NHS Surgeon Reveals Shocking Moments While Performing Surgery on TV for Netflix Series

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A shorter version of this article first appeared in TopMob magazine.

In the captivating and startling new Netflix documentary series titled “Critical: Life on the Line,” a total of 40 cameras are integrated within the London Major Trauma System for a period of 21 days. This system encompasses major trauma centers located at The Royal London Hospital, St George’s Hospital, King’s College Hospital, and St Mary’s Hospital.

Mr. Ibraheim El-Daly, aged 41, who spent his childhood in northwest London, currently serves as a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at King’s College Hospital for five years now. Here, he shares with RT his feelings about being captured on duty.

Delving Deeply Into My Interest: I received my education from City St George’s, University of London. During my rotations, my affection for orthopaedic surgery blossomed, particularly for the tools involved – screwdriver, mallet, and most notably, the drill! I underwent a five-year orthopaedic training at the Royal London Hospital. Subsequently, I spent a year at Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, a prominent trauma center in Paris. Upon my return to King’s College, I found myself in a swiftly moving work environment, which suits me perfectly as I flourish under pressure.

NHS BROADENS ITS REACH My appearances on Channel 4’s Emergency and 24 Hours in A&E caught their attention. The production company behind these shows, The Garden, invited all the surgeons from Emergency for dinner and shared exciting news: Netflix admired it and wishes to create a similar series. Although Emergency may have been confined to UK viewers, with Netflix on board, we now have the chance to introduce the NHS to a global audience.

DISCUSSING TRAUMA CARE IN THE NHS Many issues reported in the media regarding the NHS, such as difficulty scheduling appointments, are accurate. However, our major trauma network stands out globally. We even have WhatsApp groups with leading trauma surgeons from across the country – there’s a national pelvic group and a national upper limb group. We share and discuss patient cases through these platforms. It’s unfortunate that we don’t showcase our capabilities more, as we possess extensive experience and expertise that could greatly benefit the NHS. I believe it would be advantageous for us to offer our services abroad, helping other countries establish trauma care similar to what we provide for UK citizens.

Under Constant Observation by the Camera Crew The camera team accompanied me wherever I went, yet they always managed to stay out of my path. They were vigilant about avoiding any actions that might create problems, and they’d often ask, “Are you alright? Should we move back a bit?” The only moment I’d mute my microphone was when I needed to use the restroom! Typically, there were two cameras, occasionally three. Before interacting with a patient, the production team would request permission from the patient or their family members if filming was allowed. Then, the camera crew would either proceed or step aside based on the response.

Complex Situations Before choosing the case for the show, they filmed me performing several operations. The patient, Jared, was in danger of losing his leg due to a motorcycle accident that resulted in an open fracture, a severe injury caused by a powerful impact, making it impossible to simply stitch it back together again. Throughout the operation, I explained the procedure as if speaking to a junior trainee, which is common at King’s, one of Europe‘s largest teaching hospitals and medical schools. Sharing knowledge is essential, as otherwise, what’s the purpose?

As a movie buff, I’d rephrase “A RISK WORTH TAKING” like this:

“Many advisors shy away from being captured on camera due to fear of something going wrong. But as a surgeon handling intricate, unforeseeable injuries, I understand the risks are higher, yet I’m self-assured in my abilities, so I don’t let others’ opinions deter me. Every surgeon faces complications – remember that tense moment during Emergency when an unexpected complication arose and I had to act swiftly to prevent disaster? We learn from such experiences, grow, and strive to push the boundaries of our craft even further.

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2025-07-15 02:46