Intervention Doctors

Here you go, love.

That's the last of the milk. I'll have to nip out for some more.

Come on, it's time for your tablets.

Laura?

Wake up. Wake up, Laura!

SHE MOANS

HE EXHALES

-I've picked out a patient for you to sit in with.

-Oh, yeah?

Hypochondriasis, I could do with some input.

-Is 4.15 OK?

-Yeah, no problem.

-And you?

-I've looked, but so far I haven't found anyone suitable.

Hopefully later on.

-Morning!

-Miss Pitman.

Mrs Tembe, could we set a time aside

to go through the non-attendance updates?

-I will be out most of the day.

-Really?

There's nothing in the diary.

I will keep you informed.

Mrs Tembe, thank you very much for last night.

You are most welcome.

Is there something the matter?

No. No, everything is fine.

-You're quite well?

-Mm-hm.

It's just you seemed a little out of sorts.

Everything is perfectly fine, thank you.

Good. Good.

Morning!

I, er...

I have taken your advice and booked a same-day test.

Well, I think that's for the best.

Right. And I do not want to hear another word on the subject.

-No, of course not.

-Thank you.

-So, how's Laura?

-Same as. In bed most of the time now.

-Has anyone been to see her?

-Not that I've noticed.

I'll look in on my house calls.

-When? Because I'm worried stiff.

-As soon as I can.

I know this isn't easy, but we really need to talk about you.

Oh, here we go.

I've had your HbA1c back and your blood sugars are up even more.

Ray, we really need to sort this out.

It's not like I'm not trying. I'm sick to death of muesli.

Not had a chip in months. Or a drink, hardly.

Exercise?

Well, it's not like I can just pop out for a bike ride, is it?

Go on a ten-mile jog. I've got her to worry about.

Must be a reason why they're going up.

You're the expert, you tell me.

Um...I will be back as soon as I can.

Can I still reach you on your mobile?

Not unless you have to. Just in an emergency.

-Sorry, I hope you don't mind me asking...

-What is it?!

-Are you all right?

-Oh, good grief!

-It's just you do seem...

-I am fine!

Mr Williams, if you'd like to go through?

Can't you just crank up the tablets?

No. We're talking insulin next.

Stress, it's got to be.

-There must be something else.

-How many more times?

-Do you still smoke?

-No way!

Come on, be honest with me.

I've not touched a ciggie in years.

I can see the stains on your fingers.

Look, it's your choice.

I don't smoke.

How can I help you if you're not being straight with me?

-Oh, I've had enough of this.

-Oh, come on, hang on.

-Who do you think you are?

-This isn't going to solve anything.

-Calling me a liar, treating me like a kid!

-I'm sorry.

-Accusing me all the time! How would you like it, eh?

-Excuse me.

-What do you want?

-I think you should try and calm down a little.

And who are you - the queen of ruddy Sheba?!

-OK, that's enough.

-No, no, I'm sick of this!

It's always down to me, isn't it?

When I'm the one doing your job, looking after her!

-No-one's saying you're not.

-No wonder I'm ill, is it, eh?

What with you lot yap, yap, yap in my ear all the time?

When my wife is up there, dying of cancer!

-Ray, come on.

-And that'll be my fault, as well, then, will it,

when she snuffs it?!

-We take the sample first and then there's a short wait for the results.

-OK.

-Good afternoon.

-Hi.

I, er...I have a blood test booked.

What time did we give you?

-12.15.

-Mm-hm.

-Hey.

-Where have you been?!

I had to make some calls.

-Sorry, are you two together?

-Yeah.

-And you're both having tests?

-Why, do we get a discount?

SHE CHUCKLES

So, er...if you could just take a seat.

What's this for, the raffle?

Will you stop?!

-Is it safe now?

-Yeah. Sorry about that.

I, um...I'd put it down to the diabetes,

but it turns out he's hyper, not hypo.

Still, it's understandable, with what he's going through.

Sounds like paranoia more than stress to me.

-All that blaming the world.

-Did a bit.

Maybe it's something I could help with.

He won't talk about the smoking, so I can't see that happening.

Smoking what?

Huh?

I've seen a few cases lately, um...early-stage psychosis,

you know, from smoking skunk.

There's a lot nasty stuff out there.

-At Ray's age?

-Two of them over 60.

Did he smoke when he was younger, cannabis?

That's not something you really tell your GP.

-Still could increase the risk.

-Yeah.

Could explain the blood sugars being so high, as well,

-if he's doing enough of it.

-Do you think so?

Yeah, because if he's smoking enough, he'll be getting the munchies.

Number 35?

Come on, we'll be out of here soon.

-How many?

-Sorry?

How many partners?

It's not like I keep count, you know.

That is because you are irresponsible!

No, it's because I'm not such a bighead.

Three last year.

Well, three and a half.

What do you mean by...?!

You know, I do not even want to know.

And two the year before.

But then I was still married, technically.

-And you have spoken to them all?

-This morning.

Well, except the wife, of course.

-And?

-Well, they weren't very happy, but they're all low risk.

Meaning what?

They're not sleeping around, they're not on drugs.

What was I thinking?!

How could I have been so stupid?!

I have got feelings, you know.

36?

Hey, it'll be fine.

-I know this isn't easy.

-To say the least.

There are a few questions that I just need to ask.

So, do you have any allergies?

No.

Any history of sexually-transmitted infections?

Certainly not!

And when was your last sexual contact?

About a week or so ago.

What kind of sex did you participate in?

The normal kind.

-Which is?

-I think you know!

And how many sexual partners have you had in the past year?

Just one.

And have you experienced any symptoms,

-such as tiredness, lack of appetite?

-No.

No, I have come here for a blood test, not to be humiliated!

Well, we do need to understand your situation.

I do not care!

Just... Look, just get on with the test.

OK.

Yeah, when you said you were coming soon, you could've let me know.

She's upstairs.

Are you listening?

You forgot your lighter, mate.

It's not like I can't smell it.

-What are you going to do, call the cops?

-No.

Here I am, my whole life ripped apart

and all you care about is a bit of weed.

I care about your health.

And I care about Laura's.

Well, you'd best get up and see her, then, hadn't you?

I can't have lost them! I've only just looked!

Hi, Josie.

-Oh, hi, Doctor.

-I'll be with you in a minute.

Oh, yeah, I feel so much better now, thank you.

That's great.

Back to my old self, in my new flat.

-I love it so much!

-The sheltered accommodation?

I got some nice new plates from the charity shop.

And a proper brown teapot, like my mum's. And a yucca!

-You must feel a lot safer now.

-Oh, I do!

I've never had a yucca before.

You mustn't water it too much, apparently.

Are you sleeping OK?

-Like a log.

-No more bad dreams?

And look.

I'm never going to hurt myself again, I promise.

-And the drinking?

-Oh, I've cut right down.

Quite a bit, actually.

Just a little nip every now and again to keep the cold out.

-Josie, it's nearly summer.

-Well...!

Valerie said that you'd been waiting for a couple of hours.

Oh, well, that's just me.

I don't know whether I'm coming or going sometimes.

Do you think that has something to do with the tablets?

No. They're all right.

-You said they were making you feel woozy.

-They're fine!

Not if they're making you confused, Josie. That could be dangerous.

There's a fruit bowl I've got my eye on.

Perhaps we should think about changing them.

-No, you mustn't do that.

-Why do you say that?

-Because I'm with happy the way things are!

-Yes, I know, but...

Please don't start spoiling it now!

I don't want you to spoil it!

Hey.

All done.

It's a different world, this, though, eh?

All this going private malarkey.

It's a lovely place.

And a decent cup of coffee.

I thought she was really nice, the doctor.

Yeah, I'm sure you did.

Come on, I'm only trying to cheer you up.

Are you getting upset like this a lot?

No. I'm fine.

-It's just...when I remember.

-Remember what?

How horrible things were.

But I know I'll be all right,

as long as I just...carry on the way I am.

OK, then, we won't change anything for now.

So, I can go now?

I think I need a wee.

Josie, you do know that we both want the same thing for you?

For you to get better?

But I don't need to get better, I'm happy the way I am!

-What do you mean?

-Oh, you see? You're all the same!

-Who are?

-People!

You don't understand! You just keep interfering!

-Josie, please calm down.

-As soon as I start feeling better, they'll take my flat away.

I'll be back on the streets, back to square one!

So, is that what you want -

me wandering around that precinct again?

Josie, I'm not going to let that happen.

But how can you stop them? You know what they're like!

As soon as I start feeling normal,

with a normal life and normal feelings, like a normal person...

Josie, I promise, nothing is going to change.

Well, you're just saying that.

I'm here to look after you.

You do believe me, don't you?

Because it's very important that we can trust each other, like we said?

So...?

She's doing OK at this stage in her treatment.

Just OK?

We have to give her time.

I thought she'd gone this morning. I couldn't wake her up.

She's been through a lot. You both have.

Right, well, thanks for coming.

-Ray...

-No, I don't want preaching at.

What if something was to go wrong and you were half-stoned?

It's not like it's doing you any good, is it?

-How's that, then?

-There's your lungs, for a start,

-and there's the diabetes.

-What's that got to do with it?

You're telling me it doesn't affect your appetite?

All right, so I tuck into the chocolate now and again,

-it's not like it's all the time, is it?

-Isn't it?

Oh, for crying out loud, look at me! What else have I got, eh?!

And then there's the mental side.

-What mental side?

-Ray, I have known you for a while now,

and that wasn't you this morning. You were out of control, mate.

Yeah, well, maybe I am cracking up. Who wouldn't?

Stuck in here for months on end,

wondering if your wife's going to...?

RAY SIGHS

So, it's skunk, then, yeah?

It's all you can get now.

But I haven't been on it that long.

You smoked it when you were younger?

Yeah. But it's not like the old gear.

What do you mean?

I put my fist through a door the other day.

I've not done that before.

What if it gets worse and you take it out on Laura?

That's never going to happen!

-You want to take the risk?

-Fine! I'll lay off it, all right?

I don't think it's going to be that simple.

What do you mean?

I think you need to talk to someone. Get some support.

The doctor you insulted this morning.

What, the queen of Sheba?!

Yeah. She's going to have to forgive you for that one.

RAY SIGHS

How much do you think he paid for that exhaust?

I have no idea.

I mean, it does look smart, I'll give him that.

To tell you the truth, I am not interested.

Here you are.

Please, will you just put it away?

You've got nothing to worry about.

How can you know that?

While we are sat in this terrible place!

Look, I'm trying my best here.

Yes. Yes, I know. I am...I am sorry.

-I'm not asking you to be sorry.

-Well, I am.

-Don't be.

36?

-Shall I come with you?

-No.

No. No, I'll be fine on my own, thank you.

Everything all right, Josie?

Are you OK in there?

Josie?

We are closing for lunch in a few minutes.

So we've had your blood tested

and I'm pleased to say that you are negative for HIV.

Are you still in there?

Josie? Look, we are actually closed now,

so you're going to have to come out. It's time to go.

This is all your fault.

I'm sorry?

Telling tales.

-GLASS SMASHES

-What was that?

Well?

-Negative.

-HE EXHALES

Didn't I tell you?

Thank God, eh?

Thank God indeed.

Sorry, I...

I'm just glad you're OK.

Yes, so am I.

37, please.

You had better go.

Listen, if there's anything wrong with me, anything at all...

Do not even think like that.

That's it. We'll call it a day, end of story.

All down to me, OK?

I'll see you in a minute.

Incident? What sort of an incident?

-Listen, I went to see Ray.

-Oh, yeah?

Yeah, and you were spot-on.

-So he admitted it?

-Mm-hm.

-And he's agreed to come in and see you about it.

-That's great.

Thank you. I really should've spotted that myself.

Well, it's probably more my area.

Sorry. Could I get some help, please?

-She's locked herself in.

-JOSIE GROANS

Josie, what's going on?

Will you come out, please, and talk to me?

-No, I won't!

-She's broken a bottle.

Please tell me you're not hurting yourself.

What do you care?

-It smells like a brewery in here.

-How much have you had to drink?

She's been in here quite a while.

You know you shouldn't, not on your medication.

You're not messing about with my tablets.

-Josie, we agreed.

-Well, you can't now, can you,

now you've made me do this? I'm back to square one!

Come on, then, let's have it.

Just one second, please.

Do your worst, I can take it.

I was thinking of giving it up, anyway, being a monk.

I wouldn't go that far,

but I would suggest some changes to your lifestyle.

-So, what's the score, then?

-You're fine.

-I am?

-Negative.

Oh, yes!

Thank you! Thank you, Doctor!

But you need to start using protection.

Yeah. I will.

Don't you worry, I will.

Please. Just open the door and we can talk things through.

I'm not going back to that precinct!

We've talked about that. Remember?

People laughing at you, saying horrible things.

Josie, remember when this happened last time,

when you first moved into your flat?

And touching you, interfering!

And you told me all about your bad dreams

and the terrible things that had happened?

And you said that I was the first person that helped you.

And listened to you, in a very long time.

Since my mum died.

That's right.

And what would she say now?

She'd want you to be safe, wouldn't she? At home.

Making a nice cup of tea, having some dinner.

What did she used to call you?

Her special little girl.

You've got your keys in there, haven't you?

So come on, then, let me take you home.

I don't feel well.

Argh! I can't...breathe!

OK, just try and stay calm.

Headache! I feel all funny!

Dizzy, that's what it is.

-Just open the door.

-Argh!

I can't see!

She's drunk. Just get her out.

You mustn't water them too much.

-It might be a stroke.

-Yucca plants.

I...I am...I am sorry, I just...

I just could not bear to be in that place any longer.

So I'm all clear.

We're clear of everything, except the chlamydia.

Yes. Right.

And I'm sorry for all that's happened.

If I'd have thought for one second...

-I have been foolish, too.

-No.

No, no, it's me, I'm an idiot.

-A complete and utter pillock sometimes.

-Please, will you stop?

I don't know how you put up with me.

Sorry.

I, er...I need to get back to work.

Fair enough.

-You want a ride?

-No.

No, no, thank you, I, er...I think I would prefer to walk.

OK.

-Close.

-Could've been worse, it could've happened at home, or in the street.

-Absolutely.

-Especially if she was drinking that hard.

I still should have known it was a stroke, though.

-Oh, come on.

-Well, you did.

It was just luck, that's all.

Oh, come on.

OK, probably more my field.

Well, I think you both did a wonderful thing. You saved her life.

-Thanks, Valerie.

-That's what I call teamwork.

So Joe was covered in blue paint. I mean, from head to toe.

-He looked like a Smurf!

-Ha!

And the head teacher, she was splattered, too, from head to toe!

-What?!

-Her clothes, her hair, her shoes, completely ruined!

I mean, to her, of all people! So prim and proper.

-Yeah!

-It was so awful, I swear!

I just didn't even know where to look!

THEY LAUGH

I am sure you both find my situation very amusing.

-I'm sorry?

-Sorry, what situation?

You know that this is a painful experience for me!

-Yes...I know.

-I had hoped that you would have treated this matter

with the same discretion you would any other patient!

OK, as you well know,

I take all of my patients' confidentiality extremely seriously.

Be that as it may!

I do not want to hear another word on the subject!

I can assure you that you won't.

From anybody!

And so, can we all now, please, just get back to normal?

What was that all about?

I can't say.

I just wanted to apologise for yesterday.

I should not have accused you of gossiping.

-And I'm going on a date at lunchtime.

-Oh!

You disapprove.

Oh!

SHE PANTS

This is unknown territory for me

and I have been scared.