Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Nikki Stamp provides commentary during special event Operation: Live (airs Sun., Feb. 10 and Mon., Feb., 11 at 9pm; Seven), which will show open-heart surgery and a baby’s birth. Watch the trailer below.
How do you think viewers will react to what is shown on Operation: Live?
I think people are a lot more curious and interested in the way these things happen and the way our bodies work than we give ourselves credit for. Particularly for people who have had surgery or are going to, it’s an interesting way for them to find out what really happens in an operating theatre.
Do you expect some people might find it too full-on to watch?
That’s a common reaction – and a normal reaction – because you don’t know how you are going to feel about blood, etc. But in this instance we can really educate ourselves about health or a normal part of life like having a baby. I hope people push through their queasiness and watch.
Any concerns about something going wrong during the operation live on TV?
We have one of the safest hospital systems in the world and if you go in for an operation you are genuinely in the safest possible hands. Looking after a patient’s safety, whether it’s routine or an emergency, is what we do on a day-to-day basis. This is no different. At the same time, in an operation things can go wrong, and it’s an important discussion to have.
What exactly is your role?
I’m not doing the surgery, I’m there to act as a translator and explain the process to the audience, so in that regard, I don’t know the patients – which will be interesting for me to be involved in a surgery where I am not looking after the patient.
What does your normal work day look like?
I do two or three operations a day. In a clinic, I might see a dozen people a day before or after surgery, so that’s a small number I get to help, but when we do the TV show, it’s many more people and that’s a real privilege.
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