24 HOURS in A&E : My weekly dose of Humble Pie

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24 HOURS in A&E : My weekly dose of Humble Pie

July 19, 2016 - 21:40
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Right now there are very few TV shows, documentaries or programmes that would tear me away from enjoying the BBC Proms Season but 24 Hours in A&E is definitely without doubt one of those that can achieve the (almost) impossible.

24 hours in A&E

By Andy Simon

Right now there are very few TV shows, documentaries or programmes that would tear me away from enjoying the BBC Proms Season but 24 Hours in A&E is definitely without doubt one of those that can achieve the (almost) impossible.

Channel 4 are brilliant when it comes to fly-on-the-wall documentaries. In fact; I would go as far to say that what Channel 4 have done documentarially is greatly envied by many documentary makers on the other channels.

And without doubt (in my opinion) the finest example of this TV genre is 24 Hours in A&E.

This real life fly-on-the-wall medical documentary aims to give the viewer an "in your face" insight into the goings on within an A&E department during a 24 hour period. In the early days, this series played out within the walls of King's College Hospital but later moved to St George's Hospital Tooting London.

The professionalism of the staff, the standard of care and the variety of emotions openly displayed by staff as well as patients and their families are intimately captured thanks to the many cameras placed throughout the A&E department.

What they catch is quite literally; as it happens.

For people like me who (and for the moment thankfully) are not regular visitors to A&E departments, this show is one heck of an eye opener.

Personally; I have always had a high regard and a deep respect for those who work in our emergency services and these feelings are greatly amplified each time I sit down to watch an episode of this programme.

And it doesn't end there.

The world as we all know can sometimes feel like a cold, hard, uncertain, dangerous and dark place to live in. The news channels and daily national newspapers often tell us stories of the darker side of Human Nature which could make you feel that there is precious little to smile about out there these days.

But you'd be wrong.

Sometimes; something comes along that makes you reconsider all that. And for me; that something is 24 Hours in A&E

And whilst I often cannot get my head around all that medical jargon, I have no difficulty understanding the commitment, compassion and dedication repeatedly shown with unswerving ability by the staff of A&E.

The kindness and care clearly expressed by family members for their sick or injured loved ones, the humour, and the sorrow; is also well noted.

Some episodes have been deeply moving because all of what you see and hear is not scripted, not rehearsed, it's Real Life Drama; pure and simple.

Anthony Philipson's narration as well as Richard Spiller's music emphasizes and enhances the shows many mood swings. Also 24 Hours in A&E can deliver a big dollop of Humble Pie to perhaps some who watch it.

Something I'm sure some of us could use from time to time.

When you think about it, we are all so very lucky in this country. We have a National Health Service that is the envy of the world and for the moment, it's free,

Yes; it's struggling and yes its always short of cash.
But it's always been there.

And as long as the NHS remains, there will be those whose hearts are big, their compassion strong, and their commitment unyielding who are willing and able to make those who arrive at A&E, feel better by the time they leave.

These people are life savers, they're heroes who without programmes like 24 Hours in A&E would probably not receive the recognition and respect they all so richly deserve but rarely get.

I'm not certain if anyone who works in a hospital will ever read this but if they do, I hope they will see that due to the efforts of Channel 4 , there are people out there now (myself included) who greatly appreciate all the great work they do.

So why not make an appointment to watch 24 Hours in A&E and have a dollop of Humble Pie? You'll feel much better for it. Trust me; it's worth watching.

The 11th series of 24 Hours in A&E continues on Channel 4 Wednesday's at 9pm

Thanks for reading.