Children's Ward - The Complete First Series [DVD]

The memories came flooding back. I have bought the 3 series available but seeing as this is my favourite of the 3. I thought I review it. I like most of the characters but Keeley is a bit bossy and moody, but then teenagers are. I remember having a crush on the character called Dean, who played Billys mate and that was very confusing to me at the time! He turned out to be a wrong en, tempting Tim Vincents Billy back on the booze. The 80s had Grange Hill, Childrens Ward, and later Byker Grove and Press Gang, all well written, well acted childrens drama. That's all gone now, as kids are on their technology such a shame. My youngest nephew has got into the dvd and Its been great to watch it with him. I wish they would release further series. Series 4 has been on Amazon for years but it never gets released!

I watched Children's Ward when it was on TV. It starred a lot of actors such as Andrew Hall who starred in the BBC sitcom Butterflies. It also starred actor and TV presenter Tim Vincent as alchaholic teenager Billy Ryan. Tim Vincent also presented the long running BBC children's programme Blue Peter and The Clothes Show and also starred in the BBC drama series Dangerfield in 1996 and 1997 as Marty Dangerfield, Dr Paul Dangerfield's son. I had a look on amazon for the DVD of children's ward and it was. I bought series one. Series two and three is also available on amazon which I am gong to buy next.

I watched this series when it was broadcast (I was 9 at the time) and it brought back fond memories. The series is gritty and great viewing for kids (and big kids) bringing up issues like anorexia and alcoholism that I didn't know much about at that age. It's not gone into great detail (it's not casualty!) but it is dealt with in a sensitive way. The acting is first class, in fact some of the kids outshine the adult actors at times (Tim Vincent, William Ash, and Jenny Luckcraft stand out). I cannot recommend this highly enough! Just hope Network DVD continue to release all the series.

What we have here is the first series of what must surely go down as one of the longest and most successful children's programmes ever committed to TV. Although it may appear to be aimed at the younger generations on first glance it is actually so much more than that. People of all ages will be able to enjoy Children's Ward as it is a very emotional, at times hard-hitting and a very mature programme.The series follows the day-to-day running of the children's ward in the fictional hospital of South Park in Manchester. The medical team consists of diligent and hardworking Head Nurse Dave Spencer, the motherly and understanding nurse Mags, the youthful but mature nurse Diane Meadows and veteran medical practitioners Dr. Charlotte Woods and consultant Dr. McKeown, whose first name is never revealed. Rounding off the team are inexperienced student nurse Gary Miller and cantankerous old Jack Crossley, the master of the sweets trolley. Together they assume responsibility of a group of ill or injured children who periodically come and go as the series progresses.The main patients are Keeley Johnson and Billy Ryan who are initially at loggerheads with each other owing to a clash of personalities. The development of these two characters is one of the core points of the entire series as they both embark on voyages of discovery owing to the uncertain natures of both their ailments. I won't give too much away but suffice to say that before the show ends both confront their personal demons and triumph over some very daunting odds.The writing in this series is nothing short of fabulous. Each of the characters, both patients and staff, develops considerably over the course of the series and their individual journeys are brilliantly covered in an unbiased fashion. They are ably reinforced by some stirring storylines. Most of these naturally revolve around the children but we are also offered strong insights into the private lives of their staff including their relationships and personal woes. This is where the acting really comes good. It is so natural that we can well believe these are real people and real incidents unfolding before our eyes and as such we sympathise when something goes wrong and feel a burst of exultation when things go the way they're supposed to.If you are hesitant to purchase this because you are unsure whether it is `adult' enough then I heartily recommend you take the plunge. Children's Ward does what it says on the tin and much, much more.

I was only watching some very old episodes of this the other day on YouTube Ahhh the memories of my childhood come flooding back this was the highlight along with Byker Grove of coming home from school and now it's finally coming out on DVD... I can't wait to get my hands on the official DVD release to drool over a young Tim Vincent again with his broken leg, and that nurse whose now the cross dresser in Coronation Street! :p

Bought all 3 and really enjoyed them. Was disappointed when series 4 never got released. Searched the Internet looking for later series and tracked down complete series 7 8 9 & 11 on dvd. All great viewing. Bought the later series from Rare TvandFilm they are on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and such. Highly recommend you check them out if you enjoy these.

I bought this to watch with my 10 year old daughter and to watch something other than the various Amercian cloned series after series. Whilst Childrens Ward is a bit dated now being set in 1980's you quickly get 'beyond that' and concentrate on the drama. The stories deal with real life situations that are displayed and explained in such a way that children can understand. I had lots of questions from my daughter on everything from 80's fashions!! to medical conditions, overprotective parents and understanding why children may not be happy. She couldn't wait to watch the next episode and we had to ration them to two a day or we'd have watched the whole thing in one sitting. British children's drama at its best. It should have been released years ago and the BBC would do well to remake it in modern times using the same high standard of direction and writing.

This drama has some very meaningful messages about family values, love and respect and making decisions in life. Watching this DVD brought back a lot of memories from when I first saw this series during my childhood, it was great to see it again, and it has very cheerful ending!