‘THEY GO ABOVE AND BEYOND'

How a new two-part special reveals what life is really like for our NHS heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic…

- Hannah Davies

HOSPITAL SPECIAL: FIGHTING COVID-19

NEW MON & TUE / BBC2 / 9PM / EPS 1-2 of 2 / FACTUAL

Every Thursday at 8 pm millions of us go out onto our doorsteps to clap in appreciation of our NHS heroes as they fight to save lives on COVID-19 wards. But what’s life really like for the doctors and nurses battling the pandemic?

In a powerful two-part Hospital special, cameras go behind the scenes at London’s Royal Free Hospital as the ICU hits capacity and it’s all hands on deck as even plastic surgeons are retrained to battle coronavirus. Here, executive producer Jackie Waldock tells TV Times about some of the patients fighting the virus, and the logistics of filming during lockdown…

Why is a series like this so important at the moment?

This pandemic is unprecedented and I think it’s really important to show what the NHS is dealing with and how incredible the staff are in the face of such a challenge. These people deeply care and they go above and beyond for all their patients, even in moments like this. It’s also important we show that patients aren’t just numbers – they’re real people with families, friends, and loved ones.

Could you please tell us about some of the patients you meet?