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LIFE OR DEATH

What time does Hospital start on BBC2 tonight, what happens in series 4 and which hospital is featured?

Hospital goes behind-the-scenes at five of London's major hospitals

THE NHS is currently facing uncertain times with many experts claiming the service has reached breaking point.

The reality of day-to-day life in the NHS is being laid bare in the fourth series of the fascinating documentary, Hospital. Here is everything you need to know about the programme...

 Hospital goes behind-the-scenes at major hospitals
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Hospital goes behind-the-scenes at major hospitalsCredit: BBC

What time is Hospital on BBC2 tonight?

The second episode of Hospital's latest series airs at 9pm tonight on BBC Two.

The cameras follow the decisions made each day by surgeons, consultants and managers at one of the Nottingham University Hospitals, and how patients are impacted by these choices.

It's up against Death in Paradise on BBC One, Fred and Rose West: The Real Story with Trevor McDonald on Channel 4.

 Professor George Hanna is under pressure to save two patients while facing a bed shortage
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Professor George Hanna is under pressure to save two patients while facing a bed shortageCredit: BBC

What is Hospital about?

The BBC Two documentary tells the story of the NHS near breaking point and how staff are coping in these unprecedented times.

Doctors, nurses, surgeons and clerical staff are seen attempting to juggle bed space to ensure the most ill are treated as quickly as possible.

This series of the documentary was filmed at the Walton Centre, near to Liverpool's Aintree University Hospital.

The Walton Centre is dedicated to spine, brain and pain management.

What issues does Hospital highlight?

Previously the Hospital has shown how managers declare a "black" alert when every one of the trust's 1700 beds is occupied.

Patients, some of whom are frail, elderly and suffering from respiratory problems, are seen left on trolleys in corridors.

The series was filmed during the height of a crisis where the NHS insisted on the cancellation of any non-essential operations.

In tonight's episode, David Grant returns from annual leave to find his surgical list has snowballed.

He's one of only two consultant surgeons at Nottingham University Hospitals' busy cancer head and neck service which, due to a national shortage of surgeons, is under severe strain.

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