Ostrich Syndrome Casualty

Now that's what you call a backlog.

Yes, I know. I've got a flu crisis meeting with management later.

Maybe I could get them to sanction some agency nurses.

See if you can get them to knock up a few spare beds while you're at it.

Charlie, we've been here 25 minutes.

Control are going mad.

We're short-staffed, as you can see.

Occupational Health suggest we start PEP.

-Right. Sounds like bolting the stable door to me.

-Mm-hm.

We're already six members of staff down,

so my off-duty is starting to look like a game of noughts and crosses.

PHONE BEEPS

OK, that's the second text from Zoe this morning.

Is she checking up on me again?

Well, I wouldn't take it personally.

I'll go and rally the troops.

That's trench talk.

Well, it is germ warfare, Charlie.

Look, I really appreciate you have been waiting around

for over an hour and a half, but as you can see, we are trying our best...

How are we doing, Noel?

Oh, we are so short-staffed.

Hang in there, man.

-How are we doing, Louise?

-Catching, binning, killing it.

Fletch.

Hello, Ash. I see we're just as busy, then.

Afraid so.

No, tomorrow won't do.

Yes, I'll hold.

I've let Jamie go home.

Shall I call Lloyd, see if he can come in?

No. Why? Fletch is back.

Yeah, at your service.

Did you enjoy your days off?

I did, thanks for asking.

How about you?

Yes, I'm here. Great, I'll send Big Mac down now. Thank you.

I found that in my locker.

While you were off, there was a secret Valentine.

I noticed I didn't get one.

It wasn't you having a bit of fun, was it?

Seriously. Excuse me.

Who was it, then?

Fletch, you're back.

You all right?

Do you still think she sees you as a father figure?

-PAGER BEEPS

-Guys, Resus.

Aren't we supposed to be going on this holiday so you can relax?

Just one more e-mail and that's it.

You won't last a week, let alone two.

-Done.

-COUGHS

We'd better get something for that cough.

It's only a cold. I'll just chill for a bit.

Nothing.

Continue compressions, Tess.

-Do you want me to take over?

-No.

I don't think we are doing Mr Bailey any good. He's 78.

He's got pre-existing coronary artery disease, and now pneumonia.

He's had six mils of adrenaline, 300 Amiodarone -

he's not responded to the shocks. Just give it a minute, Tess.

No carotid pulse.

No response.

OK, I'm going to have to call it. Time of death, 9:35.

Poor thing.

He had a good innings.

Kate...

Look out!

Ouch!

You OK?

Yeah. I think so.

Aaargh. Aaargh!

Are you OK?

-My eyes.

-Are you OK?

Toby!

Do something, Dad.

You stay here. Don't move.

I'll call an ambulance.

Now that's not exactly helping matters, is it? Hmm?

Do you think perhaps we could, er, stick it in the bin?

I'm not a cleaner.

Er, no...

If you want to be seen by a doctor,

then you need to respect the hospital rules.

-Thank you.

-You're welcome.

How's it going in there?

Busy, but exciting.

I've managed to sign off loads of procedures.

They're people, not procedures.

I know, it's...

See her? That's the wife of the man who just died in Resus.

Mr Bailey. A person, not just a procedure.

What's up with him?

I don't know. Perhaps he's coming down with something an' all.

I hate doing non-scheduled overtime.

Never mind, Norman. Think of the money.

That's not the point. It's about getting the work-life ratio right.

Take me. I schedule my downtime

as pertinently as I schedule my work life.

Hobbies, family visits. Dates...

What? You date?

I'm seeing a lovely lady I met on a bird-fanciers' site.

What, as opposed to seeing a bird you met on a lady-fancying site?

She's a bit of a twit as well, is she?

You mean "twitcher".

No, I know what I meant.

-RADIO:

-'Control to 3006.'

3006, go ahead.

'RTC. Two cars versus wall on the Edwalton Village Road.

'Possible three casualties. Injuries unknown.

'Multiple ambulances required.'

3006, we are on our way over.

The porter's taken Mr Bailey,

but his wife forgot his personal effects.

Thanks. Actually, could you fill in the property form?

-I've got some bloods I need to finish.

-Sure.

It's sad, you know.

His wife only said he'd nipped out to get his pension.

If there's one thing this job has taught me,

-it's that life is unpredictable.

-Tell me about it.

One minute I'm engaged to be married, the next...nothing.

Don't worry. You'll find another boy soon enough.

I'm not interested in boys any more.

Erm...

Aoife, did you send me that?

Ah, you got it.

It's a lovely gesture but... I'm not sure if it's appropriate.

-Oh.

-Well, I was fine with it, but Tess had a bit of an issue with it.

She did. Why?

Probably just cos I'm your mentor.

Fletch, it was just a bit of a laugh, that's all.

Besides, you're way too old for me.

Oh. Thanks for that(!)

Stay nice and still for me. Help's on the way.

Dixie?

Jeff. Me and Norm will take the head-on.

-You take the taxi.

-OK.

Are you all right, princess? I'm Jeff. I'm a paramedic.

I've hurt my wrist.

Did you step out of that?

I've broken my acrylics.

I'm surprised you haven't broken your neck. Thanks, mate.

OK. What's your name, love?

She just didn't stop.

She came flying down there like Jenson Button.

-Are they going to be all right?

-Yeah, they're in good hands.

Let's have a little look at you, shall we?

I'm feeling dizzy.

I'm not surprised, kid. Let's have you over there.

We'll sit you down and have a little look at that arm, all right?

OK, nice and slowly. Let's start again, shall we? Big deep breaths.

I'm Jeff. I'm a paramedic.

What's your name, kid?

Lesley Cooper.

OK, Lesley Cooper.

Let's have a little look at those nails, shall we?

Nice and still.

My eyes are still stinging.

The powder from the airbag is irritating them. Don't worry.

This will keep your neck nice and safe, Kate,

-until we get it X-rayed, all right?

-Where's the man from the van behind?

Look, please don't move. What man, love?

Nothing. I must have been confused.

Ahhhhh.

If I were a gambling man, I'd put odds on that ankle being broken.

Don't say that. We're on our way to a Caribbean cruise today.

You might have to reconsider that.

You take a few breaths of this while I immobilise your leg.

Aargh.

Did you know the Caribbean comprises of

more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and keys?

He's an authority on a lot of subjects is our Norman.

I'd say I was more of a keen amateur.

Keep puffing on that if you need it.

-How are you feeling?

-I'll live.

OK, look, I'm going to take you down the hospital, anyway,

get you looked over.

How are we doing in here?

Shouldn't you be up in the ivory tower playing with the bigwigs?

Meeting postponed till later. Is this lady good to go?

-Yeah.

-Great.

Sally White's records.

This is Samantha Coles.

Sally's been moved to Ward Six.

Flipping heck, it's like bed roulette in here. By the way, Ash,

we've had a lot reporters sniffing around reception

asking about the passing of Mr Bailey.

-How did they get the information?

-From the internet.

Just what we need. Leaked information causing a scare.

Where are they?

-They're still waiting outside.

-OK.

Erm...I'm just going to get rid of this dressings tray, OK.

Can you get us some blankets from the basement?

-Yeah.

-Thanks.

I've been looking for you. I've done something really stupid.

Me too. I tweeted about Mr Bailey dying

and now there's journalists outside.

Are you joking?

Do you know how much trouble you could get in if Tess finds out?

Don't say that.

I was going to tell you something private, but you're such a bigmouth!

You want to turn that frown upside down

or you'll be getting Botox by the time you're 30.

-Thanks, Louise. That really helps(!)

-Are you all right?

I've just made a complete idiot of myself.

-What, with a patient?

-With Fletch.

I sent him a Valentine's card and now he thinks I've a crush on him.

-And do you have a crush?

-No.

Well, maybe. Just a little.

Ah, it's so embarrassing.

I once had a crush on a boss at a Saturday job I had at college.

He had the loveliest teeth and the bluest eyes you could ever imagine.

And that helps me how?

Well, he gave me all the signals, you know.

Then one day I moved in for a kiss and he blew me off.

-Awful.

-You're telling me.

I couldn't look him in the eye for a month. I felt such a fool.

But I survived. No wounds, no scars.

So you think I can get past this with Fletch?

Just suck it up and see. And stop hiding in here.

You're right. Thanks.

I warned you this thing with Fletch might cause problems.

Don't worry. It's all good now.

It might be for you, but what about Fletch?

What do you mean?

He's your mentor. He needs to maintain a professional distance.

-I understand that.

-But now he knows about the crush,

how awkward do you think that makes him feel?

I didn't think.

Well, maybe you should start.

ALARM BEEPS

Hello?

Is it true you are not coping with this flu epidemic?

-I said, "No comment".

-Have you got enough beds?

Please stand back and if you want a statement, contact Media Services

instead of giving my staff a hard time. Thank you.

This is Lesley Cooper, 26 years old. Driver involved in an RTC.

She's got a fractured right wrist.

Wasn't KO'd, GCS has been 15 throughout, her pulse 75.

Sats are at 98%. She's had five of morphine.

And we've even managed to fix up her manicure.

And what a good job he did.

-Lovely. Cubicles, Jeff.

-Thank you.

What we got, Dixie?

Right, this is Katherine Tilford, 32. She's been involved in an RTC.

She wasn't KO'd, query whiplash.

She's got some right-sided tenderness to her abdomen.

GCS is 15, sats of 98, pulse is 80, BP's 124, stable.

OK, let's get it through.

I'm too old to hold your hand, Dad.

Yeah, I know.

You're holding mine.

One, two, three.

Thanks, Dixie.

Are you on any medications or could you be pregnant, Katherine?

-No. And it's Kate.

-Hello, Kate. I'm Ash.

Let's run FBC, U's and E's, glucose and a group and save, please.

OK.

-Tom.

-Yeah?

We've got a paediatric case.

-I've got this.

-OK.

This is Toby Osbourne. 29 years old.

Passenger in car-versus-car.

No visible head trauma, facial lacerations, neck tender.

Slight vision impairment due to dust from airbag,

irrigated with saline, abdomen clear. GCS 15, Not KO'd.

Query fractured left ankle. 10mg of morphine.

OK, on three. One, two, three. Thank you very much, Norman.

You're more than welcome.

OK, hi, Toby. My name is Sam. I'm a doctor here.

We're going to run some tests, OK, and sort out these eyes for you.

-Kate?

-I'm fine, sweetheart.

OK. Let's concentrate on you for now.

Can I get a C spine, pelvis and chest

and can someone do U's and E's, FBC, BM and a group and save?

-OK, so we're sending Helen up to Orthopaedics.

-Right.

Cubicles six and eight are going up to AAU.

I thought they said they were full?

Well, they lost a couple of patients and I nipped in quick.

Blimey, it's getting like Dead Man's Shoes around here.

No, Louise, they discharged them home.

Oh, right. I'll get their files sent up ASAP.

OK, thank you.

-Hi, Louise.

-Hi.

I was doing a quiz in a magazine earlier

about toys you used to play with as a kid.

Which were you?

Were you more of a Tiny Tears, or a collector,

-like miniature figurines and stuff?

-Excuse me?

When you were little, which did you prefer?

Are you kidding? We're in the middle of a flu epidemic

and you think I've got time to stand around and talk about dolls?

-I was only asking.

-Well, some of us have got better things to do.

Are you normally fit and well?

You know what? I'm fine, really. This is just wasting time.

They're just routine questions, Lesley.

Sorry. These places give me the heebie-jeebies.

Me too. Yeah, that's broken.

What do you think?

I'd say so.

Just great(!)

Don't worry, we can fix it.

Can you fix my taxi too, cos that looked like a total write-off?

Well, I know a bloke that repairs cars cheaply, so, yeah.

Won't the company take care of it?

I am the company. Me and my partner.

Bluebelles - isn't that the taxi company for women by women?

And vulnerable adults.

It's a great idea. Don't you think?

Yeah, it's a great idea. I'll sort out the X-ray.

I'm just going to pop this on your finger.

And I'm sure the insurance will cover the damage.

Yeah. Sure.

Right, I won't be a minute.

Yeah, it was Aoife who sent that card.

But we sorted it out.

Sure?

-She said I was too old for her.

-Ouch!

Are we OK?

We're fine.

The dust from the airbag irritated your eyes.

We won't need the ophthalmic surgeons.

But you do have a rather serious fracture to your ankle,

so you're going to have to have surgery today.

-Ready for me, Doc?

-Ah, yes, please.

We're waiting for an orthopaedic bed to free up.

However, we've arranged to move you to cubicles.

-OK?

-Thank you.

-You're welcome.

Big Mac. It's my nephew's birthday soon,

and he's really into action comic heroes.

Where might I get that kind of stuff?

I don't know, my love. But I do know a man that does.

You do?

Mm-hm. Right, off we go.

I'll come and find you when Ash has finished.

-OK.

-Shouldn't be too long. Just checking your ribs, OK.

OK, deep breath...

..and out.

You've been a very lucky lady.

I know.

Doesn't seem fair, does it?

Are you winning?

No.

I'm bored, Dad.

We won't be long now.

OK, I've checked Nathan's X-rays

-and there appears to be nothing broken.

-Told you.

What are you playing?

Chess.

How are you getting on?

He's just moved his bishop to my queen.

Let's have a look.

Why don't you move your rook to his bishop?

What do you think?

Chess is a foreign language to me.

You'll get it one day, Dad.

There appears to be excessive bruising around his shoulder joint,

but you understand why, right?

Yeah.

Yeah, well, we thought we were home and dry. But then it came back.

So he has to go through the whole nine yards again?

They don't think it's going to work this time.

-We're looking for a donor.

-Stem cells?

Yeah. He's on the list.

Well, I wish you luck with that.

Thanks.

We're optimistic we're going to find someone, aren't we?

Yeah, but I've told him

there's less than a 50% chance she'll be a match.

He wants to be a doctor when he grows up.

Checkmate. Thanks.

I'm happy for him to go home.

It's not wise keeping him here any longer than necessary.

-Fair enough.

-See you.

His sats are low, 97%, and his breathing is laboured.

OK. Big deep breath in for me.

I feel awful. I got off scot-free and look at you.

OK. And out.

I'm just glad you're not injured.

Have you been feeling unwell recently?

I've had a touch of this flu.

Well, your chest X-ray is clear.

-We'll keep you under observation for now.

-Thanks.

-COUGHS

-You all right?

-I'm fine.

He's not very patient around illness, are you?

No. I'm not.

Well, you need to be. Just rest.

That word doesn't exist in his vocabulary.

Toby's a workaholic.

Why don't I go to the shop,

get you a few bits to make your stay a bit better?

Thanks.

I won't be long.

There you go.

So if you ever want a taxi, try the Bluebelles' all-female drivers.

Are you on commission or something?

No, but every little helps when you're starting a business.

I don't know if I'd want to start a business in this climate.

But if they've found a gap in the market, they could do well.

I don't know. All-women drivers?

-It sounds a bit weird.

-What do you mean by "weird"?

The fact that they drive a taxi for a living

or the fact they drive in general?

The fact they drive in general, really.

Shut up.

Someone to see you.

Oh, princess, it's you. What's happened?

I've busted my wrist.

Ah. Come here.

I don't understand.

The police said that it was Lesley who crashed the car.

I know. I told them that was my name.

Why would you say you were Lesley?

-Not now.

-What have you done?

Please don't say anything. I'll explain later.

X-ray's ready for you. Oh, look, another Bluebelle.

This is Nadia - my life and business partner.

Hi.

She's been really upset about the state of her taxi.

She should be. We can't afford to have a vehicle

off the road right now.

We're bidding on a new contract at Brydon House this afternoon

and I really need to make it.

Fair enough. Let's get you into X-ray.

Hiya.

All right.

I was speaking to Big Mac earlier.

Yeah? About what?

He says you're really into action figures.

Was he having a go about it being a bit geeky?

No. Not at all.

That makes a change.

It started with a classic Spider-Man and grew from there.

I've collected them ever since I was a kid.

You must have loads!

A fair few. Why are you asking?

Well...

It's just that...

Are you looking for somewhere to live?

No, not really.

Oh, OK.

Sorry, did you want something?

It's not time for your break, is it, Robyn?

No. I, er... I was just going.

Got some discharge forms to fill out.

Noel, if you need anything...

Is everything OK?

Yeah.

I've just got one more form for you. Won't be a second.

Kate.

I won't be a minute.

I knew it was you. What the hell are you doing?

-We need to talk.

-I have absolutely nothing to say to you.

Well, I've got something to say to you.

What's going on?

He's your child, Kate.

I am not having this conversation here.

You're Nathan's mother?

Robyn, look after Nathan for a sec.

Yeah, sure.

It's been seven years.

Don't think for one minute I'm here for a reconciliation.

So why are you stalking me?

First this morning and now turning up here?

Take it easy. This is a hospital.

He's dying.

What?

Nathan has leukaemia.

It's his second time.

The only chance of his survival at the moment

is a stem cell transplant.

No.

Give her a chance to take in the news, OK.

You did good.

Thanks.

So how does that feel?

Yeah, that's OK.

We're going to be late.

All right. Are we good to go?

We need to get you an outpatient's appointment

and some pain relief first.

Well, can't I come back after the meeting?

That depends on your pain threshold, really.

-That's it. I'll have to ring them.

-You're not cancelling.

-No, I'll just have to go on my own...

-No! I'm coming.

-Let's pop that back in the sling.

-Can you get off? I need to go.

-You need to calm down.

-Babe, stop causing a scene.

-Don't start, I don't want a row with you.

-Come on, please.

I really need...

CRIES OUT

-Get her on the bed.

-What's happening?

Any history of fits, seizures, epilepsy?

-No, no.

-Any head injuries?

-Nothing major.

-Do something.

Can you hear me, Lesley?

I can hear you.

What's happening?

Don't worry. She's in safe hands.

He's dying?

I'm so sorry.

Look, I swear I never knew Nathan was sick. Not until today.

You know now.

And now you could do something to save him.

I can't pick up being his mother again, OK.

I gave that right up a long time ago.

OK, look, all right. Maybe not being his mum.

But you still could be tested

to see if you're a match for stem cell donation.

Toby knows nothing about David or Nathan.

I mean, what must he be thinking?

Don't you think he deserves the truth?

Yes. And he needs to hear it from me. I'm sorry.

I can't do this stem cell thing. I can't....

I didn't intend for things to get so messy.

Well, when things calm down, maybe she'll come round.

No, not Kate. I know her.

Once she's made her mind up, there's no changing it.

You know, even if we persuade her,

the chances of her being a match are thin.

Yeah, but then at least we'd have hope, right?

And if we have hope, we have everything, right?

Now, squeeze my hand for me.

Good. OK, let's sit you up.

Ever had one of these episodes before?

No. Never.

Are you sure, Lesley?

We just need to know so we can treat you properly.

I'm telling you that was the first time.

What exactly was it?

Well, I'd like to get a neurologist down to take a look at you,

and if we could order up a CT to be on the safe side...

So she won't be leaving any time soon?

Well, we'll have to see, OK?

That has happened before, hasn't it?

You'd better start talking.

I had a fit two weeks ago.

The doctor said it could have been epilepsy.

I should have informed the DVLA.

Is that why you lied about being Lesley?

I didn't want to disappoint you.

Disappoint me!

You've got such high standards, Nadia.

Sometimes it's hard to live up to them.

Excuse me, there's a police officer

waiting to talk to you about the crash.

I can't talk to him now.

Why don't I keep them at bay for a while,

-while you sort things out here?

-BOTH: Thank you.

-We're going to the meeting.

-You're not well enough.

What, you're a doctor now too?

Let me prove to you I can do something right. Please.

Hannah!

I'm so sorry. I should have told you.

You were married and you have a child?

I HAD a child.

-What, and you left him?

-I can explain.

I'm not sure I want to hear it.

-MACHINE BEEPS FASTER

-What's happening?

HE COUGHS

Toby, try and breathe nice and deeply for me, OK?

Stay calm. I'm going to sit you up. Try not to panic.

He's tachycardic.

OK, nice deep breaths. Yeah, we need to get him into Resus.

Try and stay calm for us.

-Ready?

-Yes, let's go.

Toby, I'm so sorry!

He's developed an expiratory wheeze and his sats are down to 96%.

Looks like asthma to me, but there's no history.

His resps are 30. Pulse is 140.

What's he got in his hair?

Cornstarch and flour from the airbag. It exploded on impact.

Keep breathing, that's it.

OK, well, if it burst, it could have released sodium azide.

Which could have triggered the onset of asthma?

-Yeah. Worth a try.

-OK. Let's go down that route.

Can I get five of salbutamol and 200 of hydrocortisone

-and let's see how he does with that?

-You OK here?

Yes, I'm good, thank you.

OK, Toby, look, I promise you, things will be all right.

I know it's difficult now, but it will get easier.

(Excuse me.)

Sorry for the wait.

This is horrendous.

I'll see what's happening.

According to a recent agreement

between the hospital and ambulance service,

and in compliance with my guidelines,

subsection "Patient Flow",

patients should be processed and off-trolley

in a maximum of 20 minutes. I've been here 45.

I'm aware of the guidelines.

If you could be patient for another five minutes,

I'll find out what's going on.

Thank you.

Just please apologise for the wait, and tell them we'll get her

up to a ward as soon as we possibly can. All right, thanks.

Well, they're stacking up in the corridors now, as you can see.

Ash, something's got to give.

We are sailing far too close to the wind.

I'll ring the wards.

You will get a torrent of abuse.

Water off a duck's back, Charlie.

Good luck.

Hello, this is Dr Ashford from the ED.

Can I speak to the ward manager, please?

Well, she either takes my call, or I come up and see her myself.

Thank you.

How are you feeling?

Better.

I've just spoken to the surgeons, and due to your chest complications,

they are going to have to put your operation back until tomorrow.

OK.

Where's Kate?

She's in reception, waiting to talk to you.

And the boy?

He's in the relatives' room with his dad.

What a mess.

David's just a desperate man.

I can't take all this in.

I can't imagine how her child feels.

Me neither.

CT have finally got a slot for Lesley.

-She'll be relieved.

-Yeah.

-Can I speak to you for a moment, please?

-Course.

I've been thinking.

Oh no, you don't want to do too much of that.

Maybe I should ask for a new mentor.

Why?

I feel like a bit of an eejit since I sent you the card.

I thought we sorted that out.

Yeah. But I wouldn't want you to feel awkward.

Lesley Cooper's file.

Thank you, Noel.

Where's Lesley?

She should be there.

Right, I'll have a look for her.

Actually, there might be a contact number in here for her.

According to this, Lesley Cooper is 39.

Eh?

Why don't you check the Bluebelles' website?

Should be a contact number on there.

Nadia Savill.

And Hannah Cotterill?

Why did she give us a false name?

I have no idea. But someone find out.

See, that was good thinking. I put that down to a great mentor -

-and you wouldn't want to go changing that, would you?

-I guess...

-And we have a laugh.

-Yeah, but your jokes stink.

Oh, come on. They're not that bad.

You do need a new batch.

I'm not having you two ganging up on me, all right?

You make it so easy. I'd better go and find her.

Are you sure you're up to this?

Absolutely.

Thank you very much.

You've got lovely manners.

They're my favourites.

I prefer the sours, but they didn't have any.

Do you know who I am?

Yeah. Dad's told me all about you.

He has?

Yes, he has.

Come on, Nathan.

I'd better go.

-Nice meeting you.

-You too.

Toby's stable.

Can I see him?

The difference between Bluebelles and a normal taxi service

is that we have a through-the-door policy.

Er..

I just lost my way a bit there.

But don't think we'll lose your clients.

We've got great sat-navs in every car.

So if you're looking for security and service with a smile,

then Bluebelles can deliver. Thank you.

If you could just give us a few moments?

-Can we get out of here?

-Are you OK?

Yeah.

No. No, I'm not.

It's OK, princess.

Get an ambulance.

These are finished with.

Thank you.

Noel, do you fancy coming for a drink later with me

and some of the others?

Nah, I don't fancy it.

Something to eat, then? You do eat?

Of course I eat. How would I survive if I didn't eat?

Oh, we could go for a curry if you like?

Look, I'm not sure that Tess would appreciate you

hanging around here all the time.

No, you're right. She wouldn't.

So if you don't mind, I've got things to do.

I was in the basement earlier.

I wasn't being nosy or anything, but I saw...

You saw what?

I know you're living down there.

Somebody help him, please!

-What happened?

-I don't know. He fainted.

-He just said he felt hot.

-Right, this way.

Have you seen Ash?

Nope, sorry.

Tom! It's Nathan.

OK, David, let's put him on the bed over here.

-What happened?

-He just fainted.

-OK, lay him down.

I should never have brought him here.

It's not your fault.

OK, yeah, he's burning up.

Take his temp.

Temperate is 39.

It looks like a bacterial infection, possible pneumonia.

OK, Nathan, it's going to be a little cold, OK?

-Let's get a fan on him and get him into a gown.

-Yep.

I can do that. Come on, son, this will cool you down.

-Dad.

-Good boy, Nathan, good boy.

I'm here. I'm here.

The porters are here to take you to the orthopaedic ward.

OK. Thanks.

You could be here a week, maybe longer.

I'll make sure the office knows.

Don't bother, I'll do it myself.

I know I should have been honest with you from the start.

Is Nathan going to be all right?

I don't know. One of my colleagues is dealing with him.

Are we going to be OK?

I really don't know what to think.

Things don't have to change.

They already have.

You're as much of a stranger to me as you are to that child.

Look, I...

I just need some time alone to take all this in.

Kate...

You made your mind up?

Yeah, I have.

OK, beds two and three up to Ward Nine.

And that lady can go to Long-term Care. Thank you.

That's what I like to see -

a convoy of patients and empty beds.

I don't know how you persuaded the ward managers to do this,

but I could give you a big wet kiss.

It took some doing, which is ridiculous,

considering we're all in the patient-care business.

Well, theoretically, yes, but as you well know,

every department is a slave to its budget.

And paperwork. Tonnes of it.

I swear, there must be some guy paid millions

dreaming up ways of making our lives more difficult.

You're preaching to the choir, Ash. Preaching to the choir.

Well done, anyway.

You're welcome. All I need now is to find my missing patient.

Noel.

You just don't know when to butt out, do you?

I'm only trying to help.

Can you lend me some money?

What for?

To keep my dad in care.

He's got dementia.

He's been in this really good care home for five years.

I'm so sorry to hear that.

The money from his life savings and the sale of the house

covered it at first, until they put up the cost.

There must be cheaper places?

There are cheaper places. But he loves it there. He's settled.

Anyway...

I've been subbing the difference in cost for the past year.

-I lost my flat three weeks ago.

-Why didn't you tell anyone?

Because I didn't want charity,

or those pitying looks we give patients.

Can you ask the NHS for some financial support?

I've tried that. They said no.

We had the same problem with my gran.

-You've got to appeal.

-You think so?

Definitely, yeah!

I'm just not good at anything like that.

I am. I write great angry letters.

Do you want me to?

OK. But I don't want anyone else finding out about this.

-Come on, Noel.

-Do you hear me?

You don't say a word. Promise?

I promise.

This is Hannah Cotterill.

She's had a repeat of the same episode.

That one, thanks, Dix.

OK, Hannah. I need you to shuffle over to the other bed, please, love.

Nice and gently, OK? There we go.

You should have been straight with us from the start, Hannah.

I thought we'd lose everything if I had epilepsy.

-So, the wanderer returns.

-Don't be too hard on her.

-She's already feeling silly for running off.

-I'm really sorry.

Hey, it wasn't just you.

I'm just going to pop this on your finger again.

If you'd stuck around I was going to refer you to a neurologist

for a specialist assessment,

but I suspect this is maybe something called SPS.

Stiff Person Syndrome.

I've never heard of it.

It's quite rare.

Is it curable?

Not curable. I'd say more manageable.

It's a very individual condition.

Episodes can be triggered by noise, or even stress.

I've been giving you plenty of that lately, haven't I?

If it's not epilepsy, does that mean I won't lose my driving licence?

You'll have to check with the DVLA.

There's still the police officer to talk to.

Well, that's it, then, isn't it?

PHONE RINGS

It's Brydon House. Can I?

Course you can.

Hello?

We could always hand out cards around the hospital

to drum up business.

I don't think it would help.

OK, thank you.

What did they say?

We got the contract!

Well done.

You know what?

From now on, we'll face whatever is ahead together

and we'll make it work.

So you don't fancy being Clinical Lead full-time, then?

Never say never. But I didn't go through my medical training

-to do admin.

-Zoe phoned. She's still sick.

-You're joking?

-No, I'm not. And to add insult to injury,

we've got 12 more flu victims in reception.

What? I'm well and truly saddle-sore.

Do you know, I think we've got some very good ointment for that.

Mm-hm.

Yeah, matter of fact, I'll get you some.

This day can't end soon enough.

I know. I'm glad you sorted things with Aoife.

You are a good team.

Do you know what, before you go home, do you fancy going for a drink?

Have a little catch-up?

I took that tweet down.

I should think so.

You wanted to talk to me about something private?

Oh, no. It's done and dusted.

Big Mac, you selling something?

No. I'm going to get a lodger.

A lodger? Well, I could ask around,

see if any of the students are interested.

You don't really want to be living with a stranger, though, do you?

No, but I've been thinking about it for a while,

and I'm getting a bit lonely.

How about me moving in?

Well, don't do it just cos

-you think you're feeling sorry for me.

-I'm not.

It wouldn't be much rent. A bit for bills.

And we'd have to set some ground rules, mind.

Like what?

Well, those action figures of yours

would have to stay in your room for a start.

-Deal?

-Deal.

Good one.

You ready?

Yeah.

What was that about?

Oh, nothing.

So a penguin walks into a bar

and says to the barman, "Has my brother been in?"

And the barman says, "I don't know. What does he look like?"

That's rubbish!

OK, let's hear one of yours, then.

What did the zero say to the eight?

"Nice belt!"

Ohhh. And you're having a go at me about my jokes?

It's nice to see you smiling, though.

Yeah.

Do you want another one?

OK. Why not?

Does he know I'll be tested?

David told him.

MACHINE BEEPS

You all right, Kate?

Yeah, I'm fine.

It won't hurt, you know.

It's just a needle.

I've had loads, haven't I, Dad?

Yeah.

Well, if you can be brave, then so can I.

-Thanks, Tess.

-What for?

Pointing me in the right direction about Aoife, putting up with me,

and you know what?

Just pretty much you just being you.

-Good night.

-Night.

Nathan!

Been coming in here every day hoping we're going to be on the same shift.

We can't do this now.

Feel my forehead. I'm burning up.

Nathan!

Your eyes... Are you all right?

I'm running a temperature. Must be coming down with this flu.

We need more nurses in Resus.

We've got three down and Tess isn't far off.

He's had chemotherapy. It could be neutropenia, couldn't it?

-We'll get him into hospital.

-It could be, couldn't it?

-Tess?

-What if someone comes in?

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