What we have here is the first series of what must surely go down as one of the longest and most successful children's programmes ever committed to TV. Although it may appear to be aimed at the younger generations on first glance it is actually so much more than that. People of all ages will be able to enjoy Children's Ward as it is a very emotional, at times hard-hitting and a very mature programme.
The series follows the day-to-day running of the children's ward in the fictional hospital of South Park in Manchester. The medical team consists of diligent and hardworking Head Nurse Dave Spencer, the motherly and understanding nurse Mags, the youthful but mature nurse Diane Meadows and veteran medical practitioners Dr. Charlotte Woods and consultant Dr. McKeown, whose first name is never revealed. Rounding off the team are inexperienced student nurse Gary Miller and cantankerous old Jack Crossley, the master of the sweets trolley. Together they assume responsibility of a group of ill or injured children who periodically come and go as the series progresses.
The main patients are Keeley Johnson and Billy Ryan who are initially at loggerheads with each other owing to a clash of personalities. The development of these two characters is one of the core points of the entire series as they both embark on voyages of discovery owing to the uncertain natures of both their ailments. I won't give too much away but suffice to say that before the show ends both confront their personal demons and triumph over some very daunting odds.
The writing in this series is nothing short of fabulous. Each of the characters, both patients and staff, develops considerably over the course of the series and their individual journeys are brilliantly covered in an unbiased fashion. They are ably reinforced by some stirring storylines. Most of these naturally revolve around the children but we are also offered strong insights into the private lives of their staff including their relationships and personal woes. This is where the acting really comes good. It is so natural that we can well believe these are real people and real incidents unfolding before our eyes and as such we sympathise when something goes wrong and feel a burst of exultation when things go the way they're supposed to.
If you are hesitant to purchase this because you are unsure whether it is `adult' enough then I heartily recommend you take the plunge. Children's Ward does what it says on the tin and much, much more.