Lizzie's Last Stand Doctors

-Hannah, have you got your shoes on?

-Yes.

-Yeah?

-What about your coat?

-Yes.

-Have you got your homework?

-Yes.

-Stop playing with the rabbit!

-Have you got your lunchbox?

-Yes.

-Come on, then. Hurry up, Hannah!

-Have you rung the garage yet?

-Not yet.

Oh, love, it's on its last legs!

I'll do it today.

Oh, gosh!

Sorry, did we wake you up?

Bad night?

Have a lie-in.

I'll come and help once I've dropped madam off.

I'll manage.

Mum, I don't mind helping.

Hi, Grandma.

Morning, love.

Come on, you. School!

SHE WHEEZES

THEY MOAN

-Stay.

-No.

No, I have to get to work.

I could lie here all day,

having no meaningful employment to prise me from my bed.

Or should I say YOUR bed?

You have only been looking for a few days, and trying to find work

at the weekend is never a good idea.

Thank you. For not saying "I told you so2.

I'm sure you will find something soon.

Ah! The lawn needs cutting.

Why do these weeds grow so much quicker than my bedding plants?

-One of life's little mysteries.

-Hm.

Right. Might as well make a start.

I think it is going to be a fine day.

Make sure you find the time to enjoy it.

I can relax when I've found a job.

If I lose one, I get another. That's how it's been all my life.

Until now.

You will be fine and, if you need some help to tide you over, I will help.

Here you go. Welcome to the VPAS team.

So, how was the course?

It was brilliant. We learned loads.

I loved it, especially the role play. It was very insightful.

I actually got quite tearful when I was a housebound widow with angina.

She did actually cry.

I did. That's empathy. I'm quite an empathetic person.

What are you talking about?

Ha!

"Vuh-Paz"?

It's pronounced "Vee Pass".

-Is it now?

-Oh, here we go!

So, this is this year's sticking plaster for that

ever-increasing wound in the NHS budget.

At least we're doing something.

Amateurs shouldn't meddle. This will end in tears, Hollins. Always does.

SHE WHEEZES

You should have waited. There's plenty of time.

Hannah's supposed to take that to school.

I'll drop it off later.

She doesn't need it till this afternoon.

Dodgy knees.

Maybe I can get Dr Reid to take a look after she's sorted you out.

Shall we take the wheelchair?

What are you up to?

I'm choosing a father for my baby.

So, what do you think?

Software engineer or tennis coach?

The one in the shorts. Bit out of your league, though.

I'm not looking for a relationship.

It's purely a financial arrangement.

I send money, they send sperm.

You can't do that. It's unethical.

It's against the law to sell sperm.

In this country.

Ohio? You're buying it from the US?

Yeah, Americans are so much more relaxed about this sort of thing.

They ship worldwide in tanks of liquid nitrogen.

I suppose that's why it's so expensive.

-That and the vetting.

-Vetting?

Yeah, background checks, references.

Gold Star Donor Dads weed out the fakers and the slackers,

-leaving you to focus on the important things.

-Valerie...

So what do you think? Blond or brunette?

I think it's really great that you're putting so much thought into this.

I mean, my mum got wasted and met some bloke down the pub.

There's a "but" here, isn't there?

In a few years, you could have a four-year-old asking about their daddy.

You might want to have a think about that.

I would have loved to have known my dad.

I don't know, it's like... It's like I'm missing half the story.

Oh, goodness!

-There you go.

-Thank you.

You're welcome.

Elizabeth Hopkin for Dr Reid.

Oh, look, perfect timing.

Mrs Hopkin, hello. Would you like to come through this way?

I want to do this on my own.

Don't be silly.

Please, love.

Mum...

-You ready?

-Mm.

-OK, just take it slowly.

She'll be fine.

Oh, dear!

-Oh, are you OK?

-Sorry.

No, no, you don't have to apologise. Are you worried about your mum?

She's been through so much. She's got emphysema. It's getting worse.

I can't bear the thought of losing her.

Oh, hey. We see a lot of patients with lung problems and, honestly, you know,

loads of them manage just fine once they stop the smoking, they get on the right meds.

Mum's never smoked.

She's not dragging about a bottle of oxygen because of a bad lifestyle choice.

Makes it even harder for her, being judged.

I didn't mean to.

Non-smokers don't get emphysema, right? Well, they do.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to jump to...

Everyone assumes she's been puffing away for years.

Mum's sick cos she hasn't got enough Alpha 1 in her body to protect her lungs.

Alpha 1?

It's a protein.

Most people produce enough to keep their lungs safe.

Safe from what?

Pollution, dust, bacteria, viruses.

So her lungs get damaged just from breathing?

If you're an Alpha, you've got to be really careful.

No aerosols, no bonfires, people with colds, and definitely no smoking.

Do you know? We had another patient, couple of years back,

and she moved abroad.

For the treatment?

Um... There's a treatment?

Alpha 1 augmentation therapy - that's why we're here.

Mum's volunteered for a drugs trial.

So, how are you?

Bit better since the infection cleared up.

Good.

Lizzie, I'm going to get straight to the point.

It's bad news about the trial, I'm afraid.

The research team think that your condition is too far advanced.

So the treatment won't work on me?

It's not that it wouldn't work. It could very well slow the progression

of your emphysema. The problem is that you don't meet the criteria.

You've lost too much lung function already,

and it's a lengthy trial. They want to focus on patients

who are going to benefit the most.

I'm sorry.

I know it's disappointing.

-They said no?

-It's all right.

No, it's not all right. Can't you do something?

Make them change their minds?

Mel, let's go.

This was her last chance!

Look, I appreciate you're upset.

"Upset" doesn't even begin to describe it!

Shouting at Dr Reid isn't going to help.

Well, it helps me!

I am sick and tired of watching you get worse and worse.

I'm sorry. Is there a problem?

Oh, can you prescribe Alpha 1 antitrypsin therapy?

Please, love.

I am not a clinician. I am the practice manager.

Oh, well, perhaps you'd like to explain to my mother why the NHS

doesn't provide the only treatment that can stop her lungs from disintegrating?

Melissa! Please don't.

Take care.

What is Alpha 1?

It's an inherited genetic condition.

Genetic?

Yes, Valerie. Genetic.

I need caffeine.

CAR ENGINE SPLUTTERS

I warned Tom to sort it.

Breakdown service. Come on!

Have you got it?

Here we go. Auto Rescue.

Have you got Alpha 1?

I reckon Mr Keats should go on the VPAS list.

Heavy smoker, misses half his appointments.

-At least he took the leaflet.

-That's good.

-The giving up smoking one?

-Yeah.

Dumped that in reception on his way out.

Right, well, I'll schedule a visit.

Why can't we just concentrate on the people who would actually like our help?

What's up?

Mrs Hopkin. Why can't she get the treatment that she needs?

It's complicated.

She hasn't got enough of this Alpha 1 in her system,

so her lungs get damaged.

Top up the Alpha 1 - lungs protected.

Bingo, everybody's happy.

Alpha 1 therapy is very expensive.

A patient has to have it at least every week for the rest of their life.

-It's all about the money.

-No, it's about value for money.

A lifetime's treatment can cost up to

a million or more - that's just for one person.

A million pounds?!

Yes, and there's still a question mark over how effective it is.

And you're saying it doesn't work?

No, I'm saying that it's difficult to prove how much difference it makes.

PHONE RINGS

Hello? Yeah. Thanks for getting back.

Andy Coleman mentioned you were looking for casual staff?

Oh, no. OK. No problem. Thanks anyway. Yeah, bye.

All right. Thanks, Carol.

You have to get Melissa on the trial!

It's just not possible.

Her lung function's not too bad. If she starts the treatment now,

-she doesn't need to get like this.

-Mum!

Lizzie, the trial is full.

They have all the patients they need.

Come and sit down.

SHE WHEEZES

I tried. After your appointment,

I called Professor Caine and I asked him to reconsider.

But...

I'm sorry.

I have decided that you are my best option.

What?

I need some information on genetics, and you're my go-to person when

it comes to anything scientific or technical.

What's your interest in genetics?

I would rather not say at this stage.

Are we talking Mendelian inheritance, mitochondrial DNA, gene expression? Take your pick.

Never mind.

-Good weekend?

-Ha.

Do you want to sit here? I'll get your wheelchair.

SHE COUGHS

She's an Alpha 1. Same as me.

Cab for Mrs Hopkin?

Oh, um... Well, I'll...

That's why I insisted on going back in to see the doctor.

Any joy from Dr Reid?

Do you think I'm silly to make a fuss?

No, of course not. I would break doors down for my kids.

Ta.

St Phil's, please.

Poor lady! You take it for granted, don't you - breathing?

-Well, I hope you're pleased with yourself!

-Sorry?

Putting ideas into Mum's head.

All she needs is a wild goose chase to St Phil's.

I didn't tell her to go to St Phil's.

She's planning on kicking Professor Caine's door down.

He's running the clinical trial.

Now, I need to be here for the breakdown service, and I can't trust

her in a cab, and now I'll have to drag my husband out of work,

so if you'll just mind your own business!

Mum?

Mum!

I'm all right.

You have to stop this now!

I'm not going home.

You're not going to St Phil's!

I can protest here.

Hardly anyone knows about Alpha 1, and it's time they did.

Karen, can you help me with the cardboard, please?

What makes you think this protest's going to make any difference?

Love, if you want to make things happen, you've got to cause a stir.

Now, you can help me or you can walk away.

Oh, what a surprise!

It's not a good time?

It's just that I have a meeting.

-I shouldn't have come.

-No, no, of course I am glad to see you.

It's just that this is a...

Well, it is a busy week.

Are you trying to get shot of me already?

No, no! No, I am glad to see you.

One moment, please.

How long has this been going on?

Mrs Hopkin? Not long. I was just about to give you a call.

Well, I am very sorry for her predicament, but if they want to protest,

they should do it outside Parliament!

But their car's broken down.

And public transport's not very good when you're dragging an oxygen tank.

I'd better get on.

Right. Well, I will see you later.

Day off?

No, he's just between jobs.

Right. Well, I had better go. Please tell Dr Clay what is happening.

Mrs Hollins, I do not expect to see her there when I return.

Thank you. They said they may send someone over later.

And maybe they won't.

How long do you plan to keep this up?

As long as it takes.

It's not as if I've got to be somewhere else, is it?

And what happens when your oxygen runs out?

Then you can bring me some more.

Haven't I got enough on my plate?

-I don't need it so much if I sit still.

-Mum...

..don't do this to yourself.

You could catch cold.

You could end up with pneumonia again.

Hannah was terrified you were going to die the last time.

I'm doing this for Hannah.

No child should grow up watching their parent turn into an invalid.

No. No, they shouldn't. But this isn't the way.

We could look into leaving England, moving abroad.

Clutching at straws!

This is all my fault.

No.

I gave you this. I gave you Alpha 1.

Mum, it's not your fault.

SHE COUGHS

Did you know that almost all diseases have a genetic component?

Can't say I've given it much thought.

Well, you should, especially if you're thinking of bringing

a child into the world.

There's more than blonde hair and a good backhand at stake.

Finally, you've seen sense.

It's a reproductive nightmare out there.

Does this mean it's off?

No, it just means I'm going to look closer to home.

Not here?

Well, I wouldn't see that there should be an issue. It's a male imperative to spread their seed.

So who? Sid?

No, he's a bit nervy. I bet he cried a lot as a baby.

Mm. Jimmi?

There's quite a lot of baggage there.

Rob?

Plodding. No, actually, I'd prefer a doctor.

Al!

What, and lumber my baby with the stroppy know-it-all gene? No.

That leaves Heston or Daniel.

Heston!

Can you really imagine loving a little baby with Heston's face?

Yes.

I need to drop something at my daughter's school.

Can you keep an eye on Mum?

Of course, yes. Sorry... How did she get on with the Gazette?

They're not interested. Two women sitting in a car park?

It's not much of a story, is it? She already feels invisible.

And about social media?

Have a go at that, did she?

Mm. Well, her 25 online buddies are very sympathetic but,

apart from that, nobody cares.

Hi. Could I speak to Lisa Watson, please, of the editorial department?

Hi, I'm calling from the Mill Health Centre. I understand you're sending

a TV crew to cover the protest here? Oh!

Oh, that's a relief. Oh, yeah, we really don't want any publicity to escalate the situation.

Oi! Put that chair down! ..I'm so sorry. We're hoping that the police

are going to come over shortly and sort it all out.

I've got to go.

Do you fancy coming in for a cuppa?

I should be here, in case a journalist comes.

Well, we can keep an eye out from reception.

Yay!

What you need is some supporters to help you man the barricades.

Can you hold that for me?

See, it's amazing what you can organise with

a smartphone and the right contacts.

There we go.

Sperm donor?

What would I have to take into consideration, medically speaking?

Um, well...the fertility clinic will take care of all of that side of things.

Oh, I don't think I want to go through a clinic.

I don't much fancy being impregnated by a stranger.

Yeah, I'd rather use somebody I know.

OK. Well, Valerie, I would strongly advise against DIY sperm donation.

It can get very complicated.

Humour me.

OK. Well, the donor has to be in good health, free from any STIs, there have to be no

underlying conditions, you have to be aware of any genetic issues.

Oh, I'm very mindful of rogue genes. So, would you be willing to

donate your sperm, hypothetically?

Probably not.

May I ask why?

I'm just trying to get a male perspective.

I... If I'm going to father a child, I think I'd probably want to be involved.

So if I was going to create a life, I'd want to be there to be part of it.

And then, of course, there's the woman. She would be important as well.

Is that all?

Thanks.

-PROTESTORS:

-Save our NHS! Help the Alphas! Save our NHS! Help the Alphas!

I want to help the Alphas as well, but if you block the entrance,

I'm going to have to call the police.

What is going on here?

Help the Alphas!

Mrs Hollins, I asked you to deal with this!

They're community activists. I think Mrs Hopkin must have called them.

I am sorry, you are trespassing on private property.

I will have to ask you to leave.

-Do you want me to call Rob?

-No. No, I will deal with this myself, thank you.

Where did all these people come from? Where's Mum?

Your mum's been very busy.

-Lizzie?

-Mum?

-Lizzie!

-Mum!

Karen, call an ambulance.

LIZZIE GROANS

All right, Lizzie. Don't panic. All right. Slow breaths, remember? Purse your lips.

That's it. Through your nose. That's it.

-Ambulance, please.

-Well done.

-All right. Don't panic. Purse your lips.

-Mill Health Centre.

LIZZIE GROANS

-KNOCK ON DOOR

-Come in.

What?

I've decided who my sperm donor is going to be.

Daniel.

He's the obvious choice, really. I mean, he's intelligent, tall, good-looking.

He's already sired two healthy offspring.

Valerie, I'm not sure you've thought this through.

Don't you think Daniel might want a say in it?

I'll tell him when he gets back from holiday.

Karen, do me a favour. Get rid of that lot, will you?

No, no! I want them to see.

-You... You've got to talk to them.

-Mum...

-Tell them about Alpha.

Could you tell us what's going on?

My mum, Lizzie Hopkin, is the bravest person I know.

She has a rare genetic disorder called

Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency.

She's lost her home, her job...

-This is my fault. I encouraged her.

-..her independence because of it...

I'm not cut out to work with vulnerable patients.

-Karen, don't be silly.

-Every day gets harder for her to breathe...

-Some of our patients have no-one.

..harder to do the most basic of things for herself.

You can make a difference. You already have.

All of this because her body doesn't produce enough of

a protein that should protect her lungs.

You bunking off early?

No, I'm just trying to be spontaneous.

I'm leading you astray.

Well, there is a little time before my next meeting.

So, what have you been up to?

Cleaning out your pots.

Did I do something wrong? They were full of dead stuff.

Well, no, not dead. Dormant. Late-flowering perennials.

I'm so sorry. I'll replant them.

JJ...

-it is all right.

-I've trashed your plants!

You were trying to help. It is a lovely thought.

I really do appreciate you trying to contribute,

but I do not expect it.

I expect it. Unfortunately, I'm knocking on and unemployed.

So my options are limited.

Why don't you move in?

Until you are back on your feet?

Well, that's a big step.

Is this a ruse to try to get me into bed permanently?

What...no! Practical measures, that is all.

So you're offering me the spare room?

We do not need to change the sleeping arrangements.

I just want to help you financially, that is all.

You know, there's a word for a man who gets paid for his...services.

I am being serious.

Do you want to move in or not?

Ooh! Assignation with the head-shrinker.

-What did you eat for lunch? Razor blades?

-What?

No one person is a superhero.

Except you. Die-hard Hollins!

One more stunt like that and you're out of here.

-Look, she rang me.

-If she rings, don't answer!

You used to be there on my friendship scale.

Right now, you're there.