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Introducing Lucy—one of the stars of BBC Junior Doctors

23 January 2012

We spoke to Lucy Hollingworth, 25, from Cheshire, who is one of the doctors who agreed to take part in the new BBC junior doctors documentary.

The first episode of the new BBC documentary series Junior Doctors: Your Life In Their Hands airs on BBC3 at 9pm next Tuesday 24 January.

Set at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, it is the first of six programmes which follow the lives of eight junior doctors at work and at home as they adjust to taking the giant leap from medical school to working in some of our busiest and most challenging wards.

Filming took place over four months from the beginning of August to the end of November last year.

We spoke to Lucy Hollingworth, 25, from Cheshire, who is one of the doctors who agreed to take part in the series.

Why did you decide to take part in the documentary?

That is a tricky question. I mulled the whole thing over for a while and eventually I just got used to the idea that a camera would be watching me day-to-day. I also find it very difficult to say no when experiences such as this present themselves.

What were your first impressions of the hospital?

My first impressions were that the hospital was clean and bright, with amazing views over London, but the lifts were somewhat slow.

Where have you been working since you joined the Trust on 1 August?

I have been working in general medicine and rheumatology on David Erskine Ward.

What has been your best experience working here so far?

My best experience so far has been getting to know some wonderful people—patients and staff. Other than that, I would have to say that Tray Gourmet sandwiches have been a highlight.

And your worst?

My worst experience is being slave to my bleep. The fact that it works at home was an unpleasant surprise!

Has anything surprised you?

My lack of fitness—the necessity to use the stairs in the hospital has put it into a sharp focus!

What have you learned in the last three months?

The things I have learned so far are:

  1. Prepare, for everything.
  2. Think before you say it.
  3. There is no such thing as a quick job.

How has it been having the cameras following you at work and at home?

I would definitely do it again, although that is not to say that it has been easy. Day-to-day it is hard work but overall it has been a fascinating experience and one where you learn so much about yourself. Being filmed just reinforces what you learn from each experience, which is great.