24 Hours in A&E

On one of the busiest days of the year at St George's, this episode focuses on motherhood, the incredible sacrifices made for our children, and what it means to have a family

A motorcyclist is rushed to St George's after hitting a lamp post. A two-year-old has banged his head on concrete, and his mum has a violent tale to tell.

A look at the night shift in a busy A&E department. A woman with a severe form of autism is brought in, having suffered an injury to one of her fingers. While she is treated, her sister shares stories of their childhood and the challenges their family have faced. An 82-year-old patient has difficulty breathing, and doctors suspect he has developed life-threatening sepsis and need to act fast to try to halt the spread of infection.

Doctors investigate the underlying medical conditions that may have caused a motorist to crash into a lamppost, while the patient's son and his friend recount the influence she has had on both their lives. A man who fell during the night is treated for possible head trauma, and the father of a three-year-old patient reveals how his stepfather inspired him to be the best parent he can be.

Doctors are concerned that a 95-year-old woman may have suffered life-changing injuries to her hip and internal bleeding after falling down a flight of stairs, while the patient's daughter reflects on her mother's optimistic attitude to life's challenges. Elsewhere, a man knocked off his bike at 40mph may have suffered brain damage. His brother remembers a difficult time that brought them closer together.

A nine-year-old boy falls over and lands on his head, and is left unable to move his limbs. As he waits for the results, the boy's father shares his feelings on the challenges of parenthood. Elsewhere, an 80-year-old woman is brought in with a dangerously swollen tongue and a nine-year-old girl is treated after falling off a swing, leaving consultant Rahail considering how the balance of care between parents and children shifts over time.

A woman is brought in with painful swellings in her legs, and recounts the story of how a tragic childhood diagnosis put an end to her dreams of becoming a professional gymnast. Other patients include a man who fell and hit his head on a concrete step, possibly suffering serious damage to his brain and skull, and a 72-year-old woman who may have suffered a stroke.

A teenager is rushed to hospital with a lacerated wrist after putting his hand through a pane of glass, an incident which leaves his father reflecting on his family history. Another patient discusses being diagnosed with a chronic condition that causes constant stomach pain, and a 76-year-old woman suffers severe shortness of breath and a tight chest.

A 52-year-old cyclist is rushed in to St George's Hospital in Tooting after being hit by a car, while a 92-year-old former Baptist minister is admitted after a fall while out walking. Meanwhile, a painter and decorator has suffered a wrist injury that is proving challenging to diagnose.

This edition follows the stories of people who have lived through tragedy and life-changing circumstances, exploring how they've overcome their loss and adapted to the new paths their lives have taken. Steve, 52, is rushed to St George's after falling over and hitting his head on a concrete step, while 21-year-old Fleur is assessed after she woke up with pain and swelling in her leg. Muffy, 72, is brought to Resus with slurred speech and weakness in her legs, and doctors suspect she may have suffered a stroke.