Former Eastenders actor turned documentary maker Ross Kemp, is facing criticism and backlash for his recent documentary investigating NHS frontline workers in their battle against COVID-19.
The documentary will be filmed at Milton Keynes University Hospital.
The two major criticisms are firstly accusing the film crew of taking up PPE which is said to be in short supply.
Secondly, family members of patients who have died from COVID-19 or are currently in hospital suffering with symptoms, are not allowed to visit their relatives.
In response to the PPE accusation, Ross Kemp said:
“Please note we won’t be depleting the hospital’s PPE stock.”
“I want to make it clear to everybody out there that even though we’re using NHS masks, we’re actually replacing those with the ones we have brought.”
Equally, Milton Keynes Hospital have reinforced this by saying:
“The film crew are replacing any PPE stock they use, like for like, on the same day as filming.”
The reaction on Twitter has been mostly negative:
“Ross, this really doesn’t need to be done. Just go home.”
“And what gives you a reason to be up & around, where others have not even been allowed to be with relatives who have succumbed to this vile virus! Why are you not stopped and arrested!”
Milton Keynes Hospital have stated that:
“No patient or member of staff will be identifiable on film without their consent in two forms – one with the hospital’s team and one with the external film crew.”
“Some patients have expressly asked to be involved in filming so they can document their illness, the care they are receiving and the work of staff.”
“No patient or member of staff will be identifiable on film without their consent in two forms – one with the hospital’s team and one with the external film crew.”
“Some patients have expressly asked to be involved in filming so they can document their illness, the care they are receiving and the work of staff.”
Many comments on Twitter have pointed to the lack of ethical intelligence shown by Ross Kemp;
Accusing the film maker of profiteering and creating a publicity stunt from the COVID-19 crisis.
However, some supporting Kemp have praised the idea of presenting what it is like to work on the frontline in the NHS at this present time.
Other comments state that the documentary makes a point of enforcing the need for lockdown measures.
Milton Keynes Hospital have reinforced their decision to allow filming to take place by stating:
“At a time when there is anxiety nationally about the spread of COVID-19 and the NHS’ ability to respond to the pressures the virus will bring, we felt it was important to give a true account on the work being done in hospitals and in community settings, and the measures being taken to prevent the spread of the virus.”
“We hope that the programme will help to reinforce the message that it is important for members of the public to stay at home and protect the NHS.”
“We also hope that it will help to illustrate that hospitals and communities are still running business as usual in certain services, including maternity and emergency departments, up and down the country and that the NHS and other care organisations are there to help people that need it for non-COVID-19 related issues.”
Access to filming will take place outside clinical areas primarily.
“The decision was taken jointly by NHS England and the hospital’s executive directors in collaboration with the clinical teams.”
“No access is given to any area without the express consent of the clinical leads of that area.”
