News stories

A ground-breaking television series filmed at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) returns to our screens on Channel 5 tonight, 7 January, sharing the extraordinary stories behind life-saving surgery taking place in our city.

The third series of Surgeons: A Matter of Life or Death, shines a spotlight on UHB’s highly skilled theatre teams as they carry out some of the most complex and awe-inspiring procedures in modern medicine.

Each immersive episode follows both patients and clinical teams minute by minute, capturing the intense pressure, split-second decision-making and remarkable expertise required to tackle highly complex cases.

In tonight’s episode, viewers meet Luke, an ex-soldier living with almost unbearable nerve pain following the amputation of both legs during his military service in Afghanistan. After numerous previous operations, surgeons Colonel Mark Foster and Mr Sam George hope a procedure will finally bring him the relief he needs.

The episode also follows Julian, a former chef, as he undergoes life-saving surgery for cancer at the back of his tongue, performed by maxillofacial surgeons Mr Tim Martin and Mr Sat Parmar.

Jonathan Brotherton, Chief Executive, said: “This programme is a powerful reflection of the exceptional skill, compassion and dedication shown by our teams every day. It captures not only the brilliance of our surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, operating department practitioners and wider theatre colleagues, but also the human stories at the heart of the care we provide. We are incredibly proud to see their work and our patients’ courage shared with the nation.”

The programme offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the cutting-edge techniques and teamwork delivered by UHB’s surgical teams, and the profound impact this has on patients’ lives.

The six-part series begins tonight on Channel 5 at 9pm. Viewers can also catch up on My5, with new episodes airing weekly on Wednesdays.