‘Critical: Between Life and Death’ launches on Netflix.
22 July 2025
The gripping six-part documentary reveals the reality of trauma care across London, following patients through their journeys at St George’s and within the wider Major Trauma System.
As one of London’s four Major Trauma Centres, St George’s plays a vital role in a world-leading network that has saved thousands of lives since 2010. This series is a powerful tribute to that work and the people behind it.
St George’s Hospital Charity is incredibly proud to support the Major Trauma Team with targeted funding that’s making a real difference to patients and staff. From initiatives that help patients through incredibly challenging times, to projects focused on staff training and wellbeing, our support is helping drive change where it’s needed most.
Here are just some of the recent projects we’ve funded:
Small Items Creating a Big Impact
No one expects to end up on the Major Trauma Ward, and the documentary makes clear just how distressing that experience can be. That’s why we funded simple but powerful tools to ease psychological distress for around 250 patients during their stay and into recovery. These resources are helping patients heal and easing pressure on stretched mental health services:
- Sensory items are grounding patients in the present moment, helping them shift away from flashbacks and negative emotions.
- Items such as radios, colouring books and memory activities are providing distraction
- Patients with brain injuries can often become confused and disoriented. Clocks and dry-wipe boards showing the date, time, and location are helping reorient patients and share key information they may struggle to retain.
"I’ve got to say having the orientation board and clock was an absolute game-changer. When I was hallucinating and feeling scared, particularly at night, being able to look at them and remind myself where I am… what time of day it is… what day it is… Oh it made a world of difference!" - Patient in Major Trauma Ward
Bringing comfort through art
Heather, one of our three Resident Artists, brought her music directly to patients on the Major Trauma Ward.
Heather visits the hospital weekly during term time to play music on wards and often collaborates with patients and staff to write original songs. With no TVs in the bays, the ward is typically very quiet, creating the perfect setting for live music to bring comfort and a distraction during a challenging time.
“In an environment where patients and staff are often navigating intense stress and trauma, it has been incredibly inspiring to witness the impact music can have. On the Major Trauma Ward, music has felt especially meaningful, with its ability to bring calm and connection to the space in a way that is palpable. I have loved working there as a musician in residence.” Heather
Supporting our Major Trauma staff
We want to give our incredible and talented NHS staff the tools they need to provide the best possible care. Thanks to £1,098.60 charity funding, the Major Trauma team has enhanced staff training with the purchase of a Paediatric Nasogastric Feeding Trainer. This equipment helps staff safely practise key procedures, building skills and confidence, which is particularly important on wards like Major Trauma, where patients often have complex nutritional needs. The training is expected to reach around 144 staff a year, improving care for nearly 1,000 patients annually.
Inspired by the documentary? Help us do even more.
The stories shown in Critical: Between Life and Death are powerful, but they are only a small snippet of the incredible work happening at St George’s every day.
With your support, we can fund even more projects that make a real difference to patients and staff on the Major Trauma Ward and beyond.
