Crossing the Line

Written by Sudha Bhuchar / Performed by Shaheen Khan / Directed by Nigel Townsend

Meet Varsha

Varsha talks about her positive experience of being involved in the PRINCIPLE trial which took place in the community. She talks about some of the misconceptions and challenges of participation in clinical trials for the older Punjabi community. The film explores how an everyday woman like Varsha responds to the ‘call’ for making a difference.

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Script

Extracts

Then why is there more of us on the wards and dying than them

I am cancer. 1^st July. Same day as that Lady Diana. She came to open our community centre and shook my hand. Her nails were bitten, but she didn’t look nervous. They had a new toilet seat put in, but she didn’t use the ladies. If she was alive, I know she would have tried to comfort the covid patients.

That Charles got this virus too. They say it does not discriminate. Then why is there more of us on the wards and dying than them?

then why is there more of us on the wards and dying than them

As if we are not unique,like each of them

It was a text from the GPs surgery asking if I had symptoms and wanted to take part in Covid trial? Must be wrong number, I thought. Nothing happens to me. I am always borderline: borderline diabetic, GP says cholesterol is high, but he is happy with balance between ‘good’ and ‘bad so I am borderline there too. Borders and lines. Story of my life.

I have been in wars and crossed two continents before getting here. Making packets for the soldiers on the front line in India in 60s. Then escaping that dictator Idi Amin in Uganda. Now there is Boris’s Brexit. The line is drawn. Us and them. They don’t want us, but who do they think they are clapping for every Thurs? Hindu/Muslim/African- For them we are all BAME. As if we are not unique like each of them.

These digital drama’s are fictional pieces commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and produced in collaboration with Leeds university. The content of each film is an artistic interpretation based on authentic patient voices and therefore, the views expressed are not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care or the collaborating organisations.