In the Loop Doctors

MUSIC: Changes by David Bowie

Oh, it's OK, he's here.

Good luck.

Morning.

Not a good sign, showing up late on your first day.

You're right and I apologise.

I celebrated a bit too hard last night -

getting the job.

Forgot to turn on the alarm. I'm sorry.

I'm ready to go now though. Shall I make us a coffee?

Well, there's no time. Your first appointment's in 20 minutes.

I've not seen the software.

Well, whose fault is that? You'll have to wing it.

It's straightforward enough. Questionnaire loads automatically when the tablet's turned on,

management software's all on the laptop and the instructions are in the case.

I'll talk you through it on the way to the car.

I'm not laughing at your driving.

Aw.

Thanks for the lift

and breakfast in bed.

My pleasure.

It's the small things, isn't it?

Dinner on the sofa.

Waking up together.

Well, we could be waking up together every morning.

I'd love that.

Well, stop pussyfooting around and ask the kids.

I have.

When?

Last week.

Oh, give them time. They'll get used to the idea.

They said yes.

They agreed?

Yeah.

I thought there was going to be tears, tantrums.

They didn't bat an eyelid.

-Why didn't you tell me?

-I don't know. It was too easy.

I thought they'd change their mind

So, we're finally doing this.

Yeah, we are.

-PHONE RINGS

-Sorry.

Hey, Paul.

Er, how far apart are the contractions?

OK, erm, bring her to St Phil's, I'm already here.

Yeah, don't worry. Paul...

Paul, calm down.

OK.

All right.

I'll see you later.

Oh, big yawn.

Um, I was on the internet.

-All night?

-Yep, doing research.

Yeah, right(!)

No. Wikipedia, Britannica.com, but, most importantly,

ErasmusDarwin.org.

Erasmus Darwin? He sounds like a Dickens character.

No, mate, he was one of the greatest polymaths of the 18th century.

A physician, a poet, an inventor.

Never heard of him.

And that is an absolute disgrace, if I may say so.

This man invented a manuscript copier,

a speaking machine, a canal-boat lift.

He supported the education of women. He's an extraordinary man.

He should be universally lauded.

There should be statues erected in his honour.

In fact, there is one.

It's in Asda car park - that's how I discovered him.

He's got a statue in Asda car park?

-Yeah. Him, and the other Lunartiks.

-Lunatics?

Lunar-tiks - members of the Lunar Society.

They used to meet in the 1760s in Soho House in Birmingham.

Josiah Wedgwood.

Benjamin Franklin was one of them.

Take a seat.

Charlie Barston, Medivenus.

Mrs Tembe's expecting me.

Oh.

Have you got an appointment?

9:15.

Medivenus?

Ooh, I'm ever so sorry.

I think there's been a mistake

cos she's in seeing Townsley Technologies, 9:15 to 9:45.

Erm, have you got a card?

I can get her to give you a call.

Mrs Hollins, I have something in my case that

Mrs Tembe would not want to miss.

Have you now?

If you let me wait until she's free,

I promise to give you all the credit for making her day.

How many of these do you handle over the course of a week?

Not as many as I would like...

though I am very keen to encourage our patients to rate our service.

Placed in a prominent location, perhaps by the exit,

patients can give their assessment via touch-screen on their way out.

The data is sent wirelessly to our secure online storage facility

and is transferred automatically to NHS England each month.

All this is done without the surgery staff having to do anything.

That is very impressive.

It gets better.

This package comes with management software, which means

that you can log in, analyse questionnaire data

or any comments that your patients give.

You can track progress over time,

monitor how initiatives impact on patient responses and

identify any problems before they escalate.

Feel free to explore. I've loaded it with dummy data.

We went for a walk, not that you can call this walking.

It's good to keep moving.

SHE GROANS

Contractions are about six minutes apart now.

Are you all right, babe?

Oh, yeah, I'm all good. Oh, my belly feels like it's in a vice.

Get used to it. You might be here for a few hours yet, eh?

When you're ready, get on the bed

and I'll see how dilated you are. Yeah?

Oh, can't you just knock me out and

take him away before I wake up?

I am doing the right thing, hey?

Let's concentrate on getting him out safe and sound.

Well, that was most enlightening.

If you'd like to take advantage of the free trial,

we can have you up and running within 24 hours.

I will let you know.

Mrs Tembe, this is Charlie Barston from Medivenus.

Medivenus?

We supply computerised Friends & Family Test software.

He thought he had an appointment, but it wasn't on the system.

I hope you'll forgive the mix-up and let me show you our package.

There has been no mix-up.

Someone from Medivenus called and cancelled.

Didn't they?

Did they? I don't...

No, you left a message.

Maybe Valerie took it?

If you could spare 20 minutes, I'd love to show you how

Medivenus can streamline the collection

and management of your Friends & Family Test data.

You haven't got an appointment until 11:30.

Well, as you are here,

it will be interesting to see how your system measures up. Please.

Thank you for taking the time to experience what Medivenus has to offer.

First of all, I'd like to start with the patient questionnaire,

which is on this tablet.

You can place this behind reception...

..or on the desk,

or purchase one of the optional stands we...

also supply.

Just takes a second to load.

Anyway, with this technology at your fingertips,

there's no need for a bunch of forms cluttering up the place.

It won't be long.

I'm sorry about this. One moment.

There seems to be a fault.

Erm...

As you can see, the tablet provides

a colourful and graphical representation

of the Friends & Family Test.

Er, no, it does not.

It will...

once I get it sorted. The patient simply touches

the option that applies to them and...

Mr Barston, your equipment is not working.

I'll tell you what,

why don't we get a cuppa, yeah?

I'll call HQ and then we can...

I do not see the relevance of continuing this conversa...

Mrs Tembe, it's my first day in the job and I didn't

have a chance to check the equipment before coming here.

Please, give me the opportunity

to put things right.

So, picture the scene. It's a full moon and the members of the Lunar Society have met...

To sacrifice virgins!

No...to discuss philosophy, ethics and technology.

That is Erasmus Darwin's Moonstone.

Is that a bow?

No, that's only a horizontal windmill. Amazing!

Nah, I can't see it.

That is a terrible photograph.

There's a better one on the other page, I think.

Oh, what have we got here?

Number nine.

Oh, n-n-n-no! No, Jimmi! No, no, no, that's not fair!

It's OK, it's OK. Check it out, check it out.

"Number nine. Letherbridge-based GP and inventor

"Doctor Haskey's a man very much in demand with the ladies."

It's a load of old rubbish.

"His money-spinning app and legendary bedside manner..."

"Legendary bedside manner"? Did you write that? "..wins him

"ninth place in the West Midlands' most eligible bachelors list."

OK, leave it with me.

-How did you get on?

-I didn't.

-Your kit doesn't work.

-Of course it does.

Be my guest.

I can't deal with it now. I've got to go and meet Jan.

The scary, stern one?

My business partner is not stern and scary.

She was in my interview. I was quaking in my boots.

Oh, really? To be honest with you,

I thought you were under-qualified and overconfident.

So how come I got the job?

We needed someone urgently.

You were desperate.

Good to know.

-Is there somewhere I can go through the software package?

-There.

And I'll need another tablet, too, for my next appointment.

If I'm not back by 11:00, you'll lock up.

That crummy website misspelt my name and they got all their facts wrong.

My code is open source -

I never made one penny from it.

Ah, well, more fool you.

It's not all about the money, is it?

Erasmus Darwin gave away his invention for steering carriages.

Doctor Carter, you'll know of Erasmus Darwin, won't you?

Scientist, inventor, abolitionist.

Yeah. Well, I'm not sure he'd have made it onto the West Midlands'

most eligible bachelor list.

He's absolutely raw.

What, you been hangin' wiv da kids, bruv?

Who else have you told?

What?

No-one.

We meet again. Charlie Barston, Medivenus.

Rowena Townsley.

Do you come here often?

My first time, but not my last.

Thank you.

Bye.

Charlie Barston, Medivenus.

I've got an 11:30 appointment with David Fryer.

Oh. There's nothing here.

SCREAMS OF PAIN

Do you want a back rub, babe?

No, just leave me alone!

OK, a nice warm bath.

I don't want a bath! I want Emma!

Ah, I thought we were getting on so well, as well.

-Ohh, please!

-She's at work.

-Please, Ruhma.

-OK, OK. I'll give it a try.

Here you are.

No...

You've got to stay hydrated, babe.

Hey, Em.

Hey, Emma, it's me. I'm at the hospital with Rhiannon and Paul.

Baby's on its way and she would really like you to be here. OK.

That was a monumental waste of time.

They've signed with a competitor.

And whoever booked my appointments needs to go on a course.

They weren't expecting me at Eastvale Dental

and the only reason they agreed to see me at the university is

cos I blagged my way in.

But Rowena booked them.

Yeah, admin confirmed right after you accepted the job offer.

Rowena?

Yeah. You're covering for her.

Her dad had a fall. She's gone to Devon to look after him.

-Not Rowena Townsley?

-Yes.

She's not in Devon, she's in Letherbridge flogging software.

Don't be ridiculous!

I ran into her twice today.

She'd just gone in with Mrs Tembe,

when I arrived for my non-existent appointment,

and she was at Eastvale.

Well, you must have got the name mixed up.

I haven't. Rowena Townsley of Townsley Technologies.

Rowena has taken a six-month sabbatical to be with her dad.

That's why your kit's not working - she trashed it.

I don't believe this. You mess up and you're trying to blame someone

who's not even here to defend herself?

And why isn't she here?

Cos she's gone off and started her own company.

Rowena wouldn't do anything like that.

Oh, really?

You're incompetent. I knew it was a mistake taking a chance on you.

You made your mistake way before I arrived.

Rowena Townsley has stitched you up.

Mrs Hollins?

It's Charlie Barston.

Yeah. It was something of a disaster.

Eh, but you'll never guess why.

Sabotage. Yeah.

Would I be able to speak with Mrs Tembe?

Something's wrong. I haven't had a contraction for ages.

Seven and a half minutes.

It's normal to have a bit of a lull at this stage.

You make the most of it cos you're going to need your energy. Ah-ha.

-Hi!

-Emma!

I'm sorry! I didn't get the message till after morning surgery.

Don't worry, you haven't missed much - just a load of abuse.

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it.

It's not going to be long now - she's fully dilated.

Oh! Ah! Oww! Ooh!

Breathe. Come on, don't forget to breathe.

Thank you for seeing me.

Before you continue,

let me make my position very clear.

I cannot see any circumstance

where I would want to do business with you.

This isn't about getting a sale.

My reputation is very important to me.

You were not thinking about your reputation

when you tampered with your ex-employer's equipment.

I'm not proud of that, but I was very distressed at the time.

Have you ever been in a position where someone has undermined

you to the point where you question your sanity?

I'm quite a strong person and I put up with the snide,

sexist comments for weeks...

but it got to the point where I didn't feel safe on my own with him.

Who is this person you speak of?

One of the company directors.

And is that why you left your job?

And you did not report it?

Sometimes it's easier to walk away.

I'd always planned on running my own business

and it seemed like the right time.

I realise my behaviour doesn't put me in a good light,

but at least now you have the context.

I thank you for your honesty.

I appreciate you hearing me out.

I'm sure you're very busy.

If I can help with anything,

well, you have my details.

Yes, of course.

Medivenus's new sales representative...

I checked him out on social media.

He's as bad as his MD.

All right. Erm, sit.

Rhiannon? Baby's nearly here.

Now, I need one deep breath, and you breathe out

-and you push as hard as you can. OK?

-I can't, I can't!

Come on, you're doing great. One more push.

You're nearly there now, come on!

OK, I can see his head.

SHE SCREAMS

Ah, you've done it, babe.

Well done.

RHIANNON GASPS AND MOANS

What's wrong?

Nothing. Baby just needs a bit of help, that's all.

Well done! You did it!

-I did it.

-You did it. Well done, sweetheart.

-You did it.

Yes, Mr Preston.

Yep, I'll see you soon.

I'll look forward to it.

He manages half a dozen practices.

Yeah, I get it.

You've bagged another meeting. I don't need a running commentary.

Good job, Charlie.

We might just get this show back on the road with your sterling efforts.

Look, I've spent months building this company.

I've worked evening and weekends, ploughed every penny I have into

just trying to get it off the ground.

You've been here less than a day.

You'll forgive me if I don't celebrate your success with sufficient gusto.

OK, so I'm a bit brash.

At least I'm not a two-faced shark.

I'm on your side here.

COMPUTER BEEPS

Mrs Tembe.

Could this be appointment number six?

"I have spoken with Rowena Townsley regarding your accusations

"and, whilst her actions cannot be condoned,

"there are mitigating circumstances."

What mitigating circumstances?

"During our conversation, she advised me of your

"threatening behaviour."

I didn't threaten her!

"I will not be inviting you to present Medivenus's software package

"and would request that you do not contact me again on this matter."

Great!

Why would she believe her over me?

-BABY CRYING

-Shhh.

I think there's somebody who wants to meet you.

Ahhh.

Hello, Nicky.

Oh, you've got a name.

Nicolas.

After Rhiannon's grandad.

That's lovely.

Ruhma?

Social Services?

I have to let them know.

Appointment number 12.

It doesn't matter.

You're out of a job.

What?!

I've just been through the figures with Jan.

Medivenus's is about to go into administration.

We've run out of money.

-But, what about...?

-Our projected sales figures were wrong.

Catastrophically wrong.

Not one of the free trials that Rowena set up turned into a sale.

She's signed your customers up to her new company.

No, she wouldn't do that.

Bella, the woman is unscrupulous.

You can't let her get away with it.

OK, well, even if you're right, what am I supposed to do?

I've just lost everything.

How did she get up and running so quickly?

You can't develop a software package overnight.

Do you think she copied my software?

She's stolen your customers.

Why not sell them something that they've already tested?

Well, I suppose it makes sense.

Cheer up. That's a good thing.

DOOR OPENS

We need to speak with Mrs Tembe, urgently.

Don't take this the wrong way, Charlie, but I really don't think she wants to see you.

Please, this is really important.

All right. Will you leave or I am going to call security?

Mrs Tembe, I'll go, if that's what it takes,

but you need to listen to what Bella has to say.

She's about to lose her business because of Rowena Townsley.

That is not my problem.

Rowena lied to Bella.

She's also lied to you

and you've believed her lies.

Isn't that a problem?

Don't you want to know the truth?

All right, come.

I set up Medivenus a few months ago, with a college friend,

to sell and to develop medical software.

We hired Rowena to present our first product to potential customers.

She was with us for three and a half months,

then she offered her resignation, citing personal reasons.

Sexual harassment.

S-sorry? Sexual Harassment?

Who sexually harassed her? Me?

One of your male managing directors.

My business partner is a woman.

We have a female admin assistant

and Charlie only started working for us today.

There are no other men involved in the company.

Rowena stated her own business while working for Bella.

She's been signing up Medivenus's customers to her own

company at the end of their free trials.

If I don't get several thousand pounds by the end of the week,

I'm out of business.

I am sorry, there is nothing I can do.

Rowena didn't stop at stealing our customers.

We think she copied my software

and she's been selling it off as her own.

You've seen it.

She gave you a demonstration.

Would you just tell me what you think?

Is it the same, similar, or totally different?

Not just any botanist. He was an incredible botanist.

He translated the works of Carl Linnaeus from Latin into English.

He was the first person to properly get their mind around photosynthesis.

Can't believe I've never heard of him.

Thank you, Sidney!

It's really nice to talk to someone who appreciates genius.

The range of interests, the modern thinking.

It's incredible, really.

Oh, come on! Don't encourage him.

We'll be revisiting the lunatics next.

-Lunatics?

-Lunar-tiks.

Members of the Lunar Society.

Now, that is one club I would have loved to have joined.

Some of the finest minds of the Enlightenment

and Erasmus Darwin was a founding member.

Ah, look. Al's already in an exclusive group. Check this out.

-Jimmi.

-What?

Hang on, hang on.

West Midlands' most eligible bachelor list.

And he's only number nine!

Well, there are differences.

The colour scheme,

the company name...

..but, other than that, the programmes appear to be identical.

Well, thank you. That's been a big help.

The thing is, Mrs Tembe, in order to prove conclusively

that she's breached copyright,

we need to check her source code -

the stuff that makes it work.

Please, I know what a source code is.

There's no chance Rowena's going to let us see it.

But, if you'd agree to a free trial?

-Er, no.

-Oh, but, please?

Look, I am sorry. I do not want to get involved.

Mrs Tembe, you are a woman of integrity.

Don't stand back and let the bad guys win.

And you have three months to try the product before you have to pay a penny.

Thank you.

I would like to, er, I would like to see the software first.

Oh, of course.

We are ready.

What?

Afternoon.

She's a competitor.

You can't show her my software, it's in the terms and conditions

How could you?

I have every right to set up my own business.

Yes, you do. But setting it up while still taking a salary from me?

Lying about a sick relative? Poaching my customers?

There was nothing in my contract of employment to prevent me.

I didn't think anyone would stoop so low! Why? You must have known it would have put us out of business.

If you're going to run a company, you really should protect your assets better.

Oh, so that's why you did it? You thought you could get away with it?

Well, if you're not interested, then I'll just uninstall...

Bella.

What about the code?

-It's mine.

-Are you sure?

That software belongs to Townsley Technologies.

What does this line do then?

Oh, come on.

Would you like a clue?

It's my mother's date of birth.

The software would work fine without it.

It's my tribute to her and it's proof that I wrote the code.

She could sue you for compensation -

-up to half a million quid.

-You're not going to take me to court.

Oh, I have agreed to be a witness, if necessary.

And what I have to say would reflect very badly on you.

On the other hand, you could save yourself a lot of aggro

and a massive claim for damages

by sorting it here and now.

What do you want?

I want to buy Townsley Technologies.

We have, er, prepared a contract.

Let me summarise.

You agree to sell Townsley Technologies to

Bella Deakin for the sum of one pound.

You want to buy my company for a pound?

I want all of your customer contracts, assets,

and funds transferred directly to Medivenus,

with immediate effect.

You get to keep any debts.

Take the offer.

It's more than fair.

No!

News travels very quickly in medical circles.

You will have no customers once they know that you are being

sued for breach of copyright.

What's going on?

Ms Townsley is in the process of transferring her

funds from her business account to Medivenus.

Well, thank you, Mrs Tembe. You've saved my business.

I'm just glad that it all worked out.

You're too modest.

She threatened to denounce Townsley Technologies at the next practice managers' conference.

There is no value in a business with a bad name.

So, Mrs Tembe,

how about we seal the deal on our Friends and Family Test package?

Ever the keen salesman.

We're a supplier with a top-notch product at a competitive price.

And I am a manager with a whole marketplace to explore.

If Medivenus has the best deal, then we will talk...

when I am ready.

He's perfect.

How's he doing?

BABY CRIES

Have you got to take him now?

He needs to go to neo-natal for a while,

and you can go and see him.

Jane's agreed.

Thank you.

BABY COUGHS AND CRIES

Ruhma?

Shh, shh.

How long will he be in the neo-natal unit?

-Jane's coming same time tomorrow.

-BABY CRIES

That's not much of a reprieve.

Emma, it was the best I could do.

Really? 24 hours?

Well, what happens then?

Because I don't think she can take much more.

Look, I'd better go.

The time has come for the great adventure to begin.

You stupid...!

I'm trying to keep you healthy and safe.

You think you know everything, but you know don't know anything. Get lost!

Be quiet! I can't do this with you going on at me!

It's going to be OK.

Question is, Danny boy,

what are you prepared to do about it this time?