Alison Black's mental health documentary Changing Minds: the Inside Story was considered one of the most important television programs in Australian television history.
Now, Ms Black, 52, of Sans Souci, is turning the camera on patients at St George Hospital.
The documentary maker was diagnosed with head and neck cancer three years ago and credits the hospital with saving her life.
As a thank you to staff, Ms Black is producing a video of patient testimonials to present at an event next month to celebrate the hospital's 120th anniversary.
Ms Black wants to speak to current and former patients about their experiences for the video, which she is funding.
"Basically, my life stopped when I was diagnosed with cancer," Ms Black said.
"I was told on a Friday afternoon and did not go back to work the following Monday."
Changing Minds: the Inside Story was produced as part of the ABC's Mental As mental health awareness campaign for World Mental Health Week and aired over three nights.
It explored the realities of contemporary mental health treatment through the experiences of patients and staff at Liverpool Hospital's psychiatric unit.
About 4000 Australians are diagnosed with a type of head and neck cancer each year, figures from the Cancer Council showed.
Head and neck cancers include cancers of the mouth and tongue, lips, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity and sinus.
People interested in being part of the new video should email Ms Black: alison.black1@icloud.com
The video will be shown at the St George Hospital community appreciation dinner at Georges River 16 Foot Sailing Club, Sandringham, November 19, at 7pm.
Ms Black is organising the dinner, which is open to the public. Tickets are $60 a head.
THE INSIDE STORY
Changing Minds: the Inside Story explored the stigma and taboos that exist around mental health through the eyes of patients and staff at Liverpool Hospital.
A small crew from Northern Pictures filmed inside the locked wards of the Mental Health Unit over 12 weeks.
The Sydney Morning Herald described the program as ‘‘surely one of the most important programs in Australian television history’’.
‘‘Thanks to the likes of Liverpool Hospital head of psychiatry Mark Cross and his colleagues in Changing Minds ... we now know that within every mentally ill person there is someone who can joke, love and respond to kindness, just like us,’’ the Herald wrote.
Bookings: Penny Glezellis or Kim Wrightson, 9113 2901, or penny.glezellis@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au
What is your experience of St George Hospital?
