24 Hours in A&E Series 2 Episode 1 – Trouble in Mind
The challenges of working on the frontline where incidents of aggression, violence and harassment (AVH) have increased significantly, will be documented in the latest episode of the award-winning 24 Hours in A&E.
The next episode airs on Monday 18 March at 9pm on Channel 4 and follows the stories of patients whose lives have been affected by their mental health, how they have found ways of coping and how important it is to reflect on and celebrate challenges overcome.
This will be the first episode of the second series filmed in 2023 at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s (NUH) Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) - one of the busiest A&E departments in the country. A place where stories of life, love and loss unfold every single day.
Following an incident in the Emergency Department (ED), Jamaica-born security guard Leston, nicknamed “Sugar” reveals the challenges of working on the frontline in the hospital with his security team where incidents of AVH have increased. In 2021-22, the Trust recorded over 1,200 incidents, compared to more than 1,800 in 2022-23. He reveals how the needs and demands of patients have changed over the years and reflects on the rise in incidents, often as a result of mental health.
33-year-old Jack has been rushed into QMC after falling from a horse. Dr Lucie and the emergency medical team work quickly to ensure his injuries aren’t more serious than his pain levels suggest. We hear from his mum, Gwyneth, who tells us about his adoption and subsequent struggles growing up, and how horses have had a huge impact on his life.
In Children’s ED, 7-year-old Lyla is with her mum Lucy, after her finger became infected. As Lyla is neurodiverse and doesn’t like hospitals, the medical team struggle to treat the infection in her finger. Lucy talks about the patience it takes to care for a neurodiverse child, the love she has for Lyla and how much she wants her to embrace who she is and celebrate her diversity. Monday 18 March marks the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week designed to recognise and celebrate the strengths of people who are neurodiverse like Lyla.
During September and October 2021, the Trust first welcomed cameras into EDat QMC. Cameras returned to QMC in May 2023 to film another series of the award-winning documentary. You can catch up on previous episodes, including last week’s, at channel4.com.
NUH is committed to the health, safety and welfare of its employees, patients and visitors. AVH is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. A further 220 body-worn cameras have been introduced across NUH for clinical staff to use, in order to help protect staff and patients alike.
Interested in what you've seen so far and looking for a career in the NHS at Team NUH? Check out our latest career opportunities here: https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/careers