Chester hospital to feature in Channel 4 series

Sep 1 2008 Chester Chronicle

THE Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester has been used as the back drop for a new Channel 4 educational programme on pregnancy and childbirth.

One episode of a six-part light-hearted documentary series entitled Sex Education has been filmed at the hospital and looks set to feature a live birth which was captured by the camera crew during their time at the hospital.

Presented by TV personality Anna Richardson, the Endemol-produced documentary is due to be broadcast on national television in late September/early October.

During her time at the hospital, Anna chatted with expectant mothers and members of staff, including the Women and Children’s Matron, Julie Fogarty, who is expected to feature heavily in the final edit because of her knowledge and natural presence in front of the camera.

The team said: “Julie was absolutely fantastic in front of the camera and the production team were well aware that she added so much to the programme with her knowledge and also her great sense of humour.”

The first day of filming centred on the labour ward where staff revealed tips and advice about pregnancy and childbirth, but the main objective for the crew was to film a live birth on camera with some willing participants - something that eventually happened after a 20-hour wait.

The trust’s marketing and communications officer, Andrew Duggan, said: “The whole experience was a great way for us to tell the rest of the country about the fantastic work the trust’s maternity staff do at the Countess each and every day.

“We hope that the hospital is a prominent feature in the final programme and that once it’s been broadcast it will lead to even more expectant mothers choosing to have their babies here.”

For more information on maternity services at the Countess of Chester Hospital visit the website: www.coch.nhs.uk or call 0124436500 for more information.