Spence's Choice - Part 1 Holby City

-Just got an email from my ex - Christmas is cancelled.

-Why?

Well, what's a father compared to a friend with a ski lodge?

-Welcome.

-Pretty girls usually avoid me like the plague.

I know I'm not much of a babe magnet.

What...what is this?

My brain, or to be more specific, my brain tumour.

So now you know.

I should be able to handle this.

No-one knows how to handle this, not me, not my parents.

-Pulse rate's 120, SATS at 98%.

-BABY CRIES

Does he have to be strapped down like that?

-It's just a precaution.

-In case of what?

-Neck damage.

-Oh, God.

We'll give him a full body X-ray, make sure everything's fine.

Give him something to stop him crying. He's in pain.

-We will.

-It's all right, darling. Mummy's here.

Well, Jasmine I don't care what Mother says, we both have the

power of veto when it comes to your evening wear, and that dress is out.

OK, well, you do realise that a dress is something that is

supposed to cover your body, right?

Oh, well, as long as Brad said you looked awesome then it's OK...

Wait a minute, wait, who is Brad? Jasmine?

RTC en route from the ED.

Patient?

Two-year-old boy.

What about Paeds?

Well, I've paged them, they're overrun.

So I said given your Paeds experience, we'd handle it.

Great. All right, come on. Let's do it.

-Are you the parents?

-Yeah.

I'm Mr Spence, this is Dr Levy. We'll take good care of him.

-I've given him 120 mgs paracetamol.

-His B/P, SATS, everything is normal.

-OK, stop.

-How fast were you travelling?

-About 35.

-Was he in a car seat?

Of course he was in a car seat.

It's nothing personal, they have to ask.

So how did it happen?

Fox ran out into the road. Shot right in front of me. Pests.

All right, hold still.

HE MOANS

PHONE RINGS Yep, it's OK.

Right, let's take a look at you in the side room.

I'm just bruised from the seatbelt. I'm OK.

We won't know that without an X-ray.

Don't worry about me, just treat him.

There's no sign of internal bleeding,

and his pupil reflex is good.

But I want to get him down to radiology.

-I want to go with him.

-No problem.

Come on, it'll be fun.

I'm not sure I'm up for a night of misery and despair.

Not all of his songs are depressing.

They're...you know...truthful.

Why didn't you just tell me you'd booked tickets?

I did.

When?

I'm sure I did. I thought you liked Leonard Cohen anyway.

Ollie, we have been out four nights already this week

and in case you hadn't noticed I have got so much to do.

My research project, the F1 prize, assessments...

Just tonight.

I promise you, I will leave you alone for the rest of the week.

HE GARGLES

I have never known a man to take so long in the bathroom.

Sorry.

Oh. Well?

-Fine.

-Good.

Oh, Ollie, you left this.

Sorry. Force of habit.

-Mummy.

-Right, you won't be able to go any further than this.

-Mummy.

-Right, how long's it going to take?

-About ten minutes to get everything we need.

-Mummy.

Is there somewhere I can go for a cigarette?

Yeah. Outside, Wyvern Entrance. Down the stairs, turn left.

I'll come with you.

Can't image leaving your screaming, injured child

to go for a cigarette break.

It's disgraceful.

Ah, thanks, but when have you ever seen me eat breakfast?

It's just a bite. You've got a couple of hours.

Yes, but I have a Body Combat class.

And unlike you, I don't have the luxury of a lazy day off.

Thanks, though, it's a really nice thought.

Oh, and don't forget to close the bedroom window before you leave.

Tara...

I didn't leave my toothbrush in the bathroom by mistake.

I've got a spare one at home.

OK. I just thought it made sense to have one here.

Is that OK?

It's fine. It's just a toothbrush. Why wouldn't it be OK?

No, no, the thing is...

The lease is up on my house and I've got to consider

whether or not I renew.

And what with rent and bills and what-have-you being what they are...

Not that that would be the reason of course,

but, well, you know what I mean.

Well, I'm not quite sure I do. But I am running really late.

I mean...

Well, what would you think about me moving in with you?

Well, try not to look like I slapped you.

Sorry. Um...can we talk about this later?

Yeah, yeah. Of course. Of course. Yeah, yeah.

Um...

-OK, bye. Bye.

-Yeah, bye.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

PHONE RINGS

HE EXHALES

Morning, Arthur.

Alexander Technique. Helps control nerves.

Used to do it at music college before bassoon recitals.

Oh.

I can't do it if you're looking at me.

Sorry. Pretend I'm not here.

HE INHALES AND EXHALES

I'm not quite in the mood for aromatherapy this morning.

It's nice, actually.

Thank you.

Not that I would go to an aromatherapist.

The practice lacks compelling evidence of efficacy.

Pre-assessment nerves?

Yes. I've learnt to handle it. I'll be fine.

Dr Digby, are we prepared?

Absolutely.

I'm not exactly sure why I did that. Sorry.

So what you will be doing today?

I'll be performing a venepuncture for my DOPS,

and a full operative assessment, counting as a mini-CEX.

And the patient?

Mr Ssht...shez-e...

-Shezz-ee-panski?

-Let's call him Panski for now.

He's come in for an inguinal hernia repair.

And what are the nine questions you need to answer

when performing a pre-operative assessment?

Dressed In a Surgeon's Gown A Physician Might Make Progress.

Definition, Incidence, Sex,

Geography, Aetiology,

P. What's P?

Pathogenesis.

Hello, Sniffles.

Number Two.

I didn't see any fox.

So what you saying?

I'm just saying I didn't see any fox.

Well, I did. Why else would I swerve into a tree?

Apologies for the short notice. Staff sickness.

-No problem.

-Richard Davian. Good morning.

-Morning.

-Transferred to us from the ED with cardiac arrhythmia.

-Morning.

-Morning.

-Can you describe it for me?

It's like someone flips a switch, sends my heart into overdrive.

Any chest pain?

-No.

-How long has this been going on for?

Couple of hours. Every ten minutes or so.

-Are you a smoker?

-Quit a few years ago.

Any funny stuff?

Funny stuff?

Drugs.

Oh, no. Couple of drinks. I was at an after club.

-What d'you think it could be?

-Try not to worry.

We'll run some tests and stabilise your heart with some medication.

-Thank you.

-Thanks.

Let's do an ECG.

Start him on 300 milligrams of Amiodarone, echo, angiogram

and chest X-ray. Ask Tara to help with IV access.

She not in till 11.00. She's got a Body Combat class.

-I saw her half not hour ago.

-Where?

-In Wyvern.

So you just happen to choose the day of my assessment

to drop by and say hello?

I was dropping these off. And I wanted to wish you good luck.

Thank you.

Don't get your knickers in a twist.

I'm not your only competition for the F1 prize, just the fiercest.

I knew it. You just came up here to intimidate me.

Little old me? Intimidating?

You can't bear the thought of becoming Number Three

when I'm Number Two. Or heaven forbid, Number One.

Yeah, and you'd stop at nothing to prevent it.

What is it, chief weapon in your armoury,

is it psychological manipulation?

-Fine, I'll give you your space.

-Thank you.

Good luck with your assessments. Number Three.

Number Three?

Yep. I'd rather not talk about it. Got a patient to see.

Quite right. After you...Sniffles.

I have a minor sinus complaint. Yeah, come on.

Mr Panski. Uh...Panky.

No, uh...Shezz-ee...

-Szczepanski.

-Szczepanski.

Shta-panski! Shta! Shta!

Sounds Polish.

My adoptive parents were Polish. They bestowed me with their name.

Lucky me.

Right. Well, I'm Dr Digby.

I'll be performing your pre-operative assessment,

as well as a venepuncture, which will involve taking blood.

It's all right, I've done a hundred of them.

I'll be right back.

Are you OK, Mr Szczepanski?

I don't know why I came here.

To have your hernia repaired.

Would you go to a vet to have your appendix out?

I can assure you, we're not vets.

You might as well be. It's not your fault. It's nothing personal.

My physiology, it's not the same as yours.

Right, I don't understand. There's nothing in your notes.

I mean...

I'm not from here.

You're not from Holby?

-No.

-Where are you from?

I mean, is she kidding, a banker named Brad?

Brad the Banker. Sounds like a cartoon for children of economists.

Probably just an over-tanned ex-jock with nothing between his ears.

To be honest, it's not what's between their ears...

-Thank you, Sacha.

-Sorry.

This jerk has got the nerve to tell my daughter that she

looks "awesome" in that skimpy outfit?

Well, it was probably an innocent remark.

There was nothing innocent about that dress.

Annalese is a good judge of character, isn't she?

-She married me.

-You've got a point.

A coping mechanism?

Everyone has them.

And given what she's going through, I don't blame her for wanting a fag.

-With her child lying screaming?

-Who are you to judge?

A mother. But you wouldn't understand that.

What do you say we keep the bickering to a minimum?

She started it.

Oh, no. Zach Fairlock's X-ray results are back.

Let's have a look. Fracture, second and third rib.

Yeah, but there are two other previous breaks

which haven't completely healed. Fourth left and fifth left.

-Not consistent with today's trauma.

-Yeah, no kidding, Sherlock.

It must have happened before the accident.

-What does it say in his...?

-There's nothing in his notes.

I take it your class was cancelled.

I just think we should rule out all the other possibilities first.

Yeah, like what? A tendency to walk into walls or fall down the stairs?

If it's caused by impaired vision or an inner-ear imbalance,

then quite possibly, yes.

-Not to mention rickets.

-Exactly, good point.

I'm just urging caution, OK.

You know, I mean kids get knocks all the time,

doesn't necessarily mean abuse.

Two previous injuries. Two.

Both unexplained and probably non-accidental.

Where is everyone? Where's all the doctors?

No. I'm sure of it.

What you talking about?

I was looking right at the road when it happened.

And there was no fox.

This again?

You just veered off the road for no reason. So what happened?

I already told you.

I think we should probably call Children's Services.

-I agree, I second that.

-No, let's not go jumping to conclusions.

Well, what other conclusion is there? It's a textbook.

-Live-in boyfriend.

-An un-maternal mother.

Sorry, I forget, you're mum of the year, aren't you?

Stop, all right. Don't do that.

You're right. Objectively, the best course of action

is to wait for the rest of the test results.

The last thing we want to do is to make a mistake.

Exactly. Think about the cost of the family if they're innocent.

Think about the cost to the child if they're not.

All right, it's my case. My name's on the paperwork. I'll decide.

So now you're checking up on me?

I'm not checking up on you. I was called in.

Why did you say you had a Body Combat class?

-I needed some time alone.

-You could've said that.

-As if you'd listen.

-What's that supposed to mean?

Ollie, you're suffocating me.

-What?

-The parties, the unexpected concert tickets.

Well, excuse me for trying to show you a good time.

Except the only person having a good time is you.

MACHINE BEEPS

Page Elliot.

It's getting worse.

Excuse me, I have Zach's X-rays.

He's sustained two rib fractures in the accident, there and there,

but he's otherwise fine.

Now, I do want to keep him on the spinal board

to run a few more tests.

What sort of tests? I thought you said he was OK.

How's his eyesight?

-Fine. Why?

-And his balance? Is he clumsy?

Of course he's clumsy. He's a toddler.

What is this about? Have you found something?

Yeah, kind of.

He sustained two previous rib fractures, both healed over.

But there's no mention in his records.

Rib fractures?

Mmm-hmm. There and there.

Do you know anything about that?

No.

You think I did this?

No, I'm not making any accusations.

Well, that's not what it sounds like.

Well, we do need to know the origin of these injuries.

I don't know.

Heart rate's coming down. Good job, Oliver.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Pulse is 106, and continuing to drop, B/P 109/74 and SATS is 91.

Right, let's continue to monitor his heart rhythm

-and organise a 24-hour tape, please.

-Yeah.

-What happened?

-It's palpitations.

So you just left the club without saying anything?

-I didn't want you to see me like this.

-Idiot.

Is he all right?

We're just running some tests.

I don't understand.

He doesn't smoke, he goes to the gym, plays football.

There's no heart problems in your family, is there?

-Not as far as I know.

-He's not an old man.

-You're 47, is that correct?

-No, he's 39.

It says here your date of birth is 6th of June, 19...

65.

Right.

Thank you, we'll take care of it. Thank you, Dr Lo.

I mean, you know I like older men.

Do we have to talk about this now?

Look, you don't mind if we talk about it now, do you?

See? He doesn't mind.

I came out when I was 37.

It's positively middle-aged.

I've been lying about my age ever since.

-Idiot.

-I'm sorry.

I suppose I've been trying to make up for lost time.

Hence the all-nighters.

There's more than one way to live in the moment.

Psych, please.

What are you doing?

I'm calling a psychiatrist, what else?

I can't deal with patients like that.

Like what?

The ones who are, you know, a sandwich short of a lunch-box.

You were fine treating Vivienne in the end.

Vivienne had sweet little old lady delusions.

-This guy's off the deep end.

-You can't pick and choose.

Extenuating circumstances. Mr Malick'll understand.

Won't he?

Look, I've dealt with patients like this before.

Sometimes it helps to just play along with it.

Play along with it?

Come on, I'll show you.

I'm just going to check your pulse, Mr Szczepanski.

We don't get many aliens at Holby.

Have you always known you were from another planet?

Why'd you want to know that?

Just interested.

I've always known I was different. Not like other people.

S'pose we all feel like that sometimes, don't we, Dr Digby?

Uh, yes. Yes, I suppose. Yeah.

But I made the actual discovery two months ago.

How did you do that?

Would you pass me my documents?

I was researching into the year of my birth.

I found this newspaper article written about me in 1987.

Nothing unusual there. Just another baby abandoned by its mother.

But this is where it gets really interesting -

that same week there were several UFO sightings all over the area.

Including the night I was discovered.

Nobody ever found where I came from. I was an unexplained mystery.

-Wow.

-Indeed.

Well, I want you to know that we are honoured to have you visiting us.

You're a very special guest.

Thank you.

Sorry for the delay. We ready?

Well, thank you for letting me know. Bye.

-Everything OK?

-Foundation school programme director.

They've advised Hamish to drop out of this year, and re-take it next.

I know it's for the best, but still...

You did everything you could. Excuse me. Tara.

Hey, I've been thinking about what you said, and I admit, I might

have been overdoing it a bit with the whole relentless activities.

-A bit?

-Well, you tell me, what's carpe diem Tara Lo-style?

What do you want to do?

All I want to do is work, study, do my research.

You know, that whole advancement of career thing.

OK, then how about today you're a CT1.

You do the duties of a CT1,

and any procedures I can get you in on.

How does that sound?

So I would be in charge?

All right.

Well, I guess I could be persuaded.

Good. Right.

Let's run an eye test, inner ear, blood for calcium, phosphate,

alkaline phosphate, vitamin D, parathormone and urine.

Just want to make sure we cover all our bases.

Try not to worry. Hopefully, these tests will show us what's going on.

If you haven't already made up your mind.

Doesn't feel like they're fractured,

but they could be tender for a while.

-I could give you some painkillers.

-How'd you get the scar?

Fell out of a tree when I was a kid.

Landed on a fence post.

-Pull his medical records.

-Why?

Because I know a stab wound when I see one.

I'm perspiring.

Just try to relax.

Can you just give me your arm, please?

Please.

Ow! I told you. My physiology is not the same as yours.

Lucky for you, I was able to um...Wikipedia your species,

and I found a complete schematic of your anatomy so...

That is nonsense. What d'you think I am, an idiot?

You've tried twice and failed twice. You don't know what you're doing.

I know exactly what I'm doing, but if you keep moving your arm...

Dr Digby, take a time out. Nurse Lane, finish the procedure.

Looks like it's going to rain.

There we go.

-Oh, great.

-What's wrong?

Jasmine just unfriended me.

Well, try not to take it personally.

Yeah, my own daughter. How you getting on the records?

-Yep, they're coming.

-You sure you're not...?

-What?

-Projecting.

-What?

Personal issues with your own family.

Oh, will you knock it off? You're not my shrink.

-Michael.

-Yeah?

-You were right.

-All done.

-Thank you.

-So you're having an angio and echo.

I would like to add in a CT.

-Why's that?

-Just to be thorough.

Why not? Seeing as I'm here. Clean slate.

What else have you got on your menu?

-Well, I was also considering an MRI.

-Sounds fun.

You're not at a day spa, love.

Great. So that's an MRI to the thorax.

I'll get that all sorted. Thanks.

Yeah, thanks.

If Elliott finds out you're ordering unnecessary tests...

Why unnecessary?

What a CT and an MRI for a patient presenting with tachycardia?

In charge, remember?

Yes, radiology, please.

Hi, this is Dr Lo on Darwin ward. I would like to order...

Are you ordering lunch?

Yeah.

Could you order me a double pastrami sandwich, brown bread,

extra tomato and red onion?

Yes. Sorry. I'm still here. I'd like to order

a double pastrami sandwich on brown bread,

with red onion and tomatoes.

-Extra tomatoes.

-Extra tomatoes. Do they have any jalapenos?

I'll ask. Do you have jalapenos?

Yeah.

Just a little sprinkling of jalapenos.

That's just a sprinkling of jalapenos, please. Great. Thanks.

Bye.

You didn't order anything for yourself?

Oh, you know, I'm not that hungry any more.

Are you all right?

-Yes, I'm fine.

-Well, thank you, thanks.

I need to call them back and apologise.

Yeah, before you do, you might want to call a real sandwich bar,

check out they've got jalapenos.

-This doesn't change anything.

-Are you joking?

We've got to focus on the medical evidence.

Assault. What more do you need?

Eyesight's normal. And no signs of inner-ear imbalance or osteomalacia.

Michael. Michael.

Mrs Fairlock.

I'd like to have a word with you about your boyfriend.

What kind of a sandwich bar doesn't have jalapenos?

Hurry up, he's coming.

They're up to something.

They've been up to something all morning.

Oliver, did I just see the delivery boy?

-Yep.

-So where's my sandwich?

It's here.

It must have fallen, the wrapper must have come off a bit in the bag.

-I've a good mind to complain.

-We did, already did.

Yep, really harshly.

Right, thank you.

Right, time to get the goss. I'll take her, you take him.

Roger that.

-CT1 for a day?

-Yes, I was just trying to be romantic, I guess.

Romantic? What, are you off your nut?

Since when are you the master of romance?

Hey, I make no claims to mastery, trust me on that one.

-Well, anyway you're missing the point.

-Enlighten me.

-I'm just trying to make every day special.

-Oh.

Sorry, what was that?

What you just said made me sick up in my mouth a little bit.

Sorry, no, I'm fine now. Carry on.

Just try not to sound so much like one of those greetings cards

with the wee fuzzy bears on the front.

Oi!

Ah, the toothbrush of doom. I know it well.

It's not like I'm totally averse to the idea of him moving in.

-Then what's the problem?

-The parties, the concerts.

-Oh, you poor thing.

-Hey, I know how to have fun.

Except your idea of fun is being a CT1.

Yeah, exactly.

T-Lo, listen. Life's short.

It's not about how many aortic valves you repaired.

It's about the things you did that made you feel like a kid.

-Mr Davian's scan results.

-Ah, thank you.

OK.

I don't believe you.

Well, it's all right here.

He was admitted 18 months ago with a stab wound,

and then he was arrested for assault.

That could've been anything. He could have been mugged.

Why would he lie about it?

How long have you two been together?

A year.

OK, well these fractures were sustained

within the last three months.

Now, have you left Zach alone with him during that time?

What was that about?

A bed in Paeds has opened up.

Tell them to give it to someone else.

We'll keep them down here.

I'm not sure that's a very good idea.

I will refer him to a paediatrician. Just do it.

I know it's not my place to say,

but I don't think he's acting professionally.

You're right. It's not your place to say.

You don't think she's got a point?

No. And I don't think he'll listen to you either.

No, but I know someone he might listen to.

It's a long shot, but...

Ric Griffin's office, please.

-He said what?

-He showed me your medical records.

He can't do that, though. They're confidential.

Then make a complaint. But first, you're going to...

Oi! You tell me.

It was a fight in a pub. I didn't start it.

I went over to try and calm things down.

Then this guy decked my mate. I got stuck in.

Next thing I knew, I had a knife in my back.

Spent two weeks in hospital, and a month in the nick.

I'm sorry that I didn't say anything.

I was just worried that you'd ditch me if you knew I'd been inside.

Mandy, you know me.

I'm not a bad man.

You believe me, don't you?

Dr Valentine,

could you please explain why you sent Mr Davian for a CT and an MRI?

Just erring on the side of caution.

It's completely unjustified, both clinically and financially.

I have the results.

Your echo shows a minor mitral valve prolapse, which is a small leakage,

-but that's nothing to worry about.

-So it's not serious?

As far as the arrhythmia goes, we'll give you some medication

and keep an eye on it.

Then why the long faces?

This is the MRI that Dr Valentine ordered.

You see the lighter areas here? They're lesions.

They indicate that a process called demyelination is occurring.

It's a degenerative process that erodes the sheath that

normally protects the nerve fibres.

I don't understand.

The signs are indicative of MS. Multiple Sclerosis.

Have you been feeling weak? Tired at work?

I've got a stressful job. Account executive.

Everyone's tired.

Dr Valentine and Dr Lo will run further tests,

just to get a clearer picture.

In addition, we'll refer you to a neurologist to confirm

the diagnosis and to discuss a treatment plan.

We'll get those tests sorted out straight away.

Right, thank you.

-I think you should sit this one out.

-Why?

Well, the only reason we know about his condition is

because I crowned you CT1 for the day.

-I'd rather not draw attention to that fact.

-Why not? We deserve...

-We could get into trouble.

-What, for making an early diagnosis of MS?

Funnily enough, giving an F1 the duties of a CT1

-is somewhat frowned upon.

-It was your idea.

I didn't anticipate you diagnosing a degenerative illness.

Oh, that's what this is about?

No.

-Ollie, I have dealt with patients with degenerative...

-I know that.

Then stop treating me like a baby.

Hey, hey, what are you doing in here?

-What do you want?

-You got a family?

That's none of your business.

I understand, patient/doctor boundaries, that sort of thing.

-Do I need to call security?

-You scared of me?

-Should I be?

I am not a monster, despite what you might think.

All right, I think you need to get out.

I love that little boy like he was my own.

All right, noted.

Noted?

All right, get out. Come on, out.

-Enjoy that, did you? Slamming the door in my face.

-Enough!

-Jerk.

-What did you just say?

Don't you walk away from me. What did you call me?

I need the results for Zach's CT scans, please.

-You can't be behind here.

-You have no right to talk to me like that.

-You're meant to be professionals.

-I am a professional.

-Repeat what you said.

-I don't know what you're talking about.

Mr Brownfield, step out of the Nurses' Station.

-What's going on?

-He just called me a jerk. Right to my face.

The people here aren't professional. We should take him somewhere else.

You take that child anywhere

-and I'll report you to the police.

-No!

You've been itching to do that since we walked in.

That because you've been acting guilty as hell since you got here.

Maybe you should try that breathing thing again.

-Are you making fun of me?

-No.

-Well, you should. I'm hopeless.

No, you're not.

It's her fault.

Gemma?

She knew coming in today would throw me.

What is it with you two?

In med school rankings, I was consistently third,

Gemma defeating me every time by coming in at...

Number Two. I get it now.

It wouldn't be so bad if she didn't find everything so easy.

Unbelievable.

OK. Close your eyes.

What?

Just close your eyes.

Take a deep breath.

Give me your hands.

Open.

I reckon that's first class.

I think you're right.

As long as you're relaxed, you're fine.

You just need to find a way to calm the patient too.

What do you say we fly out there, track him down,

and beat the crap out of him?

Sounds like a plan.

Brad.

So what was all that about in AAU?

Potential child abuse. Parents are being obstructive.

Unlike you to get your feathers so ruffled.

My feathers aren't ruffled.

I just lost my temper a little bit.

A little?

That child is a victim of two non-accidental, unreported...

Yes, I read the notes.

When did you do that?

Sacha forwarded it to me.

That's why you were on AAU? Checking up on me?

Hoping to lend a hand.

Maybe you should let Sacha deal with this one.

I'm not backing out.

Whether you're right or wrong about this child,

your behaviour on the ward was unprofessional.

My behaviour was appropriate to the situation.

That guy was trying to intimidate me. What does that tell you?

Apparently, he succeeded.

Thanks for the coffee.

Do you really think that helped?

I'm sorry. I lost my head.

What? You still think I did it?

Well, all the fractures were in the last three months.

Helen's hen do. I left you with him all night.

When I came back, he was screaming.

Because he wanted his mum.

Yeah, and he didn't stop when I got back.

-Took me ages to calm him down.

-Listen to what you're saying.

What else am I supposed to think?

Look what they're doing to us.

I love him. And I love you.

You are the only thing I have ever got right.

I don't want to lose that.

Oh, my God!

What?

His back. I forgot about his back.

-What if they see it.

-See what?

You have focal sensory disturbance.

Is that a symptom?

It's a sign, yes. But we will still run some more tests.

Symptoms can come and go, sometimes completely or partially.

It could be years before it develops.

How many years?

It's hard to say.

So I'm just supposed to live with a ticking time bomb?

Mr Davian, we will arrange follow-up appointments

with a neurologist and a physiotherapist.

If you hadn't run those tests I could've had this for years

without even knowing.

Yes, but eventually you would have found out.

Yeah, eventually. Not now.

But now that you do know, you can keep an eye on it.

-I don't want to keep an eye on it!

-Mr Davian, please.

I feel sick. I'm sorry. Excuse me.

We're going to give you some medication for your heart,

we'll keep you in overnight for observation. OK.

Why? So she can run some more tests?

Find more things wrong with me?

Just give me my medication.

I'll come back when my heart's bad again.

Dr Lo, Bisoprolol, 5mgs daily, please.

And let's arrange the discharge forms.

Afternoon, Mr Szczepanski.

Don't worry, it won't bite. I want to show you something.

It took a bit of digging, but I managed to find some

articles about those UFO sightings that you mentioned before.

I have all the articles.

But I don't think you have these ones.

These were from two weeks after the sightings took place. Look.

It was a hoax. It was make-believe.

I want to show you something else.

If you don't mind just lifting your top up.

This is going to be a little bit cold.

Look at the screen.

You see that dark blob there? That is your stomach.

And I can assure you, 100% perfectly human.

And moving up.

The grand engine of it all, the human heart.

You see? Your physiology is exactly the same as everyone else's.

So you've got nothing to be scared of.

Did Ric find you?

-Yeah.

-Zach's CT scan.

It's all clear.

So we have the result of Zach's CT scan and it's all clear.

We're going to take him off the spinal board and examine him further.

Here we go. Easy.

Wait.

You're going to find something...on his back.

-What?

-Burn marks.

I only looked away for a second. Just a second.

And then when I saw he was coming in, I couldn't stop him,

I had the tray in my hands, and it was really hot.

He toddled in and he fell over.

And his back touched the oven. It was an accident.

-Why didn't you report it?

-It was a minor burn.

You didn't think to take him to get it checked out?

Why is it people like you are always telling people like me

-how to be a good parent?

-No. That's not what we're doing.

Look, if it was serious, then yes, of course I would have done.

I would never hurt him. Never.

What about your boyfriend?

Just one more chance. I did it perfectly in the wet lab.

-He did.

-I'll think about it.

Let's see how you do on your full operative assessment first.

Me again.

I need to perform an examination.

I'll take that as an affirmative.

Dressed In a Surgeon's Gown A Physician Might Make Progress.

I'm going to start with a physical examination.

So if you could just lift up your gown for me.

HE GROANS

That's the hernia, right there.

It doesn't make any sense.

Excuse me?

If I'm like everyone else, then why have I always felt so...not?

HE GROANS

-Pain?

-Yes.

Probably just the hernia.

I feel nauseated. My mouth's dry.

OK, well, just try to relax. You're perspiring again.

THERMOMETER BEEPS

38. A little high.

Sorry. Sudden itch.

Right, I'm just going to listen to your...

I seem to be developing... I think it's...

Dr Digby, what on earth are you doing?

I think it's hives. Everywhere.

-It looks like you've had an allergic reaction.

-To what?

To me.

-Asthma.

-OK.

I was right. I am an alien. I told you.

I told you.

Leave.

What?

The best thing that you can do for me and for Zach is to leave.

Now. For good.

If you really love us, then that's what you'll do.

Thanks.

My grandmother had MS.

My granddad, he left her. 27 years of marriage.

Can you believe that? Paid for a full-time carer. Took off.

So much for in sickness and in health, eh?

I'm sorry.

She wasn't. Said she could finally get some reading done.

I don't think I can do it.

Watch him...get worse.

Take your time. It's lots to think about.

I'm sorry about the way I spoke to you.

It's OK.

No, it's not.

Last thing you need are patients having a go at you

when doing your job.

We get used to it.

So much for living in the moment.

Maybe it's more important now than ever.

HE STRUGGLES FOR BREATH

Mr Davian?

I feel...

Cyanosis.

Acute pulmonary oedema. IV Furosemide, 5mg morphine, please.

Let's get him prepped for theatre.

Mr Spence.

I just wanted to let you know that Phil and I

aren't together any more so...

So if him being not in the picture makes...makes any difference at all

then I'm...I'm begging you...

I'm a good mother.

Maybe not always the best. I make mistakes.

But I'm a good mother.

If she's suspicious of her own boyfriend,

it's not likely she's done her child any harm, is it?

What difference does that make? What about the burns?

Yeah, I need to speak to the on-call social worker, please.

Oh, God.

Just stay calm, Dr Digby.

Anti-histamine.

Think I just heard a sniffle.

It must be some sort of defence mechanism common to my species.

-Maybe some kind of venom.

-That's not possible, Mr Szczepanski.

Stay still for me. There you go.

Good. Right.

Pin-point pupils.

Perspiration. And you said you were feeling nauseated.

Dry mouth.

-And the temperature was?

-38.

39 now.

What's going on?

I can't be 100% sure, but my guess is an opiate.

Right, yes. I'll be right with you. Oliver, come round here.

Take over. I need to take that call.

Start tying the ring one by one. Four knots to each.

First time for everything.

Good, thank you.

OK, once you've finished tying, cut the sutures.

I'll help you close the left atrium.

I've just got to take this call.

Thank you, Professor Hope.

Good, well done. Carry on.

Yes?

Ollie, can I decannulate the patient?

You've seen me do it in the wet lab.

-On pigs' hearts.

-Yeah, so you know I can do it.

-No, he's watching.

-Not any more.

Carpe diem.

Right, start by removing the tubes from the superior vena cava

and the inferior vena cava. OK.

Michael, social worker just called.

She's caught up with another emergency but she's on her way.

Thank you, Sister Williams.

When can I take him home?

I want to keep him in for observations a little while longer.

-But you said he was fine.

-Yeah, he is.

-So why can't I take him?

-He's just been in a car accident.

-You don't want to take chances, do you?

-Of course not.

OK, let's be cautious.

4.0 Prolene, please.

OK, now, be careful not go too deep.

Now, gently.

Don't use too much force.

I know. I know.

SHE SCREAMS

You've torn the aorta.

MACHINES BEEP

Tara. Tara!

-What on earth are you doing?

-We've got a bleed.

Don't just stand there, man, put your finger on it.

We've had the results back from your tox screen.

And determined that the cause of my allergic reaction was, indeed...

you.

It seems that you're secreting a compound called

fentanyl in your sweat.

Do you know what that is?

It's a drug.

A strong opiate painkiller used to treat chronic pain.

It's usually delivered in patches,

most often for people suffering from terminal illness.

For you to be secreting it in your sweat,

it suggests that you've been ingesting it in high quantities,

and that you're more than likely wearing some of these patches now.

Please don't take them. Please.

Mr Szecepan...Lloyd.

Erm, one of the possible side effects of an overdose

of fentanyl is delusions.

Do you understand what I'm saying?

-No. I need it.

-Why?

-For the pain.

-You mean from the hernia?

-No. Here. Here. Here.

-I don't understand.

-They're gone. They're gone.

-Who's gone?

-Mum. Dad. Mum.

That's how you got the fentanyl? Your parents were on it?

Whoa, Mr Szczepanski, please calm down.

Mr Szczepanski?

Help!

Excuse me, could you fill up water jug for us, please? Thanks.

Let's put your hood up, shall we? There we go.

Let's get all nice and warm, shall we? Nice and warm.

We're going to have a look outside, darling.

Charge to 20. Clear.

MACHINES BEEP

-Still in VF.

-Charge to 30. Clear.

-Anything?

-They're not in the toilets.

All right, call security. Let's keep looking.

I suppose it's not beyond the realms of possibility that a sufficiently

advanced species might be able to replicate our physiology.

But to believe that they're actually amongst us is to completely

ignore the impossibility of faster than light travel.

Dr Digby, I have a no chit-chat policy in my theatre.

I'm sorry. I didn't realise.

I just implemented it.

Right.

-Anything?

-Nothing.

Mandy.

What are you doing here?

You really think I'm just going to walk away?

-Look.

-Come on.

-What you doing?

-The only thing I can do.

Right, well, at least let me help you get away.

If you don't want to see me after that, I won't argue.

There they are! Mandy. Mandy, don't, stop.

You called Social Services.

Look they just want to talk with you.

-No-one wants to take him away.

-Why should I believe you?

Let's go. They can't stop us.

You're making this a lot worse for yourself.

-It can't get any worse.

-If you run, it will get worse. I promise you.

I've already taken him now.

Right now, it's just us. No-one else knows.

He's a liar.

Look, I see why you want to run. But what you going to do?

You want to hit me? All right, go ahead.

Come on, show me what a great father you are!

-Michael!

-Phil!

I told you he was lying.

Look, they're going to take him to Paeds, all right.

You can talk to him there.

What on earth possessed you?

I was trying to mentor her.

-By putting a patient's life at risk?

-She was under my supervision.

It was reckless. You're lucky he survived.

Why? Why did you did it?

I was just trying to give her a new experience.

CT1 for the day.

I understand that you're going through a difficult time,

-but you must...

-What do you mean? What do you mean difficult?

-You know? When did you find out?

-A few months ago.

You've been letting me going through hell and you didn't say anything?

I didn't feel it was my place.

Really? I thought you cared about your students' welfare.

-It's not about me.

-What is it about, Professor?

It's about what you're scared of.

This is between me and Tara.

I apologise for what happened in theatre,

I can promise you it will not happen again,

but I'd appreciate it if you'd stay out of my personal life.

-If that's what you want.

-Yes. Thank you.

Well done, Dr Digby.

It's always a little bit easier when they're unconscious.

What happened?

Respiratory depression caused by the fentanyl.

We removed these from your back.

We also repaired the hernia.

You operated on me?

Mr Malick did.

And I didn't die.

You're welcome.

So I am human?

You are, yeah.

It's not that bad being human, is it?

I've never been very good at it.

I think quite a few people feel like that from time to time.

Really?

Yeah, guarantee it.

Why do people die?

I suppose...it's the natural order.

But I miss them.

We're going to get you some help, Mr Szczepanski.

You pronounce it perfectly.

How did I do?

What? No salute?

I'm teasing, Dr Digby.

Can't you see I've got my teasing face on?

No, I must've missed it.

Well, there's some good news and there's some bad news.

What would you like to hear first?

The bad.

Your lungs were flooded, what's called a pulmonary oedema.

We had to operate. You're going to be OK.

Heart rate and B/P are normal.

Are you OK?

We're going to be fine.

Is everything all right?

Professor Hope gave me a bit of a dressing down.

Same here.

He said I've jeopardised my chance at the F1 prize.

I just can't get it right, can I?

But there are other ways of going about it.

Stop arguing. It's done, and it was the right thing to do.

Do you know what this is? This is a Police Protection Order

stopping me from taking my own child home.

It's just until they get to the bottom of his condition.

I'm a good mother.

So what's the big surprise that couldn't wait till tomorrow?

Trial basis.

You got my favourite.

-Oh, dear.

-Malick marked me down

for taking several attempts at the venepuncture.

Well, that's not your fault.

Alas, The Malick's not to be reasoned with.

There's always next time.

Next time?

You don't understand.

Being an F1 is like being in a feeding frenzy in the wild.

All of us trying to grab what few morsels there are.

And the F1 prize, that's a tasty morsel, is it?

That's the tastiest. And Gemma, she's like a...a wolverine.

Your nemesis.

Exactly. I just...I just have to get that prize.

I have to be number one.

Well. Maybe you just need a bit of perspective.

It is just a prize.

And you're just a nurse, so you wouldn't understand.

HE SNORES

Body Combat.

PHONE BEEPS

'We have been unable to connect you.

'We have been unable to connect you.

'We have been unable to connect you.

'We have been unable to connect you.'

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