Staff from Southend Hospital and Broomfield Hospital will soon find themselves on screens around the world, starring in a powerful new Netflix documentary series that lifts the lid on life inside the London Major Trauma System.
The six-part series, Critical: Between Life and Death, will be released globally on Wednesday 23 July and promises to give viewers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the split-second decisions and life-saving work carried out by NHS staff every single day.
The documentary follows trauma teams from across London and the South East as they fight to save patients in the most critical moments of their lives. Southend Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) team and Broomfield’s renowned Plastics team feature prominently, showcasing their skills and resilience under intense pressure.
Two episodes focus on Southend Hospital, shining a light on the tireless efforts of the ED staff as they treat patients with serious injuries. Meanwhile, Broomfield Hospital steps into the spotlight with a dramatic case involving a young patient who arrives with a severed finger. In a race against time, surgeons from Broomfield’s Plastics team work meticulously to reattach it, using cutting-edge surgical techniques – and, remarkably, leeches, which play a crucial role in encouraging blood flow after such delicate operations.
Matthew Hopkins, Chief Executive of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, praised the series for highlighting the dedication and skill of local NHS workers. He said:
“Programmes like this give a real insight into some of the truly amazing work our staff at the Trust do day in and day out for our patients. It’s fantastic to see them at the centre of two episodes of such a powerful and exciting series that will see NHS staff showcase their caring, skills and dedication to saving lives to a global audience.”
The series comes from the makers of the award-winning 24 Hours in A&E, a show known for its raw and emotional storytelling. Filming took place over 21 days, using an impressive 40 cameras set up across the entire London Major Trauma System. This unprecedented access allows viewers to see not just the technical, life-saving interventions, but also the emotional toll and deeply personal moments experienced by patients, families and staff alike.
For many locals, seeing familiar faces and hospitals on such a major platform is a source of pride. One Southend resident, who regularly attends appointments at the hospital, said:
“It’s brilliant to see the incredible work of our hospitals finally getting the recognition it deserves. We often take these services for granted, but this show really brings home just how much skill and heart goes into every single shift.”
With global audiences set to tune in, Critical: Between Life and Death offers a moving tribute to NHS staff, capturing the realities of working on the frontline where every second can mean the difference between life and death.