Any Moment Doctors

Oh, it's you!

Who were you expecting?

I got your messages. I'm sorry. Did you...did you need me?

-You're up to something, aren't you?

-No... I...

Karen and Ayesha have been making lame excuses for you all day.

Neither I, nor the kids, could get hold of you. What's going on?

I've been with one of my mums.

She's, er...she's 19, her name's Besa

and...she doesn't have any family, Heston

and she's just given birth to a very beautiful baby girl. And...

-And?

-And...she is an incredibly strong woman.

You know, the things that she's been through...

She doesn't have any...anybody.

She's left her country, everybody, and she needed my help.

Is she here illegally?

-Yeah. Yes, she's Albanian.

-Oh, Ruhma...

-I'm... I just did

what I would've done for any other woman. You would've done the same.

-How could you be so stupid?

-I'm sorry.

Look who's back!

Oh, Happy New Year! You're in a good mood.

I don't know why. Christmas wiped out my account

and I just got this.

Oh.

You didn't get the bursary.

Merry Christmas, right?

What about you?

I cashed in the cheque last week.

This is so unfair.

They probably take a lot of things into account. Your dad's minted.

Like that means anything.

Sorry.

Well, did you like the present I got you?

It was fine. Yeah.

Sorry, that was nice.

Right, then. Looks like we're going sale shopping.

Oh...you...you go. I-I should unpack.

I can't go without you.

Really?

Well, it's only fair. It is your treat.

I'll meet you downstairs.

Hey.

How's she doing?

Besa?

She's doing really well.

She had a baby girl, Eesh. She's called her Tamanna.

I've been seeing them over the break and, do you know,

I couldn't be happier. The way that they're coping

and, erm, I'm going to pop in and see her at lunchtime.

I take it Heston knows.

Yeah.

I don't think that we have disagreed over anything as much as this.

-It's rubbish.

-It's my fault.

I have been seeing her every few days and it has not helped.

It's been difficult.

So this has been going on all over Christmas?

-Yeah.

-Are you even talking to each other?

Just about.

I knew we should've taken the car.

Dad keeps asking me why he bought it if I don't even use it.

I wasn't expecting to get so much stuff.

Well, if it was up to you, we wouldn't have got anything.

One sec.

Sorry.

Not this again.

Come on, Sof, it was bad enough in the shop.

SOFIA BREATHES HEAVILY

I think I have to go to the doctor's.

You're just a bit out of breath, that's all.

No, it's been getting worse all morning.

Wait. What has?

I'm sorry. I think I have to go to the doctor's.

-Make sure you thank him for me, won't you?

-Of course. Goodbye.

-I'll see you in a couple of weeks, Mrs Newton.

-Will do.

Ah! Oh, no, I can't. Not after Christmas.

Oh, go on, just treat yourself. Just have a healthy lunch.

I've got a cheese and onion pasty.

-Right. I'll leave them in the staff room, shall I?

-Oh, no. Please don't!

Sofia?

-I just need...

-It's fine. Come through.

OK.

It's easy enough to overdo it.

-Now, I know it must be hard...

-Do you?

But breathlessness is a pretty common symptom of CKD.

It felt worse than normal.

When did you last do your peritoneal dialysis?

Last night. I got back to the student house this morning.

So, it could be to do with all the carrying and lifting, then?

-Look, you don't want to hurt your chances...

-I have to be ready at any moment. Yeah, I know.

So I think it would be good to rule out a chest infection.

You think it could be something else? On top of the CKD?

I'll book you for an urgent X-ray at St Phil's.

Cheque for £50 for the Christmas video, from Mrs Rowe.

-She couldn't work out how to do the donation thing online.

-Thank you.

Everyone has been so generous. I'm very glad we did this.

The charities are going to be extremely grateful.

-Good morning!

-Morning!

Or should I say almost good afternoon!

Oh, good morning, Miss Pitman. Did you have a nice Christmas?

Fabulous. Thank you.

Well, I hope you are ready for the first evening shift.

I am ready and raring to go!

Good.

Oh, no. That can't stay here.

-You love a brownie.

-Mm. But I think you'll find I am a new woman.

I expect you'll want to know why I'm a new woman.

I know, I should've called you as soon as I got off the plane.

To be honest, I was so tired, I just went straight to bed.

Yes, no, everything's fine.

OK. No, no, go back to bed. I'll speak to you tomorrow. OK.

Bye, Chris.

Happy New Year, Emma.

Oh. You look like you'll need some strong coffee for later...

shift buddy.

-Happy New Year.

-Happy New Year.

Shift buddy?

You should try using Romaine lettuce next time.

It's high in potassium and fibre.

Valid point.

What's that?

Lettuce. The difference is negligible, but every little helps.

Valerie and I are on a diet.

No. Not a diet. Definitely not a diet.

Avocado, coconut oil...

We're just getting rid of all that processed stuff.

It's not a diet. It is a way of life.

Just like what you did for Heston when he had that scare.

Well, if that is the case, Ayesha, you should be holding back on that cheese.

You're not going on a home visit now, are you?

There's nothing booked in.

Yeah, yeah. It's Mrs Matthews.

I've been meaning to check up on her. See you later.

Oh, Zara. Such a shame.

-What is?

-Your salad - looks well sad.

I think it could do with a bit of cheese.

Is she going to be much longer?

Erm...

-Finally. You OK?

-Yeah. Fine. Let's go.

Sofia, erm, can you book a follow-up appointment, please?

Call them later.

By the way, I think I found the perfect way for you to spend some more of that free cash.

OK. So, I'll give her a ring later and sort something out for next week?

Please. Thank you, Karen. Right, Mr Johnson?

-Hi. Do you want to come through?

-Yep.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Just a sec.

Come in.

Five-star, five nights and five places left on the plane.

-What?

-The surprise. You, me and the girls.

Tenerife. Tomorrow.

-A holiday?

-I know it's last minute,

but term doesn't start for another couple of weeks

and it's not like last time when you couldn't get the money together -

you can finally afford it.

We have to go.

Erm... I don't know. I'm not sure.

We'll pay on your card for now.

I've already spent my allowance for the month and Dad's being irritating.

All right? Yes, Sof?

Hang on. How come them lot can't pay for themselves?

The loans aren't in yet, are they?

Don't worry, don't worry, you'll get it all back.

How much are we talking?

Grand and a half.

Max. How nice would it be to surprise everyone after Christmas?

What's stopping us this time?

Nothing. Nothing.

Let's do it.

PHONE RINGS

It's nearly £1,000! That is remarkable!

KNOCK ON DOOR Come in.

Oh, sorry. I didn't meant to interrupt.

Oh, no, no, no. It is fine.

We have just been tallying the donations from the Christmas video.

-Oh?

-We have made far more than I could ever have wished for.

Oh, that's great. I'm sure the charity will appreciate every penny.

How can I help you, Dr Reid?

Mrs Tembe. I, um...I'm afraid I don't think I'm up to doing tonight's shift.

The jet lag is really catching up with me.

I could do it.

I did not think you were on board with the new changes, Dr Haskey.

Yeah, well, I had a think about it, over Christmas.

You know, we all raised this money together, didn't we?

Everybody did their bit. So, why should the teamwork finish?

Well, er, it is fine by me.

Right, well, I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Thanks, Al. I owe you.

-What are you doing?

-It's, erm, it's Valerie's rice milk.

It's a health kick thing, it won't last long.

-What won't last long? Oh!

-Ooh, Sid!

I've just spoken to Sofia Johal and she can't do next week, she's going on holiday tomorrow,

but I've put her in for the week after next. PHONE RINGS

-On hol...?

-Hello, Mill Health Centre.

Yes, she's just left actually. Who's calling, please?

Oh, Mrs Matthews! No, actually, she's on her way to you right now.

Yes, that's right.

OK. OK, bye.

-For Ruhma.

-On her lunch break?

-I know!

PHONE RINGS

-Hello?

-Hi, Sofia, it's Dr Vere.

Erm, I've just spoken to St Phil's

and you haven't been for your X-ray yet.

What's up with you lot? I spoke to your receptionist and I said I'm going away tomorrow.

You didn't mention a holiday before?

It's last minute.

It's really important that you go and get that X-ray.

You might not even be well enough to go on holiday.

Well, I feel better now and I'm packing and I'm just not sure I have enough time.

-ON PHONE:

-Sofia, this is serious, OK?

If you do go, we will have to tell the transplant team to take you off the list.

Are you getting PD fluid delivered to your hotel?

Because you know you can't take it on as hand luggage, don't you?

I mean, you'll get through loads of it, even in just a few...

-OK, what you need to do is speak to the airline...

-It's all sorted.

-It is?

-Yeah.

It's all sorted and I'll go for the X-ray in a bit.

OK, thanks. Bye-bye, bye.

LINE GOES DEAD

KNOCKING

Yeah?

I was going to call you. You don't have my pin.

Booked it online, didn't I?

-Oh, great!

-And popped out and bought you one of these.

£60?

They were in the sale. I got one for all of us.

We will pay you back.

-I see Dad in two weeks. Don't look so freaked out.

-I'm not freaked out.

Money isn't everything.

Can you leave it?

ELECTRICAL BUZZING

Oh, my God.

What was that?

Oh, please, just get out.

-What have I done? What was in there?

-Get out!

She's perfect. She's doing really well.

And what about you? Have you thought what you might do next?

Yes. A little. Erm,

-cleaning?

-Mm-hm.

-At night I will take work.

-My friend Manjola will look after Tamanna.

-Mm-hm.

I hope to make good living.

You are doing really well.

I wish, erm, there was more I could do to help you.

You already help so much.

We will always have to hide,

but this better than Albania.

-Shall I, erm, check you now, Besa? Yes?

-Yes.

-Yeah.

Is there anything you can do?

No, I'm sorry. I'm afraid you'll have to get a technician to fix it

or at least see if he has a spare.

How did you get on with the X-ray?

Er, yeah, I've, erm... I didn't have time to go.

Hm. Did the airline know that you wanted to bring that machine along?

I can fit it in a suitcase. I just need it mended.

Is that how it...? Is that how it got broken? You were trying to fit it into a suitcase?

Sofia, can't you just postpone the trip?

You know, just go to the hospital, see someone, get the X-ray.

-Look, it might just be a chest infection, but you could have pneumonia.

-Or it could be nothing!

Sofia, you need to take this more seriously. Sofia, just...

PHONE RINGS

Hello, Mill Health Centre.

Oh, Mrs Matthews.

She's not there yet?

I am sorry. I don't know why she's taking so long.

What do you mean?

You're...you're in labour?

Just a minute.

She didn't actually have an appointment with Ruhma,

but her home birth has started right now.

Mrs Matthews.

Yes, don't you worry.

I am sure she will be there any second.

I'll give you a call back.

Ah...I'm going to have to tell Mrs Tembe.

We're going to have to call out a midwife out from St Phil's...

There's no need for that. I'll give her a ring.

-KNOCKING

-Come in.

I'm sorry about whatever I broke. I didn't mean to.

It's fine. I know.

And I know you're stressing about the money.

It's not about the money.

What, then? You can tell me, you know?

I will understand. Promise.

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Sof?

I need you to drive me somewhere. Please.

Sofia! Why are we at the hospital? You're freaking me out now!

I'm fine. You just go.

Well, I can't just leave you here!

Shall I call your mum or something?

No. No, please don't.

Are you sure you don't want to tell me what's going on?

Are you going in or...?

Yeah. Thanks for the lift.

-KNOCK ON DOOR

-Come in.

-Hi.

-Hello.

Just thought I'd come and say hello since I missed you this morning.

-Yeah, I did see your suitcase in the hall.

-Mm, well, late flight,

so I just went straight to bed.

So, how was it? Always wanted to see Australia.

Oh, you should. It's so beautiful.

-Everything all right?

-Yeah, yeah.

There was, er, something I did want to talk to you about later, actually. Erm...

I've bought my own place.

It was really last minute, over the break. No chain,

so I just went for it,

put in a low cash offer and they accepted, yeah.

It's not as nice as your place, obviously.

It's smaller, but, um... I think it'll do for me. For now.

That's great. Congratulations!

-Thanks.

-So, no moving date as yet, then, or...?

Yeah, er, Friday actually.

-Friday? Wow!

-Yeah.

Gosh, that's quick. Well, like I said, congratulations.

-Thank you, Emma.

-PHONE RINGS

-Right, well, I'll leave you to it.

-Thanks. Cheers.

Hi, erm, yes, Dr Vere.

Yes, she's one of my patients.

OK, bye.

She's not there yet!

-I'm going to have to go to Mrs Tembe's.

-No, erm, why don't we just call a midwife out from St Phil's,

like you said? You know, at least she'll have someone with her.

No, Valerie...

Look, I've just spoken to Ruhma.

She apologises, she was out of signal

and she got her names muddled up.

It wasn't, erm, Matthews, it was...

-What was it?

-Davis.

Oh, yes. Mrs Davis. I remember her saying this morning, yeah.

Anyway, she's going there now.

Right, erm. OK. Then, I'll give Mrs Matthews the good news.

I don't know how I can ever repay your kindness.

It's fine. It's fine.

Thank you, Ruhma.

OK. And you call me if you need anything.

OK. All right.

PHONE CHIMES

-VOICEMAIL:

-You have six new messages.

Message one...

So, that's where we're at.

-So the X-ray is for a chest infection?

-Yeah.

And that's why we're here?

Er, kind of. I need to get the results.

Kind of? Sofia?

The phone call earlier was from a transplant coordinator.

Transplant?

Sofia. Do you mind if I...?

It's all right. You can tell me.

OK, erm, the consultant has had a look

and I'm afraid he does think you have a chest infection,

so I'm afraid the organ is going to have to go to someone else today.

I'm...I'm sorry.

Wait. Why can't she have the transplant?

Well, it's a very complex balance.

The chest infection would have to be treated completely

before she could be considered for any kind of surgery.

Well, it's her kidneys, not her chest! So, what does it matter?

Hang on. I didn't tell you that. How do you?

I didn't tell you anything about my kidneys.

Oh, she's there with you now?

Oh, that's great, Mrs Matthews.

Yeah. OK, bye. And good luck!

Hello, Mrs Davis?

Hi, yes, it's the Mill Surgery here.

I just wanted to phone and apologise for interrupting

your appointment with Sister Carter today.

Oh, you didn't? Erm...

No. Er, sorry. My mistake.

Yes, that's fine.

Er, have a nice day. Thanks.

-Who was that?

-Who was what?

-On the phone?

Erm, nobody.

-Nobody?

-Yep.

Right. Erm...

Have you had your lunch yet?

Yep.

I didn't think you wanted anyone to know.

Your mum told me when we moved in together, in case of emergency.

That's not her decision to make!

You've known all this time and you didn't say anything?

Look, maybe this can wait, yeah?

Sofia has just had some pretty upsetting news.

On the plus side, we're not going to have to reschedule the holiday.

Anna, I don't think you quite understand how serious this is.

All this time, I've stopped you from seeing my machine

and stopped you from seeing my stomach.

-Your stomach?

-Yeah, I've got a hole in my stomach I attach to my machine!

-I didn't realise...

-You just don't get it, do you?

Hooked on to that thing for hours and hours every night,

no drinking...

Just all this stupid stuff for some holiday I can't even go on!

Look, the consultant says you can go,

-as long as you take the antibiotics.

-Great.

Look, I know there are limitations, but you CAN live a normal life.

Some life. Why do you think I got the bursary?

-I swear I didn't even think about that.

-You just like spending it.

It could have gone away, today. I could have been fixed. Normal.

I'll give you a kidney, I'll donate, if that's what it takes.

We could test you, but chances are you wouldn't be a match.

People from ethnic minorities make up about a third of the waiting list,

despite making up a smaller percentage of the population,

so the chances are Sofia will have a much longer wait than most.

But that's unfair.

Yeah. Welcome to my world. Why are you still here anyway?

How was your Christmas?

-Fantastic. Liberating. Marvellously relaxing after the trial.

-Mm.

So? What is it? What's happened?

What makes you think anything's happened?

You're hardly the picture of post-holiday bliss.

All right, well, if you must know, Sid's moving out.

He's bought his own place.

Well, you knew it would happen eventually.

Look at it this way, no more sharing your space.

I know, but it's happening so quickly.

He'll be gone by the weekend.

And Ayesha's still giving me the cold shoulder.

Maybe you need some new venture.

Something to plough your energies into.

Like what, exactly?

I don't know. You're going to have a spare room.

Maybe you could turn it into a home gym?

It's the in thing at the moment!

Hm. Maybe.

Or a creative space? You could write.

Paint? Knit!

-Knit?

-It's very fashionable! You need a hobby

and with the new shift patterns, you could fit that around them.

It'll be a new start.

But knitting? ZARA GIGGLES

Urgh!

Rice milk!

Valerie.

Luckily for you, they do have a spare,

so they'll deliver it later and take the other one away.

-You are going to be at home?

-Yeah. Great.

Thank you so much for sorting all of this.

And the X-ray. I know none of this was your fault.

It's fine.

I know it must be really hard living with CKD at your age.

And you have had quite a setback today,

so maybe some time alone with your friend is just what you need.

I suppose.

-Come and see me at the surgery, when you get back?

-Yeah.

Have fun.

Wait.

No. And I'm not going to Tenerife either.

Listen, you're angry, but this works both ways.

How was I supposed to know that it was this serious?

-Because my mum told you!

-Your mum told me that you had a kidney problem,

not that you were on a transplant list.

You could have told me. I wanted you to tell me.

Doesn't matter anyway. Just go on the holiday.

But you're going to pay me back, every one of you, every penny.

Go ask your dad for another hand-out, whatever.

Sofia, wait.

Please.

Please.

KNOCKING Yeah.

Hey.

Thanks for tipping me off about Mrs Matthews.

Luckily, baby wasn't in any rush,

so, everything's fine.

You were with Besa, I assume?

Yeah, I was.

Mrs Matthews was an emergency and your patients deserve better.

It wasn't only me who was dragged into the lie,

but also Karen, Ayesha, Valerie...

I'm sorry.

Tell me you won't see Besa again.

I can't do that, can I? It's my responsibility.

This is not your fight.

I'm sorry that you had to cover for me.

No more illegal immigrants.

Why don't you understand?

I understand that your heart is in the right place,

but what happened today can't happen again.

Promise me.

No.

I look forward to a more innovative account in due course.

Hm. I look forward to giving you one.

If you sort me out with a prescription, I'll be on my way.

-Just one moment.

-I need something stronger, that's all.

Can I help?