Taxi for Spence Holby City

Mr Spence, the purpose of this morning's meeting was to announce a new appointment.

George Binns, Business Manager.

His primary objective is determining how available funds should be distributed across the Hospital.

-This scheme is just not working.

-I know it's tough but it's not much longer.

So we're going to hang in there and show we can hack it.

Just get on with what happens next.

Whatever happens next is up to Mum.

Mo, I cannot tell you. Thank you, thank you so much.

Forget it. It was worth it.

-Shouldn't someone at least contact Mr Hanssen?

-We are out of options and out of time!

You either suck it up, or you get out!

Based on AAU's performance, we've decided

to implement the non-referral scheme on a permanent basis from today.

-Morning, George.

-Morning, Michael.

-Ready for another day in the warzone?

-Locked and loaded.

-Let's go get 'em.

-Absolutely.

-What's all that about?

-All what?

-Collaborating with the enemy.

What are you the head of Homeland security? Oh, excuse me.

-I'm on my break!

-Still!

This was bad enough when it was a five-minute wonder,

but now it's permanent.

Hey, we ship 'em in and ship 'em out.

-What so you're just rolling over.?

-No, I'm doing my job.

Thought you had more fight in you than that.

If we follow orders to the letter how long before we're stuck in the mother of all backlogs?

We're heading for breaking point as we speak.

And when that day comes, the madness of King George will be exposed

-for everyone to see.

-Aah!

The long game.

The long... Urgh.

I'm going to call the co-ordinator and get an ETA on the liver.

-Any sign of the transplant patients?

-Here's number two.

Bed four please.

-What about the primary?

-Not yet.

You know Mrs O'Sullivan.

How are things, Margaret?

Fine, my youngest son just got engaged.

Congratulations. Thank you, Sister Williams.

Has your first choice arrived yet?

Straight down to business as usual.

Is it a man or a woman?

Now, If I told you I would have to kill you.

Just nice to know who they chose ahead of me.

As second candidate on the list, you're here on a standby basis.

Should the primary recipient prove unsuitable...

I'll be whisked away to theatre and given a brand new liver.

-Got it in one.

-Let's hope they fall under a bus then.

-OK, can someone sign these cremation forms please?

-Got 'em.

-King of the ash cash strikes again.

-Do pass Go, do collect 70 quid.

Ah, brilliant(!)

-How's that?

-It's fine.

-Aargh!

-There?

Yeah. Starts there and goes right through to the back.

-OK, you can drop your shirt.

-Michael?

-Yeah?

-Can I have a word please?

-Not going to be in overnight, am I?

Excuse me. What's up?

-What is this?

-Well, my guess is pancreatitis.

-We're full.

-So?

-What d'you expect me to do?

-Give him pain relief for a start.

-Funny(!)

That's how we do things now, right?

Ritchie, I don't have a bed for you yet but trust me, I'm on the case.

Oh, right.

You can't just leave him here, Michael.

-Rachel Reid shown up yet?

-Nope.

-She's cutting it a bit fine.

-Are you surprised?

Meaning?

-25-year-old alcoholic.

-Recovering alcoholic.

Who needs a liver transplant.

Not making moral judgements, are we?

That's your job.

OUR job is to abide by the decision of the transplant panel.

-Hard to swallow though, isn't it?

-You've read her notes.

-Of course.

-Sober for six months, passed all the psych evaluations.

-Keep your hair on!

-Do you have any idea how much hard work it takes to get on that list?

I'm just wondering where she is, that's all.

Let's hope she's not stuck on AAU trying to get a referral.

-Michael!

-Yeah?

-Gotcha.

-What?

-That'll be my text.

-Concerning?

-It's the reminder.

-About?

-My team-building seminar. 11:30 kick-off.

-What, today?

-Yeah.

-How about a little notice?

-I e-mailed ages ago.

Not today. We can't afford a man down.

-See? I'm sorry.

-We're looking at group hierarchy and mutual support systems.

It's going to transform on-ward interaction.

-I'll see what I can do.

-I really wouldn't miss it if I were you.

-Rachel Reid?

-Yeah.

-We were expecting you earlier.

-Sorry.

Right, well. Follow me.

You the one that's going to be doing the operation?

-Myself and Mr Griffin.

-Right.

-Did somebody bring you in?

-Like who?

-Partner, family member.

-No. I got the bus.

-If you have any concerns or...

-I just want to get it over with.

I'm afraid a liver transplant takes quite a bit of getting over.

I'll have to take your word for that, this is my first time.

Sorry.

Thank you. I'll leave you to get settled in.

Don't be a stranger.

Thong.

Bucket knickers.

Easy access.

Dirty sod.

That's me.

-Commando?

-Yes Ma'am!

-MOBILE RINGS

-I've got to take this.

-Sounds important.

-It's just my sister.

Hello.

So did you get my text? What did you think?

Great. You pick a hotel, and I'll see you Saturday.

OK.

-This hyper...

-Lipidemia.

-..is too much cholesterol?

-Yeah.

But it's not causing the pain?

No, it's a side issue.

Hopefully the scan'll tell us what else is going on.

So, two things wrong with me?

Controlling cholesterol means just a few simple lifestyle changes.

Our Nick'll be made up. He's always nagging me about my diet.

-Who's Nick?

-My son.

Every morning before we start work he has porridge.

-I have a fry-up.

-He's got a point.

-Can't be doing with that Jock muck.

-So you two work together?

-Furniture restorers.

-Yeah?

-Two man operation.

-You guys are real craftsmen, huh?

-Mooney & Son, that's us.

-That's nice.

-No better feeling.

Yeah.

Right, here goes nothing.

Mike. Take a seat.

We have a quorum.

You too, eh?

Welcome one and all.

Each of you a unique, vital piece of the Holby City team jigsaw.

Today's seminar begins with a film presentation followed by a Q&A

and a short role play session.

Kill me now.

Please try and pay close attention.

Who knows, your future may depend on it. Enjoy.

Lottery winner arrived yet?

Yeah.

Bus driver didn't get them?

-Not this time.

-Doctor.

-S'cuse me. What's the problem?

-Where's the telly in here.

-We don't have one.

-What, anywhere?

-No.

-That's mad!

Yes, well if you could just buzz a nurse if you need something.

-I'm bored.

-I could ask someone to go down and get you a magazine.

-Yeah.

-Just give them the money and they'll pop down to the shop.

-Doesn't matter.

-Right.

How long before the operation?

We'll take you into theatre as soon as the liver arrives.

I'm sorry.

What for?

Turning up late. I wasn't taking the mick.

-It's fine.

-I do know how lucky I am to be on the list.

-Good.

I've decided I'm not telling them. You know what'll happen.

This could be the only chance I get. Look I've got to go.

What are you in here for?

A big operation.

Really?

-Liver transplant.

-At your age?

-I know.

-Is it an illness or...

-If drinking yourself daft's an illness, yeah.

-I see.

-Just had my AA sponsor moaning at me.

-Right.

You put one foot wrong and everyone's on your case.

Well, best of luck then.

What about you?

It's nothing. False alarm.

Pretty interesting watch, huh?

-Yeah.

-Spielberg eat your heart out.

Right, well. Q&A time.

Can anyone tell me what the men in the film did wrong?

They didn't have sun cream on?

No sun cream. Thinking beyond parameters, I like it.

Anything else?

-They got eaten because they didn't work as a team.

-Go on.

-The majority followed the idiot with the bad ideas.

-And...?

The few that had a decent plan in mind had no chance without the support of the rest of them.

-Couldn't have put it better myself.

-Great. Well, I need to get going.

And I could really do with you sticking around.

Your insight could prove invaluable.

I got things to do.

Nothing that you couldn't delegate, surely.

There's no-one left to delegate to.

In that case you're excused.

Jonny Mac, I'm after a favour.

-Fire away.

-I need a plus one.

-For?

-Barby round at my brother's. I tried to get out of it but...

-I'm all yours.

-Sweet.

-What's the big deal?

-First time I've seen my family since giving birth.

-So?

-Well, they didn't exactly approve.

-Who didn't?

All of them, basically.

You don't want me to make a speech about the selfless gesture you made?

-No. Just keep my glass topped up.

-That's OK then.

-And don't leave my side for a nanosecond.

-Sure. When is it?

-This Saturday.

-Right.

Hi.

Hey.

This is Stacey Nolan, 21. She fainted in the supermarket.

Totally embarrassing.

Temperature 38.5, B/P 150/90,

complaining of palpitations and dizziness.

Let's have a listen to your chest.

Oh, and she's 8½ months pregnant.

-Never would have guessed.

-Neat isn't it.

-Very.

-I'm sure it's nothing.

Best not to take any chances at this stage of the game.

Been textbook so far.

Let's run some bloods, ECG, urine, and an echo.

-Does your partner know you're here?

-No chance. He's at work.

-What about your mum and dad?

-Can't we just wait for the results?

Sure. Be right back. Can you run those tests, ASAP?

-Not a problem.

-Oh, and thanks.

-What for?

-Saturday.

You're a lifesaver.

Hey, Ritchie. What are you working on?

-Chess piece for my grandson.

-Yeah?

-Making him a set.

-Nice.

-Is that me?

-Yeah, not great news I'm afraid.

You have what's known as a triple A. An abdominal aortic aneurysm.

-A what?

-It's like a weak spot on a tyre.

A bulge in the arteries.

It's going from bad to worse, is it dangerous?

-I would like to keep you in for observation overnight.

-Why?

-To make sure it settles down.

-Right.

The only problem is I don't have a bed for you right now.

So I'm going to be stuck on this thing?

-I could transfer you to another hospital if you like.

-No thanks.

You hear all kinds of horror stories about people left lying round

on trolleys for days on end.

Isn't there another ward I could go to?

-Well, there was.

-Well, let's try there.

No, they're not going to take you unless it's an emergency.

-It's an emergency to me.

-I know it's crazy, but...

Maybe I should just go home, come back when it bursts.

That's not a good idea.

Look, leave it with me. Let's see what I can work out.

-In the meantime, why don't you call your son.

-Left my phone at home.

Use mine.

Thanks, Doc.

Nick? Yeah. Hello, lad.

-Eddi?

-Yeah?

I need you to do something for me.

What?

-He won't take no for an answer.

-There's nothing I can do about it.

-Why not?

-You know why.

-Come on, Chrissie!

-I don't make the rules.

-When did we stick to the rule book?!

-Since I was told to make this thing work.

-It's ONE patient.

-No, it's one consultant whose trying to make trouble for everyone else.

-How many more tests are there?

We're done. Just waiting for the liver now.

Eddi? It's Rachel.

-Oh, hey.

-You know each other?

-She nursed me last New Year.

-What are you in for?

-Liver transplant.

-What bed?

-Right down the end.

-I can take it, thanks.

I thought you were going to stay off it and look after your mum.

She died.

Oh Rachel, I'm sorry about that. When?

Week after we were in here.

I hit the bottle again at the funeral.

But you've been off it since?

-Six months.

-Are you still staying at your mum's place?

Nah, a hostel.

Come on, into bed. You need some rest.

She's a right nag, this one.

Listen, I'll look in on you later, OK.

Just join the queue at visiting time(!)

How's our mum-to-be doing?

Not great.

Looks like mitral prolapse but I'm worried about endocarditis too.

-Really?

-Yep. We won't know until the tests come back

but if it's stenosis the girl's got problems.

-Worth putting a call in to obs and gynae?

-Already done it.

-Mo?

-Yes.

-Before you go, confession time.

-Don't like the sound of that.

-Your brother's barby.

-What about it?

-I didn't realise it was this weekend.

-Are you dumping me?

-Sorry. I'm double-booked.

-Is there no way you can...?

-It's a family do.

-You never said.

-My auntie's 60th.

-Which auntie?

-Carol.

-Carol in Scotland?

-Yeah.

You're leaving me to face the firing squad on my own?

-It won't be that bad!

-Want to bet?

-There's nothing I can do.

-Fine, yeah, it doesn't matter.

-You will be all right, won't you?

-Course.

-I feel really terrible.

-Well, don't.

-I wish there was something I could...

-Forget it!

Hey, how we doing?

OK. Tests back yet?

-Obstetrician's on his way down.

-Ooh.

-Is it kicking?

Oh, hello, Alfie, you playing footy in there?

-Alfie's nice.

-Great-grandad's name.

-You excited?

-Can't wait.

Ever since I was a little girl I dreamt of having my own baby.

-Yeah?

-It's what we're put here for, isn't it?

I'm the Business Manager for surgery. I'm here to create...

You explained the situation to Chrissie, yeah?

-She'd help out if you asked nicely.

-She's gone to the dark side, Sacha.

-Dammit!

-She's only trying to do her job.

-Following orders and all that.

-Oh, come on!

Eddi, could do with a hand.

Right, that is not to do with us

dragging our heels about your condition.

What's the problem?

Nothing to do with her.

Put on your best "discussing a serious issue" face.

What?!

Looked like you needed airlifting out of the conversation so...

Oh, yeah. Thanks.

I prescribe hanging in till home time then drinking lots of beer.

-Is there a problem here?

-No problem whatsoever.

-Everything's OK?

I was just taking the opportunity to explain how our new system

is going to make the hospital a better place for all our customers.

I didn't even realise I was a customer.

Nice talking to you.

Did you manage to get us onto the other ward?

-Can I ask you something, Ritchie?

-Yeah.

-Are you a good liar?

So remember, your heart's pounding,

your back is in agony, your feet are sore.

I can't believe I've got to go through all this just to...

-Ritchie, just concentrate.

-It's crackers.

-We know it is.

But it's the only way of getting you a bed for the night.

Mo?

Stacey Nolan's results.

Good.

Are you OK?

Miss E?

I'd know that voice anywhere.

-You're a sight for sore eyes.

-Not too shabby yourself, Mr T.

-Why, thank you. How's tricks?

-All the better for seeing you.

D'you want to get a room?

Sorry.

You know Jonny.

Course. So what can I do you for?

21 years old, 8½ months pregnant, hypertensive, atrial fibrillation.

No sign of mitral regurge.

Protein in the urine, high temperature.

-Any guesses?

-Only just got the results but I'm starting to think pre-eclampsia.

She's not just a pretty face.

Those cataracts playing up again.

And modest with it too.

-So d'you think I'm right?

-I reckon so, yeah.

Good, better than some of the options we were looking at.

-Excuse me, Ms Effanga?

-Excuse me. Back in a sec.

Amazing, isn't she?

Ah, all stations go?

I'll take the liver into theatre.

I'll have Rachel prepped.

Ms Campbell.

Two ticks, Margaret.

Your liver's arrived. Rachel?

Sorry.

It's OK to be nervous.

It's not that. I mean, I am nervous.

-It's just...

-What?

-Nah, it's stupid.

-Try me.

-Have you ever been to Paris?

Once or twice.

My mum always wanted to go. She never made it.

That's a shame.

-I was planning a trip in my head.

-Why's that stupid?

Think they'd let me take her ashes on the plane?

-Told you.

-I don't see why not.

-D'you reckon?

-I think it's a lovely idea.

Won't be long now.

Can you make sure Rachel Reid is ready for theatre please?

Margaret, what can I do for you?

Can we speak in private?

-Well I'm...

-Please.

-Fine. But it'll have to be quick, I'm afraid.

We've looked at your results,

you've got a condition called pre-eclampsia.

-It affects pregnant women in the second half...

-I know what it is. I've read articles on it.

-So you understand it can be risky for the baby.

-My baby's going to be fine.

Sure. Well, we think it's safest for both of you if we induce labour.

-I understand.

-Are you OK with that?

I really wanted to go full term but...

We'll give you a gel to start things off, then it's a matter of waiting.

-How long?

-Could be an hour, could be a day.

I just wanted everything to be perfect.

-Maybe you ought to phone Mum.

-Yep.

-And tell that bloke of yours to forget about work for once.

-Are you two both going to be there?

I'll be delivering baby.

I need to stay on the ward.

Oh.

You're more than welcome to scrub in if you'd like to.

How're we doing?

We're fine, just trying to persuade Ms E to attend the birth.

I'm up to my eyes in it here.

-I'm all right, I'm just being daft.

-We can spare you for an hour or so.

Sorry, Stacey. No, you can't.

Did you see her with any alcohol?

No. I overheard her telling her AA sponsor she'd had a drink.

You do realise she's undergone stringent tests for months.

But if she has had a drink she can't have the operation.

-Let's just slow down.

-They're the rules aren't they?

Margaret, look, I know how tough this process has been on you but...

-You've got a duty.

-I can't act on hearsay.

-This is more than hearsay.

-Let's just...

I've got a lot more to live for than that alcoholic tramp.

Now, come on.

That girl has worked very hard to get to this point.

-Do you want that liver to go to waste?

-Of course not.

Then you've got no choice.

Come on, Ritchie, one more time.

My lower back's bad, I've got palpitations in my heart.

Michael, what are you doing?

-My job.

-Michael?

Is this it?

I'm afraid we're going to need one more sample.

I thought you said you'd done all the tests.

-My fault.

-Built myself up.

-Sorry, shouldn't be too long now.

-Ric. I've got a patient.

-Well so have I.

-I need you to take a look at him.

-Can't it wait?

Mr Spence has decided the referrals policy doesn't apply to him.

In that case, I'm all yours.

Hello.

-Hello.

-Are you all right?

-Is that a joke?

-I mean, are you here for a reason?

-Mr Spence brought me up.

-From AAU?

-Are you Ric Griffin?

-Why?

-Thank God. you are going to get me a bed, aren't you?

-What sort of bed would that be?

-I'm in a bad way here.

-Really?

-Palpitations in my feet, an aching heart, and as for my back...

-My name is Hanssen and I'm Director of Surgery.

-Oh.

I think there's been some sort of a mistake.

Here.

Thank you.

-Any sign of the mum or boyfriend?

-No.

Shame Mo doesn't want to sit in.

I know.

Be good to see the job through to the end together.

Yeah.

-Proper little double act, you two.

-Ha! D'you think?

-You just click, don't you?

-S'pose so.

-Make a great wee team.

-Professionally, yeah .

-Or otherwise.

-Oh come on, I don't know about that.

-Why not?

It sounds silly, but between you and I, I'm not much of a lady's man.

That's OK, cos Mo's not looking for one.

So, is she seeing anyone at the moment?

Nope. Single as a cheese slice.

She really is so lovely.

Get in there then.

No, I can't.

I happen to know for a fact she needs a date on Saturday.

Really?

The door's ajar, Mr T. Time to boot it open.

So he was borderline when he came in

but now I think his case is getting critical.

Well?

Don't look at me.

Look, Michael, I've got a liver transplant to deal with.

Yeah, give me a minute.

Hope you've got your story straight.

As far as I'm concerned he was doing me a favour.

-Mr Spence.

-Sorry, Doc, told you I was a bad liar.

It's OK, we owe you the apology.

To say I'm disappointed, would be a gross understatement.

Mr Spence a word please. Excuse us.

Excuse me.

So, in your efforts to flout my authority

and undermine Mr Binn's carefully thought out policy,

you're forcing patients to try and lie their way into surgery, are you?

Lucy Wonker, David Clements, Suzy Harborg.

-These are real people, not figures on a balance sheet.

-You're compromising yourself and this hospital.

Each one of these patients has suffered at the hands of this ridiculous referrals scheme.

That is simply not true.

It's not too late to pull the plug on this.

I checked our policy on gross misconduct.

This more than fits the bill.

-Is that a threat?

-No, I just wish you'd focus on the positive aspects of the scheme.

Hanssen, are you listening to this nonsense?

-Have you any idea how close to the exit you are?

-Yes, I do, and I have been there before

and I am trying to do the right thing.

-Is it your mortality rates you're worried about?

-What?!

Your personal stats currently stand at 4.7% for the calendar year.

Am I under surveillance?

Nothing suggests those figures will rise under the new system.

-Mr Binns continues to have my full backing.

-And what about Ritchie Mooney?

His options couldn't be clearer.

He goes on the elective list or you transfer him

to another hospital able to admit him for surgery now.

It's a brave new world you've created. Good luck with that.

On her way in?

Er, yeah. She just had to pick my partner up from work first.

-Bet she's excited.

-Enjoying the ride?

-No need for all of this.

-Safety first.

-8½ months is fine, right?

-Try not to worry about it.

Mr Thompson's the top man for the job.

I'll second that.

Do you need a hand?

I'm all right.

Do you mind if I just pop off for a sec?

-How's our patient?

-No sign of labour yet.

Had an induction the other week took 36 hours!

I think her nerves are starting to get to her a bit.

Yeah.

Always the way when those big moments in life

loom large on the horizon.

Now, I've got tickets for Macbeth at the Playhouse on Saturday.

Can't stand Shakespeare.

Oh, I'm supposed to be taking my niece...

All those words. Then everyone dies at the end.

But she asked if she could take her appalling Goth boyfriend instead.

-So I'm at a loose end now.

-Me too.

-Oh, perhaps you...

-Hello?

-You all right, Stace?

-Yeah, I could do with that hand now please.

-Coming.

-All right Ritchie, you're on the move.

-Where to?

-Another hospital.

-After all that.

We've booked an ambulance, just need to do the paperwork.

-Which one?

-Dunfield.

-That's miles away.

-I know.

-That's no good to me.

-I'm sorry, it's the best I could do.

-Maybe I should just go home.

No, no, please.

-Don't think much of him, do you?

-I try not to think about him at all.

-Why've you gone to so much trouble for me?

-I want to help.

-That's what he said earlier.

-But he's a jerk.

-And what am I? Piggy in the middle?

-You're my patient.

Er, where can I...?

Managing to avoid the Yank?

Yeah, that's easier said than done.

-Come with me.

-Why?

-Just come with me.

-What?

-Max's ten commandments.

Number One, thou shalt not do other people's jobs.

Well, that's easier said than done.

Number two, thou shalt not look random patient's in the eye.

Max, that is just evil.

Number three, delegate where ever possible.

Ah, Lou, could you deal with, erm... Thank you.

-That's fine if you're a doctor.

-Number four, NHS.

You've completely lost me now.

No-one Has Solutions.

We're just the string section on the Titanic.

-The eternal optimist(!)

-You know what your problem is?

you think the whole place will grind to a halt if you're not here.

Really? Cos you think you've got me all figured out, right?

Mm-hmm. I'm going to go back to my office now.

-Angry birds?

-What else?

Oi. What happened to the last six commandments?

I gave up after four. Too much like hard work.

Got the results?

Positive.

Brilliant(!)

-Pretty low levels though.

-That's irrelevant.

-So...

-She blew it.

-You going to tell her?

-Yeah.

-What's the word on that ambulance?

-It's booked.

-Great.

-Can I have a word about the transfer?

-Yeah?

-Are you paying overtime?

-When did you turn into such a nine-to-fiver?

-I just want to know.

-What? You going to go on strike?

Mr Spence.

-George.

-I hear you finally got your transfer.

-Yeah, I did.

-Dunfield's a perfectly respectful hospital.

I'm thinking about asking if they've got a job there.

No need. If you convince Mr Hanssen you've embraced change I'm sure he won't take the disciplinary route.

Thanks, George.

Oh, one more thing.

You need Ms Campbell's signature on the paperwork

before you can pack him off.

It's procedure.

At last.

Sit down, Rachel.

It is time, innit?

-Afraid not.

-What's the hold up?

Please, sit down. There's a problem.

You tested positive for alcohol.

No, I didn't!

-I've got it here in black and white.

-Let me see that!

-There are traces of alcohol in your blood and urine.

-It's wrong.

-We know you've had a drink recently.

-No.

-The tests don't lie.

-I haven't!

-Whereas you obviously do.

-It must be a mistake.

-No mistake.

-You're not doing the transplant.?

-We're sending you home.

You can't do this. This is my chance.

And maybe you'll get another one.

I haven't had a drink, I swear to you.

-I'm sorry.

-You have to believe me, I haven't had a drink.

I'm sorry, Rachel.

You. Please, I haven't had a drink. You have to believe me!

-I wish I could.

-That liver's mine.

No, it's not.

-What did you say?

-Margaret!

-But it's mine now.

-Come on.

You're giving it to her? You grassed me up.

You evil...

-Enough.

-I need that operation!

It's too late.

You just killed me.

Stacey, what's up?

Just been on the phone to my mum.

There's been an accident on the motorway.

Is she OK?

Yeah, but they're stuck in traffic and they said it could take hours.

OK, it's OK.

I know we can't wait if...

No, we can't.

Alfie's the important one.

That's right.

Job done?

-Afraid not no.

-What went wrong?

-Couldn't find the right words.

Stacey, I could always come in with you

if she doesn't make it on time.

-Oh.

-What?

-I think my waters just broke.

-How hard can it be?

-Very, actually.

Talk about faint heart!

She'd probably laugh me off the ward anyway.

Look, I know she can come off as a bit of a tough cookie

but she loves the romance.

-Really?

-Oh, yeah!

She wants a guy who'll rip his heart out of his chest

and slap it on the table and say, "This is all yours!"

If you don't do this,

you're going to be kicking yourself for the rest of your life.

-Mr T?

-Yeah?

Game on.

Game on.

I had a vodka.

One stupid, tiny swig.

It was my mum's birthday yesterday.

I couldn't stop thinking about her.

Second after I had it I phoned my sponsor and went to a meeting.

Next thing I got a call about a transplant.

I'm a good person, Ms Campbell. I just...need a chance.

Please help me.

We're nearly there, Stace.

Can't wait to see his little face!

Won't be long.

Ooooh! GROANS

-I really, really appreciate this.

-Not a problem.

See you in there, Stacey. Mo, have you got a minute, please?

-Better make it quick.

-Don't quite know how to say this.

-Say what?

-OK, heart on the table.

-Isn't it cards on the table?

-Yeah!

Look, I think you are something north of wonderful.

-And I would really like to take you out sometime.

-Ah, mate. You don't half pick your moments!

-PATIENT SCREAMS

-What d'you say?

SCREAMING

It's going to the right person.

Margaret delivered the bad news with a bit too much relish for my liking.

If Rachel wants a second chance she has to prove she deserves it.

Aah, the wonders of moral absolutes.

So, apparently I need your permission

before I dump my patient 50 miles up the road.

-Is this your triple A?

-So Binns has filled you in, ah?

-Hanssen, actually.

-Of course.

-I'm no happier about this than you, Michael.

-Yeah, all right, whatever.

-I'm serious.

-They needed a stooge and you were it.

So you just handed Binns his opportunity on a silver platter.

-I was misled.

-You screwed everyone over.

Great.

You're sure they've got a bed for me in this place?

Yeah, it's a four-poster with silk sheets.

-I can get you a porter if you want.

-No, it's all right.

-Michael, look, I can still take him.

Your shift's almost finished. I don't want exploit you.

Retractor, please.

OK.

Are you with us?

Not according to Michael Spence.

Forget about that. And Rachel Reid.

We've got a job to do.

Oh, no.

What's the problem?

-Abdomen's covered in peritoneal deposits.

-How extensive?

-See for yourself.

-When was her last scan?

-Couple of weeks ago.

-But nothing showed up?

No. We'll have to abort. Pack the liver up.

Let's take biopsies and get her out of here.

So how's it looking?

Nearly done.

It's impressive.

That'll be the full set.

So, is he any good?

-Proper little grandmaster.

-Really?

D'you play yourself?

I can never think that many moves ahead.

Excuse me, would you fill this in before you leave?

What's happened?

-Doesn't the operation take six hours?

-Yeah.

-So you didn't do it?

-No.

-Why not?

There were complications.

So what about the liver? Does that mean I can have it?

-It must do.

-It means...

It means we find someone else on the list who's a match.

-But...

-I'll call the co-ordinator now.

I'm here. I could have it.

There's a procedure which we have to follow.

I'm sorry.

No, that's fine, I understand.

Where's my ambulance?

-There's been an RTA.

-What?

It's... Never mind, I've got to take you back inside.

To lie on a trolley for another 12 hours?

-Yeah, I know, Ritchie, it sucks but.

-What about a taxi? I'll pay out of my own pocket.

-It doesn't really work like that.

-There must be something you can do.

Er, hold on.

Eddi.

I need you to bring some kit down. Yeah, now.

Not good.

-What's that?

-Michael.

-Yeah?

He's going to transfer Ritchie Mooney to Dunfield in our Outpatients Van.

I didn't know we had an Outpatients Van.

-Yeah, well, we do.

-I've got it.

Thank you. I've got to take these things down to him.

He's going to need some help, he can't do this all on his own.

No, No, stop right there. Look, don't even think it.

Don't do it.

Hello.

Hi, Margaret.

Thirsty.

I...

wanted to be here when you woke up.

How did it go?

I'm afraid we couldn't do the transplant.

What?

There were complications.

Complications?

Yeah.

'WAILING'

That's it, Stacey.

-Up to 170.

-Baby's heartbeat's just a little bit high.

-No, no, no.

-It's all right. Nothing to worry about.

-Concentrate on pushing, please.

-Come on, Alfie.

-Come on, Stace. keep pushing. Push!

-I am pushing!

Come on, Stace.

-It's no different than someone opening an umbrella up your bum.

-SHE LAUGHS

Keep going. I can see its head.

One last push. Push!

You did it, you did it.

Well done.

Here's your baby.

Congratulations.

Don't we make a great team?

-Got everything, right?

-Yep.

Y'OK, Ritchie?

Just get me out of here.

What are you doing?

You'll need an extra pair of hands, right?

OK.

How did the delivery go?

Fine.

PHONE BEEPS

KNOCK ON DOOR

Come in.

Hi.

Can't keep you away.

I can come back later if it's a bad time.

It's fine. Stacey settled in upstairs?

Yep, couldn't be happier.

Delivery suite brought back memories.

Pleasant ones, I hope.

Painful, actually.

Oh, yeah, of course, sorry.

So, I was wondering if you'd had any thoughts on my proposal.

It's a proposal now?

-Well, I was not proposing, per se...

-Joke.

-Oh.

You've got flowers behind your back, haven't you?

Yes.

-They're lovely.

-They're for you.

-I can't take them.

-Why not?

-Because it's a no.

You're a really lovely guy but you're my obstetrician.

I know that might take away a bit of the mystery, but...

-It's not that.

-What is it, then?

I don't need any more reminders of the baby.

Why don't we just try one night out, see how we get on?

-I don't think so.

-You need a date for the weekend, don't you?

-Who told you that?

-Nobody.

Look, can we just leave it here?

Whatever you say.

And pretend this conversation never happened?

Absolutely.

If you ever change your mind...

Are you trying to turn me into the Holby joke?

-What?

-Or the Holby bike?

-You've lost me.

-I've just been propositioned.

-By who?

-Mr T.

-He asked you out?

-Just like you told him to.

-I'm sorry?

-Even gave him the details of my diary.

-I never did, honest.

-Don't lie to me, Jonathon.

I thought you made a cute couple.

Cos we both happen to work in the same place?

He's a laugh, isn't he?

I'm not a charity case.

I never said you were.

-What, is this to make up for the fact that you're blowing me out for this weekend?

-Definitely not.

-Just admit it.

-Honest.

-There's no need for the guilt trip.

I mean, I do feel a bit guilty.

We all have family commitments.

I know, but...

I wouldn't want you to miss your auntie's birthday any more than I'd miss my brother's do.

That's very reasonable of you.

Hey, we can think of each other while we're both sat there bored out of our skulls.

-Yeah.

-It gives me some comfort to know you'll be suffering just as much as I am.

Ditto.

We'll leave it at that, then.

Cool.

And...no hard feelings about the whole Mr Thompson thing.

Nah.

See, that's why I love you.

-Thanks for coming. I'll make it up to you.

-Too right you will.

Hey, Ritchie, you OK?

-No.

-What's up?

-My guts...

-Yeah?

-..feel like concrete.

All right, let's get him some pain relief.

Ritchie, hang on.

GROANS IN PAIN

Ritchie, Ritchie, you all right? Ritchie?

All right, let's bag him.

I want you to turn around and get this thing back to the hospital!

Ritchie, I need you to take big deep breaths for me OK.

This can't be happening.

I've spoken to your oncologist. He'll be up to see you soon.

and we're chasing the biopsy results.

What about the liver?

Sorry?

Will that girl get it?

Unfortunately not. We're looking for another recipient match.

I'm going to try to get a line in.

Can't find a vein.

Try his ankle.

I'm going to put a mask on you to help with your breathing.

Michael, his pulse is 60. We can't let him die in the back of this van.

Yep, got it, south of his vein. We got a knife?

Yep, hold on. Deep breaths, Ritchie.

ALARM BEEPING

-Keep breathing, Ritchie, you're doing really well.

-Right, Ritchie, hold on this is going to hurt.

MOANS IN PAIN

Deep breaths.

Line is going in. I'm ready for the adrenaline.

ALARM STOPS

All right, we got him back. I want you to phone up the hospital, tell them to get a crash team ready.

Yep, OK. Thank you.

-That was the co-ordinator.

-And?

They haven't found a recipient yet.

So the liver could go to waste.

It was one tiny slip.

And how d'you know that for sure?

She came and told me exactly what happened. And I believe her.

-Even if she's telling the truth, she still has to get back on the wagon.

-And wait another six months?

-Yes.

-Cos of one drink?

-Yes.

-And if she dies in the meantime? What? She's only got herself to blame.

-Who else's fault is it?

Have you never had a moment of weakness?

Why are you fighting so hard for this girl?

-Because there's no-one else to.

-You really believe she can do it?

She's all on her own, she's had to cope with the death of her mother,

and apart from a single split-second lapse,

she still stayed off the booze.

What about the donor? We have a duty to them to ensure that the organ

that they left behind and trusted to our care is put into the right body.

Couldn't agree more.

All right, say we break the rules and in twelve months time she's up back at Holby. What then?

It'll be on my conscience.

I need more bloods.

'Lift going down.'

Hang in there, Ritchie, you're going to be all right.

-Where is she, Ms Campbell?

-I don't know.

Are they going to let me have it?

If we go ahead with this transplant you have got one hell

of a responsibility to the donor.

Thank you so much.

And their family.

-I won't mess this up.

-They're giving you your life back.

-Thank you.

-It's all right. Come on, let's get you back to bed.

Ric.

-What happened?

-He collapsed on the way to his transfer.

He should've never been taken off this ward.

You'll have to take him to the recovery room, we've got a transplant to do.

-Yeah, fine, I'll get a team together and we'll go in once you've done. Is that all right with you?

-Fine.

So, does he get his bed now?

Look what I found.

I'm going to stay with you until you get into theatre, we're going to get this sorted out.

-Good lad.

-What's that?

-He made that.

Could of made a whole set waiting for you lot to sort yourselves out.

Tell you what, why don't you call your son, give him an update?

Better had.

I heard you were up here.

Yeah, well, the transfer didn't go quite according to plan.

Well, come on, it's home time.

I said that I'd stay.

I thought we were going for that drink.

I'll follow you on in a bit.

I'll be waiting.

Good.

Don't stay too long.

'To re-record your message, key hash at any time.'

Hiya, son. Just to let you know, I'm still in hospital.

Had a bit of a turn.

It's been a bloody nightmare but I...

ALARMS BEEP

Michael!

-What's going on?

-He's arrested.

Come on, Ritchie.

Let's get a crash trolley.

Come on, Ritchie.

Hang in there, Ritchie.

Come on. Charge again.

Clear.

-Let's hope you're right about her.

-Sometimes you've just got to believe in people.

Even when they're screw-ups.

And this from the hospital's social conscience.

Me? Yeah, right.

True, though, isn't it?

According to the hospital's ball-breaking bureaucrat.

PHONE RINGS

-Miss Campbell, Chrissie for you.

-Put her on speakerphone, please. Hello?

I'm really sorry, but I thought you'd want to know.

-There's been a complication with Michael Spence's patient.

-I thought he'd been stabilised.

'It was sudden. He just died on the ward.'

Has Mr Hanssen been told yet?

'I don't know.'

Thanks for letting me know.

Brilliant.

It's not your problem right now.

But it will be.

-You know what? Max was right.

-About what?

-I should have stayed well out of this.

-A man is dead, Eddi.

-Yeah, I know that.

So stop worrying about covering your ass.

Thought you were on your mercy dash.

Ms Campbell gone into theatre yet?

-Got a minute, Mr Binns?

-For you? Always.

Good.

Someone I want you to take a look at.

-What are you doing?

-Get up. Come on, let's take a look.

Michael, stop.

Let's take a look at your poster boy for this goddamn referral scheme.

-Mr Spence, have you gone mad?

-Michael.

Come on, what d'you think?

Almost looks real, almost looks like a real person.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd