Eric Doctors

Hello, Eric!

Yeah, that e-mail's all written. I just need to click send.

That creep is not going to get away with this.

-Are you finished with this?

-Oh, yeah, yeah, thanks.

Look, I'd better go. I'll see you later, all right?

Yeah, you, too. Bye, babe.

-Erin?

-Yeah. Yeah, I'm at the university later,

so we're going to meet for a coffee.

-Are you going to be there all day?

-Yeah.

-I'm going to be late.

-Yeah, you don't say?

Er...right, I've got to go. Er...bye!

-Sister Carter.

-Hi.

It is a, er...a pleasure to welcome you back to the Mill.

Thank you for your call.

Hm. I just wanted to put your mind at rest.

I will send you a formal letter,

but as far as I am concerned, that is the end of the matter.

Good.

Dr Reid mentioned your desire to work at the detention centre.

Yeah, yeah. What did you think of that?

Well, I think it is an interesting suggestion.

But as this is my last day, perhaps we should discuss it when I return.

Yeah, yeah. Have you got your cover sorted?

Yes. Yes. He will be coming to visit the Mill later on today.

Oh, good. Well, in that case, I should make sure everything's in order.

Yes. Well, it will be good to get things back to normal again.

-Yeah. Thank you.

-Mm.

Right. Eric Ashton, 57.

Suffers from acute depression,

which we have been able to moderate somewhat with antidepressants.

He started showing signs of dementia a couple of years ago

and was going downhill rapidly last time I saw him.

-Is anybody at home?

-No.

His wife, Christine, died a couple of months ago.

-Christine.

-Yeah.

And he's been due two medical assessments since then

-and hasn't turned up to either of them.

-Oh, dear.

Mm. There is a daughter, but I'm not sure how often she visits.

-I'm assuming he doesn't work.

-No. Made redundant five years ago, I think.

That's when it all started to go wrong for him.

So, what would you like me to do?

Just check in with him and then report back.

I'll take it from there.

But be careful, Karen, he can be a little unpredictable.

Christine, why didn't you tell me you were getting more milk?!

HE SIGHS

Did you manage to follow up on that detention centre conversation with Mrs Tembe?

-Yeah, sort of.

-What did she say?

Not a lot. She didn't have to.

I can tell she doesn't think it's a good idea.

-Give her some time to think about it.

-Hm. And in the meantime,

we can think about chia seeds and deep truffles?

-It's just so trivial!

-Most of life is.

Yeah. And to top it off, I've got a morning clinic with Marion Wales.

-Oh, not her again.

-Oh, yeah.

She's still wondering whether she should shave her legs before the birth or not.

Oh, and Mrs Clarke, who, just is

really stressing out about the cot not arriving.

There's got to be more important things in life than this.

Er...good morning, everyone.

Has anyone seen Dr Clay?

Er...never mind. I will brief him later.

As you all know, I am taking

an extended leave to Botswana very soon.

It has taken me some time to find a suitable replacement,

but I am very pleased to say that he will be visiting the Mill today,

just to have a look around and introduce himself.

I am sure that you are all going to make him very welcome.

I understand that he used to work in a supermarket.

Well, he has extensive experience in the retail sector.

Does that mean he can get us a discount on biscuits, then?

Sorry I'm late. Have I missed anything?

We were just hearing about our new practice manager.

Bargain Basement Ben.

KNOCK AT DOOR

KNOCK AT DOOR

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Come in.

-You OK?

-Yeah, yeah. Just late, that's all.

You know, it's great having Will to stay,

but I'm not sure my casual attitude to his mess is working out.

It's nothing serious, just dirty plates everywhere

and the top left off the milk.

-Oooh, a hanging offence.

-It would be if I ruled the world.

-I'm trying not to let it bother me.

-But it is?

I thought I had my OCD under control

and now I find myself picking up his discarded pants.

It's getting to me more than it should.

You know what, this has got nothing to do with your OCD.

It sounds to me like he's being a slob who's not pulling his weight.

KAREN SIGHS

Oooh, hello.

Um...I'm looking for Eric Ashton.

And who might you be?

Oh, sorry. I'm Karen Hollins from the Mill Health Centre.

-Do you know Eric?

-I'm his daughter.

-Ah!

-What's this about?

Well, um...your dad's missed a couple of appointments.

We like to keep a check on our more vulnerable patients.

-You heard about me mum?

-I did, yes. I'm so sorry.

It's hit Dad hard. And me.

But we'll get over it.

Thanks for checking up on us.

Um...do you mind if I pop in and see Eric?

You know, just to put my mind at rest.

OK, then.

If you don't nip it in the bud, he'll just carry on taking advantage.

He's only been with me a few days.

All the more reason to put a stop to it.

He's a guest in your house. It's totally unreasonable behaviour.

All right, I may not have been the best tenant in my time.

I can still see the haunted look in Valerie's eyes.

So I know what I'm talking about.

But I get it, I'll have a word.

-When?

-When the time is right. He's just settling in.

He's got all this stuff going on

with the consultant from the last placement.

Jimmi, stop being such a wuss.

Hey, Dad.

-Take a seat.

-Thank you. Hello.

Who are you?

Don't be daft, Dad. I'm Annie, your daughter.

I have a daughter, but she's ten years old.

I grew up, Dad. I've got kids of my own now.

Really?

You gave me away at my wedding. Walked me down the aisle.

That was the happiest day of my life.

That's right. And...and...and that's you, is it?

Yes.

It's me, Annie.

Yeah, it is!

-Good to see you.

-Hm.

-I don't know you.

-I'm Karen Hollins from the Mill Health Centre.

Dr Reid asked me to come and see you.

Who are you again?

It's Joe's parents evening that day,

so neither Daniel nor I can do that evening's surgery.

-Wednesday?

-Yeah, Wednesday, put me down for that.

I'm looking for Mrs Tembe. She's expecting me. Ben Galadima.

Oh! Valerie Pitman, receptionist.

Zara Carmichael, partner.

Of course! Mrs Tembe has told me all about you both.

Hm. Good things, I hope.

Only the best. I'm really looking forward to my time here.

Right. Well, I'll go and tell her you're here.

You seem very young.

I'm a lot older than I look.

It's tough still getting ID'd in my mid-twenties.

And you've never worked at a GP surgery before?

No, but I have been working at a hospital,

and I believe my management skills are eminently transferrable.

From a supermarket?

Ah, Mr Galadima!

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Mill.

-Well, I see that you have met Dr Carmichael.

-I have.

Well, I hope that you two will enjoy a fruitful working relationship.

Yes. I'm sure his boyish enthusiasm is just what we all need.

Do not mistake Mr Galadima's youthful appearance

for a lack of knowledge.

No. Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings...

So, which one are you, then, a babe or a suckling?

-Um...

-Well, perhaps we should go to my office.

-We have a lot to discuss.

-Hm!

You had no right bringing her here.

How about a nice cup of tea?

Tea?

You normally have one about this time.

I'm sure our guest could use one too.

I just need to check that you're OK and I'll be on my way.

Christine won't like another woman in the house.

Mum's not here.

Where is she?

She was ill, remember?

And then she died.

She's dead?

-Yes, Dad.

-When?

Six weeks ago.

Yeah.

Christine.

I know. I miss her too.

I'm very sorry for your loss, Mr Ashton.

But now that your wife's not around any more,

we need to check that you can manage.

Of course I can manage. I'm not a child!

Um...Dr Reid will have prescribed some tablets.

Yeah. Christine used to get them for me.

Are you still taking them?

Why don't we have a cup of tea?

We usually have a cup of tea about now.

Well, that would be lovely. Thank you.

-I'll do it.

-Don't fuss. I can boil a kettle!

-It's all right, I just thought that...

-I'll make my own cup of tea!

You'd better go now. Christine will be back soon.

He's not usually that bad.

He's just having an off day.

Apparently he has a very impressive background.

Working in a supermarket?

Well, yes, but, I mean, two years in the NHS after that.

I hardly think that qualifies him for a job of this magnitude.

Well, Mrs Tembe rates him.

Well, that well may be his saving grace,

but as far as I'm concerned, the jury is still out.

Ah, Dr Reid, Sister Carter.

This is my replacement, Mr Galadima.

Call me Ben, please.

Emma. Um...I hear Mrs Tembe has been mentoring you.

She has, and I have learnt an awful lot from her.

Just like her, my door will always be open.

Which is something I also learnt in my last job.

Are you sure that working in a shop qualifies you

for the unique challenges presented by running a medical practice?

They both have a lot in common.

Presumably you'll be bringing

some of your marketing techniques into play?

Buy one prescription, get one free?

An economy range of blood pressure monitors?

Loyalty cards?

That's actually not a bad idea.

And we could put a fresh bread counter on reception

to lure people in off the streets.

The way the NHS is going, I wouldn't be surprised.

The more of your free market,

management-speak ideas we're subjected to,

the more likely it is to happen.

-Zara...

-Dr Carmichael.

Dr Carmichael, we can't stand still.

Standing still is as bad as going backwards.

Retail is a bit more than just piling things high

and selling them cheap.

If I can use some of the techniques that I've learned

to help and give our patients what they want

and provide a better standard of care, then I will.

That's got to be good news for our patients, don't you agree?

I'm sure it was just a blip.

Well, it seems more than a blip to me.

Mum never said anything.

Even when she was ill, she seemed to cope OK.

She had cancer years ago, then it came back.

-In her liver.

-Sorry.

She never told me how ill she was.

But that was Mum all over. Always put me and Dad first.

-Well, maybe that's not all she hid.

-How do you mean?

Maybe she was so good at looking after your dad

that you didn't realise how poorly he is.

You've got to stop covering for him,

because this situation's not going to get any better.

But he takes his tablets.

Mum said they helped.

-Where does he keep them?

-In here.

Listen, if there's anything I can do to help you settle in, just ask.

Thank you. Mrs Tembe has been a great mentor,

but, of course, I still need all the advice I can get.

And, of course, any concerns you may have, please let me know.

Oh. Er...well, how about more patient contact time

and less paperwork?

Dr Clay is joking.

We need administration or everything will fall apart.

You're right, of course, Mrs Tembe,

but that's no reason why we can't look to see if we can get you

more time with your patients.

Let's catch up later in the week.

Yes. Yes, let's do that. OK, cheers.

Um...listen, if you don't mind, I've got to get on. I've got a backlog.

-All right.

-Of course. See you later.

-See you.

Hm!

-Hiya.

-Hey. How's it going?

Yeah, all right, yeah.

Just forms to fill out to do with this placement changing.

-Can you meet for a coffee later?

-Oh, that'd be great, yeah.

Um...are you all right to come here? I'm pretty chocka today.

Yeah, I can manage that, yeah.

Perfect. All right, well, I'll see you later. About 11:30am?

He...he must be taking them. He told me he was!

Well, he gets two months' supply,

which means that this should be empty.

Do you not check that he's been taking them?

I can't be everywhere!

Oh, no, no, no, I'm not saying it's your fault, I'm just...

We need to persuade him to go and see Dr Reid.

Oh, he says there's no need.

Yeah, but we know that's not right, don't we?

You can see that, can't you?

What are you scared of?

I've got three kids. My husband's not been well.

I don't think I can cope with Dad too.

Nobody who can help?

SHE SIGHS

If your mum were here, what...what would she be doing?

Hm! Persuading my dad to get some help.

She was the only one he'd listen to.

Right. Well, she's not here, so, what are we going to do?

Right, I keep all personal details on this drive.

I will make sure that you have all the, er...the relevant passwords.

Thanks.

Dr Carmichael's got quite a strong personality, hasn't she?

Er...yes. She does not suffer fools gladly.

Fortunately, you are no fool, which she will soon come to appreciate.

I hope so.

Look, just give as good as you get.

She will respect you for it.

And if she persists, just...punch her in the nose.

THEY CHUCKLE

KNOCK AT DOOR Come in.

-Hi. Ruhma, right?

-Er...yeah, yeah, that's right.

Er...Mrs Tembe. You said your door is always open.

Of course. How can I help?

I wanted to ask you about adding some time to my work shift pattern.

You know, to go to detention centres.

I've been recently working with a very young Albanian girl.

I, er...I did say I would look into it.

-But you are going away, Mrs...

-Yes.

But we have to investigate funding,

and the CCG will take a dim view on the...

Well, the politics involved.

It's not about politics, it's about human life.

Of course.

And I did say I will discuss it with you when I return

-as a matter of priority.

-Of course.

Sister Carter, I just think you need time to get back to normal

before you start running into another endeavour.

Mrs Tembe's been mentoring me for a while now,

and I've learned she's usually spot-on

on knowing how far you can push people, like the CCG.

But I have to say, in this particular instance,

you might be being slightly over-cautious.

Clearly, I'm not in a position to make any promises at this stage,

but I see nothing wrong in exploring the idea while you're away.

Wouldn't you agree?

What am I doing here?

Making a cup of tea. Huh!

Would you like me to do it?

Where's Christine?

She died, Dad. Remember?

We went to her funeral. You wore your suit.

She can't be dead. She was here! I was talking to her!

That was me.

There was another woman.

That was the lady from the health centre.

She thinks you should go and see a doctor.

You haven't been taking your tablets.

There's nothing wrong with me. I don't need tablets!

Yes, you do.

Where's Christine?

She's gone, Dad. And she's never coming back!

It's just me now.

HE WAILS

Ssh-ssh-ssh-ssh!

How about shadowing a Home Office midwife

so you can begin to understand some of the wider issues at play?

-That sounds great!

-It'll be the ideal opportunity

for you to continue your personal development.

And help others at the same time.

Mrs Tembe, have you heard of an intrapreneurship?

It's like an innovation within a business, so we all benefit.

-That's perfect!

-It's just the sort of initiative we're looking for,

isn't it, Mrs Tembe?

Yes. Yes, of course.

So, when...when could I start?

It has to be approved by the partners first.

I can raise it with them while you're away, if you like?

Hey!

Uncle Jimmi. This is Erin.

-Oh. Er...well, pleased to meet you.

-You, too.

-Do you mind if she joins us for a coffee?

-No, not at all.

Great. Right, this way.

There you go, Mr Ashton.

I don't need anything off either of you!

Now, go away and leave me alone!

But I'm your daughter.

-What have you done with Christine?

-She's dead, Dad!

How many more times do I have to tell you?!

Your wife, my mum, is dead, and she's not coming back!

Sorry, I can't do this.

I don't remember.

It's horrible, isn't it?

Knowing that you should know something,

but you can't quite find it.

-Yeah.

-That feeling that there's something out there

and you can't get hold of it.

And sometimes, you realise you don't even know

what it is you've forgotten.

That's right. How do you know?

Er...it happened to me.

-Really?

-Yeah. I banged my head, I forgot everything.

It turned my world upside down.

I wanted to leave my husband, I couldn't remember my kids,

which was horrible for them, but...

..with the right support, I came to terms with it,

which is what you've got to do.

So, Dr Reid, do you remember her?

-I'm not sure.

-She's very nice, and she's very good

and she'll...she'll take a look at you

and she'll work out what's wrong

and she'll get you the help that you need.

-Do you really think she could help me?

-She's the best.

And she'll get some support for Annie, as well.

Could she find Christine for me?

No, Dad, she can't.

-EMOTIONAL:

-Christine! My Christine!

HE SOBS QUIETLY

Yeah, it's fine. It's my treat.

Thanks. Will's told me all about you.

That sounds ominous.

On the contrary. You are a ledge.

Huh! Hardly.

You are! Giving me somewhere to stay, feeding me,

making sure I get up in the mornings.

Yeah. Um...the thing is, that... Huh!

When you're...sharing with someone,

it's important that you...take responsibility.

I was thinking about this earlier.

I thought maybe I could cook tonight.

Sounds good. And I will load the dishwasher.

I'm a decent cook. I cooked Christmas dinner for ten last year.

It was delicious. And we had a clean kitchen too.

-I think that was down to my mum.

-I think that was me, as well.

The thing is...

What?

Will, are you thick?

What your lovely uncle Jimmi is trying to say is

you need to pull your weight a bit more.

He's not your mum, and you should stop being such a slob!

-Am I right?

-Yeah.

-MESSAGE ALERT

-I wouldn't have put it quite like that, but, yeah.

Well, you need to.

Will has many great qualities, but listening isn't one of them, is it?

Sorry.

What?

Christine...is that really you?

It's me, Dad, Annie. Your daughter.

I've really missed you.

I've been so worried about you.

I don't know you.

She's here to help. We both are.

Eric, can you remember when you first met Christine?

Letherbridge Palais, just before they knocked it down to build bingo.

You were wearing a purple skirt. They were all the rage then.

You looked so beautiful.

I thought, "I'm going to marry that girl".

I've never been so sure of anything in my whole life.

-And did you? Did you marry her?

-I did, aye!

Big church wedding. What a day that was!

And did you have kids?

A daughter.

Annie.

That's right, Annie! What happened to her?

I'm right here, Dad.

Right.

Hello, love.

I've been in a church with you, too, haven't I?

When I got married.

That's right. Grand day, that was.

I were proud. So proud!

Yeah, Dad. Me too.

Happiest day of my life.

Why don't we go and see Dr Reid?

If you think that's best, love.

Would you let this lady come too?

If you say so. Will we get the bus?

We can go in my car.

Shall I help you get ready?

Yeah. I'd like that.

Very much.

-I'd better be going.

-It's all right, I'll do it.

Start as I mean to go on.

-Restart, you mean?

-Any sharper and you'd cut yourself.

You've cheered yourself up, haven't you?

Oh! The whole situation here is just so much better than my last place.

And, of course, I get the chance

to hang out with the world's most beautiful woman.

Flattery will get you everywhere.

I'll catch you later.

Bye, Jimmi. Thanks again for the coffee.

-What?

-What?

-What?!

-You two seem very close, that's all.

-Close?

You've got no idea, mate.

When you get to St Phil's,

make sure that you tell them everything I've said

and they'll take things from there, OK?

Can I go home now, love?

We're not going home, Dad. We've got to go to the hospital.

-Thanks for your help.

-My pleasure, really.

-Then can we go home?

-Not straightaway, Dad.

Hey, I thought you could come and stay with me for a while.

-The kids would really like that.

-That'll be nice.

Will Christine be there?

No, Dad, she won't.

Come on.

Oh, dear. His dementia's got a lot worse.

And I've got a horrible feeling

there are other things going on now, as well.

I've sent them to St Phil's for a scan.

Anyway, well done for persuading him to come in.

Oh, it wasn't really him who needed persuading.

Now, are you certain that you have all of the information you need?

I think so. And if I don't, I can always ask.

Right. And I am always available for video calls, if necessary.

Now, did I give you the codes for the alarm?

Yes, three times.

Forgive me.

I just want to make sure you have everything you need.

And that the Mill won't fall to pieces while you're away.

I am confident it is in very good hands.

Now, I have a summary of, er...

well, everything you are going to need to help keep the Mill

and the Campus ticking over while I am away.

Have no fear, Mrs Tembe,

by the time you're back, you won't even recognise the place.

Huh! Please, Mr Galadima, do not joke about such things.

I wasn't joking. I promise you, I'm deadly serious.

Thank you.

Could it infect the whole NHS network?

If it could, it's probably already too late.

-So, how is Ben doing?

-I'm worried he might be too proud to ask for help.

Right, we should step in.

-Oh, Valerie?

-Yes?

The Miss Cloverfield that I saw, she wasn't disabled.

Maybe she got better.

When will your contact get here?

Shady underworld figures don't tend to make personal appearances.