Series 1

Two patients await life-saving surgery at St Mary's in Paddington, the biggest of five hospitals in the Trust. They both need a bed on the intensive care ward. But the hospital is full to capacity and there is only one bed left.

While the hospital tries to discharge patients, new ones continue to arrive. Peter Lai, a 60 year old retired software engineer arrives at the hospital for a lifesaving operation on an aortic aneurysm in his chest.

After collapsing at work, crane driver Phil is becoming increasingly paralysed each day.

The hospital's overseas officer tries to recoup money from non-UK residents on the ward.

This episode looks at pioneering treatments for some of the oldest and youngest patients.

The surgeons must use unconventional methods to get their operations completed.