Holby City

The hospital set, at BBC Elstree Centre in Borehamwood.

A map of the hospital's internal layout

Holby City is a British medical drama television series that aired on BBC One from 1999 to 2022. The show was created by Tony McHale and Mal Young as a spin-off from another long-running medical drama, Casualty. Set in the fictional Holby City Hospital, it follows the professional and personal lives of the staff within the hospital's various departments, including its Accident and Emergency (A&E), Cardiology, Neurosurgery, and General Surgical wards.

Plot

The series is set in the fictional city of Holby, and its plot revolves around the lives of the medical and ancillary staff at Holby City Hospital. It primarily focuses on the departments of Darwin (Cardiothoracic surgery), Keller (General surgery), and AAU (Acute Admissions Unit), although other departments are also featured. The storylines deal with the challenges of patient care, the complexities of interpersonal relationships among the staff, and the impact of health care policies and practices on patient and staff welfare.

Characters

Over its 23-year run, Holby City featured a wide range of characters, including surgeons, nurses, consultants, and hospital management. Characters such as Ric Griffin, Jac Naylor, and Henrik Hanssen became iconic within the show's universe, with complex backstories and personal lives that intertwined with their professional duties. The series was known for its diverse cast and the development of its characters over time.

Production

Holby City was filmed at the BBC Elstree Centre in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. The show's creators aimed to provide a more in-depth look at hospital life than Casualty by focusing on the internal workings of a hospital. It used a mix of real medical professionals and advisors to ensure the accuracy of its portrayal of medical procedures and hospital operations. The series was also noted for its use of contemporary music and its high production values.

Impact

Throughout its run, Holby City was praised for tackling a wide range of medical and social issues, including mental health, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and ethical dilemmas in medicine. It won several awards, including the BAFTA for Best Continuing Drama. The show also played a significant role in public discussions about health care and was involved in various health awareness campaigns.

Cancellation

In June 2021, the BBC announced that Holby City would come to an end in March 2022. The decision was met with disappointment from fans and some criticism, as the show had been a staple of British television for over two decades. The final episode aired on 29 March 2022, concluding the series with a storyline that brought closure to the characters and the hospital.

Legacy

Holby City left a lasting legacy as one of the UK's most beloved medical dramas. Its detailed portrayal of hospital life, combined with strong character development and engaging storylines, set a benchmark for medical dramas. The show's impact on raising awareness of medical and health issues, as well as its contribution to British television, continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.