New tech advances makes for enthralling new season of RPA

For 17 years, medical show RPA enthralled us with groundbreaking and exclusive access into the everyday workings of a major hospital.

It was one of our first television documentary shows, back in 1995, and now all these years later the series is making a comeback with a new team of dedicated doctors and nurses who will be performing miracles alongside new technology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

In this season, patients Nick and Danielle have triplets, which is a daunting task medically and logistically for their doctor Angelika Zankl.

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RPA patient Marshall, who has terrible arthritis after being injured by a great white shark attack 45 years ago, also makes an appearance in the new season and is given a new hip by Dr Richard Boyle.

"Being able to manipulate that anatomy by implanting something mechanical that's been designed by humans is pretty exciting," Boyle said.

Boyle was a young intern in the first series, which didn't have to deal with things like COVID-19.

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But this season the doctor and a new troop of healthcare professionals filmed the show through the height of the pandemic.

The family of the original RPA star Dr Chris O'Brien said the show gave doctors like him an amazing platform.

The star doctor left behind a lasting legacy when he set up the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse for cancer sufferers before he died.

RPA premieres Monday March 27 at 9.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.