Good Morning Britain surprises viewers with major change to show as Richard Madeley and Kate Garraway leave studio

GOOD Morning Britain made a major change to today’s show with hosts Kate Garraway and Richard Madeley presenting live from a hospital.

For the first time in the show’s history, its anchors broadcast live from inside Whiston Hospital, Merseyside.

The ITV Daytime show wanted to shine a spotlight on the vital work the NHS is providing this winter and the challenges its staff are facing.

The hospital was only too glad to have them, with its Twitter account posting: “We’ve let the @GMB cameras in today to show just how challenging things are across the NHS already this winter. Thank you to all our patients for the kindness and support you are showing to our staff, we truly appreciate it.”

Kate and Richard reassured viewers their presence wasn’t affecting hospital care as they took viewers around key areas from A&E to cancer care – where referrals are up 25 percent since before the coronavirus pandemic.

Cancer patient Brian Dunn spoke to Kate, telling her his diagnosis was like “being hit by a train”.

Last year he was given just six months to live after being diagnosed through the hospital’s A&E service after struggling to get a GP appointment.

Thirteen months on, he’s still here and says he’s “feeling good”.

Cancer services manager Pat Gillis was joined by GMB’s Dr Amir Khan to discuss how cancer care has changed in the 30 years since she first became a nurse.

She described the volume of patients presenting with cancer symptoms is greater than she’s ever seen, but she praised her team’s “can-do attitude”.

Dr Amir said more staff are needed in the NHS in general to help patients before they’re forced to visit A&E with later stage cancer symptoms.

Richard then presented from inside the frailty unit which cares for elderly patients and is working hard to combat the a lack of beds.

Viewers were passionate about the crisis faced by the NHS at the moment.

One viewer wrote: “Good to see #gmb @GMB showcasing my local hospital today! The NHS are on its knees and while I don’t agree with strikes our NHS needs more.”

Another said: “I must say – a fantastic piece of journalism today at a hospital- really worth tuning in to @gmb absolutely fascinating programme @kategarraway.”