"I've done 40 years; I love the job and I'm not quite ready emotionally to pack it in" – watch Episode 5 of Saving Lives in Cardiff on Monday or Wednesday

In the fifth episode of Saving Lives in Cardiff, we follow three more surgeons and their teams as they manage complex procedures and make important decisions about patient care.

In neurosurgery, consultant George Eralil is preparing to operate on 65-year-old Mark, who has been living with trigeminal neuralgia—a chronic condition often described as one of the most painful known to medicine.

The pain, which Mark has suffered with for 16 years, can strike at any moment and has affected his ability to eat, brush his teeth and live independently. George needs to operate deep inside Mark’s brain with the knowledge that there is a risk of stroke.

The result of the surgery for Mark is life-changing. Describing the impact of the operation, he says George has changed his life and adds, “I’ve got nothing but praise for that man, nothing but praise. I’d give him every last penny out of my bank account for what’s happened to me now.” For George, it’s moments like these that give meaning to the role: “Yes it’s a job, but when that job involves somebody else’s life, it becomes quite gratifying.”

Meanwhile in orthopaedics, consultant surgeon Chris Wilson is facing a packed surgical list with four operations already scheduled. He hopes to add a fifth for Laura, a 28-year-old patient with a twisted leg causing severe pain and mobility issues.

Reflecting on his decades of experience, he says, “In my time, I’ve seen the NHS do fantastic things. With no questions asked, no money required, patients come in and have their lives immeasurably improved. I’ve been very proud to have been in the organisation and to work with some fantastic people at every stage. I’ve done 40 years; I love the job and I’m not quite ready emotionally to pack it in.”

Also featured in this episode is thoracic surgeon Tom Combellack, who is operating on 50-year-old lorry driver Chris, diagnosed with a large neuroendocrine tumour in his chest. Measuring 13cm and pressing against his heart, the tumour presents a rare and serious challenge.

Tom speaks to the core motivation that keeps him and his colleagues going, saying that despite all of the other stresses and all of the other problems, helping those patients is what motivates, he thinks, all of them to come to work every day. “It’s a very privileged position that we’re in, in terms of what we do and it’s a very rewarding career.”

Watch Episode 5 of Saving Lives in Cardiff on Monday 5 May on BBC One Wales, Wednesday 7 May on BBC Two.

You can catch up on all episodes of the first and second series of Saving Lives in Cardiff on BBC iPlayer.

If you have been affected by the themes which feature in this episode, we would encourage you to visit the Cardiff and Vale Health Board Mental Health Pages , where you can find online resources and information on how to access support within your community.