Casualty 24/7

Sister Jane has started her shift and has just walked onto the floor to find that every single area of the department is full, with 90 patients in need of help from the casualty team.

As if it wasn't busy enough inside the department, there's now a problem outside too. Doctor Jake Mullen and a team of nurses have been alerted to an 86-year-old screaming in pain in the car park. Mary has fallen over landing badly on her hip and once she's placed onto a trolley is rushed straight to resus. Doctor Mullen must work quickly to find out whether her injuries could be life threatening.

Another emergency is on the way. Paramedics are blue-lighting in a 54-year-old who's had back-to back seizures at home. The last time this happened abscesses were found on Paul's brain. Although Paul now appears well, there are too many red flags. Nurse Aleena immediately asks Doctor Hridesh Chatha to assess him. If the abscesses have come back, Paul is in danger of needing emergency brain surgery.

On busy days like today, the team of volunteers like Jane, play a vital role in keeping the department moving. One of the most vital jobs the volunteers help with is keeping the patients who are staying the longest, fed and watered.

Over in Paediatrics, four-year-old Kian may have broken his thumb after a fall. His mum Becky is with him and waiting to find out what the damage is. Nurse Greg assesses him and orders an urgent x-ray.

And paramedics are bringing in an 80-year-old who's been struggling to breathe. Advanced Clinical Practitioner Chantelle heads to Cubicle 4. Patricia's oxygen levels are worryingly low, so she needs to quickly find the reason why.