Teenagers were left in tears as they worked on the frontline of the NHS.
In a radical experiment, a group of 14 young volunteers aged 18 to 24, have been placed into the NHS to see if they can make a real difference to both patients and staff alike.
This four-part BBC documentary series - inspired by a social care programme in Germany - follows 14 young people as they’re put to work on the wards at the Royal Derby Hospital.
The young team look after patients and assist staff as they go about administering treatment in the maternity wards, A&E, paediatrics, elderly care and everything in between.
In the first episode on Wednesday, some of the volunteers found day-to-day life on the wards extremely tough.
Deborah, a university graduate, struggled during her first few hours in the colorectal department.
She met 27-year-old John who had part of his bowel removed following years of Crohn's disease.
Deborah was attempting to check on Josh's stoma when she burst into tears.
She said: "I'm sorry Josh, I just feel like I'm making things worse. You're amazing honestly."
Deborah later explained why she became upset: "I think it was just seeing how well he was taking everything, when I wasn't being professional.
"If I ever get the chance to do it again, I hope I'll be a bit more composed."
At the end of the show, Deborah faced her fears and successfully emptied Josh's stoma.
The Big Hospital Experiment continues next Wednesday at 9pm on BBC Two
