Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Episode 2

Episode 2 of 6

University Hospital Coventry’s gynaecological oncology department faces rising referrals, a growing backlog and complex cases as the hospital’s theatre capacity attempts to return to normal.

The gynaecological oncology department at University Hospital Coventry, led by surgeon Smruta Shanbhag, emerges from the pandemic facing a mounting backlog of suspected cancer patients. As women previously afraid to visit their GP because of Covid-19 reveal symptoms that have been worrying them, new referrals for suspected gynaecological cancer reach almost 50 a week.

With a referral target to see patients in two weeks and with some complex cases already breaching this goal, Smruta and her team are under pressure to find diagnostic and theatre space in the hospital. But with more than 70 theatre staff still shielding because of new Covid rules and only 22 out of 32 theatres able to be utilised, it has become an uphill battle.

59 minutes

Clip

Credits

Role Contributor
Series Editor Mark Rossiter
Series Producer Holly Challinor
Series Producer Emile Nawagamuwa
Production Manager Rosie Gray
Executive Producer Jackie Waldock
Executive Producer Lorraine Charker-Phillips
Executive Producer Simon Dickson

Broadcasts