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Charles Dickens presents a topical chat show about changes to healthcare and medical science during Victorian times. We meet Dr Joseph Lister, the pioneer of antiseptic surgery. He talks about the importance of conducting surgery under sterile conditions. Dr Lister argues for being ‘hygienic’ when dealing with medical situations. His advice is questioned by old-fashioned doctor, Dr Guffquat. They both give advice on how they would deal with medical situations.

Students could compare the advice of Dr Guffquat and Dr Lister, and current hospital hygiene advice. How were ideas about health tested? Students could also research how the causes of cholera, scurvy and rickets were discovered. Students could go on to study other important people in medical history, such as Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole.