Shame Holby City

If you want my silence about Plastics'

dodgy conflict of interest, I want something in writing.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

We can't cover this up.

Your career is on the line here.

When did you know that we were fitting faulty implants?

We've had another RTA patient admitted in critical condition.

It's Sunil Bhatti. His heart stopped, there's nothing left to pump, Michael.

A security guard's waiting outside, you've five minutes to collect your things.

I'm telling you the truth. I'm innocent.

You really think we can blame all this on Michael Spence?

He'll have to face the music at some point, isn't he?

RADIO: 'The medical select committee, made up of MPs and public health practitioners

'await the results of a hearing today

'into the corrupt use of defective implants at Holby General.

'The Health minister has again said he has full faith in the hospital management...'

He's been given every opportunity to respond, but hasn't been in contact.

-Not even a phone call.

-A response isn't officially required.

No, but we haven't the slightest idea if Spence intends to turn up.

-Anyway, Sir Fraser wants this resolved today.

-It will be.

My guess is that Mr Spence will pay ball,

but it's not up to us to make assumptions of guilt, is it?

No, of course not.

We're here simply to examine the facts.

Well, the facts are, there's a disciplinary hearing scheduled and where's the main man?

REPORTERS ALL TALK AT ONCE

-Over here, please, Mr Spence.

-Any comment?

Yeah. I've got one thing to say. I'm innocent.

Miss Naylor.

Oh, come on, if I don't transfer her here, then where?

You want me to go back to her GP and say Miss Naylor's so tight

she can't crack it open enough to find room at the inn for little Freya.

I'm going to tell you this one more time. We are full!

Look, we've done all we can on Paediatrics.

What am I supposed to do, bus her over to St James's?

What does that say about us? Oh, no paediatric cardiac unit, yeah,

-no wonder they're struggling to get FT status.

-Can't you press the mute button?

OK, baby, OK.

No, I meant you.

Come on, just a teensy-weensy echocardiogram, please?

-What's it going to be next time?

-Huh?

-You do this, you bypass normal procedures all the time.

-Oh, you know I don't do that. C'mon.

Jac, Mr Flynn, the aortic homograft, I'm going to have to find somebody else to assist.

Why?

-You're due at the hearing, aren't you?

-So?

That's what Hanssen told me. I've rejigged the procedure.

-I'm not cancelling my list for the hearing.

-What if you're called?

My career's already going down the pan because of Michael Spence.

-I won't be tarred with the same brush twice in one day.

-So?

So I'll talk to him.

So, what's it to be, yes or no?

Sahira, can you put them in HDU.

Mr Dolan, our fabulous Paeds consultant, will explain everything.

-Hi.

-Hi, how are you doing?

-All right. Hello you.

-This is little Freya.

-Hey, Freya.

Morning.

Hey, I'm back, did you miss me?

Dan! Morning.

What did I do, kill someone?

BLEEPING

You got the airway sorted?

Six units cross matched please, now!

Hey, what've you got?

15-year-old boy - gun shot wound to the abdomen.

-Fast tracked from ED.

-Anything I can I do?

-Nothing.

-O Neg, fast as you can...

-Hey, guys, I've got a lot of experience with gunshot wounds.

-We're fine, thanks.

Is theatre ready yet? OK, now then, please...now, please!

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Just wait a moment.

Come in.

So you've decided to grace us with your presence after all.

My plane was delayed.

Yes, a phone call would've sufficed.

Now, the Chair of the hearing, Mrs Stables,

she agrees with me that the Plastics debacle has kept the press in business over the last few weeks.

We all want to draw a line under it. My advice is to be scrupulously honest.

Of course, anything else?

You should know there is evidence against you.

From who?

-I haven't been told.

-What is it?

And I've yet to see it, but as I say, it's in your best interests

to be open and transparent from the off.

I wouldn't play it any other way.

The baby's in HDU. Her mother's called Nicole.

You want to do the echo or leave it to me?

The reason I ask is, according to the new guidelines handed down by Mr Hanssen,

a consultant must oversee all inter-departmental cases.

So you're the new poster girl for this micro-management now, eh?

Wearing fetching green, Ms Shah's hobbies are reading, writing and sucking up.

Hey, guys, morning.

Jac, morning.

Ollie, Mr Flynn's blood cultures. Can you bring the results up for me, please?

-Jac, I need to talk to you.

-The information's in there.

No there, THERE!

Jac!

This is really not a great time right now.

Apparently they've got evidence against me.

What evidence?

-I don't know. Hanssen wouldn't say. I thought you might know?

-Me?

-Yeah.

You think I said something to him! Why the hell would I do that?

All right

For God's sake, Michael!

All right, fine, I'm sorry.

-Look, they are planning on calling you in.

-Yeah, I know.

So deny everything, leave it to me.

I don't have to deny anything.

I didn't have anything to do with this.

Swab.

-Let's replace his blood volume, then pack the abdomen.

-It's not working. The bleeding is too severe.

What would Mr Spence do?

I'm kidding. He'd do the sexy option - keep going.

Yes, out in a blaze of glory. So we won't do that.

You sure?

Yes. No unnecessary risks.

Let's stop diathermy. We'll pack the abdomen and wait for him to stabilise.

When he does, we'll wheel him back in and finish the job.

OK?

That's Freya's heartbeat. Little butterfly.

-Bu-dum, bu-dum...see it?

-Systole and diastole.

-Hmm?

The bu-dum bu-dum, as you put it.

So it's her heart that's not working properly?

No, it's fine from what I can see.

Have you told her about Paul?

Nicole's partner died before Freya was born.

Right. I'm sorry.

I wasn't saying it for sympathy, it's just...

he had a hole in his heart that he never knew he had, right.

-Could she have inherited that?

-It's highly unlikely.

Right.

OK, so she's had tests with the GP, tests on the children's ward,

-tests here and still nobody can find anything.

-Maybe there's nothing to find.

You think I'm imagining it?

No, but with a first baby, people tend to pick up on every little thing.

Being a single mum won't help.

She's not doing as well as we'd expect.

-Just because you can't find anything doesn't mean I'm making it up.

-Sure.

-What?

-You're wanted at the hearing.

The echo is clear. Excuse me.

Make sure they go back to Paediatrics.

Please, Dan, I'm busy.

I know, but I need to check something with you.

-For?

-The wedding reception. The seating plan.

What do you want to do with your lot? Do we keep the families separate or mix them up?

People like your dad are fine, aren't they? They'll muck in with anybody,

but my family aren't the greatest of socialisers and ideally I need to plan this out with you,

but I can make a start if I know generally what you'd like.

Why are you coming at me with this now, huh?

Why right now!

Excuse me.

We shouldn't even be in here.

If he goes on about that wedding any more, I'm going to kill him.

What?

Wish me luck.

Owen shot himself close range, so the...

the shot hasn't spread massively, but it has punctured his spleen and his small bowel.

There are lots of small holes in the blood vessels which are very difficult to repair.

You're saying... he's not going to make it?

Um...hopefully, the bleeding will clot.

When it does, we'll get him back into theatre and finish the job.

He was just supposed to be staying on the farm with me for a day or two.

Yeah.

So...why did he...?

I don't know - bullying at school, maybe. I don't know.

You found him, right?

What about other family?

His father and mother - my daughter -

they're away in France on holiday.

Haven't managed to phone them yet.

Would you like me to make the call?

-I have a very important aortic homograft.

-You mentioned it.

Due to be streamed live on-line this afternoon...

You've mentioned that too, several times. Will you be finished with the hearing in time to participate?

I couldn't say. It's something of a moveable feast.

I meant to say, should the worst come to the worst with Michael Spence,

if there's anything I can do to fill in...

So one person's misconduct is someone else's career opportunity, is it?

I'm just trying to help.

Yes, but the question is who?

When you were first propositioned by Mr Bhatti, did he mention Prego Holdings?

Not right away, no.

-Did he tell you that his wife supplied the implants?

-No.

-You didn't think to ask?

-Why would I?

Because you knew she ran a medical supply company.

-Well, not that specific one.

-Really?

She's Italian, the company's called Prego!

Not that difficult to work out, I wouldn't have thought.

Hi. Mr Dolan is refusing to move baby Freya back to Paeds.

-Tell him I said to do so.

-I already have. He's refusing to budge.

-Shall I do it?

I could really do without this today.

I believe you went to Mrs Bhatti to put your concerns to her.

-After the RTA, you mean?

-Yes. So?

Well, she said she didn't feel that Sunil had done anything wrong

and if he did, somehow it was because of me.

So Mr Bhatti had blamed you, had he?

Yeah, but that was Sunil all over. Find someone else to take the flak, then run.

Where is Mrs Bhatti right now? Are you still in contact with her?

No, last I heard she was holed up in Italy with some relatives.

We've been trying to find a paper trail, but very little documentary evidence remains,

no invoices with your name on, very little relating to Prego Holdings at all, in fact.

Don't you find that strange?

Yeah, normally I would, but Mr Bhatti...

Mr Bhatti, Mr Bhatti. Always Mr Bhatti.

Well, I'm not going to admit to something I had no part in.

-If there's no paper trail, it's probably because Sunil got rid of it!

-Not you?

Not me, no.

I had nothing to do with this.

Any of it.

You know the implication here is that I'm not telling the truth.

Well, if the Trust has an allegation to make against me,

then it needs to back it up with evidence.

So, if you have something, please, bring it on.

Yup, that's not a problem, I'll send someone down. Thank you.

Keith Sandow, 74, joint pain...

-Rheumatics?

-Yeah, I called them. They told me to call you.

Sudden loss of vision, he's tachycardic.

Has fever and headaches.

So, nothing since when?

It's been poor for awhile.

But it's Friday week, tea time, I was boiling an egg and suddenly, boof!

-What, everything went black?

-No, more like a migraine to start with, like a kaleidoscope.

-Is that nurse back yet?

-Doctor.

Oh! Look, no offence.

I didn't make the nurse assumption just cos you're a woman, OK?

I want you to know that. You are a woman, right?

What do you think? Could be a Russian bloke with high voice?

Or, you know, a Lithuanian midget.

I'd quit while you're ahead, if I were you.

-This is Mr Hamilton.

-Hello. So pain where exactly?

Well, my neck and around here.

-And here, when he's chewing.

-OK. Can I take a look? Sit forward for me.

OK. That feels fairly normal. We should do a chest X-ray and check his PSA.

-Yeah, it's in hand.

-Great, excuse me.

Chrissie?

-Hot in there, isn't it?

-Yeah, I haven't been sleeping very well.

-Mm-hm.

-It's OK if I stay and observe?

-I'd rather you went in there and told the truth.

So what do you want me to do, admit to something I had no part in?

So you did nothing wrong?

Look I cannot take the rap for this entire thing.

-I've got four kids, I can't afford to...

-Michael, if you were involved...

We were all involved. You hired the guy, no-one's asking you to take the blame.

Look, I know you offered to resign, but the press needs a sacrifice and it's not going to be me.

Mr Flynn. I know you wanted to be involved, but he needs the operation right now.

-That's just great(!)

-So Mr Douglas has very kindly agreed to scrub in.

Yes, I bet he has.

What can I do!

Oh, I still need those blood culture results.

-Sorry, I've just been paged back to Paeds.

-Which is where she should be.

Not until she's been screened. Everything points to Cardio.

Look, I want this sorting one way or another, so...

will an MRI do you?

-I love you.

-Hm.

Can you deal with that please?

Sure.

-Thank you.

-And Mr Hope's still waiting for Mr Flynn's cultures.

-Dr Valentine? You up for it?

-What?

-I thought you might like to observe.

-What?

The aortic homograft. Delicate procedure, window on the world wide web, etcetera.

Yeah, thanks.

PAGER BLEEPS

Just give me like...20 minutes?

Right, yes.

I became aware that there was an issue after an operation on a patient called Melanie Stott.

This is the pacemaker patient?

Yes, the implants had leaked and the silicone was interfering with the function of the pacemaker.

Did Mr Spence mention to you then that he was

-concerned about the quality of the implants?

-No,

but he must've been aware that there was an issue -

both implants had leaked, so...

-I assumed they were part of a defective batch.

-Mr Spence.

Which is what I thought too.

And when did you discover that all the implants fitted were faulty?

Only when it became public knowledge.

So at no time did Mr Spence suggest that he might've been aware?

-No.

-And you had no reason to think he was profiting from this arrangement with Prego Holdings?

No, I had no knowledge of anything untoward, just a...

-Just a...

-Just a vague uneasiness that this whole business

was about making obscene amounts of money and not doing what we should be doing.

Meaning?

Look, whatever Mr Spence knew about all of this,

I like to think he's someone who puts patients before profit.

-Do you know what an MRI scan is?

-Is that the big cylinder thing?

Course I know what an MRI is!

My partner spent a fair bit of time inside one.

Yeah, so you know how they work and that they're safe

and Freya won't be in any danger.

What's this? You don't need a patient's signature for an MRI, do you?

-No.

-So?

We need to keep Freya still,

so that's to give us permission to sedate her.

I don't think so...

-I'm sorry?

-I said I don't think so.

No.

My concern is what this has done to the reputation of the hospital...

and myself. I feel damaged by my association with Plastics.

Can I just say, Miss Naylor wasn't exactly press-ganged.

No, but I assumed the department would be run with integrity.

None of us envisaged Mr Bhatti and Mr Spence would be involved in corruption.

Miss Naylor, had you heard of Prego Holdings before this all became public?

-I did know about Prego Holdings, yes.

-How?

I think I saw the name in Accounts.

I see. And why would a CT consultant be looking at Plastics accounts?

I honestly don't remember.

-You don't remember?

-No.

-Or you don't want to remember.

I want to feel that my questions are being answered truthfully

but my suspicions aren't being put to rest here.

Yes, well, this is what I was getting at earlier - suspicion spreads.

Anyone who had anything to do with Plastics is tainted by it.

The reality is Mr Bhatti and Mr Spence had a nice little number going and it backfired on them.

Thanks for that(!) Jac...

-He's just going to carry on bleeding out.

-Give it time.

How much more time?

Look, if we take him into theatre like this, he'll die.

If we let him stabilise... it's a chance.

POLICE RADIO

-Elliot, nice to see you.

-I wish I could say the same.

Oh, wait, come on, don't be like that, Elliot.

-I know things aren't great, but what have I done to you?

-Oh, nothing,

just that your antics almost cost the entire CT department,

and I almost lost my job - we all did -

but that's nothing for you to worry about, Michael.

You just make sure you cover your own rear end.

Mmm. Oooh, that's Shalimar.

-Oh. I put it on specially. I know how much you like it.

-Mmm.

You two need to get a room!

-Oh, sorry, I didn't realise you were there.

-Any news?

Yes, there is. Most of the tests have come back and they're fine...

-What about the X-ray?

-That was clear so...

So we can rule out cancer, then?

Yes, I think so, at this stage.

Oh!

I'll be back as soon as the rest of the results are in.

Sorry, don't mean to hassle, but seating plan?

Fine. Mix the families up a bit.

Some of yours and some of mine on the same table.

Great. Oh, one more thing - the first dance.

They've hassling me about the music for that. So I thought Everything by Michael Buble?

What?

No first dance. I'm not going to do this any more.

Chrissie...

This is driving me nuts. You are driving me nuts.

-If you want a big wedding...

-I don't.

-But you said...

-I don't care what I said. I don't want it any more.

-Oh, come on.

-I'm serious.

I don't want to hear another word about table mats,

seating plans, Michael Buble.

If you keep going on about this, there won't be a wedding at all.

-The mother won't sign for a general anaesthetic.

-Why not?

For God's sake, Ollie, do I have to do absolutely everything myself?

I ask you to do two simple things. Just two things.

-You are absolutely useless!

-Bitch.

If you've got something to say, say it to my face.

You missed out on the op, the baby shouldn't be on the ward,

so why take it out on me?

You know what? Forget it. Just forget it.

-Sort out the blood cultures and I will speak to the mother.

-No.

-Excuse me?

-I'm due in theatre with Mr Hope. You sort your own results out.

Right, we have to trim the scallops

from the coronary sinuses...

DOOR OPENS

Hello, Dr Valentine.

-Ms Naylor?

-Sorry to interrupt, Mr Hope.

I was just explaining to Dr Valentine that we have a baby on the ward who needs attention,

but he feels duty bound to be in theatre with you. Could you spare him?

Goodbye, Dr Valentine.

Print out Mr Flynn's results -

they're on my computer in my office - then meet me in HDU.

Would you come in for a moment, please?

MOBILE BEEPS

We've yet to finish our deliberations

but Mr Hanssen felt you should be informed of where we are right now.

Is that correct?

Yes.

So...

we're agreed, whilst we have no evidence that you yourself were engaged in any corrupt activity,

we think it likely that you were aware of it

and you chose not to report it.

Wait, can I just...?

No. You've had your say.

As such, your integrity has been compromised.

Now, I for one believe it would be inappropriate

for you to continue working here under the circumstances -

though that's something we've yet to agree on.

And as far as the GMC are concerned..?

We'll recommend no action be taken against you.

So I can take it that I'm no longer under suspension?

-Yes, you may.

-As I've said, that's not to say internal measures won't be taken against you.

We intend to reach a decision later today.

While I'm waiting for your decision, what do you want me to do?

Well, I take it this means congratulations are in order.

No, not yet. They're still finding a way to get rid of me, but I'm here for now, so if you need any help...

-On Keller?

-Yep. Hanssen wants me to make myself available.

Probably wants to keep an eye on me. Hence...

No, thanks. We're fine.

-You too, huh?

-Me too what?

-I don't know why I expected any different -

-I just thought you might be above all that. You know, sticking the knife in.

-Hi.

-What is it?

-Just wondering when you're going to make a decision on Owen Thomas.

I'll take a look.

HE SIGHS

Nicole, the baby's mother, have you seen her?

-She's in HDU.

-Not any more.

I really want to get that MRI done - get Sean Dolan off my back.

Sorry you missed out on the homograft.

-Yeah. Another career-enhancing opportunity bites the dust.

-Here you go. Try that on for size.

-What is it?

-Elliot gave it to me. It's The Futures Award for Mentoring.

-You decide on a research project and if it turns them on they'll fund it.

-Doesn't exactly turn me on.

-Well, I'd do it but it's for consultants only.

-What's the catch?

You get to mentor an F2.

Don't say I don't do anything for you.

Mr Hope's come through with the blood culture results.

You're magnificent, Ollie, you really are.

Fine.

Look, just find Nicole for me, OK?

I want to get that baby out of here.

Sorry, been running backwards and forwards.

Have you heard? Michael Spence got off. Kind of.

Oh, yeah, I know, your patient. I'm sorry.

No problem.

What we looking at? A palliative sign-off?

-Looks that way.

-So what's Ric's plan of action?

To wait and see if he stops bleeding out then take him back in and finish the job.

What? Come on, that's never going to happen. How much volume has he lost?

About three litres. Look, we've been filling him with colloid and blood,

but we fix one bleed, then he starts leaking from somewhere else - it's like trying to stitch a sieve.

He's not going to pull through, is he?

Can you do something?

Well, he's not my patient.

That's not what I asked.

Oh, can you do me a favour? Freya's chest X-ray, chase it up?

Excuse me. And I need that.

Sure. Excuse me.

-No, in person. I've tried calling.

-It's fine.

PHONE RINGING OVER PHONE

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Is anyone in here?

Nicole?

RINGING STOPS

-Nicole...

-Can you go away, please?

-If you open the door, maybe.

-Are you some sort of pervert?

Look, it's natural...

..to feel...

stressed.

To be on your own with a baby that's not well... But we can help you.

You think I've been hiding away in here?

The general anaesthetic - it's not dangerous.

Oh, come on. If it wasn't dangerous I wouldn't need to sign a waiver, would I?

-OK, listen. I don't know your boss. What's she called?

-Ms Naylor.

Yeah. From what I've seen, I'd say she was a...

bit of a bitch.

I think the reason she wants to do an MRI is to show Dolan there's nothing wrong with Freya.

That way, she can get her off the ward. Am I right?

Well, I don't want Freya to have an anaesthetic.

Not just for that.

It's a hip thing, I think. You know...

Wear and tear. Just happens as you get older.

-Is that right?

-Well, it might be.

Anyway, who's supposed to be the patient here, eh?

It's what she does, you see. She steps into a room

and instantly becomes the centre of attention.

-Can I ask you something personal?

-Uh-oh.

How did you two get married? BOTH LAUGH

We're not married.

Oh, right, sorry. It's just you just seem so close.

-We've only known each other three weeks.

-Well, this time around, yeah.

We bumped into each other at the doctor's surgery.

So, no, we're not married.

We might live in sin, though.

-If you play your cards right.

-BOTH CHUCKLE

Dan, sorry, can I have a word?

I've been looking at the notes. Do you know what I reckon it is? Polymyalgia rheumatica.

Why didn't I think of that?

Age before beauty, my friend.

Right, we have a possible diagnosis.

Now, we need to do a biopsy to test the theory.

-In the meantime, I'm going to get you started on a course of steroids.

-Right.

"How did you get married?" Nice try.

-I know he's your patient, I shouldn't be getting involved...

-Then why are you?

You get your suspension lifted and you're interfering.

No, Malick just brought me up to speed and I think...

Mr Malick had no business bringing you up to speed!

It was nothing. You're just over-reacting. I know about gunshot wounds...

I get it. This is a nice high-profile case -

-an opportunity for you to demonstrate how indispensable you are.

-I'm just trying to help.

Gentlemen, do you think we could continue this in private?

-So?

-Diathermy and clip the vessels.

-We've done that - it's not possible.

-It is.

-No.

-Look, it's all about speed. You've got to work fast.

-What do you think I did?

Not fast enough.

Look, no offence, but I can clip and tie much faster.

What's your opinion, Mr Malick?

His bowel's leaking and he's developing coagulopathy -

-either way he needs to go back into theatre.

-So?

Well, if what Mr Spence says is right, then perhaps...

..it makes sense to...er...

-Your decision, I think.

-Quite so. Would you care to oversee?

You want me to assist in an operation on my own patient?

Oversee, yes.

Mr Harper.

I just wanted to let you know that we are going to take Owen back into theatre.

Right.

Don't let him die.

BABY CRIES

What happened?

Pulmonary congestion. So there is a CT component to this.

BABY CONTINUES TO CRY

-Oh, God.

-It's OK. She's got fluid on her lungs which is causing breathing problems but she'll be OK.

-Can you treat it?

-Yeah, we can give her a course of amoxillin and she should be fine.

So we were right?

-I knew there was something up with her - you just didn't listen.

-I think you'll find...

-You thought you knew better.

-Well, normally I do.

We would have had a diagnosis sooner if she had had an MRI.

-I'm just saying that...

-Thanks.

-Shall I go and have a chat with her?

-No.

-OK.

Ollie, can you, please...?

No, you need to speak to her. You're her consultant, allegedly,

not some junior.

Look, however bolshy she may appear, she's clearly very vulnerable.

I don't want your opinion. Just do what I've asked you to do, OK?

There is one thing I'd like to ask you, actually.

-What's happening with you and Spence?

-What do you mean?

-He sent you a text.

I didn't mean to read it. I was looking for your results

and it flashed on your phone in front of me.

-You don't know anything!

-And I don't want to. Just maybe it accounts for why you're being so reactive today.

You've got a lot on your mind.

She still needs to sign off on that anaesthetic.

She's not going to listen to me, so you have to do it.

Surely it's the least she deserves - some contact with someone senior.

She's been treated pretty shoddily today.

All right.

So you got put on the spot back in the office. Sorry about that.

It's fine.

Still, I appreciate the support.

Well I can afford to be altruistic, you know.

You get sacked, I maybe get your job.

DOOR OPENS

-OK, 80 systolic. We've got loads of bleeds.

-Yeah, that's what we expected.

All right, this is the deal. Like I said, this is all about speed.

Diathermy, clips, no finesse. Let's go.

-Suction. We've got some bowel spillage here.

-Yeah, I got it. Clips.

Oh, man...

Good. Clip. Better.

OK, here. Very good.

Yes, very good.

HE EXHALES

Er...can you...?

It's the spleen.

And?

You're not sure? Perhaps you're a little jetlagged.

Or maybe a little shell-shocked after Mrs Stables?

-I'm just trying to save the patient.

-Yes, there's rather a lot riding on it, isn't there?

Let's just get it out. Come on.

All right.

Clips and ties.

OK.

Good.

That's done it.

All right.

-WARNING BEEPS

-There's swelling.

Retroperitoneum.

MICHAEL SIGHS

What do you want to do?

Take the kidney out. Yes or no?

Yeah.

BEEPING CONTINUES

ANXIOUSLY: All right, dissecting scissors, please.

MICHAEL EXHALES

All right.

Clips and ties, please.

BEEPING STABILISES

HE EXHALES

What caused the infection, then?

-It's impossible to say without....

-Me?

What?

Caused by me, because, like you said...

because I wouldn't let her have an MRI.

Well, we might have found out sooner.

So it is my fault.

-Listen, I was rude to you on the ward and I'm sorry.

-Is it my fault or not?

Look, sometimes it's something viral that triggers it off,

or maybe there's another underlying cause of some kind.

Now, if I give me permission to go ahead and do the MRI

then I can find out.

-I'm useless.

-Do you have any family around who can give you some support?

Look, I try, OK? But I don't always know what to do for the best

and I kind of get strung out with it.

I get these...times...

I could just wrap her up warm and put her on some doorstep.

-You don't mean that.

-Yeah, I do. And when she's crying and I can't make her stop...

I honestly think she'd be better with people

who know what they're doing. I'm not fit to do this, am I?

(Sorry.)

Look, why don't I take you back upstairs?

Now?

Do you want another coffee or something? I get staff rates.

OK.

-SHE SIGHS

-Cappuccino, please.

I will be taking this up again with Hanssen.

-Why, what's the problem? The operation was a complete success.

-I mean you being here.

It's all going to be fine.

Thank you for saving his life!

My life too!

Now it was a little touch-and-go in there for a moment.

-I had to remove one of his kidneys...

-You had to do that?

It was the only way to stop the bleeding.

Who had to remove the kidney?

So, what, you're not going to say anything?

-But he's OK?

-Yeah, he's going to be fine.

Oh, thank you.

So, what, did she just walk? What did you say to her?

-Nothing! I just tried to get her to sign for the MRI.

-And did she?

-No.

Right, what do we do?

-I've tried calling Nicole's mobile - no answer.

-We'll have to contact Social Services and the courts...

I've done all of that. Covered all bases.

-Thank you.

-I told you she was vulnerable.

Thanks. Hello? Yeah, speaking.

SHE SPEAKS IN HER OWN LANGUAGE

You done?

Keith, I'll see you in a minute, OK?

-So how are the wedding plans coming along?

-What is it with you?

-Why? What have I said?

-You know exactly how to wind me up.

Sorry.

Keith's in safe hands, you know.

-TEARFULLY:

-Yeah.

SHE SOBS

Here, come with me.

I'm a vile, horrible, evil woman.

OK. Now, is this just today or...?

-Wow. Is that you?

-You know where I found that? In Keith's wallet.

We had a fling for a couple of days 40 years ago,

and he's kept that on him since.

Now the doctor's starting him on steroids,

and he's going to get his sight back. What's he going to think then?

To him, I've always been love's young dream.

I want him to see - of course I do -

just...not me.

Have you talked to him about this?

God, no.

However blissful it is in the beginning, it's never happy ever after,

not in my experience. Something tells me it's not yours either.

-Well, I'm getting married, so...

-Oh! To the dishy doctor!

-That's why he was asking about weddings?

-Mmm-hmm.

-He talks about it all the time.

-Oh, he's like Keith, is he?

Wants to shout it from the rooftops. "This is it, the future, let's celebrate!"

Except Keith doesn't know what the rest of the world does -

that his partner's faded and ugly.

No!

40-odd years - you can't just walk away from that now, can you?

There you go.

-I thought you said this wouldn't hurt!

-I didn't feel a thing!

Owen Thomas' family want to make a statement supporting you.

They read what's been in the papers

-and they think it would be good if the other side of the story was put.

-Really?

I think it's a rather a good idea myself.

"Suspended surgeon returns in a blaze of glory.

"Sunil Bhatti blamed, Michael Spence exonerated."

So whatever happened to this mythical evidence, then?

It seems Mrs Stables is not beyond a little politicking.

She rather hoped you'd hang yourself, I suspect. Instead, patients publicly praise you,

which makes it difficult for her to justify taking further action.

She's nothing if not pragmatic -

happy to see your name in lights as long as the hospital benefits.

I didn't plan it this way, you know. I didn't ask for Mr Harper to support me publicly.

Perhaps not. But all the pieces seem to be falling into place for you, don't they?

No, I need flight information.

Kiev.

I'll hold.

The doc said things aren't going to get any worse.

-And they're already starting to get a bit better, so...

-Good.

(I'm supposed to keep my eyes shut, but I can't resist.)

-No, no, Keith, you'll hurt yourself.

-Come on. No, let me, please?

-No, no...

-Oh, come on, look at me, look at me, hey?

Wow.

-Oh, come on.

-You've always been beautiful,

but, you see, it's not just about looks with you.

-You are just sublime, you are.

-Oh, Keith.

You're my love, all right? Like I'm yours,

whether or not my eyes work,

because I see you anyway.

Just the way you are. Hey?

That's it.

-Do the steroids work that quickly?

-No.

His vision's all but gone.

-He left it too late to ask for help.

-But she thinks that..?

Are we taking bets on who comes up for air first?

Sacha? Thanks.

-Something's come up. I have to leave right away.

-OK. You want to tell me?

Not really. No-one's died but...

So, you're going to say yes or do I go anyway?

-I say yes.

-Thanks.

We can't do anything. No transfusion, no anaesthetic,

nothing without the mother's written consent.

You want me to get on to family court?

Ah, he takes some responsibility(!)

-Your ward, Jac.

-Your patient, Sean.

-So the buck stops with me, eh?

-No, with us.

We both have to sort this out.

Yeah, that's what I've been saying all day.

Listen, I know you're under the cosh, you're not your usual easy-going self.

So I have a solution.

Would you like to meet up later on? I'll show you.

-Hm?

-Work out some of that tension out.

-I...don't think so.

I'll let you tie me up.

Er, Ollie?

I have a proposition for you.

Sahira was telling me about a new research award.

-Fancy working with me?

-I don't need to be bought, Jac. Thought that was clear.

-I didn't mean...

-Look, I understand you're nervous,

but I'm not the kind to get dirt on someone and hold them to ransom, OK?

Which is precisely why I'm offering this to you,

because I need an F2 on the project who I can trust.

-Right.

-This isn't a bribe, Ollie.

I wouldn't be so vulgar.

Anyway, just let me know by the end of today.

All right, I appreciate that. Thank you very much for your help.

All right, bye-bye.

Mm! The way you work these people, man.

-What you talking about?

-You removed the kidney, yeah?

You saved his life? Please! Ric saved that kid in there.

Oh come on, give me a break! It was just a moment.

And what did you do? Exactly what he said you would.

You bigged yourself up and took all the glory.

Everything all right?

-Yeah.

-In that case the press are waiting.

-Frieda didn't say why she had to go?

-No.

And you didn't think about asking?

I didn't think it was any of my business. Did you?

MOBILE BEEPS

Shall we, Mr Harper?

Good afternoon, everyone. I have a short statement. I'm delighted the hospital

has decided that I don't have a case to answer for.

That's not to say there are any winners in this, of course.

The demise of the plastics department has been a massive blow

to this hospital and it's going to take us some time

to get over it. Thank you.

No, sorry. Wait, there is one other thing.

I want to say I'm touched that Mr Harper

wanted to publicly acknowledge the work we did with Owen,

but I can't claim sole credit for that. Unfortunately, that's not the impression

that I gave to him in the heat of the moment.

After the press I've been getting, I think the temptation

to claim credit for something positive

just proved too much for me.

Everything we do in this hospital is as a team.

And when we succeed,

we do so because of that ethic.

That's all I want to say. Thank you.

PRESS CLAMOUR

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you.

I get it.

You've been married before, so to you the big wedding seems silly

and stale. And you don't feel right,

because you want to be you and what I've planned

feels made-up and untrue. Am I anywhere near?

And you're worried about looking like mutton

-in some enormous white dress...

-Hey, careful!

And I have been banging on about Michael Buble

when you've just failed your pre-lim exams.

So, do you really want just four people in a registry office?

Something in between that and the full production.

-So we are still on then?

-Yeah, of course we are.

I was worried back there for a minute.

Anyway, we never got around to doing this properly, so...

Oh.

I can exchange it for something simpler?

Think I can put up with it...

..for your sake.

Thank you.

I heard about your press statement. Very impressive.

Ric, I did try to pull Sunil in line, you know.

So you're telling me you actually knew what was going on all the time?

Is that what you're saying?

-I had nothing to do with this.

-But you knew?

Ric, put yourself in my shoes for a minute, all right?

I begged Sunil to clean his act up.

-What else could I do?

-Blow the whistle on him.

You put the hospital first

rather than your own career. There are other priorities.

We put the patients first!

-Don't preach at me, Ric. You of all people...

-Meaning?

Meaning you ran off with my wife.

There's only so much outrage I can take from you.

Please! She left you because of the affairs.

Don't try and rewrite it.

You're always going to want more, You're always going to want someone or something else,

because the job that you do

and the people you work with aren't good enough, are they?

-Oh, come on.

-I don't want that around me anymore.

I want to work with somebody I trust, who has integrity.

I think you'll find others feel the same.

-Ric, just give me a break...

-No, Michael. It's over for you here.

One way or another, it's over.

The police called. Still no sign of the mother.

-Right.

-The courts have made you in loco parentis,

so you can go ahead with the scan. But I see you're doing it anyway.

Good to be official though.

So this research project, what's the topic?

Therapeutic hypothermia.

Right.

-And?

-That sounds fascinating.

So?

I'd be delighted.

Good.

Mr Spence. Before you go, I thought you'd might like to know

that a decision has been taken not to pursue

-any further internal disciplinary measures against you.

-OK.

So you'll be officially reinstated as of tomorrow

and I'd like you to begin work back on Keller, please.

-I don't think so.

-What?

I've spoken to colleagues and I think Mrs Stables is right.

-The past months have damaged my standing here.

-I see.

I don't think I'll be able to rebuild the trust people had in me.

So what are you saying?

I'm going to resign.

Is this an attempt to elicit sympathy?

No! Hell, no.

-I've been thinking about this. My mind is made up.

-I see.

There's nothing I can say that will convince you otherwise, I take it?

No.

-You will work out your three months' notice.

-Oh, come on!

I've issued a press statement saying you've been exonerated.

I'm issuing another saying you've resigned. Looks like a cover up.

Please don't make me work my notice.

I accept your resignation, Mr Spence, but on my terms - not yours.

In writing, on my desk, tomorrow morning.

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