CUH Logo

Mobile menu open

Patients’ amazing journeys are emotional ride for TV viewers

Viewers will need to buckle up for another roller coaster of a ride when the third episode of The Face Doctors airs at 9pm Wednesday (29 May) on Really, also available to stream on discovery+.

Because the programme features the highs and lows of four more Addenbrooke’s patients – including cyclist Dean who has a shattered jaw following a nasty accident.

Mr Vijay Santhanam in theatre
Mr Vijay Santhanam in theatre

Consultant oral, maxillofacial and facial plastic surgeon Mr Vijay Santhanam has his work cut out making sense of Dean’s various broken bones, while colleague Mr Nigel Webster is also under pressure.

Mr Nigel Webster - maxillofacial prosthetist
Mr Nigel Webster in the lab

Nigel is a skilled maxillofacial prosthetist and is being put to the test helping 21-year-old Kamil, who is missing half his nose and worries that his appearance makes others uncomfortable.

Mr Charles Loh in theatre
Mr Charles Loh in theatre

Also in the spotlight is consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Mr Charles Loh. Having honed his skills at esteemed institutions worldwide, he has the tricky task of removing some large lumps on a patient’s head.

Mr Simon Woodruff in theatre
Mr Simon Woodruff in theatre

Eye/oculoplastic consultant surgeon, Mr Simon Woodruff, who has also worked worldwide, has a very special plan to help patient Kate. Following nerve damage, she needs delicate treatment to help her close her eyes at last.

Medical director, Dr Ashley Shaw, said

As we progress through this series, it really does expose the huge variety of challenges faced by patients, and the compassion and ingenuity of those trying to help them.

It also casts a light on just how many different kinds of jobs – clinical and non-clinical - there are at Addenbrooke’s. All this comes at a time when we are actively recruiting more staff in a wide variety of fields, and continually striving to retain and grow our own talent.

CUH edical director, Mr Ashley Shaw

The Face Doctors consists of eight weekly episodes that follow the journeys of patients whose lives have been changed as a result of flesh-eating infections, challenging genetic conditions, and life-changing traumas.

A collage of patients appearing in 'The Face Doctors'

It is not just about fixing broken bodies, but restoring identities, mending confidence, and helping patients and families rebuild their lives. There are touching moments as patients see their new reflections, and as families share their joy.

It has been produced by Dragonfly TV, the same award-winning company that shot six series of BBC Two’s ‘Surgeons: At the Edge of Life’, which won wide acclaim and was watched by millions of viewers.

To learn more about surgeons in the series visit The Face Doctors web pages. For information about working at CUH visit our careers pages.