Forever Doctors

I'm still holding on.

But every knock-back, every rejection

still feels like a kick in the guts.

It makes me feel like there's no point in even trying, you know.

Nine times out of ten, my application's filed in the bin.

My last interview, it went well, but it's always there,

that elephant in the room.

And yet I've been clean for almost a year now.

The government say they want to help me back into society,

but how am I supposed to do that if no-one will give me a break?

You could at least think about it?

Hey, Annie. Do you have it?

-No.

-It has to be completed this morning,

otherwise, I'm afraid the whole thing is off!

Maybe that's for the best.

Look, honey, everyone gets cold feet.

But in my experience, people come through this thankful

they were given the opportunity.

Do you want to miss your chance?

I'm sorry.

I'll be there for you, Annie. Every step of the way!

-The weight of the world on your shoulders.

-Feels like it.

Why don't I whisk you away from Letherbridge

to the land of Rigoletto?

-The opera?

-I have a spare ticket for the matinee tomorrow.

-Oh, I'd love to, Heston.

-And you shall.

I'll be doing paperwork through lunch so me and Ayesha can leave work on time.

We're going to see that new Bond film tomorrow night.

-Oh.

-"You are a kite, Mr Bond!"

Oh. Low culture wins out.

Sorry, Heston, but thank you.

Al! Opera tomorrow?

BOTH: # Don Giovanni. #

Heston, I've got all the opera I need right here,

but thank you for the very expensive offer.

Good morning, Heston.

Er...Ruhma.

It's just that...I haven't heard anything

and the interview was last week, so...

Can you tell me why?

What about my history...? Hello?

SHE SIGHS

Annie?

"I don't think I can go through with this."

I understand.

But you've been through so much to get this far.

And you won't be alone.

We just need to get the form signed so it can go ahead this afternoon.

I don't think my doctor will do it.

The form simply asks them to confirm

that you've been treated for a drugs dependency.

They won't know what it's for.

Without it, my organisation can't release any funds.

Can we do it now? I can come and pick you up.

Annie?

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Come in.

Heston, I'd like the benefit of your expertise, please.

How can I help?

Well, I've been misled by all of the doctors here.

Either they're humouring me, or actively lying to me.

-That's a very serious allegation.

-Well...

Are you proud of your own record?

Um...antibiotics.

Well, maybe I shouldn't have prescribed quite so many.

-Still, I'm not quite as bad as...

-Jimmi.

-Indeed.

So...what do I do?

Have you spoken to him about it?

He doesn't respect my views on this.

Sid, you're a qualified doctor.

Saying challenging and difficult things

is all part of the territory.

You're right. Thanks, Heston.

I'll, er...I'll do just that.

Can I help?

Yeah. I need to see a doctor this morning. Dr Reid, ideally.

I'm afraid Dr Reid's not seeing patients today.

But Dr Donoghue's running a drop-in clinic if you don't mind waiting.

Yeah, OK. Um...my name's Annie Watkins.

OK. Oh, please take a seat.

-Jimmi!

-Morning.

Um...I wanted to talk to you about antibiotics.

I've said all I need to say about that.

-But I was just wondering how you're going to address this.

-I'm not.

By carrying on like this, we're contributing to antibiotic resistance,

-one of the biggest threats...

-Sid!

There are hardly any new antibiotics being developed.

This makes it harder and harder to treat an infection.

Thank you for telling me, Sid. Thank you for the insight(!)

-Look, of course, you know all this.

-Yeah. So tell someone who doesn't.

Take a seat, Annie.

So, what can we do for you today?

Well, it's not exactly medical.

Right. I'm not sure you're in the right place, though.

I-I can't find any work and it's wearing me down.

The JSA is not enough to live on.

But there's this scheme that helps ex-addicts get some, like,

paid work experience. Cleaning up around the estate.

And with some work experience, hopefully, you'll get a job.

Yeah, exactly. So I just need you to sign this.

It verifies that I've been treated for a drug dependency.

Without it, I'm not eligible.

OK, that's not how we do things.

There's a small charge and also,

we have a process to make sure the form is valid.

Dr Reid's done all that.

-She said I should just pop in for a signature.

-Right.

I thought I'd see her this morning.

I have to drop it off within the hour, or I'm not going to get on.

Well, if Dr Reid's says it's OK, I'll make an exception this once.

But in future, we do need forms to go through Reception.

-Yeah, of course.

-Right.

It sounds like a really good scheme.

-I hope you get on it.

-Me, too. Thanks, Doctor.

Keep me posted.

-Well done.

-I think I'll walk home. Get some air.

OK. I'll come and collect you about 11:30.

Could you update the system with these? Thank you.

-Excuse me, Doctor, could I have a quick word?

-Sure.

Um...would I be correct in saying

that you take a more progressive view

towards those suffering from drug addiction?

Well, I believe addicts should be helped.

Well, it's a matter close to my own heart.

Back in Connecticut, I work with addicts

to help them, and the wider community,

to avoid further pain and suffering.

Great. Addicts need all the support they can get.

Absolutely.

I am so glad we see eye to eye on this.

Perhaps you and this health centre could help further my work in the UK

by recommending my scheme to your patients?

It's very well-funded.

There are many donors willing to help the cause.

-OK. Well, I'll look into it.

-Thank you.

Excuse me?

I'm sorry, excuse me! Wait!

Offering to pay addicts to get sterilised is completely unethical!

I don't think the babies born crack addicts would agree with you.

Don't you realise some addicts will use the money to buy more drugs?

Well, if they do, that's their choice.

The children have no choice!

What you're doing is exploitative.

It's a form of social engineering.

And no-one in that building will condone it.

Why are those who aren't fit to be parents

allowed to have child after child

when they can only give them the worst start in life?

It's a form of child abuse!

These people need to be stopped.

For the good of society!

If I see you around here again, I'm calling the police.

-Do you understand?

-On what grounds?

Trespass. You're not wanted here.

I really hope you manage to open your eyes one day, honey.

NIAMH SIGHS

And see things as they really are!

Jimmi? Um...I'm sorry.

-Right.

-I just stated the obvious.

-Yeah, well...

-What I should have done was propose an actual solution.

And I have one!

-Which is?

-Equip all the doctors with practical strategies

which will work in the real world.

Role-play! It'll help embed the behaviours you need when dealing with patients.

Can I, er...run you through one?

Ah, um...I can't. No time. I've got real patients to see. But...

Mate, I would love to do a role-play with you.

Let me just get into character.

And... curtain up.

I've got the most horrific hacking cough.

My nose is running, my temperature's through the roof.

What on Earth do you mean, you're not going to give me antibiotics?!

Well, antibiotics aren't always guaranteed to work.

Your illness may well be viral, not bacterial.

-But you can't say that for sure.

-No, but on balance...

I want tests done. I want you to know for sure!

That is a disproportionate measure. For such a common illness,

that's an extra process I just can't justify.

What do you mean? You're just penny-pinching!

I pay my taxes! How dare you, sir?!

Even if it was bacterial, I still wouldn't prescribe antibiotics.

Plenty of rest and fluids, that will do the trick.

You're just trying to fob me off.

The NHS clearly is in a sorry state

if you can't afford just a couple of measly tablets!

Antibiotics resistance is a huge problem.

That is more of a threat to you.

How dare you say I'm a huge problem? You are!

I'm going to contact my local MP and I'm going to get you struck off!

End scene.

Now, Sidney, you just got yourself sacked. So...

..any thoughts on that role-play?

-I'm probably not very good at it.

-No!

Just a couple of things for you to consider.

DOORBELL

Can I come in...please?

Thanks.

You look better.

I'm clean.

I have been for almost a year.

I never thought you could do it.

I'm glad to say you were wrong.

Where are you staying?

I've got a flat at the Churchill estate.

Not exactly what you'd hoped for me, I suppose.

You're doing well.

It looks like having to fend for yourself was the best thing for you.

Actually, you're wrong. That just made me worse.

Not in the long-term.

No.

This is what made me stop.

Oscar.

He's the best thing that ever happened to me.

He's been adopted, but...

if I stay clean, I might be able to still see him.

Why didn't you tell me I had a grandchild?

I could have helped!

You threw me out, remember?

Oh! He's beautiful!

-Yeah, he is.

-Can I see him?

Mum, I need your help.

What do you need?

Money. I need money.

I take it that was a no?

I actually believed you for a second there.

Where did you get the picture? A magazine?

I took it myself!

Oh! This is a new low for you, Annie.

Do you really think I'd lie about something like that?

I know so. You haven't changed!

Actually, you're wrong. I have!

-You haven't.

-Oh, here we go!

The first step to resolving your more socially-acceptable addiction

is to admit you have a problem!

-I don't!

-Who are you kidding?!

Don't you dare come in here and project your problems on to me!

Oh, really? Then why did Dad leave?

-Get out!

-I'm sorry.

It's just that...I'm on the other side of it.

-You're never cured...

-Now! Before I throw you out!

What, again?!

Just go!

Yeah, OK. I'll go.

I'll go to the clinic and get myself sorted, if that's what you want.

Annie? Annie, what do you mean?

HE SIGHS

I give up.

Jimmi won't listen.

What did you say?

I set out the big picture arguments, I told him why we have to do this.

-Anything else?

-I tried to get him to do some role-play

so he'd feel better prepared for any...

Did you actually challenge him on his poor record?

Well, er...not exactly.

He's the worst offender in the place!

-OK, I know!

-Don't overthink it.

Go back and say what has to be said.

I was afraid you weren't coming.

There was someone I had to see.

-But my mind's made up now.

-Good.

You know, I would never twist your arm to walk through that door.

But it's the right thing to do.

There's something I haven't told you.

I was ashamed.

Of what?

I...had a boy.

Oscar.

They took him from me. And...

and I hate myself for it.

I promise, that will never happen to you ever again.

Come on now. Let's do this.

I can't believe someone's advertising this on our doorstep!

-Did you see who put them out there?

-Yes, I think so.

The American lady.

The one your patient gave a form to after her consultation.

Oh! Can you get Annie Watkins' record up on screen?

-Niamh?

-I've been an idiot.

Text me her number. I've got to got out!

-OK. What have you done?

-I'll tell you later.

Oh, Mrs Watkins. Have you seen Annie?

No. What do you want her for?

I'm sorry, I can't say.

Look, she said she was going to get herself sorted.

Is that why you're here?

Doctor, she's going for an abortion, isn't she?

I really can't say. It's doctor/patient confidentiality.

But why won't you help me? I have to find her!

I know. I'm looking for her now.

And if I see her, I'll ask her to give you a call.

In the meantime, why don't you try St Phil's

and give me a ring if you have any luck? OK?

Right. I'll do that.

-Thank you, Doctor.

-Thank you.

SHE SIGHS

Oh, hello. Um...

I would like some more information about your...scheme.

Um...yes, I'm an addict.

Heroin.

Look, I just want to know that the procedure

will be carried out in a reputable hospital.

Letherbridge.

Thank you. I'll look into it.

Are you sure? Annie Watkins.

I think she's being coerced.

She might be under a different name.

-No, I'm terribly sorry.

-SHE SIGHS

How's it all going?

They're happy it can go ahead.

That's great news.

Now, you rest. I just need to make a quick call.

PHONE VIBRATES

-Hello?

-Annie!

Look, I know what's happening here.

Please don't make such a life-changing decision so quickly.

Tell me where you are.

-No, you'll only try and stop it.

-Would that be such a bad thing?

Are you aware there is no guarantee this procedure could be reversed?

I need the money.

Can you pay me not to do it?

You know I can't do that.

Well, then, it's none of your business.

I feel responsible, Annie. I should never have signed that form.

Look, just meet me so we can talk.

And if you still want to go through with it afterwards, fine.

But give me a chance, OK?

I have to go now.

No, Annie, you seriously cannot be going through with this.

Your mother's looking for you. She thinks you're having an abortion.

ANNIE SIGHS

She gets it wrong again.

You're welcome to set her straight. There's nothing she can do.

Annie, who is it?

I had a baby that was born a heroin addict.

It was about the money, but, Colleen, she's right.

I can't let this happen to another child.

Annie, you're strong. You've beaten it, OK?

Think about the future. Please!

Thank you, Doctor, for caring.

Oh!

I know how difficult this must be.

Yes.

Amelia, Howard's daughter, is his main beneficiary.

She's been left the house and most of Howard's assets.

Good. Good, I'm glad. That's how it should be.

I've been in touch with her already.

How is she?

Being brutally honest, she's very angry.

She's refused her entire inheritance.

But, I mean, surely she's obliged to take it, legally?

Amelia's entitled to exercise choice in this matter, and she refuses.

Well...maybe I should try and talk to her.

It's complex.

Howard and Amelia's past, I doubt it's resolvable, sadly.

Well, maybe I could at least try.

SHE SIGHS

Right, well, thank you very much.

I'm not quite finished.

Howard also made provision for you.

For me?

-How did you find us?

-I tried every hospital in the area.

-You're too late, honey. She's having it done right now.

-Don't you "honey" me, all right?

What is this, some kind of religion thing?

This isn't God's work. This is personal.

So you're an addict yourself.

I was. But not by choice.

Thankfully, my real mother took me in

and saved me from all the neglect, the abuse.

All caused by my birth mother!

If she'd been sterilised, you wouldn't have been born.

In many ways, that would have been easier.

The pain I have suffered?

I will never be able to forgive that woman

for putting the drugs before me.

So, what is this - therapy?

It's not that simple!

I don't take any joy from all of this!

It is hard, but Annie made the right decision.

If that were true, why did she need a bribe to do it?

Why didn't she make the choice out of her own free will?

Well, sometimes society needs a helping hand.

You exploited her.

She was turning her life around.

And she'll regret it and she won't thank you.

I think she will. She gave birth to one addict.

Statistically, it would have happened again!

Where do you draw the line with sterilisation?

Parents with mental-health problems?

Those who can't afford to feed their kids? Those who smoke?

And, er...what about paedophile parents, Doctor, huh?

What do you think about them?

I am an advocate for all the unborn children

who'll be denied a loving family.

Nobody else around here seems to be.

Certainly not you.

I'm going to talk to the local health authority

and make sure that every GP surgery

and medical practice for miles around

knows about you and your agenda.

Fine. You do that, if it makes you feel any better.

Oh, it will, believe me.

Because no doctor will risk getting struck off for the likes of you.

So, why don't you get out of here?

Perhaps you're right.

I'll find somewhere more receptive to my message.

Somewhere more enlightened.

It is my duty to inform you

that on the day Howard learned you were pregnant,

he came in and amended his will.

Efficient as ever.

Howard has left you a substantial amount of money.

You're under no obligation to do this, of course.

-Do what?

-But he stated here

that he left you enough money

to buy into the partnership of the Mill.

Why on Earth would she do that to herself?

They're paying her.

£500.

Why didn't she tell me that's what she was going to do?

That stupid, stupid girl!

Er...you can go now.

OK, Mrs Watkins, I know you're not close to your daughter,

but you really need to go and see her.

-Really?

-Look, I'm not close to my mother,

but if something bad happened, I would want her there.

I turned my back on Annie.

Threw her out. She doesn't want me.

She reached out to you earlier, didn't she?

No matter how much Annie denies it, she needs her mother.

-Now more than ever!

-Why?

She's done so well to get off drugs, but she's vulnerable.

If she's going to stay off them, she'll need your support.

I'm not sure I could ever help her.

Shouldn't you at least try?

-Jimmi, we need to resolve this.

-No, we don't.

The fact of the matter is, your antibiotics history is the worst of all of us.

What? That can't be right. That's got to be a mistake. After...

I cross-checked these with my records.

I'm sorry, but in my opinion,

your figures show a high number of unnecessary prescriptions.

Sid! Sometimes they're very necessary.

Dealing with patients just to get through the day

who think they know better than you.

I know the pressures we're under. I feel them, too. It's just...

I want to be one of the ones changing things for the better.

-And I know you want that, too, Jimmi.

-Don't patronise me.

That wasn't my intention.

I did it myself a few weeks ago.

Fine, I will look at the figures and I will try harder.

Thank you!

And you'll speak to the others, as a partner?

Yes.

Excellent! Thank you, Jimmi!

So, how did it go?

Oh, you know, pretty awful.

I think the worst thing was hearing

Amelia is still rejecting him, even now.

Well, you have to see it from her side. He wasn't there for her.

I know.

It's just that he's left her so much and she's refusing it all.

She's always going to have the wrong impression of him,

and that's not right!

I mean, he WAS generous and loving and...

He changed his will to provide for me and the baby.

-Oh, Emma!

-That's the kind of father he is!

Was.

And she needs to know that.

I'm...I'm going to go to Lancaster and talk to her.

Try make her understand.

Are you sure?

-Well, if I don't do it, who will?

-Emma?

We know the kind of man Howard was.

We saw it every day.

And we'll remember that.

Isn't that enough?

No, Niamh, it's not.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Can I come in?

Dr Donoghue told me what happened.

My first thought was to get another bottle.

But I came here instead.

I wish I could have stopped you.

It was my choice.

It's not your fault.

I just needed the money.

Oscar's first birthday is next week.

Oh, Annie!

I have to contribute to his life.

It's my way of saying sorry for giving him my addiction.

How could I risk doing that to another child?

Annie? Come home.

ANNIE SOBS

So, it's mindless drivel for you at the cinema tomorrow night?

Yeah. Can't wait.

At least our film's going to have a proper, exciting story.

And explosions.

You can't compare the mastery of Rigoletto with a trashy film.

Riggy what?

Oh, it's a tale. A tale of love, deceit and tragedy.

Rigoletto is a very protective dad

and his daughter's going out with this very sexy duke.

But he's a cad. Sleeps with other women.

So Rigoletto hires an assassin to kill the duke,

but the daughter gets in the way,

gets hurt and dies in her dad's arms.

-Have you seen it?

-Yeah. I watch loads of opera on the internet.

-It sounds quite interesting.

-It is. I love it.

-Well, um...see you tomorrow, guys.

-All right, see you.

-See you.

Internet? That's like eating prime venison from a plastic pot!

Does it matter, as long as you get the thing?

-No, you have to experience it for real!

-Oh, I see.

I tell you what, seeing as I'm free tomorrow,

I don't want you sitting there looking all lonely and tragic.

I'll meet you there. See you.

Could I just get the prescription?

-If we could just talk first.

-Forget it!

Oh! I-I didn't see you there. That's a lovely dress.

This old thing?

I altered one of Jimmi's photographs and sent it back to him.

SID LAUGHS I don't see what the problem is!

-Do you want this to stop?

-Of course I do.

So work with me.

I'm Emma, Howard's girlfriend.

What do you want?