World-class surgeons who undertake life-changing treatment of conditions affecting the face, neck and head at Addenbrooke’s are the focus of a powerful new television series.
'The Face Doctors' will broadcast at 9pm every Wednesday for eight weeks on Really, and will be available to stream on discovery+.
Others in the spotlight include the hospital’s maxillofacial prosthetics team, whose incredible skill fashioning body parts like noses, ears and eyes are a masterclass in science and art.
Each week the programme will follow the journeys of patients whose lives have been changed as a result of flesh-eating infections, challenging genetic conditions, and life-changing traumas.
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.
'The Face Doctors' captures the amazing dedication of surgical and non-surgical staff - from consultant specialists to clinic receptionists – as they guide their patients along the road to recovery.
First in the spotlight is patient Peter, who undergoes complex surgery in a final attempt to rebuild his nose after he lost it to cancer. Next surgeons battle to reattach 23-year-old Jack’s jaw after a horrific e-scooter crash. Lilie-Mai needs a growth removed from the top of her head which has destroyed her confidence. And prosthetist Nigel helps a young girl who was born without an ear and just wants to fit in at school.
Helping the patients are consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Mr Ahid Abood, maxillofacial prosthetist, Mr Nigel Webster, consultant oral and maxillofacial head and neck surgeon, Mr Malcolm Cameron, and consultant plastic surgeon with a special interest in head and neck reconstruction and trauma, Mr Nicholas Segaren.
Future cases range from those who have lost facial features as a consequence of cancer, victims of road accidents whose facial appearances have been radically changed, and those born with conditions that make life tougher than they deserve.
Medical director, Dr Ashley Shaw, said:
We are extremely pleased to be involved in a documentary that not only highlights some of the incredible work that goes on here at Addenbrooke’s, but also the tenacity, courage and sheer determination of our patients.
We hope their stories inspire hope and confidence in patients facing similar treatments, and encourage others to think about a career with Addenbrooke’s where there are so many incredible and rewarding opportunities to help others
Dr Ashley Shaw - medical director, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
'The Face Doctors' has been produced for Warner Bros. Discovery 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 our The Face Doctors pages.
For information about working at CUH visit our careers.