A&E After Dark, 9 May 2024, 5Star, “Season 5 Episode 11”

5STAR documentary series explores UK hospital night shifts

The fifth season of the British documentary series A&E After Dark continues on 5STAR. The show offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges faced by NHS staff working night shifts in three hospitals: North Middlesex University Hospital in London, Rotherham General Hospital, and Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

In the emotionally charged eleventh episode airing on Thursday May 9, language barriers, aggressive patients, and complex medical emergencies push NHS staff to their limits, showcasing their unwavering dedication.

The episode opens with a challenging case: an aggressive male patient in London’s North Middlesex University Hospital, claiming to have been attacked. The situation becomes tense as the patient’s incoherent and threatening behavior poses a risk to those around him. Thankfully, Advanced Clinical Practitioner Albena steps in as translator, revealing suspected psychosis that requires careful management.

In a heart-wrenching parallel story, Children’s Nurse Kiera in Rotherham tends to an 11-year-old girl who accidentally sliced her foot on glass. With feet being highly sensitive due to nerve endings, the injury is excruciating, and the continuous blood loss adds to the urgency of the situation.

Switching gears, viewers are taken to Tunbridge Wells A&E, where 77-year-old Susan is rushed in after a pleasant dog walk results in a painful knee dislocation. Dr. Paul’s expertise is put to the test as he carefully maneuvers her knee back into place, ensuring no further damage is inflicted.

The episode also captures the story of intoxicated 18-year-old Lenny, who punched a pub window. His conviction that his hand is broken is confirmed by Nurse Emmanuel, and the young man faces a painful realization when sobriety sets in.

Pensioner Graham also seeks urgent treatment in Rotherham for uncontrollable bleeding gums days after a tooth extraction. His use of blood thinners elevates the risk, requiring immediate medical attention.

Adding to the drama, an unresponsive patient is brought into the London resus unit, found unconscious on the pavement. With limited information, the medical team springs into action, treating the situation as a potential worst-case scenario.

This episode of A&E After Dark once again demonstrates the incredible work of NHS staff, highlighting their ability to navigate complex medical and human challenges with compassion and expertise.

A&E After Dark: Season 5 Episode 11, will air on May 9, 2024, on 5STAR.