Hoops Doctors

I timed that well.

Hm?

-Oh! Yeah, of course. Um...usual?

-Yes, please.

-Is everything all right? Are you OK?

-Not really.

Um...I've got this patient and I just can't seem to get hold of him.

Ah! Good morning, both.

I assume neither of you have had a chance to check your e-mails yet?

Mrs Tembe, I've just arrived!

Has yesterday's technical fiasco been sorted?

Yes, everything appears to be functioning normally.

-Brilliant! My reports. Can you bring that coffee through, Sid?

-Yeah.

Er...Dr Vere...

Sorry, Mrs Tembe, I've got a really urgent call I need to make,

but I will check that e-mail.

PHONE RINGS

-Hello?

-Hi. Um...it's Dr Vere. Sorry to call you so early.

It's not a good time. Look, I've got to get Georgie to school

and I've got a massive job on.

OK. Well, I have been trying to ring you on your mobile.

Just hang on a sec.

Georgie? Your toast's ready. Get a move on!

You're busy and I am sorry for calling you at home,

but you've missed some of your appointments.

Yeah, I've had a lot on lately.

OK, I understand, but it is important that you see someone.

And since you're not, I'm just getting a bit concerned.

Er...if it would help to talk, I can make some time this morning.

Thanks, but I've got work and Georgie.

Yeah, I'm thinking of her, too.

I mean, I'd like to help you both, if you'll let me.

Can I see?

There you go.

Oh! I love them!

-'You're supposed to be ready for school!'

-What?

-What are you still doing in bed?!

-I was tired!

Yes, because you've been talking on your phone all night. Get up!

My friends are the only ones who'll listen!

Don't start. Look, there's been a change of plan.

You're coming to an appointment with me, then I'll drop you off.

I'll be late! We've got assembly this morning!

You should've got up earlier. You can have your breakfast in the car.

Dad!

Now, at 9:30, there is a Mr Vasudevan from the CCG. And...

Ah! You must be Miss Morris.

-I'm a bit early.

-Never apologise for punctuality.

Mrs Utterson, this is Miss Morris. She's doing work experience with us.

-Hi.

-Hi.

She would like to be a doctor one day.

If I can. Really, I just want to help people.

Yes, well, I am sure you will.

Now... Ah! Here he is!

This is Dr Granger. This is Miss Bethany Morris.

Bethany?

Yes. You said that you would supervise her.

Oh. Yeah. Sorry, I didn't think you started until next week.

Oh, that was me. I asked if I could have an extra day.

Yes, yes, you did, and I sent you an e-mail.

Yeah, I must have missed that. I'm out this morning, unfortunately,

but I'm sure there are plenty of other doctors who'll help.

-Welcome to the practice.

-Oh, thank you.

He seems...nice.

-I hope it's all right.

-It looks really nice!

Yeah, it does, doesn't it?

Um...hi, er...we've got a reservation.

-Yeah? What's the name?

-Emma Reid.

Er...we booked the deluxe package.

EMMA CHUCKLES

Ooo!

You are here!

We have a scheduling problem with the work-experience person.

Oh, no.

I thought Daniel was supervising?

Well, yes, he was, but...

But nothing. He's not fobbing anyone off on me!

He's not fobbing anyone off, he has other commitments.

Well, like the rest of us don't have other things we'd rather be doing(!)

If one accepts responsibility, one should honour it.

Yes, well, not everyone is like you, Dr Carter.

You take the mentoring of young people very seriously.

Mm. I would like to help, but I have consultations

and home visits for the rest of the day.

So, who else is there?

Dr Haskey is at The Campus Surgery,

Dr Reid is on annual leave.

There is no other senior doctor available.

Well, perhaps someone less senior.

KNOCK AT DOOR Hello?

Ah! You're working hard, as usual.

I had an early start, so I thought I might as well catch up on some paperwork.

It is a very fine example for our work-experience person.

I'm sure they will learn a great deal from you.

Work experience? I didn't know anything about that.

Yes, I must apologise for that. It is very short notice.

But we all agreed that you'd be the perfect supervisor.

Me?! I-I-I don't really have the time, Mrs Tembe.

-I've got patients.

-Well, everyone has patients.

But it is important to invest in our young people

so that in the future, they can share our load.

I thought that you, of all people, would understand that, Dr Vere.

-Fine.

-Thank you.

Miss Morris will be so pleased.

She's a very fine young woman, although a little shy.

But if anyone can get her out of her shell, it will be you.

Carry on.

Now everyone wants to do the Classics.

"The Mill did Christmas Carol, why can't we?"

Er...because it's not Christmas?

My latest charity wants to do Oliver Twist.

-Oh, no!

-I know! Can you imagine the casting?

Well, little Joe might be available.

Don't even joke about it!

Zara could give her Nancy!

-COCKNEY ACCENT:

-Bill, you do love me, don't you?

# As long as he needs me...#

-Stop it!

-What?! I was being serious!

Ooo! This is nice!

Right! Come on, then, slowcoach!

Yeah, yeah, I'll just be a second.

I'm going to go and find the massage room.

-Why can't I?!

-Because you're too young.

Stella's had hers done! Everyone has.

Boys and girls. The whole universe!

Don't exaggerate. Come on.

Why do we always have to do what you want?

They're my ears, I should be allowed to decide!

Will you give it a rest, please?

I'm the only girl in my class who hasn't had her ears pierced,

and I'm sick of it!

-We'll talk about it later.

-No!

Mum left those earrings for me!

Will you shut up?!

It doesn't matter! Nothing matters! Do you understand me?!

Look, I'm sorry, I've just got a lot of things on my mind,

and I don't want you changing on me.

Sorry, but I am actually quite busy,

so I was thinking that you could help me with my research.

Medical research, like injections?

No, just scanning.

I need to be able to access these articles on my computer, so...

You're joking, right?

I didn't come here to do donkey work.

I'm supposed to be learning how to be a doctor.

-I'm not sure that's actually...

-I was warned about this.

People exploiting work-experience candidates,

using them for cheap labour.

I-I'm not! This is honestly what I do.

And what kind of feedback do I get, "Bethany scans beautifully"?

I don't think so!

The whole reason of me being here is to have proper tasks assigned to me,

which then need to be fully supervised.

At the end, I'll need a mock interview

and editorial input into my reference.

SID SIGHS

Aren't you going to say something?

Er... Um... Yeah, I'm sorry, but...

-Actually, I have a patient, so...

-I'll come with you!

No, no. I'll think about what you said and I'll get back to you, OK?

Thank you for coming.

Georgie. How are you today?

George...?

It's OK. Do you want to just come through?

-Look, I'm sorry about that.

-No, no, it's fine, honestly.

Please, take a seat.

So, the consultant explained the treatment options

and why surgery probably isn't the best course?

She said chemo.

Yeah. Chemotherapy is the standard treatment.

Which I understand isn't the best thing to have to deal with,

but without it, you could be facing an even worse outlook, so...

So basically, I'm going to feel bad, no matter what?

Hopefully, any side-effects are only temporary.

What about while they're happening?

I've still got to work, don't I?

I've still got to look after Georgie!

Maybe I'm just better seeing what happens.

I don't think avoiding treatment is the best option, seriously.

But there is help available.

There's counselling and support groups.

I'm not going to go and spill my guts out to a roomful of people I don't know!

That's just not me, OK?

Everything that happens, I take responsibility for.

I'm not looking for excuses or sympathy.

Look, all anyone wants to do is help.

So far, I've managed fine by myself.

I've raised Georgie by myself.

She doesn't even remember her mother.

You can't change what's happening.

I realise that, but I'm angry, OK? And I'm worried!

I mean, Georgie doesn't deserve this!

No, no, she doesn't, and neither do you.

So let's see if we can share the load, yeah?

OK, so you don't want outside help, that's fine,

how about friends and family?

I've got a sister, but I don't really speak to anybody else.

OK. So maybe you could try contacting her.

And then, depending on how that goes,

we can see if there's any other help you might need.

OK?

-It's still not working.

-I'll go and have a look at it.

Someone here should invest in equipment from the 21st century.

SHE SIGHS

Are you all right?

I like your earrings.

Oh. Thank you.

Are they heavy?

No. I just fiddle with them.

They're like worry beads, or something.

I'm going to get mine done some day. I've already got some hoops.

Oh, I've got hoops. They're great!

Mine were my mum's.

-She's dead now.

-Oh.

She was a dancer.

Really? What kind?

What do you mean?

Well, like, ballet, tap, flamenco, jazz, whatever.

-All kinds. She travelled all around the world.

-Oh.

How old were you when you had yours?

What, my ears?

I was really young. My grandma did them for me.

-She had a salon?

-No.

Just a darning needle and some thread.

Did it hurt?

Maybe. If it did, I've forgotten.

I still love her.

I wish I knew mine.

She's dead, too, I think.

Your mum AND your grandma?

I think I have a grandad, but Dad doesn't speak to him.

That's sad.

Dad's just mean.

-Come on, kid.

-So, you'll let me know, yeah?

-We're late.

-It's not my fault.

Thanks to you, I've missed most of assembly!

I had a shiatsu massage once.

It nearly flipping killed me!

I thought they were supposed to be mild?

Oh, hang on a minute, maybe it was a deep tissue.

Well, they are intense.

Mind you, it depends on the practitioner.

Ooo! You're a massage expert!

No, I'm not an expert!

I will admit, though, I am partial to a facial.

Did I tell you that Daniel Granger runs a Botox clinic?

No! Oh, no, that's revolting!

It's not revolting!

You wouldn't do anything like that, would you?

Have fillers, or anything like that?

Well, I haven't ruled it out yet, and, well, I'm not against it.

Don't you dare. I mean it.

You don't need anything like that.

All right, ladies, let's get started.

EMMA CHUCKLES

Maybe you don't need to go to school today.

There's something I need to tell you.

Make your mind up!

You're always banging on about how important school is

and now you want me to take the day off?!

It's just, the thing is, the reason I went to see the doctor today...

I don't care, Dad! You never listen to me, do you?

I've been trying to tell you how I feel for ages!

That girl at the surgery had more time for me than you ever do!

That's not fair, Georgie. You know how tough things have been lately.

I've been trying to figure some stuff out.

Like what?!

Actually, forget it! I'm not interested!

Do you know what, it's about time you grew up!

There's a lot more important things than getting your ears pierced!

I'm sick of hearing about it! Do you understand?!

I'm...I'm just saying, it's not the most important thing now.

It's important to me!

I wish Mum was here.

I wish...I wish you were the one that was dead!

Well, er...here he is.

I am so sorry to disturb you,

but Miss Morris has raised some concerns.

Now, she has travelled a very long way

to get proper medical experience.

-Yeah, but...

-Now, I know that this is all very short notice

and you really have not had time to devise a programme,

and that is why we have put our heads together.

Miss Morris just wants to get the best out of her time here with us.

So...there will be a minimum of administrative support

and a maximum of hands-on experience.

Ah! Ah! You see, I have actually thought about that.

How about patient-satisfaction surveys?

Oh, now, now that is a very interesting idea.

We said consultations.

I should be sitting in with you.

Er...I mean, er...if that's OK?

Well, there is the issue of confidentiality.

I mean, I'd have to speak to all the patients...

Well, I trust that you two will come up with a solution.

(I will leave you to it.)

I didn't know how bad it was, then they told me last week.

No, I'm not coming home.

Because I'm not ten years old and I don't go running home to Daddy!

Why?! He cut me off, not the other way around!

Yeah, and after Mariella died,

he never called, never once offered to help, so no.

No, I'm not interested!

All I want to know is that you'll look after Georgie.

Thank you.

Hang on a minute, Louise, I've got someone on the other line. I'll call you back, yeah?

Dan Burke speaking.

Yeah, she's there.

I dropped her off an hour ago.

Are you sure?

I left her by the gates.

Right, I'm going to check at home. I'll get back to you, yeah?

INSTRUMENTAL

Wow! Amazing!

Not quite. It's been a while.

Doesn't look like it.

Well, instead of standing there watching me, why don't you get in?

I was going to, but then I saw you, like some nymph!

EMMA LAUGHS

-It's quicker if you dive in.

-I prefer acclimatising!

EMMA LAUGHS

-Ah!

-Oh, come on!

You can't swim, can you?

Not like you. I can doggie-paddle.

Your feet are still on the ground.

So?

I would splash you if you weren't so far away!

-Come on, paddle over.

-Oh!

Eeeee!

Ha! Come on!

Ooo! I don't like it!

You can do it, just paddle. Come on!

EMMA LAUGHS

You're so going to regret that.

Georgie? Are you here?

Look, don't hide from me, you're busted big-time!

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Er...it's Dr Vere. Sorry if I've called you at a bad time,

-but I've just had a word with your consultant.

-Oh.

He can see you tomorrow, talk through treatment options again.

But if there's anything you don't understand, or if you have any questions,

just come back and see me, OK?

-Dan?

-Georgie's gone!

-What do you mean, gone?

-I got a call from her school!

OK, OK, just calm down. Have you checked at home?

Yeah, I'm there now. Georgie!

Oh, Dr Carmichael?

Apparently.

Mrs Tembe suggested I speak to you, I hope you don't mind.

I'm just trying to arrange a panel for my mock interview.

Interview?

Yeah. It's for the reference I'll need at the end of my placement.

You've only just started, haven't you?

How long have you been here, three hours?

Um...my patient's daughter has gone missing from school.

You were speaking to her earlier, Georgie.

Do you remember? Did she say anything to you?

Well, she looked upset.

Er...she was a bit mad at her dad,

but we didn't really talk about that.

OK, so, what did you talk about?

Some earrings. She...

What?

Um...she wanted to get her ears pierced.

And I might have mentioned that my grandma did mine for me.

With a needle and thread.

SID SIGHS

OK. Straighter. Straighter!

I'm trying!

EMMA CHUCKLES

I'm not as fit as you!

You're fitter than me, that's why this is so ridiculous!

All right, all right, all right, just stop, stop, stop.

Let's try floating for a minute, shall we?

I don't float, I sink like a stone.

Don't be silly, everybody floats. Come on.

Right, I'll hold you. Get your legs up.

-Oh!

-There you go.

-Head back.

-Argh!

There you go. Straighten. That's it!

-Aarrgghh!

-You're floating!

-I am!

-THEY LAUGH

First time for everything!

-Right, shall I let go?

-No!

-Go on, let me.

-No!

-THEY LAUGH

-Don't...!

EMMA LAUGHS

Is he really angry?

You told an 11-year-old how to pierce her ears, so, yeah, he is, very.

I didn't say that much.

Children that age can be very impressionable.

-I know that!

-Obviously you don't!

I mean, you think you know. You come here with your list of demands.

"I want feedback, consultation. I want to run before I can walk."

No! You need supervision.

And if you're lucky, I will give it to you,

but you don't KNOW anything!

Now, I actually have some work to do, so, can you please...?

I'm sorry.

Can you call them one more time for me, please?

-Miss Morris, are you all right?

-I don't think so.

Goodness! Where is Dr Vere?

No, it's not his fault, it's...

I hurt myself! I think I used the wrong needle!

All right, all right. Come, we will get you a doctor.

Bren's taken everything.

She's sabotaged that relationship.

It wasn't just her. Tyler went behind her back.

I'm not defending that.

It's just such a shame, you know? They were really good together.

Ayesha really thought he was the one.

You know, they...they just connected.

Well, you can never be sure how things are going to turn out.

Sometimes you have to just trust that connection

and see what happens.

Am I in trouble?

I don't think so. Everyone was very worried, though.

You mean Dad? He's going to yell at me like he always does.

Your dad's probably got quite a lot on his mind.

-Like what?

-You, maybe.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Can we come in?

What do you think you're doing?

Do you know how much trouble you've caused the doctor and me?

-I don't need this!

-I don't need you!

Why don't we all just calm down a bit, yeah?

You're always angry! You never let me do what I want!

Mum left those earrings so I could have them!

You know she didn't!

Why do you make these things up?

I've always been straight with you.

-I'm not making it up!

-Yes, you are.

Georgie, your mum walked out on us and then she died.

Um...could you get her some water, please?

Look, it's time you grew up.

Um...Dan?

There are more important things.

What?

If I've been hard on you, Georgie...

..it's because I'm not very well.

What's wrong with you?!

Your dad has a sickness in his liver.

It's here.

Does it hurt?

Inside it does.

SHE SIGHS

Are you going to die?

Your dad does need to go to hospital for some treatment,

but we're going to take good care of him, OK?

Look, it's going to be OK, I promise.

Come on, let's go home.

Here you go.

I've spoken to Amy. She's fine, so we've got the whole afternoon.

Great.

Where do you want to go, if you want to go anywhere?

Er...I don't know, the Icon?

Do you think people will notice?

Ooo, I'm starving! Must be all that exercise.

Right, I'm going to keep this on, wash all the chlorine off.

What about Mexican? I really fancy chicken tacos.

There's a lovely place in the shopping centre, near the entrance.

Do you know it?

No. No, I-I-I don't know it.

Ah, there you are. Um...the patient satisfaction surveys,

if you still feel like helping.

I do. Anything you want.

OK. And Mrs Tembe has the template to help you collate the data from them, as well.

I can come to you, though, if I've got any questions?

Yeah, of course. Um...I have a patient due, so I'll let you get on.

Hey, kiddo.

-I was going to put them back.

-It's OK.

I was just thinking, when your ear's better,

we should get them pierced, but properly, OK?

I thought you'd have been excited.

I'm sorry for lying about Mum.

How did she die, Dad?

Was she ill, too?

I don't think it's the right time, Georgie.

You've had to deal with a lot today.

Please, Dad, I need to know.

Your mum, she had a lot of problems.

She was addicted to drugs. Do you understand?

Look, you're not the only one who finds it hard to face reality.

We've all been there.

Plus, I think she would've liked to have been a dancer.

And I know if she could be here, she would.

So, who's up for hot chocolate?

-Can I have a tea, please?

-Tea?

Coming up.

Do you want to follow mine?

Um...look, there's, er...some files I've got to pick up from work.

It's, um...it's a report that I...I forgot to hand in, so...

I thought you had a couple of days off.

I do, technically, but, um...I should get it done.

So, um...I'll call you.

-Just off to the shops?

-I just need a few things for lunch.

I can fix you up something, if you like. I've got plenty in.

No, that won't be necessary.

-Let me give you some money.

-Oh, it's all right, we can settle it later.

-I'm sure you're not going to take advantage of me. Huh!

-Ha-ha-ha!

I didn't mean it like that.

Relax. I don't bite.

Well, not often, anyway.