When Brenda Franchi rushed to her critically ill son's bedside, the last thing she expected to see was a camera crew.

Her son Jonathan is one of the patients featured in a new TV documentary about the workings of a major hospital.

He fell into a coma after suffering serious head injuries when his bike was involved in a collision with a car.

Mrs Franchi, of Mackie Avenue, Hassocks, was interviewed by the crew about her son and asked for her views on the hospital where he was treated.

Mr Franchi's arrival at the intensive care unit at Queen's Hospital in Nottingham and his subsequent recovery feature in the first episode of The Trust tonight.

Mrs Franchi, 63, said: "When I heard about the accident I rushed straight up there with my partner and Jonathan's sister.

"We were very surprised when we saw a camera crew heading our way and wondered what on earth was happening.

"Then we heard about the documentary and that Jonathan's wife had agreed to allow them to film so we agreed as well.

"The unit was extremely busy the whole time we were there but the staff were absolutely brilliant.

"They were very caring and willing to explain things and listen, even though they were stretched."

Mr Franchi, 31, was brought up in Hassocks and went to Downlands secondary school.

He moved to Nottingham five years ago and works at Nottingham University.

The accident happened last April and Mr Franchi is now back home again after months of rehabilitation.

Mrs Franchi said: "He was very badly hurt. He was in a coma for eight days, his lung collapsed and his legs were badly injured.

"We were really worried about him but he has made a tremendous recovery.

"It will be interesting to watch the programme because we will be able to see how far he has progressed."

The Trust is on Channel 4 at 9pm tonight.