BBC TWO's HOSPITAL RETURNS FOR ONE-OFF SPECIAL

The new one-off episode will return to the Royal Free London to chart the next stage of the story, as the trust strives to keep its elective work going during another Winter and as Covid-19 and its aftermath continues to dominate the headlines.

Nearly two years after the documentary series was given access to Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust to document the peak of the Covid crisis, it's returning for another episode to witness how staff endeavour to deliver the best possible patient care despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic.

Filmed and broadcast within weeks, the programme will document how NHS trusts are facing their most challenging period yet. It will explore the continuing pressures on all aspects of our healthcare system including widespread staff shortages caused by Covidand ongoing pressures in ICU, all at a time when waiting lists for NHS treatment are at their highest since records began.

This special will return to follow up with key staff who were filmed during the height of the pandemic as part of Label1’s critically acclaimed two-part 'Hospital Special: Fighting Covid-19', which was filmed with the Royal Free London from the first day of lockdown in Spring 2020 and was nominated for BAFTA best factual series.

Emma Loach, Commissioning Editor, BBC Documentaries says: “Our first two Hospital special, filmed during the first peak of the pandemic, gave an extraordinary insight into the frontline battle against Covid 19. I’m delighted that we are returning to the Royal Free London two years on to discover how staff are continuing to respond to another incredibly challenging winter.”

Label1 co-founder Lorraine Charker-Phillips, says: “It’s a privilege to be invited back to the Royal Free London to document the story of this winter in one of the country’s largest hospital trusts.”

Royal Free London group chief executive Caroline Clarke says: “We are delighted to be able to welcome the Label1 team back to the Royal Free London. It’s another fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the phenomenal patient care provided by staff day in day out across the trust. It’s a testament to the incredible commitment and dedication of our staff that the producers are keen to return to the trust for a third time.”

The 1x60” episode will air on BBC Two and iPlayer.