Fit For Work Doctors

Look, all I'm saying is that you need a holiday.

I haven't got time.

-Yeah, well, you look exhausted.

-Thank you.

OK, a double espresso, then?

I need the energy. Look at that!

Not only do people eat this rubbish,

they can't be bothered to put it in the bin.

No wonder there's an obesity crisis.

OK, grumpy chops.

You do litter patrol, I'm getting coffee.

Oh! Ooh!

Hello? Hello?

-What...?

-You passed out.

-Oh, right.

I think you had a blackout.

-No, I haven't.

-I can't have.

Has this happened before?

No, not really. It's nothing. I just felt dizzy.

You need to go to hospital and get it checked out...

I'll be waiting hours. I haven't got time.

Then see your GP.

If you're having blackouts, they do need to be investigated.

I've got to go. I'm fine now. Thanks.

-Ta-da! Here you go.

-Great.

-Let's go.

-You all right?

-Yes.

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

Ben?

It's...it's Harry. He's...

Just...say it.

He's much worse.

I've been here all night.

He's having episodes of arrhythmia.

That's bad, isn't it?

Yes, it is.

They're trying to stabilise him

but his heartbeat's all over the place.

Who's looking after him? Is it Richmond?

Yeah. They've been trying to tell me what's going on

but I just can't take it in.

I don't understand half the jargon, anyway.

They said something about VT.

Niamh...

I think he's dying.

Look, I know you're at work...

but can you come down?

I can't deal with this on my own.

Ben, it should really be you and Sarah.

Sarah's not here. She can't come to the hospital.

She caught a stomach bug over the weekend.

She can't be round him for 48 hours.

OK. I'll be there as soon as I can, all right?

-I'm on my way.

-Thank you.

Oh, Jimmi!

Jimmi.

I need a huge favour.

-Seven-days-a-week working?

-Yes.

It's coming anyway.

If we can be the first practice to offer it,

we'll be ahead of the game. Extra work, extra money.

Seven days a week? We'll need more staff.

You won't get me coming in on the weekend.

It'd be more money, Karen.

Well, pay me double and I might think about it.

I wouldn't mind the extra work.

I could do with the money, to be honest.

Flapjack, anyone? Home-made.

The money's not the point.

We need time to relax, recharge our batteries.

This endless 24/7 culture...

It's a crazy little thing called modern life.

I remember when patients were grateful for the NHS,

they were grateful for a family doctor.

Now they just take us for granted.

Ah, yes, when Letherbridge was all fields,

and doctors made house-calls in a horse-drawn carriage.

Don't worry, Heston. It won't be you working weekends.

It'll be shift work for the younger doctors.

I'm not objecting to the hours. It's the principle.

Yes, Heston, we all know about your principles.

Meanwhile, back in the real world,

you're doing HGV driver medicals again today.

-Yes, I know. I got your e-mail.

-Big contract, Heston.

All good for the practice.

So, you and Doctor Donoghue will be doing the honours.

Uh...it's like a truck-stop out there.

I'm sure you'll handle it, Karen.

Maybe Valerie could give them one of her lovely flapjacks.

I've just been talking to Niamh. She's going to be out all morning.

Unlucky, Heston, looks like you've lost your assistant.

You will let me know if it gets too much for you, won't you?

KNOCK AT DOOR Come in.

Take a seat, will you?

Have you had a significant psychiatric disorder

in the last six months?

No, I haven't.

Do you mind stepping onto that line and reading that chart for me?

A-O-E-H-L-A.

Would you mind standing on the scales over there for me, please?

Just pop on the weight plate.

There we go.

KNOCK AT DOOR Come in.

Please have a seat.

Oh!

He's still in VF. We're going to have to shock him.

Charging.

Stand clear, everybody.

I know it looks brutal, but he can't feel a thing, OK?

Charging.

Clear.

That's done it! Sinus rhythm. OK.

Have you had any form of seizure or fit?

No.

Have you had any blackouts or impaired consciousness

during the last five years?

No.

Look, we've been through all the questions.

OK, let me ask you that last one again.

I don't have blackouts.

I saw you having a blackout, earlier.

Doctor Richmond.

We've managed to stabilise your son.

We had to resuscitate him.

He's anaesthetised and on a ventilator now.

You saved his life.

Well, all we can do is buy him some time.

I know. I meant...

Thank you.

We're taking him for a scan. It'll be a while.

So, if you want to take a break...

-I'm sorry, I have to get on.

-Of course.

When was the last time you had something to eat or drink?

-It doesn't matter.

-OK.

You have to look after yourself.

How are you going to be any use to Harry if you fall apart?

Come on.

I'm not having blackouts!

But I saw you.

No, you didn't. It wasn't me.

Look, I want to help, but I need to know more about these blackouts.

It wasn't a blackout, not really.

Well, even if you're only blacking out for a few seconds,

I need to know why.

Has it been happening for months, years?

I'm not ill. There's nothing wrong with me. You've checked.

My heart, my blood pressure, my eyesight, they're all fine.

But you're having unexplained blackouts.

I've got a perfect record.

I've never caused an accident, never driven over the limit,

never got speeding points. I'm a safe driver.

It's never happened to me while I've been driving.

And if it does?

What if it happens when you're at the wheel of an HGV?

I'm sorry. I can't pass you fit to drive.

I need this job.

My wife's got arthritis. She can't work any more.

We've got kids, grandchildren. We need the money.

Well, maybe the company can give you a job that doesn't involve driving?

Like what?

I'm 55. I don't have qualifications.

It's the only thing I've ever done.

I've never worked in an office in all my life.

-Look, I know how you feel.

-No, you don't!

You people, you're always going to be all right.

You don't know what it's like for the rest of us.

I have been in this job long enough to know what it's like

to have one's competence questioned.

What was wrong with you, then?

Well, nothing. I was just empathising with you.

What's wrong with you?

-Why don't you fill in one of them?

-Terry, can we just focus on you?

No. They shouldn't have you doing these medicals

if you're not competent.

I want to see someone else.

I want a second opinion.

I want to make a complaint and if you're not fit,

I want to sue!

Trouble?

I'll talk to him.

Then, my office. Quick word?

Thanks for the food.

And the stern talking to.

You're welcome.

Visitors' car park.

We do go to the most romantic places.

Listen, it'll be a while before they let us back in to see Harry.

Why don't you have a sleep and I'll wake you up?

I can't.

If I was a half-decent dad, I wouldn't be sitting here,

waiting for him to die.

I'd get him out and I'd take him abroad myself,

-where they can actually treat him.

-Ben, that's crazy.

It could work.

We just need to get him across the Channel.

No!

You see how much care he needs?

Do you think all those machines are for show?

He's fed through a tube. His liver and other vital

organs are failing, his immune system is severely compromised.

If you try to take him abroad, you won't be saving him.

You could be killing him.

He needs 24/7 medical care.

I know a medical professional.

-A really good one.

-No.

-You care about him.

-That's why I don't want to take the risk.

If he stays here he's going to die.

He could have died this morning.

He could die tonight. He could die tomorrow.

And if I've done nothing to help him...

We are going to fight to get him abroad to get this treatment.

If you persuade the Trust and they agree,

then he'll be transferred properly, in an ambulance, with medical staff.

That's what you should be fighting for, you and Sarah together.

I need some air.

-Leaving aside what you think you saw...

-I did see it.

Mr Corbett says he simply tripped, and you misinterpreted.

You do know why they come here?

Because the company's paying.

No, they're not registered at the Mill,

so we can't check their records.

We can only work with what they've got.

This is the prescribed form.

As long as the drivers have a medical

and they're carried out properly, that's all that's required of us.

Oh, God forbid I use my years of experience

and actually make a diagnosis!

I can't help thinking this is partly my fault.

I've piled on the work, piled on the pressure,

-you said you could cope and I believed you.

-I can cope.

I've talked to Mr Corbett. He's extremely upset.

What exactly did you say to him?

Something about doubting your own fitness to work?

That's not what I meant.

Well, it seems to be what Mr Corbett heard.

And it's very unfortunate.

He's now questioning your competence.

He doesn't feel he's had a proper medical.

He doesn't think it should count.

I suggest we have another doctor redo the medical.

They'll decide if he's fit to drive.

Will you pass on my concerns? I've made some notes.

Of course, absolutely.

Heston, you seem stressed.

-Maybe you should take a break.

-I don't need a break.

You have to look after your own wellbeing.

And we'd manage without you.

No-one's indispensable.

If you're sure you're able to carry on with the other medicals?

-Of course.

-Splendid!

Right.

Back to the fray.

KNOCK ON DOOR Come in.

-WOLF WHISLES

-Hubba-hubba.

-You

-OK? Soldiering on.

So, I knew you wouldn't bother with lunch, so I bought you that.

It's very healthy. Full of spinach.

-Thank you.

-My pleasure.

Thank you for giving me a lift today.

So, the car's had its MOT and I need to pick it up just before four.

You still OK to give me a lift?

Yes, of course. I said I would.

-It'd be good to get out of this place.

-OK.

Oh, did you get a chance to talk to Anthony?

-He thinks I should go on holiday.

-Yes! Tuscany, here we come.

No, no, no, no, no.

Why, why, why, why, why?

Because that's exactly what he wants!

He thinks I'm not up to the job.

If I go now, I'd just be giving in.

Heston, don't be so paranoid.

You are stressed and everybody knows it.

You need a break.

Maybe Anthony is being a good manager and looking after his staff.

I need you to be OK.

You think it's noble and self-sacrificing

to work yourself into the ground. Well, it isn't.

It isn't good for your patients and it isn't good for you.

-Ruhma...

-I'm going to go

and I'll see you later.

Eat that!

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

Maybe you should go home for a bit, you know, have a sleep.

No.

My dad died in hospital.

Oh.

It was a stroke.

I was away on my gap year and I couldn't get back in time.

My mum sat with him for two days.

She went home to get a shower and a change of clothes...

..and while she was gone, he died.

I'm scared if I go home, Harry is going to die.

I know it's irrational.

Harry's not going to die cos you take a break.

OK? And we're going to help him.

-How?

-We'll argue this at every level, all right?

If Richmond doesn't agree, we'll go over his head.

We go to the CCG. We go to the NHS England.

We go to the Trust.

I will put together all the research I can,

-but you and Sarah really need to...

-Sarah doesn't agree.

What?!

She doesn't want Harry to go abroad.

She doesn't think the treatment is going to work.

Why didn't you tell me this?

Niamh, I'm sorry, I just...

You lied to me!

I didn't mean to lie.

I thought I could convince Sarah.

-Give me a sec.

-Right.

Steve de Rosa?

He's here. He's just nipped to the loo.

Doctor Carter...

Yes?

Sorry I blew up at you, all right? It wasn't on.

Yes, well...

Anyway it's all sorted now.

Sorry, what do you mean?

I saw that other doctor. He's passed me fit to drive,

so we're all happy.

What?

He did it properly. Asked all the questions.

Which doctor was this?

Posh, bit of a smoothie.

Er, Doctor Granger. Something like that.

Did you explain to Sarah about the Belarus case?

Yes, and I can argue until I'm blue in the face.

She doesn't want to know.

I can kind of see her point of view.

Really? I can't.

Ben, there are so many charlatans out there,

who make a fortune from preying on people like you and Sarah,

desperate parents who'll do anything for their sick child.

Yeah, but the clinic's legit. The treatment is worth trying.

I believe so, but the doctors here don't.

Even if there's a small chance,

I can understand Sarah thinking it's not worth the risk

and wanting to keep Harry as comfortable as possible.

Yeah, and wait for him to die.

I think she's accepted it.

Maybe she's even at peace with it.

It looks like I'm going to have to fight this on my own, then.

It's not that simple, Ben.

If Sarah's opposed to treatment, it changes everything.

How?

Even if you had a united front, it'd be very, very difficult.

But if you fundamentally disagree over Harry's care...

What?

I don't think you can fight this on your own.

-KNOCK ON DOOR

-Yep?

You've declared Terry Corbett fit to drive.

Yes.

Did Anthony pass on my concerns?

No, he didn't.

What did he say?

Heston, I'm on my lunch-hour, the first half of which was spent

redoing a medical that you messed up, so...

What did Anthony say?

He said that you were struggling.

-I'm what?

-Yeah, you're struggling with the workload.

That you're overwrought

and that you'd had a shouting match with Mr Corbett

and he threatened to make an official complaint.

That's when he asked me to take over.

Did he say Mr Corbett's been having blackouts?

No, he didn't.

Let's start over.

Tell me everything.

I have to go.

But I'm finished at six and I'll come straight back.

Yeah, I should get back to Harry.

It must be so hard on Sarah having to stay away.

Niamh,

would you talk to Sarah?

I'll give you all the arguments all the evidence you need.

I've tried to convince her, but she won't listen to me.

She might listen to you.

It could do more harm than good.

Her ex-partner's new girlfriend

telling her how to look after her son?

You're a medical professional, giving an opinion.

You said it yourself.

If we can get her on side, we've got a chance.

It shouldn't be me.

There's no-one else.

Do it for Harry.

That's not fair.

None of this is fair!

None of this should be happening, but it is. This is where we are at.

Look, Niamh,

talk to her.

At least try.

Please.

He definitely blacked out? It wasn't just a fall?

I know what I saw.

OK,

and Ruhma was there with you?

She was in the shop, getting coffee.

Right, but she must've seen you talking to him when she came out.

No, it was very quick. He blacked out. I went to help him.

By the time she came out, he was gone.

What? So she never saw him?

And you didn't discuss it afterwards?

We were busy. We had to get to... I'm not imagining this.

Really? What, with your history?

My history?

Yeah, fugue states, sleepwalking.

That was depression

and I'm fine now.

Are you?

Look, Heston,

I think...

We all think

maybe you could do with a break.

If he has another blackout at the wheel of an HGV,

someone could be killed.

Of course, and we could sued. The practice could be destroyed.

Is that all you think about? Our reputation?

That's unnecessary and offensive.

Is this why you became a doctor? Business? Ticking boxes?

-I can't talk to you like this.

-Anthony is going to destroy the practice.

Why won't you listen to me?

DOOR SLAMS

Ah, the wanderer returns. Did you have a good morning?

It must be wonderful to swan off and have someone else do your work.

I cleared it with Jimmi.

-Oh, well, that's all right, then.

-Heston.

I don't need this right now.

What's wrong with you, Heston?

Oh, do you know what?

I'll go and talk to her. She's upset.

Heston, I think you should go home.

I don't want to go home.

I'm not asking, I'm telling you, as a partner.

-Go home and take care of yourself.

-I don't need to take care of myself?

I'm not some senile old wreck.

-Yeah, but you don't need to behave like an idiot, do you?

-Al, come on.

Look, I don't think you're fit for work, OK?

-We're just trying to help you.

-I don't need your help!

OK. Look, go home. Call it a sick day. We'll talk tomorrow.

You didn't pass on Heston's concerns. You should've done.

I'm sorry. He was barely coherent.

He'd just messed up the medical. He'd antagonised the customer.

I didn't think he'd even filled in the form.

I had to search his office.

It's such a tip, it's a wonder he can find anything in there.

Section six.

OK. Well, look, if Mr Corbett's still here, I'd better go and talk to him.

Thank you. Uh, Daniel...

I'm worried about Heston.

Yeah, so am I.

It's a shame,

but I don't think he's coping.

He won't take a holiday. He won't slow down.

The last thing I want is for him to have some kind of a breakdown.

And he's vulnerable.

In what way?

He's been through a lot.

And after that court case...

Court case?

-Thank goodness that's all over.

-Yeah, let's go.

-Mr Corbett, can I have a word?

-I've got to go.

You didn't disclose something on your form.

If you suffer from blackouts or impaired consciousness,

you're not safe to drive.

So, I'm sorry to say that you have failed your medical.

You need to stop driving and inform the DVLA.

Yeah, all right, you've made your point. That's your opinion.

-I've got to go.

-This is serious, Mr Corbett.

And if there's any reason for me to believe

that you've ignored my advice and are still driving,

then I have to contact the DVLA and I won't have a problem doing that.

I never meant any harm.

You lied. You covered up a potentially serious condition.

Wouldn't you, if it was your job?

I don't even know why they happen.

Well, look,

find out. Go back to your own GP.

Get it diagnosed as soon as possible.

There's a chance that it can be treated, managed

and then you could get your licence back.

So, it's in your own interest.

You came with someone?

Yeah, a mate. I'm giving him a lif...

Let him drive.

HE WINCES

HE GASPS

Jimmi, you haven't seen Heston, have you? I need a word.

Ah, yeah, I had to send him home.

He had a tantrum. He blew up at Niamh, so we need to have a chat with him.

Yes. Anthony wants to have a partners' meeting.

Good idea. What do you want to talk to Heston about?

It'll wait.

HE GROANS

My phone.

PHONE VIBRATES

HE GASPS

SHE SHOUTS

Are you feeling worried about today?

I'm going to count to five and you're going to calm down.

Don't want to go. No!

I'd be going in the capacity of a doctor, not as Ben's girlfriend.

-I know it sounds ridiculous.

-No, it's poisonous.

I don't want to see you anywhere near my son again.