Trusadh: A Southern Island Practice – Alderney / Slàinte na Sgìre – Alderney
BBC ALBA – Monday 21 March 9.00pm – 10.00pm
THREE years ago, BBC ALBA visited the Isle of Harris for a documentary looking at life for an island GP and the doctor’s round-the-clock role caring for the crofters, fishermen and families of the Hebridean island.
During that programme, we met Dr Donald John Murray, the gregarious half-doctor, half-crofter who covers once a month at the Leverburgh Surgery.
Now, BBC ALBA follows Dr Murray as north meets south in an entertaining sequel.
In Trusadh – A Southern Island Practice, we follow Donald John as he travels 1,000 miles from his croft to the tiny Channel Island of Alderney, where he spends half his working life.
It’s a challenging job for any doctor, single-handedly serving a community of around 2,000 and also managing a local hospital with Accident & Emergency – a 24/7 job where the doctor is never off-duty.
With their yachting marinas, fine architecture and affluent and eclectic European vibe, you’d expect the Channel Islands to be a stark contrast to the Outer Hebrides. But the three square-mile island of Alderney is an overlooked haven amidst its better-known neighbours which include Guernsey and Jersey.
As we spend a week in the life at this other island practice, some surprising similarities are revealed.
A place united by a challenging past where a sense of fun and community spirit still runs strong – and where the doctor is still at the heart of the community. And for our Scottish island doctor, we witness how Alderney has clearly become a home from home.
Produced by MacTV, Trusadh: A Southern Island Practice – Alderney will be shown on BBC ALBA on Monday 21st March at 9.00 until 10.00pm.
ENDS
For further information please contact Gary McQueen or Lorna Gardner at Media House on 0141 220 6040 or email gary@mediahouse.co.uk / lorna@mediahouse.co.uk
Notes to editors:
BBC ALBA is available on the following platforms:
• Sky 143 (UK)
• Freeview / You View 8 (Scotland only)
• Virgin Media 161 (UK)
• Freesat 110 (UK)
• BBC iPlayer
BBC ALBA is run by MG ALBA in partnership with the BBC. MG ALBA is the operating name of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig, the Gaelic Media Service. Find out more about MG ALBA and the partnership at www.mgalba.com or visit www.bbcalba.co.uk for scheduling and programme information.
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Media House contact details…
Contact: Gary McQueen
Email: gary@mediahouse.co.uk
