Face to Face Doctors

PHONE RINGS

Dr Ashcroft?

Look, it's my decision, and...

No!

Morning, everyone. And what a glorious morning it is.

Oh, someone's in a good mood.

By the way, I've organised your cover for tomorrow.

-Wonderful.

-Are you skiving off again?

No, I'm practising my linguistic skills.

Ooh. I've gone weak at the knees.

I'm a keynote speaker at a GP symposium.

That sounds terrifying.

Ever since school, I've really enjoyed public speaking.

Really?

I was president of the debating society and would reduce

my classmates to jibbering wrecks with the cut and thrust of my wit.

Hm.

We really should think about getting that door widened.

Excuse me. Sorry, we're not open yet.

Oh, sorry.

Miss Stanuski?

Are you all right?

The last time I was here, was I in pain?

Or...upset, or...?

Um...I treated you for a burn on your arm.

Could you spare a moment? I need your help.

Yeah. Yeah. Come through.

I need to find out as much as I can about myself.

Sorry, you've lost me.

Sorry. I'm suffering from amnesia.

I fell from a balcony about a month ago.

Shouldn't you be in hospital?

I've just discharged myself.

Do you think that was the right thing to do?

Look, I'm not going back.

After a few weeks there, I can't take anymore.

OK. Take a seat.

I just need to find out who I am.

Is there anything you can tell me, anything at all?

Er...not really. I only saw you a couple of times.

The burn on my arm...?

You said you did that doing cooking...

after you'd had a few.

I remember because...

What?

Please! It might help!

Well, you were a bit abrupt.

I'm sure it was just the drink.

I can't remember.

Sorry.

It's fine. It's fine. What do you remember?

Hardly anything.

All I know is what other people have told me.

Apparently, I was born in Romania.

Friends, family?

Well, if I have any, I don't know about them.

The only visitors in hospital were a couple of nervous employees,

who said I live alone and own some big company.

Well, maybe your doctor will know something.

Oh.

What is it?

Um...I'm afraid Dr Wilson isn't with us anymore.

Great.

Look, I've wasted both our time.

Thanks, anyway.

I'm sorry I could...

Yes, yes. It is of the utmost importance that we sort it out soon.

Yeah. Yes, I can make that.

Goodbye.

You look a little on edge, Mrs Tembe.

I am meeting a friend to discuss the Reverend Stanhope's leaving party.

And that's important, how?

You do not understand. Mrs Land means well,

but she does tend to hijack things.

Oh, yeah, let's forget about the Middle East crisis or world hunger

and let's all pray for Reverend No-hope's leaving bash(!)

It is Reverend Stanhope.

That's a shame.

Well, I can always try twisting the arm of one of my colleagues.

Yeah, leave it with me. Bye, Roger.

Problem?

One of the speakers has fallen through.

And they'd like you to suggest a replacement?

Well, they value my opinion.

Well, Daniel's your best bet.

Admittedly, he is a little smarmy,

but he's used to presentations with the Granger Clinic.

I was thinking more of Jimmi.

You've got to be joking.

He's the last person you want when the pressure's on. He'll crumble.

No, not at all.

As a police surgeon, he'll bring his own unique perspective

to the symposium. Trust me.

HUBBUB

ROOM GOES SILENT

Hannah! What are you doing here?

According to the name on the door, this is my office...

Yes... I thought I'd use it till you were well again.

So when did they discharge you?

They haven't. I need your help. I still can't remember anything.

Maybe we should call your specialist.

No! I'm not going back.

Sorry, I didn't mean to...

I just want some answers.

I mean, what kind of a boss... businesswoman am I?

What...what is it that drives me?

Er...

I suppose if there was one thing,

then it would be money.

-Money?

-The figures speak for themselves.

You charge one of the highest rates of interest in Letherbridge.

You don't seem so happy about that?

Alison, please, just be honest with me.

It's hard sometimes.

Knowing that people have lost their businesses, their homes...

Obviously, that's just the way I am...my opinion.

I don't mean anything by it.

Heston, it's not the kind of thing I'd be comfortable doing.

But what about all those times you've had to stand up in court

and give evidence?

That is a lot different from public speaking.

It's my job. I have to do that.

Well, I can't say I'm not disappointed.

I was looking forward to hearing your pearls of wisdom

-as a police surgeon.

-Sorry.

I'll just have to ask someone else. Daniel, perhaps.

OK, Heston... Heston!

Heston, I was thinking...

I can't keep running away from things

that I don't want to do, so maybe I should just do it.

-Good man. I'll look forward to hearing what you come up with.

-OK.

Stop the car!

What is it?

That smell... I know that smell.

It's the old glue factory.

I grew up around here.

Somewhere over there...

Where are you going? I thought you wanted a lift home!

No, it's fine. I'll call you later.

If you ask me, a good speech should have plenty of gags in it.

A couple of rude ones always does it for me.

-Take no notice.

-A good speech should put fire in the belly.

"Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more."

Exactly.

Boring! Get 'em laughing and you'll soon win 'em over.

Rubbish. It should inspire and motivate.

I agree with Winston Churchill.

A good speech should be like a woman's skirt.

Long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest.

Jimmi, just be yourself.

Sorry I am late. My morning has been hectic.

Not a problem in the slightest.

I know how busy you are.

So, how has your morning been?

Oh, very good indeed.

You certainly look very pleased with yourself.

I've got some good news for you.

Really?

After all your hard work organising the Jubilee celebrations,

I've decided you should take it easy this time.

You deserve it.

And so you can leave the Reverend's party to me.

That is...most kind of you, but I could not possibly impose.

-Oh, don't worry, I don't mind.

-No, it is far too much for one person.

It's fine, honestly.

-No, I couldn't.

-Yes, you could.

It would not be fair on you.

I insist!

And so do I!!

Well, it looks worse than it is.

You won't need stitches.

Sorry if you're missing your lunch.

I just couldn't face going back to that hospital.

That's your decision.

-Did you find anything out about yourself?

-Er, yeah.

Apparently, I'm not a very nice person to know.

How did that make you feel?

I don't know, really.

It's as if it isn't me.

It's like I've got no identity.

Where next?

Home.

58, Anderson Gardens.

Well, not that I'll recognise it.

Well, perhaps the party should have a Ugandan theme to it.

Oh, no, it must be British,

to commemorate the Reverend's time in Letherbridge.

And besides, we could recycle some of the Jubilee stuff.

I hardly think some old, tatty bunting is appropriate.

With all due respect,

I think I have more of an idea of what the Reverend would like.

After all, I have been a parishioner for longer than you.

Yes, but I have always been a closer friend to the Reverend.

Nonsense!

It was I who first greeted him when he arrived.

Yes, but...

It was I who offered him help and support.

I who bought him soup when he was ill on more than one occasion.

Oh, yes.

It goes without question, I am the one he turns to for assistance.

In fact, he has entrusted me with so many important tasks.

What is that?

Sorry. I've just realised I should be at the drycleaners.

The Reverend asked me to do him a favour.

-Oh.

-And I mustn't be late because he's relying on me

to make sandwiches for this afternoon's bible club.

Anyway, I'll give you a call later,

when I'm not so busy.

So, how was the big showdown? Was it crucifixes at dawn?

There is no need for blasphemy.

But if you want to know, it was a complete disaster.

How about you ask Reverend No-hope what kind of party he wants?

How many times, it is Reverend STANhope.

And as for your suggestion, it is...

It is actually a very good idea.

Blindingly obvious, if you ask me.

-VOICES 'She stinks!

-Big nose!

'Hey, immigrant, it's not Hallowe'en yet - you can take your mask off!'

CHILDREN CHANT: 'Immigrant, immigrant!

'I can smell her from here!'

BELL RINGS

'Horrible!'

OK, OK. I'm just about to finish my speech.

Excellent.

-So, if you've got a minute, if you're free, I can run it by you?

-Of course.

-Excellent.

Do you want me to...?

No. No - you stay.

It's probably good if I've got an audience.

Great. You've put some jokes in, yes?

Yeah, yeah.

In your own time.

OK, OK.

As an FME, it is important to familiarise yourself with

the rules, regulations and procedures of the police force,

the full terms of which can be found in the Midlands Central Police handbook,

which I have here. This is the revised edition, so...

Alison, it's Hannah.

I'm going to be back at the office tomorrow,

so I want to see all the accounts.

No - at my place, in an hour.

With regards to current protocol,

advice can always be obtained from colleagues familiar with changes to existing legislation.

As regulation C14 states, it is important to adhere to the

procedures outlined in subsection 9, which highlights specifically

the professional background of police surgeons, the administration

management of the police surgeon service

and the attitudes and the aspects of the professional practice

and the impact of this role on the civil liberties.

So, to conclude then,

the role of an FME can be difficult, can be demanding,

and can be arduous, it can be challenging,

but never, never boring.

Is everything all right?

You tell me, Alison.

Since I went into hospital, our interest rates have almost halved.

Well, I had to make some tough decisions.

-Decisions?

-I thought it was important to respond to the market.

I wanted us to remain competitive with our rivals in what is a very difficult climate.

-You've got some spittle on your chin.

-What?

Sorry.

Er... Where was I?

You were trying to justify why you've lost me money?

Well, actually, we've still made a hefty profit.

I'm not running a charity.

No, no...

Listen, Alison, let me make this crystal clear to you.

-Hannah...

-Be quiet.

If you ever pull something like this again...

Oh... I contacted the Reverend, like you said.

And it appears that he simply wants a pub lunch.

How very noble of him.

So, thank you for the advice.

It was very Christian of you.

Hold on. Christian!

Christians do not have the monopoly on generosity and kindness.

In fact, if anything, it's religious fanatics who lack compassion.

Let's face it, any Christian act of so-called "charity"

is one born out of indoctrination and fear!

It's got nothing whatsoever to do with conscience

or basic common decency or "love thy fellow man as thyself".

It's a complete and utter fabrication.

And like all religion, has no place in the 21st century.

Well, thank you for that, it was most...enlightening.

But I am afraid it is riddled with inaccuracies.

Oh. How's that?

Excuse me. I have stood here and listened to you -

now please have the decency to do the same.

Most people live empty lives.

They have nothing to believe in, they have become selfish,

self-obsessed...

and greedy.

They have forgotten how to care for one another,

and religion fills that gap.

It gives people an anchor to hold onto in times of crisis and doubt.

It gives people certainty over their own true purpose,

and connects them with all they have lost, with humanity.

How can you possibly say that it has no purpose?!

-Well, where do I start?

-Eh!

No. I have heard quite enough of your narrow-mindedness

and bigotry for one day.

I have work to do.

What are you doing here?

I just came to check you were OK?

Well, it's a wasted journey, I'm afraid. I've got most of my memory back.

Well, that's great,

but I think after your dizziness, you should go back to the hospital.

-Look, if you mention that place one more time...

-I'm just concerned.

And I think hospital is the best place for you.

Are you deaf or just plain stupid?

Well, you were right about one thing.

When you said you're not a very nice person.

You don't know what you're talking about.

That was before I started to remember.

Hardly an excuse for treating people like dirt.

Look around. What do you see?

Just a big house.

No - success!

It's not bad for some dirty little immigrant girl, eh?

I've got more money than all my classmates put together!

So I don't need to make any excuses to you or anyone else.

Hannah, don't go.

Are you sure you're OK?

Yeah. Back to normal and happy as ever.

You don't seem very happy.

What, you treat me for a couple of injuries and you think you know me?

That burn on your arm.

It's very high up.

-So?

-So, it's difficult to understand how you did it cooking.

Maybe you did it some other way.

Did you try and hurt yourself, Hannah?

It was an accident.

It was, it was an accident!

Just like when you fell off the balcony.

Hannah, what's going on?

I...hated myself...

..I hated what I'd become.

I died, didn't I?

I died on that spot.

In a sense, yeah.

But you've been given another chance.

-Yeah, I'm actually looking forward to it now.

-Good. Jimmi...

I know it's not perfect, but if I make a few tweaks it'll be good.

Well, that's the key, isn't it? Brevity.

Yeah. Bit more of a chop down.

You do think people will enjoy it, though?

Oh, undoubtedly. But remember what I said about being entertaining.

Entertaining. Yes. Yes.

You know what, when I'm in front of the audience I'll give it a bit of extra oomph.

-I can imagine.

-I better go and make those tweaks. Night, Karen.

-Night night, Jimmi.

Well, there's nothing like honesty,

and that wasn't anything like it.

-No.

-You have to tell him the truth.

Yeah.

Alison, it's me.

I'm sorry about earlier.

Look, I've been thinking,

and I'd like you to run the business from now on, however you see fit.

I won't interfere.

I'm not sure yet.

Maybe it's time I did something worthwhile with my money.

Speak soon.

Hello, again.

I forgot my speech.

How did it go?

He went through the whole speech in the staffroom,

and I can't believe how dire he was.

-How bad was he?

-Terrible! I didn't have the heart to tell him.

Well, I did warn you.

I know. I should have taken your advice and gone with Daniel.

You have no choice. You have to do the speech.

What are you doing?

He had pot pourri!

Well, I'll get him to move it.

Irene needs me!

So you're OK?

Hm-mm.

It's done!

Smile.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd