A NORTH-EAST nurse has helped to advise the team of Emmerdale on its recent ‘heart transplant’ storyline.

Alison Davidson, a cardiothoracic transplant co-ordinator at the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle, has provided advice to young actress Katie Hill, who plays Sarah Sugden, and the production crew on accurately portraying her desperate wait for a donor heart.

Fans of the ITV soap will know that 13-year-old Sarah had been in hospital for months waiting for a heart transplant since being diagnosed with heart failure earlier this year but in recent episodes it was revealed one had become available.

Alison, who was originally approached to advise on the script in January and has visited the Emmerdale set several times, said: “I was delighted to be involved and advise on such a huge storyline. To the crew it was very important that the public watching at home were receiving accurate information about the whole process around heart transplantation.

“I am exceptionally proud to be given to opportunity to ensure these important storylines remain as true to life as possible. Featuring these issues in an authentic way can help to drive these messages home and raise awareness around the important issue of organ donation.”

An Emmerdale researcher said: “I think it’s imperative that TV, film and theatre companies continue to seek professional advice and work alongside such people and organisations when dealing with health matters and we’re extremely grateful to Alison for her guidance.”

When not advising on TV soaps, Alison’s role at Newcastle Hospitals involves assessing, supporting and guiding patients who are to receive a new heart through their entire transplant journey, including when a patient is first referred to the transplant unit for consideration of an organ transplant right through to post-transplant follow-up care.

“Every time I see a transplant, it’s like it’s happening again for the first time. I get this child-like awe of this little miracle I’m witnessing and I’m just honoured to be part of this team and to be able to support our patients. I just couldn’t do anything else,” she said.