C4 commissions 3 new programmes looking at health issues in the UK

15 July 2015

In their first commission for Channel 4 new indie Broad Bean Media will be delivering Posh Births (wt), a 1x60’ observational documentary in which Katie Piper will be exploring the vastly different approaches that modern women are taking to give birth.

For many women giving birth is one of the most special and extraordinary experiences of their life, but there are some who are seeking out even more unique methods of childbirth in a bid to achieve their dream experience.

From the conventional to the surprising Katie will follow the unique and sometimes unexpected birth plans of expectant Mums. Featuring a diverse group with differing opinions it will look at those who are following extreme Fruitarian diets, those inspired by Kate Middleton’s radiant post birth ‘glow’ and even those who want to experience a spiritualist ocean birth in the presence of wild dolphins. 

Katie will discuss the pros and cons of our vastly different birth choices with a clinician and hear from the parents who have been there and done that, but did they get the perfect birth they had planned for? 

Of the annual £100billion spent on the NHS,  an estimated £2billion is spent on hypochondriacs. In House of Hypochondriacs (wt) Dr Christian Jessen will put two hypochondriacs to work in the NHS in the hope of transforming them into healthcare assets.

The rise in hypochondria, or health anxiety as it is now medically known, is linked to the ease of access of ‘Dr Google’, leading people to self-diagnose and demand treatment and scans for an array of ailments they don’t actually have.  Not only are their lives dominated by their anxiety but those of their families are sorely tested as well.

The 1x60’ programme made by Fresh One in association Rubber Glove Productions, will see the two hypochondriacs undergo exposure therapy as they face their fears working for the NHS. They will come face to face with a variety of situations, from GP surgeries to A+E and specialist hospital wards,  the hypochondriacs will witness the pressure they put the NHS under with the aim of improving their condition.

The family GP has long been at the heart of the British constitution, but an ever increasing population of family members suffering from every-day ailments is clogging up the NHS. From kids with recurring tummy bugs to parents with chronic colds, there are routine health issues that can be easily prevented with a bit of help. In Dr Know, a 1x60’ programme from Twofour, Dr Xand Van Tulleken and Dr Ellie Cannon will be enlisted by families whose common health conditions have become so persistent that it’s affecting all of their lives.

The doctors will be surprising families and subjecting everyone to a head to toe MOT. Inspecting everything from what they eat, to their weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, bacteria found in their house and even their pets in a bid to diagnose the cause of their problems.

As well as putting the family under the microscope the doctors will be in a bid to show us how our everyday routines and habits are affecting the state of the nation’s health. From how regularly you should wash your towels and sheets to lifting the lid on toilets and bathroom bugs – even the family pet will be under scrutiny! No stone will be left unturned in a bid to crack down on the UK’s wellbeing.

 

Production information:
Posh Births (wt)

Commissioning Editors: Gill Wilson

Production Company: Broadbean Media

Executive Producer: Joff Powell

Press office contact: Alex Dyche / adyche@channel4.co.uk

 

House of Hypochondriacs (wt)

Commissioned by: Gill Wilson

Production companies: Fresh One and Rubber Glove Productions

Executive producers: Mark Sammon and Sue Rider

Writer and presenter: Dr. Christian Jessen

Press office contact: Samantha Elliott / selliott@channel4.co.uk

 

Dr Know (wt)

Commissioned by: Lizi Wooton

Production company: Twofour

Executive producer: Kitty Walshe

Press office contact: Alex Dyche / adyche@channel4.co.uk