University to Screen Film on Innovative Nurses’ Care of AIDS Patients

A film, based on the inspirational story of nurses at an American hospital, who defied convention to improve the care and treatment of AIDS patients, is to be screened at the University of Worcester later this month.

The documentary film, 5B, which is so far unavailable in the UK, tells the story of the nurses and caregivers on San Francisco General Hospital’s ward 5B. It will be shown at the University’s St John’s Campus, on Tuesday, November 26, at 6.30pm, and Dr Sasha Cuttler, one of the nurses who featured in the film, will be present to answer questions afterwards. 

The film is being screened by the University in partnership with Worcestershire Pride and members of the public are welcome to attend.

Robert Dudley, Head of the University’s Three Counties School of Nursing and Midwifery, said: “I think this film reflects greatly the University’s values and the values based ethos of our nursing and midwifery curriculums.  As a University, it is our mission to motivate and empower our students, graduates and staff to make a first rate contribution to society, and use the power of education for the benefit of both individuals and society.  We hope this film will inspire students and staff, but also the wider Worcester community, with what can be achieved through compassion and courage.”

Other nurses who featured in the film, Guy Vandenberg and Mary Magee, will also join the discussion following the screening, via online video link from San Francisco.

The documentary is set at the dawn of the AIDS epidemic when no one knew how the disease spread and diagnosis was considered terminal.  But the film charts how nurses in the Hospital’s HIV/AIDS Ward 5B found innovative ways to improve care and treatment of AIDS patients, focused on humanity and holistic wellbeing.  It features contemporary footage of those on the ward, which was set up in the 1980s, and first-person testimony of members of staff who worked there, their patients, and patients’ loved ones.  The film premiered at the world famous Cannes Film Festival in the summer, where it won a Grand Prix Award.

Next year will mark the University of Worcester’s 25^th year of providing Nursing and Midwifery education.  In that time, the University has educated thousands of outstanding health care professionals, combining academic study with practical skills training and placements, who have gone on to serve people across the region.  The University of Worcester has been shortlisted five times as Nurse Education Provider of the Year in the Student Nursing Times Awards.

Admission to the screening is free, but registration is required.  Visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/screening-of-film-5b-tickets-75183274197 or contact Paul Snelling at the University on p.snelling@worc.ac.uk.