Response to terror attack so reassuring

HOSPITAL BBC2

The makers of this documentary series share a revealing light on the much-maligned NHS.

They were filming at St Mary’s in London on the day of the Westminster Bridge terror attack in March. A routine budget meeting was interrupted as phones went off all round the table.

Within moments, a major incident had been declared. It was the most gripping, edge-of-your-seat, pulse-racing scenario to view. But to a man and woman the staff took it in their stride.

Drills became life and death reality as practised protocols swung seamlessly into play. We saw the bloodied terrorist being wheeled in surrounded by armed cops.

Then the victims arrived. Two French schoolboys, mown down as they enjoyed a carefree day in the capital, needed lifesaving intervention.

The cameras were there to capture the operations and the medical skill. But they also witnessed the care and compassion, reassuring them in French and putting their beds together for companionship.

A wife spoke movingly of how they were ordinary, private people as staff worked their magic on her husband.

Remarkably, the medics still had time to talk calmly to the cameras and explain what they were doing.

At the end we saw the couple happily recuperating at home and the boys back together in France, one with his skull surgery still healing.

The mental toll will doubtless last longer. But in troubled times it was reassuring – and humbling – to know that such magnificent medical teams are there to give their all.

GREAT BRITISH MENU BBC2

Have you noticed how the chefs endlessly talk about how they plan to “elevate” their dish? Have they ever tried just lifting the plate up!

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