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West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust hosts exclusive viewing party for new series of Emma Willis: Delivering Babies

Posted: 23 August 2024

Emma Willis surrounded by hospital staff and production crew
Emma Willis (to the right of a camera operative)
surrounded by hospital staff and production crew

Maternity staff at West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust were treated to an exclusive viewing party this week (Thursday 22 August) for the premiere of the new series of Emma Willis: Delivering Babies.

The group of around 50 midwives, nurses and support workers enjoyed popcorn, sweets and soft drinks as they took a well-earned break to watch themselves on screen for the ‘thank you’ event, which was held at Watford Football Club.

Staff were shown the first episode of the award-winning documentary show, ahead of its return on Thursday 5 September to U and U&W.

Staff watching the first episode of the award-winning documentary show

Presenter Emma Willis joined the maternity team at Watford General Hospital in January 2024 for 10 weeks during filming for the fourth series of the award-winning U&Original series.

Produced by Firecracker Films, the new series follows Emma as she works towards becoming a qualified Maternity Support Worker (MSW), including hands-on monitoring of newborns during their critical first days of life.

Over six episodes, viewers will see Emma working closely with a dedicated team of midwives, where she will assume more responsibilities in caring for women and their families throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

The maternity unit at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provides personalised and high-quality maternity care to thousands of women across Hertfordshire and North London. Around 3,785 babies were born at Watford General Hospital in 2022/23.

The filming of the TV show has already had a hugely positive impact on those working on the maternity wards.

Kelly McGovern, Chief Nurse said: "Many of those who featured in the TV series have said that it’s made them realise how valuable and life-changing the work they do is when they’ve watched back clips.

"When you do it every day, it’s easy to lose sight of the massive difference our midwives, doctors and nurses make to so many parents. Watching the first episode was emotional but also hugely inspiring and joyful.

"It reminds us all why we do what we do, and why we love helping people so much.

"This series will showcase the care, passion and dedication of our incredible teams, as well as shining a light on the expertise we have to deal with any challenges or complications on the rare occasions they happen.

"We very much enjoyed having Emma helping us on the wards and she’s welcome back for a shift any time she likes.”

Sam Emmery, Creative Director at Firecracker Films, said: "We're thrilled to bring Emma Willis back for another series of Delivering Babies. This series, filmed at Watford General Hospital, not only showcases Emma’s dedication but also shines a light on the incredible work of Midwives and Maternity Support Workers and their role in supporting families during one of the most important moments in their lives.”

Emma’s journey toward becoming a qualified MSW will be rigorously assessed, as she builds on her existing skills and learns new techniques essential to the care of mothers and babies.

Her ultimate challenge will come when she independently runs an antenatal clinic for expectant mothers, without any supervision - an experience that is set to be both demanding and rewarding.

Ends

  1. Follow this link to see UKTV’s announcement of the fourth instalment of the award-winning documentary U&Original series ‘Emma Willis: Delivering Babies’.
  2. A press pack interview with Emma Willis is available via the UKTV Press Office team. Please email PressOffice@uktv.co.uk for more information
  3. The WHTH communications team can be reached on 01923 436280 or email: westherts.communications@nhs.net. Out of hours, please call the Watford General Hospital switchboard on 01923 244366 and ask for the on call communications manager. 
  4. West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves people from across Hertfordshire, north London and further afield. It operates from three hospitals: Watford General, St Albans City and Hemel Hempstead. The Trust has a catchment area of over 600,000 people and is one of the largest employers locally, with around 5,800 staff and volunteers.
  5. For more information about our hospitals, visit www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk. You can also join our followers on: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Youtube.