Actress and television presenter Natalie Cassidy visited The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) as part of a new BBC series highlighting the realities and importance of caring in the UK.
The visit features in Natalie Cassidy: Caring Together, a new BBC One and iPlayer series forming part of the BBC’s week-long Caring Matters season, which shines a spotlight on unpaid carers and the wider health and care sector.
Best known for her role as Sonia Fowler in EastEnders, Natalie joins health and social care trainees across the series to experience first-hand the challenges, rewards and realities of caring roles.
In episode one, filmed at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Natalie meets Phoebe Holden, Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Nurse, to learn more about what inspired her career in healthcare. Natalie also spends time in the paediatric diabetes clinic with Pheobe, meeting families receiving care and support from the service.
The episode highlights the important role the paediatric diabetes team play in supporting children and young people living with diabetes and their families, alongside the compassion and dedication shown by NHS staff every day.
Jo Ward, Interim Chief Nurse at PAHT, said: “We were delighted to welcome Natalie Cassidy and the BBC team to the hospital as part of this important series.
“We are especially proud of Phoebe and our paediatric diabetes team for showcasing the compassion, expertise and commitment that underpin the care we provide.
“We hope the episode helps raise awareness of both the challenges and rewards of caring roles while recognising the vital contribution of NHS colleagues and unpaid carers across our communities.”
Phoebe Holden, Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Nurse at PAHT, said: “It was a pleasure to meet Natalie and share an insight into the work we do to support children, young people and their families.
“Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming for families at first, so building trusting relationships and helping them feel confident in their care is an important part of our role.
“I’m proud to work alongside such a dedicated team, and I hope the programme helps people better understand both the challenges and the rewarding moments that come with caring for others.”
Natalie Cassidy: Caring Together will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Monday 25 May as part of the BBC’s Caring Matters Week feature, which starts on Saturday 23 May.