Whatever the politicians and dramatists say, the reality for most casualty doctors and nurses is that there are not enough staff and resources to deal with growing demand. Many of those who come through the door are neither accidents nor emergencies, but the old, the depressed and those who prefer hospitals to GP surgeries. The real-life drama runs longer - a waiting time of three or four hours is not unusual. The resulting frustration and abuse is born by the doctors and nurses. These frontline health service troops are seen in action over 36 hours in one busy General Hospital casualty department - Whipps Cross, Leytonstone.