The first episode of Any Given Day went out last night

14:15, 08 Jan 2026Updated 14:24, 08 Jan 2026

Cork University Hospital(Image: Google)

Viewers got a peek behind the scenes at one of the country’s busiest hospitals in a new RTÉ documentary last night – and were floored by the hard work done by Cork’s frontline medical heroes.

The first episode of six-part series Any Given Day: Cork University Hospital was broadcast on RTÉ One yesterday, capturing the round-the-clock shifts of workers who keep the health service going for the Cork public. The docuseries follows a select number of staff and patients across a period of six months, showcasing the sheer amount of work that goes into keeping the wheels turning at CUH – as well as the care and compassion demonstrated towards patients.

Viewers of last night’s episode – focused largely on the hospital’s A&E – were blown away by the work on display, with many taking to social media to share their thoughts. One wrote: “Words fail me. I found myself quite emotional while watching this programme. The treatment I received during serious illness at CUH was incredible. The expertise and care I received was second to none.”

Others also praised the dedication, “huge empathy” and “awe-inspiring skills” of staff – and shared their own memories of time spent in the Wilton hospital: “As a former CUH ICU/Ward GA patient, thank you always. Alive and doing well in my recovery because of you all.” Another added: “It was a great insight to the hospital and the various teams that work there. My partner had a ruptured brain aneurysm in 2019 and the team did a life-saving operation on him.”

Of the series, RTÉ said: “Filmed over six months, the series offers access inside Cork University Hospital (CUH), capturing the round the clock shifts of the thousands of professionals who work tirelessly to deliver care. Through staff stories and patient journeys, Any Given Day tells a story of a health service in action.

“On any given day, 4,000 staff come to work at Cork University Hospital. On any given day, they care for approximately 800 inpatients, 800 outpatients and more than 240 emergency cases. On any given day at CUH, hearts are broken and hearts are mended, lives are lost and lives are saved.”

You can catch episode two of Any Given Day on RTÉ One at 10:35pm on Wednesday, January 14.