - on clarithromycin, more physio...
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- ..and see where we go from here.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56- They've been to see him.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- He's completed a seven-day course - of antibiotics...
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- ..but because of how - he's been overnight...
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- ..they don't think - the infection has cleared.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- So we're going to try - another antibiotics...
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- ..that works in a different way, - starting from today.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- He doesn't have to be here - for the seven days.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21- What keeps him here - is the oxygen requirement.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- His parents can do everything else - at home.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- They can do the physio - and give him his medication.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- The oxygen requirement - is what's keeping him here.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- They don't have home oxygen.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- But they can do the physio, the - nebulisers and everything like that.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43- Gwion always gets over - these episodes.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- Recently, he had a sleep study - at Alder Hey.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- It showed that when he's healthy and - doesn't have a chest infection...
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- ..the level of oxygen in his blood - overnight is fine.
0:09:53 > 0:09:58- It's a good thing that he doesn't - need oxygen all the time...
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- ..only when he's not well.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- I sometimes think, "Why us?"
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- We just want him to come home. - We don't want money or a big house.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- We just want the four of us - to be at home as a family.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- We want to be like normal people - and have some time at home.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- You want to hope for the best - for the future.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- But you're also scared - to think about it too much.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- We don't know how long we have - with Gwion.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- We don't know - what will happen tomorrow.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- You don't want to be too confident.
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0:10:49 > 0:10:55- Late afternoon and Gwion's condition - is still causing concern.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- Gwion isn't quite as well - this afternoon.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- His condition has deteriorated.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- He needs a lot more oxygen - this afternoon.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- The chest physio has come to see him - and he's had an x-ray.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- On the x-ray, - the doctor showed me...
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- ..that the bottom of the lungs - look white.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- That could be fluid collecting - at the bottom of the lungs.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- It could be mucus or other fluid.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39- In order to see that, - he'd need a scan on his lungs.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- Gwion has pneumonia.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- With his life in danger, - there's no time to waste.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09- In order to have - the best possible care...
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- ..he's moved - to the intensive care room.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- Mind your backs!
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- We tried a lot of things - - more oxygen...
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- ..more pressure in the oxygen, - physio and different medication.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- Despite everything we tried, - he didn't get better.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- In fact, he's worsened.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51- And again. More?
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- Oh, good boy.
0:12:56 > 0:13:01- So we made the decision - to move Gwion to the resus room.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- Now the consultant is here. - The physio is still here.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- They've called - the anaesthetics team...
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- ..to take a look at Gwion.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- It's important that they assess him - at the beginning...
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- ..because if he still doesn't - improve or gets any worse...
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- ..we'll be looking at - giving him general anaesthetic...
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- ..in order to insert a tube - to help with his breathing.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- The intensive care team - is on its way...
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- ..to put Gwion - on a life-support machine.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- Sister Mel has to phone - Darrel and Sara.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- There is a decision to be made - about Gwion's future.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- They're phoning the anaesthetics - team to have a look at him.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- OK, Darrel?
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- Will you phone Sara?
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- OK, mate. Bye.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- We've had this two or three times - before.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- Every time, the doctors have - to ask us as part of their job...
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- ..if we want to save Gwion - or let him go.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- Obviously, we know straight away - that we want to save him every time.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- They have to ask us - as part of their job.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46- It was hard.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51- Like every other time, the chance - of losing Gwion becomes closer.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- That's what we find difficult.
0:15:01 > 0:15:07- We now know that there isn't a bed - in the PICU at Alder Hey for Gwion.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- The North West transfer service - we use...
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- ..is trying to find a bed elsewhere.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17- They are also out on another job - at the moment.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- So we're waiting to hear - what's going to happen...
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- ..and where we'll get a bed - for Gwion.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- The team has been working - all night...
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- ..caring for him - and keeping him alive.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39- You look tired.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- No, I'm OK.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- How long have you been up?
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- I went - and had a little bit of sleep.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- I'm not as tired as I look!
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- The doctors were concerned - because they were at 100%.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- They couldn't do anything else - for him.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04- His oxygen levels kept coming down.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- They were very concerned - we were going to lose him.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- He's much more stable.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15- He still needs to go to - an intensive care unit.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21- But he's ventilating much better - than when we started.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- Ysbyty Gwynedd staff - have done everything they can...
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- ..but Gwion now needs intensive care - in a specialist hospital.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- Last night, - there were no beds anywhere.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- They didn't know if we'd - have to go to Cardiff, London...
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- ..Sheffield, Birmingham or Stoke.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- But at the moment - they're sorting it out.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- They think they might get us a bed - in Alder Hey.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- That's what we hope. We've been - there a few times so we know it.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- Hopefully that's where we'll go.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- They have to prepare everything - and make sure he's stable.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- At the moment, I have to make sure - his medication is ready to go.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- We can't forget anything - because it's all so important.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- I went home this morning - to pack his stuff.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- I saw his little pants - and it was too much.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- We've done up his bedroom - with his little bed.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- The thought of going home - without him...
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- I can't even think about it.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- He's only four years old. We know - he's not going to live like us.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- But we hope to have - as much time as possible with him.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- We hope to have much more time - with him.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- We just have to keep - everything crossed.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- NWTS, the specialist paediatric - transport team in North Wales...
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- ..will be responsible - for taking Gwion to Liverpool.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- Kate, our colleague, - has done most of the work.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- We've just come along - and we're just finishing off really.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59- We'll just sort out here and then - we'll move him on to our trolley...
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- ..so that we can get him - on to the ambulance.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03- Hopefully it won't be too long - then.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- Just making sure - the parameters are normal.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09- Can I give him a kiss - before he goes?
0:18:10 > 0:18:10- Are you heading off?
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- Are you heading off?- - No, we're following after.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- We're not moving quite yet.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- You've still got - a little bit of time.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- We'll get him on the trolley first.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24- Don't worry, we're not going to let - you go without saying goodbye.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31- I have a real bond with Gwion. - I can't imagine life without him.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- It's difficult not to - because we know how ill he is.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- Every second with Gwion - is worth so much.
0:18:50 > 0:18:51- Shall we move him down slightly?
0:18:52 > 0:18:54- Yes, shall we move him down - a little bit?
0:18:55 > 0:18:56- Tell me when.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58- Stop.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- Do you know if it comes off?
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- I don't think so.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- That's alright, then.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17- This part is difficult.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- Seeing him go and not being allowed - to go with him.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- We just want to make sure - he arrives in Liverpool safely.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- It's a very long hour.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- Who's driving who?
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- Sara is going to drive. - We're going after him.
0:19:32 > 0:19:37- When they get to Liverpool, it takes - two or three hours to set things up.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- There's no point in rushing. We have - to go home to sort out our clothes.
0:19:41 > 0:19:42- Then we'll follow.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- Even when we get there, he probably - won't have been set up properly.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- There's no point rushing - or panicking...
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- ..in case we have an accident.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- He's like a member of the family. - He's part of the family.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- He likes to be naughty - when I'm here.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- He loves it.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15- Yes.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- People are so quick - to criticize this place.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- But unless they know the nurses and - the people here, they have no right.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- They don't know them.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- It's wrong.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- We expect a lot of children - with chest infections...
0:20:30 > 0:20:31- ..at this time of year.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- Obviously, Gwion is in and out - with his chest.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- We're in for a bad winter, I'd say.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- We're here to help - as much as we can.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- Gwion always has to be - the exception.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- Have you seen him this bad before?
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- When he was in as a baby, - he was really poorly.
0:20:52 > 0:20:58- Three years running, - we've been in this situation.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- We don't like seeing him like this. - Normally, the Optiflow works.
0:21:04 > 0:21:05- But not this time.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- It'll be good for him to have a rest - as well.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- Let the machines do the work.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- See you in Liverpool, OK?
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- It's only an hour. Make sure - you behave! No funny business.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- Dad and Mam love you.
0:21:43 > 0:21:44- Love you.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- Gwion is such a happy child.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- I wouldn't change him for the world. - He's been through so much.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- It's a pleasure to be with Gwion.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- Despite everything. - He's such a happy boy.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- He has his own little personality.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- That's what makes Gwion so special - for us.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- You're not going to leave us, - are you?
0:22:16 > 0:22:18- You're not going to leave Dad, - are you?
0:23:09 > 0:23:16- Gwion was fighting for his life for - four weeks at Alder Hey Hospital.
0:23:17 > 0:23:23- He was on a life-support machine - during that time.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- After two months in Liverpool...
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- ..he was allowed to come home - to his sister.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
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