Safe Doctors

Leah! Open up!

I mean it. Don't be messing me about again!

I'm not leaving. Leah!

Leah! BOY COUGHS

It's getting worse.

You've got to stop scratching it.

BANGING ON WINDOW Leah!

Better let him in, eh?

BOY COUGHS

KNOCK AT DOOR Come in.

-Morning!

-Ah, Dr Vere. Welcome back.

Did you enjoy your break?

Oh, yeah. It was amazing.

Yeah, did me the world of good. Thank you.

And while I was away, it gave me some time to think.

I mean, things are going pretty well for me here.

I'm building a good relationship with the patients,

and feeling pretty positive again, so I think now is the perfect time

to move my career forward and make a final decision about specialising.

That is excellent news. So, what area are you considering?

Well, I don't know exactly.

But that's an advantage!

-Is it?

-Yeah, because I'm going in with a completely open approach.

No preconceptions. I'm open to any and all suggestions.

I see.

I've already considered mental health, palliative care, but I think

I'd like to go into an area where I can really make a difference.

Well, you have an excellent manner with the patients -

you're reassuring, you're supportive.

But I would really recommend that you specialise in something that

will utilise all those skills to the maximum.

You think so?

Definitely.

In fact, I may have the perfect solution.

This would fit you like a glove!

What is it?

VPAS.

I'm sorry?

Vulnerable Patient Assessment Scheme.

I cannot think of a better candidate to supervise this.

You will be making a huge contribution to the community.

Sounds very, very interesting, Mrs Tembe,

but I was looking for more of a hands-on type role.

Oh, this is very hands-on, I can assure you.

Yeah, but I meant clinically.

Having a range of patients means having a range of treatments.

OK, I suppose I'm just concerned it might be a little too...

administrative.

On the contrary. Look at this report.

Yeah, I'd love to, and I'll definitely give that some thought...

-Just give me one minute...

-Do you reckon I can get back to you?

Cos I've got a stack of e-mails that I need to...

SHE SIGHS

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Come in.

Hiya. Oh, hi. It's Dwayne, isn't it?

Haven't seen you for ages.

Have you transferred from the Churchill surgery?

No, but Leah and Ryan have just registered here today.

OK. Hiya.

I told you to switch it off, Ryan.

Didn't know you worked here now.

Just fancied a change, you know.

Get away from the Churchill?

-No, not really.

-Yeah, right.

So, how can I help?

Ryan's eczema's really bad again. He's been off school all week.

Anything in particular caused it to flare up?

I used the cream like normal.

OK, why don't we have a little look, Ryan?

Pop yourself on here for me.

It's not like I'm really unfit or anything,

-I just want to be a bit more...

-You have to make the most of

what you've got. Look at me at the moment!

Yeah, of course. But it's important not to be defeatist, isn't it?

Where has it gone?

I'm a great believer in self-motivation.

Think, Valerie!

Just losing a few pounds can't be that big a challenge, can it?

I don't know, it seems like things just keep getting lost round here.

Ah! Gotcha!

Honestly, sometimes you can't see the wood for the trees, can you?

Excuse me for interrupting, but I have brought you that report.

You know, it is about time that this practice started focusing on helping

the most vulnerable and neglected of our patients, do you not agree?

Those who have missed appointments or who we have not heard from...

Right, OK.

The statistics... Page two. The statistics are very clear about

who benefits from this scheme.

The elderly, the disabled, women with young children.

People with little or no support system.

It sounds brilliant,

but I just don't feel that I'd be the right person to run it.

Oh, I disagree.

I cannot think of anyone better.

That's very flattering, but in terms of prioritising in an area

that I'm actually interested in specialising...

Dr Vere, you spoke earlier about building a good relationship

with your patients.

Well, I would like to challenge you to think very carefully

about those relationships.

How, exactly?

Well, perhaps, you could assess how many patients come into the Mill

because they are vulnerable, and not just because they are ill.

But I assess that automatically with every consultation, Mrs Tembe.

Exactly! And that is why you are perfect for this!

So, you're saying that you want me to go through every patient

that I've seen and estimate which ones were here because...?

Oh, no. Not every patient, no.

Perhaps for the last six months?

This will be an eye-opener, Dr Vere.

Fine.

This is good.

-Keep these dressings on for a while.

-Do I have to?

Afraid so. It's pretty raw where you've scratched it.

Keep telling him to leave it.

Yeah, we don't want it getting infected.

RYAN COUGHS

Oh, that sounds nasty.

I mentioned it last time we were at the Churchill surgery.

How long ago was that?

A month, maybe. They didn't seem that bothered, to be honest.

Is that why you've switched to the Mill?

-RYAN COUGHS

-Does it hurt when you cough?

A bit.

I think maybe a doctor should see him.

Why don't you grab a seat in the waiting room?

And I'll see if somebody can squeeze him in.

Mr Hayden... Yeah, I guess.

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Come in.

Sorry, I know you've got loads to catch up on.

I was just wondering if you could squeeze in a new patient.

Yeah, OK.

Thanks, Sid, you're a star! I wouldn't usually ask,

but the kid's got a really nasty sounding cough, and...

-And what?

-I kind of know the dad.

He had a pretty serious drug problem a few years back.

I don't know what the situation is now,

but something's not right.

What, with the boy, or...?

Maybe the mum, too. Just a gut feeling.

OK, yeah, I'll be out in a minute.

-Thanks, Sid.

-No problem.

-Oh, thank you.

-Here you go.

-Oh, check you out!

You've got a Step Buddy! How long have you had that?

I just started today.

Oh, that's very smart!

Yeah, I had lunch with Emma and Megan yesterday,

and Megan was wearing one.

My best mate swears by hers, but I'm not sure for me, because

it's a bit too hi-tech, maybe.

I just thought, you know, it would really help me focus,

and I could probably do with losing a bit.

Good for you. I love the colour. Is it the new version?

Yeah. It's a bit more expensive, but I just thought, "It's worth it".

Well, the proof will be in the low-calorie pudding.

What, you're not impressed?

Well, I reserve judgment.

I've read some very critical reviews of these gadgets.

There are far more positive ones, if you did look.

Yes, but the jury's still out. And people set ridiculously

high standards. No wonder they fall at the first hurdle.

That's not the buddy being ineffective, that is the person.

And I said to you very clearly last night -

I'm just sticking with the modest 10,000 steps a day.

And as I said to you, I think that is excessive for your first day.

Yeah, maybe for a GP who parks his backside in a chair all day,

and only pops out to raid the biscuit tin. I move about a lot.

I have house calls, hospital visits, I'm always on the move.

I could easily do 10,000 steps!

Well, there is no escaping the digital truth.

I'm glad you're so confident.

Yeah, I am. In fact, I might even bung it up to 15,000!

RUHMA SCOFFS, KAREN GIGGLES

This is a mess, and it's down to you.

I'm sorry, OK? If I'd had the money, I wouldn't have...

This isn't about the money, Leah.

Is that all you think about?

Like I need to ask. Happy now?

Sorry to interrupt - the doctor is ready for Ryan.

-I'll go.

-No, I'll go.

Thanks.

Is everything all right?

Yeah, it's just peachy(!)

Why?

Oh, Mrs Chatwin, that's so sweet of you! You are naughty.

You're very welcome.

-We'll see you again soon.

-Yes. Goodbye.

-Bye!

-Oh, poor thing.

-She lost her husband recently, didn't she?

Yeah, about three months ago. He was lovely. It's very sad.

I think she just tries to find an excuse to come in for the company.

Her son lives in Canada, so she's ever so isolated,

and I think she's starting to wander a bit now.

You mean Alzheimer's?

Mm. Can't be sure, but she needs keeping an eye on, really.

I thought you were supposed to be on admin?

I am. It's just Ayesha asked me to see a patient, a boy?

Oh, yeah. He's around here somewhere. There you are.

Thanks.

Hi, I'm Dr Vere. Do you want to follow me?

I see where this is going.

I'm not judging, I just want to help Ryan.

Do you smoke in front of him?

-Course I don't!

-Does Ryan smoke?

No! Let's cut to it, yeah?

Just because you know I've got some history,

-doesn't mean I let my son go bad.

-I'm not saying that.

I haven't got time for this! I need to be with Ryan.

He's fine, he's got his mum.

Anyway, they're already in with Dr Vere.

Why don't you just take some time to cool off?

OK, another slow breath. In...

..and out.

-How long has it been bad?

-Not long.

He's not coughing all the time.

OK. Do you want to jump down?

Sorry, my hands are cold.

Is that a burn?

Must have been really painful.

What happened?

I tripped, by the heater.

He's always on that flipping phone.

I didn't see the cable.

Never looks where he's going. I keep telling him.

OK, yeah.

-How's it going? Are you winning?

-Mm-hm. Check out my stats.

It's so easy to clock the steps up.

It's such a clever little gadget, because you can even check

the fluctuation in...

Oh, I must have misread it.

I'm sure I've covered more ground then that.

Not to worry. Early days. Just don't tell Heston.

Yeah, but I'm a bit behind now.

You'll make it up.

Yeah. Erm, I'm just going to go and get the, er...

You do that.

This inhaler should help, but I would like to see him again

-in a week just to check how he's doing.

-OK.

Also, I hope you don't think I'm interfering,

but I am slightly concerned about your health, as well.

I'm just a bit tired. Not sleeping well.

OK, well, is something specific worrying you, or...?

It's just a difficult time at the moment.

We're a bit short on cash, you know?

But you are managing to pay the bills and eat OK?

Yeah! Ryan eats like a horse. Don't you?

I wasn't implying...

We're fine. I've got to go. His dad will be waiting.

Leah, anything you say in here is absolutely confidential, you know.

-I've got nothing else to say.

-We could get Ryan to wait in reception,

-if you want to talk more privately?

-We've got to go. Ryan?

Or I could get a female member of staff, if you'd rather...

-Ryan!

-Leah...

-Thanks.

Leah, I just wanted to say, if you need someone to talk to...

-About what?

-If you've got any concerns or worries...

I've just told that doctor - we're fine!

-If you're struggling at all...

-I'm not.

..I've got a friend who's a social worker.

Look, I'm sure you mean well and all that, but we're fine, OK?

Dwayne isn't even living with me and Ryan any more.

-I kicked him out.

-Right.

-So, it's all good, yeah?

-If you're sure...

Bye, Ryan!

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Yeah, come...

What did you think?

Oh, you were right to trust your instincts.

-Soon as I saw that burn...

-Burn?

Yeah, on Ryan's back. And Leah had bruises all over her arms.

What? I never spotted them.

Could be a case of domestic violence.

Leah was too adamant that everything was fine.

-And Ryan said it was an accident.

-Do you think he was lying?

I've just been reading up on this Vulnerable Patient Scheme.

Could have been tailor-made for patients like them.

Oh, Mrs Tembe is keen on me supervising the scheme

for my specialism.

She might have a point. Judging by this, you'd be great at it.

I don't know. Anyway, Ryan's cough is nasty,

and Leah looked like she hasn't eaten for weeks.

Why wasn't any of this picked up earlier?

Maybe it was. They've only just moved surgeries, remember?

I could make a few phone calls, see what I can find out.

Probably an idea to contact Social Services, as well.

Leave it with me.

-KNOCK AT DOOR Yeah.

-Hey.

-How's it going?

-Fine. How about you?

-Did you make your steps?

-Well, I, erm...

I've not quite hit 5,000 yet.

Far be it from me to say, "I told you so," but I told you so.

I've just had a quieter day, that's all.

Or you over-estimated?

No, I had a few patients cancel, then I was sitting doing my notes.

-If I was at St Phil's...

-And that would be different because...?

They've got stairs, and they've got long corridors....

Oh, it's the Mill's fault?

It's too compact and bijou?

OK, where do you want to go for lunch?

Oh, I'm really sorry. A friend just called -

she's in town, she wants to meet for lunch.

-I'd love to meet her for lunch.

-Oh, that's really sweet, Heston,

but she would do your head in, because she's a right chatterbox.

-She's relentless.

-How relentless?

Valerie relentless.

-Enjoy your lunch.

-I'll see you later.

So, how many appointments did she have over the last couple of months?

Really? With Ryan, too?

No, that's great. Thank you. I appreciate it. Goodbye.

Hiya.

Hiya. You all right? Do you know if Karen's gone to lunch yet?

Er, no, she's still about.

Going to spoil her with a bag of chips, are you?

Steady. I'm not made of money.

Rob?

Do you know Dwayne Monroe?

Do I know Dwayne Monroe? Yeah, we go way back.

Bit concerned about the family.

He's been in and out of trouble since he was a kid.

Got a bit of a temper on him.

What about recently?

I think as recent as a fortnight ago,

he was involved in a pub fight. He's out on bail.

Something I should know?

-Not yet. I'll keep you posted.

-OK.

Hiya.

Nice to see you, too(!)

Leah!

I know you're in there.

-Open the...

-Oi!

If you don't stop that, I'm going to call the police.

-What are you doing here?

-If Leah's not answering the door,

then maybe she doesn't want to talk to you.

Got Ryan his medicine from the chemist. He needs it.

Well, maybe they went out.

They were in half an hour ago.

She's either messing me about or she's...

-She's what?

-I'll go round the back.

What?

Leah!

She's collapsed. Stupid little...

-Ryan!

-OK, stay back. Leah, Leah, can you hear me?

Is she on any medication?

She's off her face, again. Ryan!

OK, Leah? That's it.

That's it, that's it.

-Emergency, which service?

-Hello? Yes, ambulance, please.

Hi, Dad.

OK, thanks.

Is Ryan all right?

Had his earphones in.

-Mum?

-Leah? Dwayne, can you...?

Mum's not very well again. Don't worry - she'll be OK.

Why don't you go sit back in there for a bit, yeah?

I'll be in soon.

Leah?

How long has she been using?

Couple of months.

That's why I moved out, couldn't risk it pulling me back down.

You should have said. She needs help.

-I know, I've tried.

-I mean professional help.

Look, I've been doing the best I can, yeah? But now

she's started leaving Ryan on his own while she goes out to score.

-That's how he got that burn.

-So, why didn't you report her?

Because she'd blame me for it.

Who's going to believe me, right?

-LEAH MOANS

-Leah? Leah?

Look at the state of her. All she cares about is her next hit.

What did I see you giving her earlier? Outside the surgery?

Cash. She won't let me see Ryan otherwise.

So, you're paying her to get high so you can see your son?

-What the hell is wrong with you?

-I'm doing it so I can be with Ryan.

He's not safe with her.

Too right. Not while she's in this state!

OK, so I messed up. I'm sorry.

I have to put Ryan first now. He needs to be living with me!

So, you're after custody, and you'll do anything to get it.

No. You're twisting this!

You're a real piece of work, do you know that?

You think I want this for her?

-What choice do I have?

-I've heard enough.

-LEAH RETCHES

-OK, OK.

Right, OK, OK.

-Oh, hello.

-Hi.

-Perfect timing - would you like a cup of tea?

I'm fine, thanks.

So, how was lunch?

-Did you catch up?

-Sorry?

-With your friend?

Yeah, yeah. The time just went really quick.

Mm-hm. And how's it going with your digital footsteps?

No idea. I haven't even checked.

-I'm sure I'm doing fine.

-Mm.

Good. Well, onwards and upwards. Do you want a lift home after work?

No, I was just going to get a bit of fresh air and walk back.

Great.

Enjoy yourself, and I'll see you later.

-Did you not meet your target?

-Nowhere near it!

Maybe Heston's right. Give yourself a break.

It's your first day, take it easy.

No. I'm hitting that target if it kills me.

At least you'll die healthy.

Ryan, I'm sorry!

Sorry.

They'll look after her, Ryan. Don't worry.

What's going to happen to me?

I'm telling you, I can look after him.

He needs to be somewhere safe.

He's my son. He's safe with me!

Can't take that risk right now.

-Please...

-Dad.

The social worker's here.

-Dwayne...

-Please, you don't have to do this.

Dwayne, don't make this any harder than it has to be.

Don't worry, kiddo.

I'll come and get you really soon. Promise.

Come on, then, Ryan.

Don't worry, it'll be fine, OK?

Dad!

Dwayne.

I am actually wondering if this thing is faulty!

Why don't you take it back?

I mean, it makes no sense to be registering such a low number.

-You're getting a bit obsessed with that thing.

-I'm disappointed,

because it was expensive and I really thought it would help.

Well, the gadget's at fault, not you.

I mean, I just wanted to make the target today.

10,000 is ridiculously arbitrary.

You don't understand.

No, I don't. You've done plenty of exercise. It all counts.

Maybe it's the battery.

Look, I have a new Blu-Ray of the Met's production of Tosca.

Why don't we have something to eat,

relax on the couch, and have a lovely evening?

You're totally missing the point, Heston -

couch-potato-ing, that IS the problem.

-I'm not giving up.

-Well, it's too late now.

No, this measures my steps over 24 hours.

It's not midnight yet.

-I am knackered.

-Kettle's just boiled, if you...

Think I might need something stronger.

Did you get all that stuff sorted with Ryan?

Had another hour of paperwork to do after I spoke to you.

Took forever.

That poor kid.

-You did the right thing.

-I'm not so sure.

Ryan was in a vulnerable position, and now he's safe, right?

That's the priority. You made the right call.

Thanks, but it was you who spotted the injuries.

-Hungry? This is ready.

-Starving.

Mrs T been setting you homework?

Yeah. Trying to read through all that VPAS stuff,

but I have a funny feeling she's not going to take no for an answer.

You don't sound so keen any more.

It's a great scheme, and it's really worthwhile, it's just...

Not sexy?

-Feels more like social work.

-Yeah.

And I want to push myself, you know, be more cutting edge.

Did you see the promo video for the new pilot scheme?

-The Central Rapid Response Unit?

-No.

Sounds amazing.

It's designed for doctors who want to experience the whole incident.

They go in with the paramedics from when they arrive.

After a major RTC on a dual carriageway, Dr Kyle Drummond,

embedded with our paramedic team, is first on the scene.

This might put you off your pasta.

OPERATIC SINGING

That's 50!

SINGING STOPS

I'm getting close.

Just another few hours.

Where are you going?

Bath, good book, and bed.

-Hi.

-Hi.

After a long and dangerous rescue process, the moment finally comes.

What are you watching?

Promo video for a Rapid Response training course.

You should watch it. It's incredible.

Oh, there's some pasta in the pan if you fancy it.

No, thanks. I've just had a stomach full down at the station.

Two fights and a suspected poisoning.

Paramedics rush in, and the woman is lifted to the...

See, that's what I'm talking about!

What doctor wouldn't want to be a part of that?

Real, in your face, life-and-death medicine.

Sid's thinking about specialising.

In Rapid Response?

Yeah, I want to try something exciting, and push myself a bit.

It's all very well in theory, but in practice, attending a scene,

whether it's an RTC, accident, or a murder, can be pretty horrific.

-Of course...

-And potentially deeply traumatising.

You need a strong stomach, and an even stronger will.

Absolutely. But I think...

And didn't you hate your training rotation in A&E?

I mean, I'm not trying to burst your bubble or anything...

No, I know.

It's just you need to be 100% sure before you make

that kind of decision, don't you?

It's a new place. Why did you have to change?

New place, same old me.

-Come through.

-Don't leave, promise.

Spring is in the air, and I'm keeping it in my step.

Mrs Tembe's been briefing us. You are the doctor that we're

going to answer to, which sort of makes you our boss.

But it's not all...

I've been meaning to have a talk with Mrs Tembe.