Welcome to The Rotunda, the world’s longest running maternity hospital where close to one million Dubliners have been born and some 24 new babies are added to that number every day.
It’s a place of extreme highs and devastating lows. Agony and ecstasy, all happening second to second. Come behind closed doors with parents and staff as they meet in the most intimate of ways, experiencing moments that will change their lives and be remembered and retold for generations to come.
Over the course of 2018, Scratch Films and RTÉ followed the comings and goings of The Rotunda hospital in Dublin, 24 hours a day for a total of 21 days. It’s one of the most active maternity hospitals in all of Europe and the resulting series encapsulates a multitude of emotions that are part and parcel of the everyday life of this Irish institution. From euphoric highs to devastating lows.
Throughout, however, it is the humanity of the staff that shines through as we meet couples and learn about their own story together and share with them their personal experiences of bringing new life into the world.
The first episode airs Thursday 13th September, at 9.30pm on RTE 2.
In this episode, Grandmother to 18, Kay, accompanies her daughter Nicola in the labour ward in the hope of the safe arrival of baby Lar, who is to be named after his recently deceased grandfather. Also featured are young engaged couple Shauna and Daryl who are expecting their first child together and Monaghan couple Áine and Arno who have just discovered that their child in the womb has a life threatening condition that may mean he might not survive.
I can’t wait to watch. The Rotunda team are amazing. Brought our 3 beautiful children into the world on 11th April 2017. My husband and I will forever be thankfull for everything you did for us.
Very excited to start watching this series on Thursday
Loved my career in this hospital being ‘with woman ‘ To do you duty is the motto ‘ l will forward to the series ,love young Mums ,Mary molloy
Can you please put the details of A Little Lifetime Foundation up after tonight’s episode. As bereaved parent it is going to be hatd to wash. Luckily I know about this amazing charity but some bereaved parents may not.
The midwives are just incredible human beings. Thank you so so very much for delivering my daughter Sophie 6 weeks early 4 years ago and my son Cuinn 6 weeks ago. Niamh and Margaret you are just my angels