In the week starting 17 February 1986 Hospital Watch began, a remarkable series of live broadcasts that gave a comprehensive view of life inside the NHS. Two Portsmouth hospitals were the setting for the action, the Queen Alexandra and the older Queen Mary. Every aspect of day to day life was shown - from the boiler room to the operating theatre – as viewers watched the progress of staff and patients across the week, guided by the reassuring presence of Frank Bough.
Hospital Watch began each day on Breakfast Time, before a further visit in the late afternoon. The final daily programme was on late at night, with highlights of the day’s events including footage of operations and other procedures that was too much for teatime viewers. Alongside Bough, complete coverage was provided with the help of Debbie Thrower, Maggie Philbin and Robbie Vincent.
The success of the Portsmouth series of Hospital Watch led to further series, with cameras visiting Liverpool in 1988, West London in 1991 and Cambridge in 1995. BBC programmes continue to feed interest in the workings of the NHS, with series like Hospital 24/7 and Hospital - which in 2020 gave a glimpse of working conditions during the coronavirus crisis.
February anniversaries
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Blue Peter 5000th edition
1 February 2018 -
Face to Face
4 February 1959 -
First TV Sports commentary
4 February 1937 -
The Wombles
5 February 1973 -
A Night of Comic Relief
5 February 1988 -
Greenwich Time Signal - the 'pips'
5 February 1924 -
Grange Hill
8 February 1978 -
BBC Three is launched
9 February 2003 -
Doomwatch
9 February 1970 -
Bagpuss
12 February 1974 -
The EBU - European Broadcasting Union formed
12 February 1950 -
Potter's Wheel Interlude
16 February 1953 -
Start of Six-Five Special
16 February 1957 -
The Apprentice
16 February 2005 -
Hospital Watch
17 February 1986 -
Elizabeth R
17 February 1971 -
One Man and His Dog
17 February 1976 -
Antiques Roadshow
18 February 1979 -
Tonight launched
18 February 1957 -
Wogan
18 February 1985 -
EastEnders first episode
19 February 1985 -
Open All Hours
20 February 1976 -
First national broadcast of prices for farmers
20 February 1925 -
General Election results televised for the first time
23 February 1950 -
Civilisation
23 February 1969 -
Yes Minister
25 February 1980 -
Mr Benn
25 February 1971