The Wrong Foot Doctors

Gwen, I can manage.

No, you can't. Not unless I take you.

What are you doing?

I can't get off work this afternoon. I'll call the surgery.

Gwen, listen to me...

Is that the Mill? My father has an appointment today,

but he won't remember, and I can't get him there,

so we need a home visit.

There are many benefits to having an experienced midwife,

such as Sister Hanif, here.

The centre she used to work at had to let her go

due to a lack of funds.

That is why I believe it would be an opportunity for us

to adopt a new health initiative.

I think we should pursue this with St Philomena's.

I know I should have discussed it with you first,

but please, just look at the research.

Summarise it.

Local midwives have the benefit of extra support,

and surely it is better for a mother to have one midwife

that she can form a relationship with.

Hospitals cannot make this happen.

We can.

She's already clashed with Heston.

Why don't we just get another midwife?

She has already put a lot of hard work into this.

It would be unfair to exclude her just because of Dr Carter.

Are the differences personality or are the differences professional?

I do not know. You will have to discuss that with him.

Dr Granger?

Actually...I'm for it.

That's not what you were saying the other day.

Yeah, I know, but...Zara persuaded me.

All the work that she's doing on breast-feeding...

I think we could be doing more things like this in the community.

So she'd be happy.

Is Dr Carmichael voting for it?

She doesn't want to be a back-seat driver.

So she's abstaining until she's back. But it gets my vote.

But not mine. Sorry.

I think it needs to be unanimous.

Why not?

I'm just not sure we need it.

Mr Bellamy was 100% behind this.

What a wonderful legacy to leave!

Yeah. That's emotional manipulation

and I think it's totally the wrong reason to do it.

If we're going to invoke Howard,

then Howard would know when to let it go.

Maybe in the long term we could revisit it.

I have arranged for Sister Hanif to come in today,

to give you both a short presentation.

You've already sprung things on us once - you're not doing it again.

I've got a patient to see. Cancel her!

Would you like to take a seat?

Thank you.

Hello, it is Mrs Tembe. I am afraid it is still a no.

When you get this message, can you please phone me back?

And once again, I am so sorry.

Right. I'm off.

Have you cancelled the midwife? Yes.

Midwife? Don't worry, nothing's changed. It's not happening.

Sister Hanif was just coming to make a presentation.

No wonder I was suddenly switched to house calls.

So she's not even here and Mrs Tembe's keeping her away from you?

Jimmi, do not let that woman anywhere near this practice.

It's dead in the water.

Mr Reynolds?

What are YOU doing here?!

I work here.

Yeah, but you're supposed to be off!

I am so sorry.

I did not think you were going to be in today.

I did not want you to see me behind Mr Bellamy's desk like that.

No, it's fine.

Of course you would step up.

The patients go on, the Mill goes on.

Everything goes on.

Six months since your diagnosis? Yep.

How have you been? Good, all things considered.

Well, you're neither tachycardic or bradycardic.

Right in the Goldilocks zone.

And...70, so your pulse rate is fine.

He's running out of his cholesterol medication.

I'll write you another prescription.

Can we hurry this up, please? I need to get back.

You don't need to wait, I'll show myself out.

I need a word first.

His memory's getting worse.

You heard him - he didn't grasp what you were talking about.

That was just a bit of medical jargon.

I don't think he can look after himself any more.

He forgets things, gets confused.

We need to put him in a home.

We?! You're the doctor. You know how to make it happen.

Have you spoken to him about it?

Not directly. Who kicks it off, you or me?

You. You contact social services and then you look into homes.

But you have to talk to him first.

Who'll pay?

Sorry? For the care home.

Well, you need to talk to social services.

Mrs Tembe, hello.

Oh, I...left you a message.

Oh. I'm sorry, I've not checked.

Well, I'm here now.

I'm here to see Mrs Tembe.

Oh. Right.

You know each other?

Through St Phil's.

Oh...I am so sorry. But the partners do not want to proceed.

Is this about Howard's proposal?

Yes.

Well, who said no?

Not here, come through.

There's no point trying to protect them, Mrs Tembe.

I'm just going to ask.

It was Dr Clay.

Why?

He feels that there is emotional pressure.

Because it was Mr Bellamy's idea.

But I truly believe having Sister Hanif here

would be good for the practice.

I agree. And not just because it was Howard's idea.

Perhaps you could have a word with Dr Clay?

No, I... I don't think I'm the right person.

Emma's right.

If he felt he was being emotionally pressured...

having Emma get involved would only make things worse.

Mrs Tembe, I'm sorry to ask, but my next appointment's round the corner.

While I'm here with time on my hands,

is it possible to find a bit of room to do some work?

Yes, yes, of course. Come with me. Thank you.

BEEP

What's that?

It's this game I play. Brain...brain training.

It helps, doesn't it?

Well, it won't do any harm.

You coping at home all right?

Yeah!

I mean, I'm on my own, mostly, and I had to give up my job.

Not too lonely?

Me? No.

The one upside about dementia is that Gwen's round a lot more.

Used to be once in a blue moon.

Did you sort out that paperwork, like I asked?

Yes...we did it yesterday, remember?

Oh... Course.

I'll get that for you.

Social services will ask me for an assessment.

Now, I'm not sure he's ready to go into care yet.

We may be better with other options, like home support.

I've seen a lot more of him than you have.

That's as may be. But he seems in fine shape.

Don't you believe me? Well, it's not a question of belief.

But surely he's better off at home, with support, looking after himself.

I'm running after him all the time.

He doesn't always remember to eat.

I know it's very difficult sometimes looking after the people we love.

I...can't keep giving up the time. Even with home support.

I'll look at the options.

Oh, Jimmi, there you go. I'll get your printer cartridge replaced.

Ah, great, thank you.

So, weekend courses?

Yeah, I'd been thinking about taking up something new for a while.

Recent events...

There's no point putting anything off.

Never too old to start a new adventure.

But I'm too young to hear that!

No, but I know what you mean.

I've got a brand-new kitchen and nobody to cook for but Rob.

Maybe you should get some of your workmates over?

Road-test that kitchen of yours.

I was thinking I would do that.

My Cooks Heaven party tomorrow night got cancelled.

People will want to snap it up, but it's still available.

You get a great discount on food and drink.

And if you take it up short notice,

we get loads of extra goodies for free.

We?

You get the freebies, and I get my commission. Oh!

Emma?

If you want to talk...

No. No, I don't. And certainly not at work.

Smile.

What are you doing?

Have you got nothing better to do than irritate

one of your co-workers on their break?

Stop papping me, please, James!

Oh, come on, give me a break. Didn't you ever want to be a model?

Just the swimsuit kind.

I'm thinking of taking up a new hobby.

Photography. It's either that or basket weaving, aromatherapy.

Thanks, Karen.

What is that woman doing here?

Ruhma? Mrs Tembe said that she could use Zara's room.

Oh...well?

I like it.

One could set one's watch by it.

By what?

That middle-aged thing.

You know, you lose someone close to you, so you think,

"I know! I must improve my life!"

Just like New Year's resolutions.

Then you'll feel even more miserable once you fail.

Why are you my friend?

It's my honesty. Can you go and be David Bailey elsewhere, please?

I'm not middle-aged either!

Took you long enough.

Smile.

Let me be cool. Go on.

I can't do that.

Let me be cool.

I need a filter for that.

Oh, I want it all - now!

Have you got a stapler?

So, Cooks Heaven party...your place, tomorrow night?

What about Sergeant Hollins?

He loves cooking and entertaining!

Sounds fun.

I have nothing else planned.

Good, so you're coming. Must remember to invite Ayesha and Niamh.

Coming to what?

You don't all have to walk on eggshells around me.

We're not, no, it's just that Karen's having some of the team

over tomorrow for one of my Cooks Heaven events.

And if you're feeling up to it, she'd love you to come, too,

but completely understand if it's not right for you.

I think I'll pass, if that's all right.

Of course.

I need some fresh air.

You handled that really well.

Oh, you must come too, right, Karen?

Yeah. Brilliant!

Mrs Tembe? I need a word now.

Well, you'll just have to make the time.

Yes, two minutes will be fine.

KNOCK ON DOOR Yes?

We need you in reception.

HE SIGHS

No, you definitely had a house call earlier.

That's ridiculous!

I'd remember if I had a house call earlier. Can I help?

I have an appointment, Dr...

Carter.

We saw each other an hour ago.

Yes...now you're here...I remember.

I'm very sorry.

Can I get you something?

Some water.

Why don't we sit down over here and have a chat?

I must have forgotten.

What is happening to me?!

Well, with dementia, at this stage, you'll have good days and bad days.

It's perfectly normal.

I think we should call Gwen. She has power of attorney.

She needs to know what happened.

Is that what the paperwork was?

I signed the house over to her.

The house?

To protect it if I have to go into care.

For her.

What's Gwen's situation?

Good job, her own flat. She's doing very well.

Actually, this has been mortifying. I'm sorry for wasting your time.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

His house in Westbourne Park is worth a lot of money.

Get it signed over to her, and then stick him in a home?

Oh, Mrs Tembe.

HE SIGHS

Hey.

I said I didn't want to talk about it.

You said not in there.

All right, you win that one on a technicality.

One question and then if you want me to leave, fine.

One.

Do you want me to treat you like a doctor or a patient?

I just want people to stop treating me like I'm going to break.

A patient, then.

Whatever.

Then, how have you been?

Fine, mostly. A little bleeding.

Do you want me to check...? No.

A little bleeding's...

Is normal after a miscarriage. Yes, I do know.

How's it feel being back here?

I thought it was one question. I lied.

It's weird.

Harder than I thought it would be. But I just have to focus,

get to the end of the day and then it's done.

Losing a baby is hard. Losing your partner is hard.

Losing both...

I don't know what you're going through.

I can only try to help, so please let me.

Does anyone in the Mill know what happened?

Some.

I think that's why Jimmi said no to the midwife proposal.

He's worried that having you here will be a constant reminder to me.

At least he hasn't got an irrational dislike to midwives.

Unlike that cranky...

Who?

Bow ties.

Oh. Heston?

"Cantankerous, arrogant fool" trips off the tongue a bit easier.

Perhaps we should put that on his door.

This is about what works for you.

Getting from one day to the next, that's fine.

But you don't have to do it on your own.

If you find any problems just give us a ring.

Is Mrs Tembe free yet? She's got meetings...

PHONE RINGS ..but she might get a few minutes in between.

Hello, Mill Health Centre.

DOOR CLOSES Oh, Mrs Tembe?

Heston! It's Gwen Taylor.

Her dad, he's not come home and he's not got his phone.

Miss Taylor?

George?

George?

Gwen's worried about you.

Can I get in?

What happened?

I don't know how to get home.

I got in, started the car and...

and...knew I didn't know where to go.

What is happening to me?

This is as good as it gets...now?

And... And it's going to get worse?

It's...never going to get better.

George...do you think you CAN look after yourself?

I don't want a care home.

But...but...

I've been enough of a bother. I'll be fine.

Please, just leave me. It'll come back to me.

I WILL remember.

You shouldn't be driving.

HE SIGHS

Karen, I'm taking Mr Taylor home.

So you think maybe the daughter's right?

I don't know. He's had one bad day.

Maybe she just doesn't want anything bad to happen to him. Hmm.

Dr Carter, my next meeting has been delayed. I have a few minutes.

I'm helping a patient right now. Can we catch up later?

I am very busy for the rest of the day.

Right.

I was thinking of taking up photography.

Good for you. What's got you into that?

Oh, you know, after what happened,

just thought I'd turn over a new leaf.

Right. So it could be anything?

It's not actually that you like taking pictures?

It's just I've got an uncle who's a bit of a camera bore...

I mean, an amateur photographer.

I wanted to get into it for a little while, but I guess

he could tell I wasn't really that into it.

He said, "Don't waste all your money on lenses and whatnot

"until you know you've tried it and you like it."

You know, I always thought the blokes with the big lenses were compensating

for something. Like middle-aged men with sports cars and trophy wives.

So if I need any advice, I know where to find you.

He gave me one of his old camera bodies actually. I've still got it.

Never used it.

It's yours if you want to try it out.

It's a bit like that one actually.

Really?

That one? Mm. That's the one I was looking at.

Good choice. That's one of the ones my Uncle Merv recommended.

If you like, I could show you

a couple of good starter lenses he told me to get.

Yeah, that'd be useful.

Well, apparently, the best place to start is a good 50mm lens.

This one. It's a good all-rounder, so he says.

Long-term memory is OK and I can remember how to do things I used to.

I don't have any problem with the actual driving.

It's just where you're going?

That's never happened before. I... I forget things, small things.

Is it getting worse?

I don't know.

I don't remember.

Your father's fine.

I don't like the way you talk to me.

Well, I'm concerned for his wellbeing.

He needs a care home.

Well, there are areas of concern, I agree, but...

He couldn't remember his way home! He couldn't contact me!

Which, for now, seems like an isolated incident.

We need to keep an eye on him, see if there's further deterioration.

What? When it happens again?

Well, I'm not sure he should be driving, for a start.

Which would make him even more dependent on me!

This isn't your decision.

We have to do what's in his best interests.

Are you saying I wouldn't? Why else would I do it?

Some people might be concerned about losing their inheritance.

How dare you?

And of course, for the next six years,

the social services will treat this house as his asset.

You need to back off. And I want a second opinion.

Um, I've looked at Mr Taylor's notes and I've talked to him.

I've not been able to do anything

which leads me to a definitive conclusion.

However, with everything I've seen,

I would be inclined to agree with Heston.

And that's not just doctors sticking together.

His dementia is advancing. What if he forgets to take his meds?

That could be dangerous, right?

Yes.

He lives alone. He isn't getting any stimulation.

So the chances are, he's going to start dwelling in the past.

His memory's going to get worse.

Sometimes family has to step up

and look after the welfare of their loved ones.

There's only me and I can't give up my life.

You have power of attorney? Yes. No.

Your father told me you have.

We talked about it once, but I don't want it.

You have the house in your name.

HE put it my name. I don't want it.

It's nothing but bad memories before Mum walked out.

She took me with her, but I barely knew him till a couple of years ago.

He reached out, then this dementia happened.

I know what happened between my parents wasn't all his fault.

But there were times when... when I really needed him

and he was never there.

Just because we share some genes... I won't sacrifice my life.

I never wanted the house, but he gave me no choice.

So sell it, give it to the care home! I hate the place.

Heston!

George...you told me

that you signed power of attorney over to your daughter.

Is that true?

Yes. I talked about it with her.

Yes, but did you do it? Did you speak to a lawyer?

We never got round to it. Course we did.

No. You put the house in my name. That's it.

I thought...

But if you're sure... I guess I can't have.

Heston.

I think I've been unfair on her.

You got off on the wrong foot? Like you did with the midwife?

You're bringing Ruhma to the Mill.

I told you. I've already dealt with it.

I've got to get back.

George...

Gwen is worried...

that you won't be able to look after yourself.

And she can't commit the time to caring for you.

So we need to investigate

whether extra support or a home is the best option for you.

I want to stay in my home.

I understand that, but we need to know what we're going to do

if things deteriorate.

I told you it wasn't about the money.

I know. I'm sorry.

Jimmi, I've been looking for you.

Um, I understand that Mrs Tembe put Howard's midwife proposal to you.

Yes.

And you vetoed it? Why? It's a good idea.

It wasn't right for us.

I understand that you're being sensitive to me

and how I might feel, seeing Ruhma in the building all the time.

That was something I had to take into consideration.

I know more than anyone right now how important it is to have

a good midwife around when things go wrong.

And I think our patients deserve that.

Yeah, but we can't go back over decisions

just because the staff don't like it.

Yeah, but right here, right now, I'm not just staff, am I?

Emma, this is the kind of emotional manipulation that really worries me.

You don't have to worry about me being reminded.

It's not like I'm going to forget.

You will get past this.

I don't want to get past it, Jimmi.

And, well, you know, you don't get past this stuff, do you?

You just carry it with you.

I dread the day that I wake up

and Howard isn't the first thing that I think of.

And as awful as this is, that will be worse.

Thank you for letting me use the room, Mrs Tembe.

I really wish I could have done more.

I feel like I promised you so much and delivered nothing.

It's not your fault.

Oh. Speak of the devil.

Leaving so soon?

It was good to see you again.

"Life is but a walking shadow, a poor player

"that struts his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more."

"It is a tale...

"told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

Macbeth Act 5, Scene 5.

Yes, she is still here...

So, Dr Clay and I went through Howard's proposal again.

And we've decided to take it to the trust.

Why the change of mind? Does it matter?

Are you happy?

OK, just one elephant in the room to sort out, then.

Heston. Hm. I could have a word.

No. Where's the fun in that?

I thought tonight was about supporting Valerie

and taking everyone's mind off Howard.

Not showcasing our new kitchen.

Spread your wings, ladies.

They want to buy, you want to make that happen.

Welcome to your Cooks Heaven.

You will find something here that's perfect for any kitchen.

Spoon!

Everybody just stop!