Battle Lines Holby City

I think I have a solution.

It's not without considerable risk.

You truly believe you can do this, don't you?

This is all about confidence.

I don't want to run a professional department

with a personal turmoil raging at its core.

What, you've never lied to make someone like you?

Er, no, never.

Well, aren't you lucky?

I am fighting you because I believe that you will do my daughter harm.

Hey!

Oh, there we go.

Thanks for coming so quickly, Vanessa.

You sounded pretty agitated.

I'm not agitated. I just need to know where I stand.

Well, you can relax.

At present, Mr Maconie has zero chance of winning sole custody.

Well, he's already taken legal advice. That's why I called you.

Then he'll know how weak his case is.

He's bluffing.

You hold all the aces, Ms Naylor.

The only way you could lose would be

if it were proved you were an unfit mother.

I recommend you encourage Mr Maconie to consider mediation.

I don't think Mr Maconie is in the mood

for negotiating anything at the moment.

He's being completely unreasonable.

Nevertheless, mediation's definitely worth a try.

If he refuses, the courts will be unimpressed.

However...

if he's absolutely determined to play dirty,

I will fight fire with fire,

defend your position

and ensure that Mr Maconie is sufficiently...

..marginalised.

It would be completely up to you how far you want to take it.

HE GRUNTS

Oi! Oi, Rocky!

Long time since I've seen you with the gloves on.

Long time since I've needed them.

What you need is a good old pints night. My treat.

Er, I got other plans. Tomorrow then.

I really don't think I'd be great company right now.

You know what?

I feel for you. I really do.

But this custody thing, it's eating you up.

I really don't want to discuss this with you, Mo.

This is tough love, Maconie.

You need to sit down with Jac and deal with it.

I am dealing with it.

You're not there yet, Arthur.

Well, my application's complete.

Mr Levy is just giving it one final proofread, so...

I bet you knew you were going to be a general surgeon, didn't you?

Since you were, like, what... three, three and a half? Four?

Not exactly.

It's a nice, reliable, solid profession.

Have you, er, have you got your retirement sorted as well?

At least I'm honest about what I want and who I am.

Darren.

Houston, we might have a problem.

What?

It's all great,

except you've forgotten to update your e-portfolio

for neurological examinations.

No, surely...

Oh, God. It's fine, it's not the end of the world.

But today's the last day! Well, Mr Self might sign you off.

If you ask him very nicely?

Everything OK?

Nothing I can't handle, thank you.

Mr Law!

Selfie!

Er, surf board?

Got it in Oz. You should have a go.

If your knees are still up to it.

You're not that much younger than me, you know.

But I look it. Come here.

Listen, man, I was... I was so sorry to hear about Anya.

Thanks. Must be a comfort, though, having Zosh this close.

Come on, don't want to be late for your interview.

Ms Campbell is a stickler for punctuality.

Now, as you're not the only candidate we're seeing,

perhaps you could talk us through why we should choose you.

I'm unique.

You'll find no-one else with my experience and expertise.

Is that right?

I was awarded a year-long fellowship in neuroanaesthesia

at Harvard over 200 other applicants.

I did an MBA at Harvard.

Then you'll know they only accept the elite.

I excel at what I do, Ms Campbell.

Not going to apologise for it.

Mr Self can vouch for me.

Oh, you know each other?

We worked together as a team for many years.

The old boy network strikes again.

For the record, he is as good as he says he is.

Yes, I'm sure you're right.

There's just one tiny thing.

Your last job ended rather abruptly

for someone so uniquely gifted,

with no explanation as to why.

Well, um...

I got a little, erm,

over involved with a patient.

You slept with a patient?

I crossed the line.

But I've learned my lesson.

It won't happen again. Yes.

Well, I think I've heard all I need to hear.

Thank you, Dr Law. We'll be in touch.

I wouldn't employ that man if he was the last anaesthetist on the planet.

Serena, excuse me a moment.

But we have another candidate to see.

How dare you put me in a position like that?

Come on, man, it was just...

Don't "man" me.

I'm sorry.

It won't happen again.

You have my word.

Oh, Guy, excuse me.

The other candidate just cancelled.

Good.

Wouldn't want to waste their time.

Welcome to Holby City, Dr Law.

I thought I made myself quite clear.

You did.

Could you make your way to HR? It's on the fifth floor.

Thank you.

So, that's it?! We're employing him, today?!

I need him, today.

It doesn't work like that, Guy.

Oh, really?

Like it didn't work for Edward.

He was employed without anyone checking the gap in his CV.

Have HR draw up the contract.

Thought you should see this.

It seems St James's is gaining the edge

as a potential transplant super-centre.

We're being downgraded?

Not yet, but...

it is a worry.

But it was always going to be Holby. That's why I came here.

I know. I'm so sorry.

We'll talk later.

AAU need a cardiothoracic consult.

Oh, can I go? Please? I could really do with a break.

We won't give up without a fight, Mo, I promise you.

It's not just that.

Jac and Jonny.

I'll have a word.

Thanks very much.

Well, look what the cat dragged in.

Oh, oh, oh! Baby girl, come here!

You are looking hot as ever.

Yep, looking pretty buff yourself.

Ah, get off.

It's good to see you.

Well, you're going to be seeing a lot more of me.

Got myself a gig here, haven't I?

Oh, God help us.

Right...

Mo has just requested time off away from the ward

because of the tension that you are creating.

For which, no doubt, Nurse Maconie holds me entirely responsible.

No, not at all, actually.

Professor Hope is right.

I've allowed my personal life to interfere with my work.

I've been totally unprofessional.

Right.

Good.

Right, well, let's get to work.

After you.

Right, this is Belinda Davis, 72 years old.

She was found collapsed by a neighbour.

She has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Hello, Mrs Davis. I'm Professor Hope.

How are you feeling?

Well, I'd be better if you didn't address me

as if I were brain dead with dementia.

I fainted.

That's all.

Please. They're trying to help you.

I can't stand all this fuss.

All this fuss is what's keeping you alive.

So, can we get on with it, please?

Oh, hello.

Not sure I made a very good impression there.

Oh, everyone falls for your charms in the end.

There's a first time for everything.

Serena's all right when you get to know her.

You just got off on the wrong foot.

He's ridiculously hot, surely even you can see that.

No, actually.

That's because he's got it and you haven't.

How you ever managed to pull Zosia is beyond me.

OK, well, I didn't, because she just threw herself at me.

Is that right?

Mr Self!

Well, it wasn't anything serious.

No, I didn't mean... Erm... we were just friends.

Right, everyone.

This is Dr Jesse Law, our new consultant anaesthetist.

He can ease my pain any time he likes.

I'm sure you'll all make him very welcome.

You might need to take look at him later. What's the story?

Phoenix Patterson. 21.

Cool name.

Yes, if you happen to live in the Wild West.

Rather like yours.

Calls himself an urban climber.

Fell 20 feet onto concrete.

Look, where is Mr Levy? I really should go back down.

In theatre, but I'm very happy to do the initial examination.

Oh, thank you, Dr Digby.

So reassuring to have staff one can rely on.

Mr Levy said you wanted a word

about my signing off your application.

Indeed.

I was going to, but I don't like people who take advantage of others.

Right, but I have to get it done today.

Then you'll need to prove yourself on a genuine neuro case.

That's highly unlikely to happen by the end of the day.

Not my problem.

Look, I'm in the doghouse too, man.

You watch my back.

I'll watch yours.

All the usual bloods.

And book a CT.

Please.

Of course, Ms Naylor.

Is all this really necessary?

If we're to help you, yes.

Would you say your condition has exacerbated since you were last admitted?

No. Yes.

I'm perfectly capable of answering for myself.

And before you ask,

yes, I am still smoking.

My mother smoked ten a day until she died

in her sleep,

aged 93.

But she didn't have a chronic lung disease.

You may as well throw yourself in front of a speeding juggernaut.

That sounds very tempting,

but since I can barely walk, it's a long shot.

She has cut down. I can't stop her completely.

You could stop buying her cigarettes.

You don't have to live with her.

I didn't ask you to move in.

Have you called Claudia?

I left a message.

Well, call again.

I need her here.

Don't hold your breath.

Claudia's busy because she's actually got a life.

And I haven't because I'm looking after you.

Your chest and pelvis X-ray were all clear.

We're going to have to repeat your c-spine X-ray

and also do a thoracolumbar X-ray in view of your history.

If you take off this collar you'll see I'm fine.

Yep, well, we'll get the results, then we'll take a view on that, Mr Patterson.

Forgive me for saying,

you don't exactly look like the extreme sportsman type.

I'm not.

I'm a heating engineer. It's just a hobby.

People don't usually believe me cos of my size.

What exactly were you climbing?

The old council building, by the canal.

Sorry, you were climbing a tower block?

Yeah.

But when I got to the first overhang my legs just gave way.

But surely you have... safety ropes, don't you?

No.

It's just you. Your skill.

And the surface you're climbing.

Trouble is, I'm not that skilled.

But, one fall, and you could be dead.

It's about living.

Not dying.

Right, well, we'll order your X-rays.

The man's clearly insane.

Not everyone's as risk averse as you, Arthur.

Some people enjoy a challenge.

Alas, my man mountain is far too hetero for me to climb.

Right, well, just call X-ray. Now.

Ms Campbell.

Thank you for coming down. I know how busy you are.

Looks pretty manic in here.

Yeah, it's controlled chaos at the best of times.

Ms Campbell?

Couldn't do me a massive favour and check him out for me, could you?

I've got a real emergency in bed eight.

I'm afraid I don't call a pretty girl with a barely visible rash

on her well-endowed chest a "real emergency".

Our fragrant friend here takes priority.

Nice try, Harry.

You have to rule them with a rod of iron.

AAU.

Yeah, can you hold one second? Thanks.

It's for you.

Thanks.

So who's the patient?

Mr Mitchell. Bed one.

It's probably just...

# I'm beautiful in my way Cos God makes no mistakes... #

Adele, Adele?

Lovely though your voice is,

singing isn't actually in your job description,

so...

PAGER BEEPS

I've got to get this, sorry.

Thank you. Sure.

Perfect timing, sis. Super fit guy on bed three.

Single. Up for anything, I reckon.

Must be fate.

SHE COUGHS

Thanks. I've got some water.

I don't need water.

Can't you go and get a cup of tea, make a phone call, anything?

I really don't need you here!

If that's what you want.

You're a bit hard on her.

I may look old to you,

but I was running my own fashion business

until a year ago.

I can't suddenly transform myself into a sweet, little old lady.

And now the Stasi's out of range,

you can take me out for a fag.

You know I can't do that.

Oh, please.

Underneath that affable, Scottish exterior,

lurks a dark, rebellious soul like mine.

I could lose me my job. I've got a daughter to support.

Oh, how very sensible of you.

Don't you think it's about time

you started being just a wee bit sensible?

It's my only pleasure.

Well, it's distressing your daughter.

Everything distresses my daughter.

I know Nicola means well,

but she irritates the hell out of me.

Takes after her unbelievably dull father.

And Claudia, she's more like a best friend.

Well...

families can be complicated.

The X-rays confirm that you have no broken bones

and no visible fracture in your cervical spine.

So we can take off your collar.

Thank you.

Whoa, I'd rest for a while before you...

No. I need to do this.

I feel fine.

OK.

OK, right.

I'm sorry. That's all right. I just thought...

OK, you've had a major fall. You're not going to feel 100% immediately.

I just want to try something. Could you just lay down for me?

OK.

OK, now the other foot.

Excellent.

Dr Digby?

His left foot responded with Babinski's sign.

His big toe curled upwards instead of downwards.

And?

It indicates an upper motor neurological problem.

Neurological...

His head CT was clear in the ED.

It seems the obvious explanation.

Hmm, OK.

You all right?

Oh, yeah, my mum's had a prang in her car.

Is she all right?

Well, she sounded a bit hysterical on the phone,

but she can be like that when she's cut her finger.

Can be a little bit, you know, dramatic.

And I suppose she needs you to go back and hold her hand?

I'm not about to rush back to Ireland,

if that's what you're worried about.

That was theatre. Locum needs assistants.

It's one of those days.

I could stay, if you like?

Really?

Yeah.

Well, that would be a fantastic.

I'm afraid we're a bit behind on the ward round,

Dr Tressler can get you up to speed.

Cool.

Right, Dr Tressler. What you got?

OK, Barry Swindell. Do you know him?

Holby Radio DJ. Thinks he's God's gift.

Admitted from ED with high temperature and dizziness.

You actually know Gary Barlow?

Yeah, Gaz and I go way back.

It was me who suggested they cover "It Only Takes A Minute, Girl".

Mr Swindell. I'm Ms Effanga.

I'm covering Ms Campbell.

So, you're a consultant?

Senior registrar.

Yeah, I'll wait then, thanks.

Er, Ms Campbell might be some time.

Yeah, I'm sure you're a fine doctor,

and it's nothing to do with your "ethnicity".

I've been on tour with the Four Tops.

But, I've never been prepared to accept second best.

Right, well, you let me know if you change your mind,

because that skin on your forehead looks worryingly inflamed.

And infection can kill.

I give him half an hour. Next!

You're quite the boss now.

Everyone bowing and scraping like you're God almighty.

I am.

Better stay on the right side of me then.

The stories I could tell about you.

I'm a reformed character.

We'll see about that.

Oh, this transgression of protocol you had with a female patient...

Ah, you want all the gory details now?

Mr Self?

Yes. What is it?

I've performed several assessments on Mr Patterson.

The evidence seems to suggest a neurological problem

could've caused the imbalance that made him fall,

rather than the other way round. Really? How convenient.

So he has some mild global weakness in his legs, 4, 4+,

and loss of sensation to pin prick in the T12, S1 dermatomes.

Brisk reflexes, some left sided sustained ankle clonus

and his left foot has an upgoing plantar.

Nice work, Mr Digby.

He hasn't proved anything yet.

Come on, man.

I know he's not your ideal son-in-law,

but Zosia's always had weird taste in men, right?

Remember the Goth biker with the piercings?

How could I forget?

So she and Digby had a thing. So what?

The guy really needs this case.

OK, Digby.

I'll make you a deal.

You come up with a firm, evidence-based diagnosis

and I'll sign you off.

Thank you.

But you've only got two hours.

Two hours?

Yes, you have to learn to deal with pressure at CT1 level,

make decisions, quick decisions,

and act on them.

You can do it, man.

You didn't tell them it was me.

No.

Took all the credit.

OK, you owe me after Kevingate.

Fine. But you're on your own.

He seems to have calmed down, so I'm going to push for mediation.

I'll give you a call when I've had a chance to discuss it.

I need to go now.

I'm looking for Belinda Davis? I'm her daughter, Claudia.

You came then?

Well, what did you expect?

It's not usually so easy for you to get away.

I'm here now.

Come on.

I'm sure she'd rather see you on her own.

Fine.

You OK?

I feel five years old. It's ridiculous.

Some patients feel very vulnerable

when they start to lose their independence.

Mum thinks Claudia would make it all better.

Puts on a real show whenever she deigns to visit.

Then Claudia thinks I'm exaggerating how bad she is

because Mum won't let her see it.

But you're still here.

What's happening?

No-one's telling me anything.

Sorry, um...

We're, or I'm, still trying to work it out,

why you keep... keep losing your balance,

the thinking being that you fell because of a neurological problem,

rather than the other way round.

Neuro? A brain tumour?

No.

That would've shown up on the CT scan.

It's something else.

But what?

Got to think... Think.

Why can't I get this?!

You need to calm down.

You won't solve my problem if you're paralysed by fear.

Well, that's all very well for you to say,

you're risking death on a regular basis.

Some of us are mere mortals.

But it wasn't always like that.

I was the kid who never tried anything in case I looked stupid.

But then I saw these climbers scaling this massive clock tower,

I just had to do it.

Everyone has a choice.

You either live by your fears,

or live by your dreams.

I can help you choose.

Mr Self.

Well?

Yep, following various lines of inquiry.

Which are?

Um...

well,

..still at the pondering stage, really, but...

I expect my CT1s to demonstrate a clear methodology and work process.

I'm not seeing much evidence of that as yet,

Dr Digby.

You've still got time.

24 minutes and 12 seconds, to be precise.

OK, listen up, guys.

Since I've managed to escape the stress of Darwin for a few precious hours,

I'm going to make the most of it and have some fun.

I'm liking this.

The Fuhrer won't.

That doesn't mean any slacking.

Moi?

But I do believe that an effective ward is run by staff who are happy.

So, if you like the sound of that...

What's there not to like?

Right, let's get this party started.

Any news from your mum?

I can't get hold of her, or anyone in the hospital

who can tell me what's going on. What if it's really bad?

I'm sure she'll be fine. She could be bleeding to death.

All right, let's not get carried away.

And if she does need me?

It's not as if Ms Campbell in the most sympathetic of moods.

Mary-Claire. Stop.

Right, I'm in charge now,

and if you need to go, I will clear it with Ms Campbell.

And I'll put a call in to the hospital.

Try and talk to the consultant. OK?

Would you?

Yeah.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

Ms Effanga?

Ms Effanga.

I'm sorry, Ms Campbell's still in theatre.

Maybe I should compromise in this instance,

if I could be assured of your discretion.

Absolutely.

Yeah, I've, erm...

I've had some work done.

A...

..hair transplant.

Ah.

In this business, appearance is everything.

But you're on the radio.

Yeah, but, I still DJ for events, open supermarkets.

The public expect me to look my best.

Of course they do.

Yeah, absolutely. Thanks, thanks.

It won't come off.

My head's too swollen.

Erm, earlier...

you implied that you transformed yourself from zero to hero

through changing your mindset.

It's all about how you view the world.

Meaning?

When you look at a building, what do you see?

A... building.

I see a playground,

teeming with possibilities.

A challenge of cerebral complexity that seems impossible to solve.

Right. So, how do you solve it?

It's all about focus.

Learning to suppress emotions like fear and stress.

Getting into a space of mind where clarity of thought

allows you to overcome any obstacle that you encounter.

Sounds brilliant.

Can you teach me in, like, five minutes?

Surprise, surprise, lungs are severely inflamed,

multiple cysts causing compression.

And the walls of the airways have thickened as a consequence.

I'm surprised she can breathe at all. It's time to read her the riot act.

Right, Mrs Davis.

Here comes the big lecture.

Mum, listen. Please.

The reason you're struggling to breathe

is because of the damage done to your air spaces.

Give me some theophylline and my daughter will take me home.

Your refusal to stop smoking

has caused too much damage for that to be effective.

Your only option now is lung reduction surgery.

You don't have to do anything you don't want to, Mum.

We can get a second opinion if you're feeling bullied.

She collapsed, Claudia.

It's happened before, it'll happen again.

As the condition worsens

you're looking at heart failure,

respiratory failure, death,

sooner rather than later.

Prior to that you will be bed bound

and require several hours of oxygen therapy a day.

Doesn't sound like much fun to me.

You can trust Ms Naylor. She's an excellent doctor.

Nevertheless, I want to go home.

Mum, for God's sake, what's the matter with you?!

Whatever she decides has nothing to do with you.

How you can say that? They've just told us without intervention

she's going to be totally dependent! Who on?

Me! I had no idea I was such a burden.

It always comes down to this.

Poor you.

We'll get her some professional care.

You have no idea how much it costs!

It's clearly a very emotive family situation.

It may be that they just need a bit more time.

Slow suffocation isn't a pleasant way to die.

We need to do this now.

She doesn't strike me as a woman who will be coerced.

Delaying won't help her.

Well, at the moment she's saying she won't be helped at all.

And as Jonny says, maybe with a little more time...

Fine, but we'll need to keep a very close eye on her.

Thanks, Jac.

What on earth are you doing?

Focusing my energy. Freeing my mind.

Of what?

Unnecessary stress that is impeding my ability to function as a doctor.

Since when?

Your father challenged me to diagnose a patient

and I have about ten minutes till I crash and burn.

And as all other routes have failed

I am now awaiting spiritual intervention.

Right. Give me those.

Well, the patient has some upper motor neurone signs.

Left plantar's up, brisk reflexes,

grade 4+ power in most myotomes bilaterally.

A lesion pressing down on his spinal cord

could possibly explain his symptoms.

I'd recommend an MRI on the cervical and thoracic and upper lumbar spine.

Thank you so much!

He's an improvement on the Goth biker.

Uncle Jesse!

Oh, hi. How's Mrs Davis?

I think I've managed to persuade her

that we have her best interests at heart. Good.

I find it so distressing.

Families at loggerheads when time is so precious.

But we've seen it a thousand times.

And I just wanted to say how encouraged I am

that you're managing to find a way to work through what I know

is an extremely difficult time for you,

but also that I'm rather surprised at your sudden change of heart.

I better call theatre. Just make sure they've got a slot.

Well?

What's the damage?

Oh, my days.

Baz, that looks well nasty.

How bad is it?

Nothing to worry about. We can treat the infection.

I meant the graft.

Cost me a fortune.

Well, you're never going to be Harry Styles,

but it's hanging on in there.

Thank God for that.

You know,

you've got a beautiful, soft, velvety timbre to your voice.

Anyone ever said that to you before?

No, actually.

I think you should consider radio.

Me?

At school she was always singing, and acting.

If you ask me, she's wasting her talent with all this medical stuff.

Well, in which case, there's this DJ friend of mine,

needs a medical agony aunt for his phone-in show.

I can give you his number if you're interested?

Ow!

Sorry.

Time's up, Digby.

And I think I have the answer.

I went at the problem from a different angle

and came to the conclusion the balance issue

could be caused by a problem with the spine.

So, I ordered an MRI which revealed...

..an intradural extramedullary lesion

pressing down on his spinal cord at T10/11.

That would make sense.

See?

I told you there was a Superman

lurking beneath his Clark Kent exterior.

Has Mrs Davis given consent yet?

Because I've just had theatre on the phone.

No. But she will.

Why? Because Ms Naylor always gets what she wants?

It's not what I want. It's what's right for patient.

No, of course. I'll go and check her obs.

Look, while things are a bit calmer,

I thought maybe we should discuss contact.

I'm not sure that's entirely appropriate,

under the circumstances.

But I'm fine with it.

I'm not.

Look, if contact is an issue, then maybe we should see a mediator.

No need.

This is a timetable of when Emma will be with me.

My lawyer said it was important to formalise arrangements from now on.

Just so there's no confusion.

So I'll leave it with you.

Phoenix Patterson is an overweight, otherwise healthy male

with an intradural lesion pressing on his spinal cord.

We're here today to find a way forward that is in his best interests.

Well, I would seriously advocate caution at this stage.

Intervention could leave him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life,

and as present he isn't suffering any major debilitation.

But he might very soon.

He has upper motor neurone signs.

I think we should do a biopsy, find out exactly what's going on,

and remove it if necessary.

The far less risky strategy is to watch and wait.

Do another MRI in three months' time, then reassess.

Which would also be considerably cheaper.

You can't avoid risk in this scenario, Ms Campbell.

Mr Self and I are experts in the field.

We can do this.

Ms Campbell is right to stress caution.

And there is the question of cost.

Guy, come on, this patient leads his life taking physical risk.

Denying him this chance would be like killing him!

Mrs Davis, she's gone AWOL.

ALARM WAILS

And now we know why.

Told you it helped my cough.

How could you be so stupid?

She was getting distressed.

Didn't you listen to a word the doctors said? No.

She listened to me.

I still have a voice, you know.

And I'm feeling better.

Well, you won't for long.

Come and find me

when you decide you don't want to drown in your own lung fluid.

I came to this hospital because of your passion, yeah?

Your willingness to take risks, push the boundaries.

This patient is crying out for our expertise!

Sit down, Dr Law.

Look, as CEO I have to exercise caution in borderline cases

such as these, where nothing is clear cut.

Well, it would've have been...

to the Guy Self I used to know.

Oh, please.

I can almost hear the violins. Guy, we need a decision.

OK.

I think we should perform the biopsy, proceed to removal if necessary.

Fine.

Just don't call me when it goes pear shaped.

You and the Lone Ranger can pick up the pieces.

Lone Ranger?

I expected more from you, Dr Digby.

That young man's future is at stake here.

I'm not being patronised, or dictated to by anyone.

Mum, please...

We'll see you at home.

Just a minute.

SHE GASPS

BUZZER

Mum, Mum. It's OK.

Right, out of the way!

Right, oxygen now, please!

Quickly, or we'll have to intubate her.

How dare you come in here, shouting the odds!

While I cook, wash, clean...

Oh, you're a saint. We all know that!

Will you stop! Your mother needs to be taken to theatre straightaway

or she will die.

I trust you have no objections.

My chest.

Smoking will do that. Or hadn't you heard?

Wait a minute, she's just complained of chest pains.

You don't want to re-examine her? A chest X-ray or a CT scan?

There's no time. I should never have listened to you in the first place.

Thought you'd lost your bottle back there, man.

No, the stakes were high. I was just weighing up the odds.

We are going to ace it. Trust me.

And Ms Campbell's going to have to eat some humble pie.

A great big fat slice of it.

Good luck with that.

Phoenix is waiting for you. He's a little agitated.

OK, seeing as you've formed a bond with him,

I'd like you to talk him through it.

Me?

Yes, just explain to him in simple terms what's going to happen. But...

It's in his best interests, yeah? You just need to make sure he knows that.

Right.

Good. See you in theatre.

Right, I've just heard from the hospital. Your mum's OK...

But?

She's broken her pelvis, quite badly by the sounds of it.

You serious?

I feel awful now.

She's going to need a lot of help over the next few weeks.

But she was giving the consultant quite an earful.

That sounds like her!

Better book your flight.

Thank you.

Thought any more about that radio thing?

Like I've had time.

Come on, you'd meet cool new people. A bloke, maybe.

Might even have fun. Remember that?

Vaguely.

I've got it all planned out.

You get the job,

start schmoozing with the VIPs,

the minute you need a plus one, you call Adele.

I don't know.

Look, come on.

Anything must be better than watching re-runs of Friends 24/7.

We believe surgery is the best option.

Is that what you would do?

If you were me?

I'm not you.

And is there a choice?

It depends, really.

If I end up in a wheelchair without surgery

then let's do it.

I can't live like that.

Equally, you could end up in a chair quite unnecessarily

by agreeing to this procedure, and the lesion may not grow at all.

I learned it's better to take control.

Take risks to achieve the outcome you want.

But being in control means knowing all the facts and statistics in order to take a calculated risk.

I'm not sure I've been entirely clear. Dr Digby...

In your terms, if this procedure was a building,

you'd want to know the right way to climb it, not the most obvious.

And I want you to be in a position to know all of your options

before you take such an important decision.

What are you playing at?

The decision was made in the MDT meeting. You agreed.

I know, but...

I just think patients should be suitably empowered

to make their own choices, not be unfairly influenced.

Are you off your rocker? Mr Self is going to go mental.

So is Dr Law, isn't he?

I had a look at that timetable.

And?

We have no joint contact. Not even for medical appointments.

Correct. Well, is that what you really want?

For Emma to lead a life where she never sees her parents together?

That's exactly what I want.

Hey, Jonny. I just wanted to apologise for being in your face earlier. It's fine.

No, no, you're going through some stuff,

it's really none of my business.

Look, just forget about it, man.

To be honest, I've been feeling a bit "urgh" myself recently.

But, boy, I am having a blast on AAU. Yeah?

Oh, you're going to love this, right.

I've been treating Barry Swindell, you know that Holby DJ on Holby FM?

Erm... Yeah, well he reckons I've got a good voice for radio

and he wants me to meet a mate of his so I can do a spot on his live phone-in show.

Dr Mo, what do you reckon?

You really want to know my opinion?

Yeah.

I think media doctors are attention-seeking losers

who should really be focused on their patients and their colleagues

and not on their own massive, massive egos.

Right, why don't you tell me what you really think(?)

Come on, Mo. I was just joking.

Mo.

You've been a bad boy, Digby.

Right, OK, I'm sorry, but...

What? Shut up!

OK, guess what star sign I am?

Aquarius?

Aquarius.

Dr Tressler. Test results for our homeless friend? Sorry, I'll chase it.

And what's this patient still doing here?

He was due in X-ray 40 minutes ago.

I believe your sister was supposed to be taking him.

# Everybody in love Go on, put your hands up

# Everybody in love

# Go on, put your hands up Everybody in love, go... #

This is a ward and you're paid to work on it.

Yeah, I was just having a bit of fun and the patients love it.

You were asked to take Mr Edwards to X-ray.

Yeah, so, I got sidetracked. I'll go in a minute.

But first...

Baz spoke to his mate. And you're on tonight!

All the information's on here.

It's a trial but you'll walk it.

Nah, I never said I'd do it.

Hey, don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

I mean, you wouldn't be anyone's first choice for television.

But you've got the perfect face for radio.

See? Told you I'd sort it out!

You know what, I thought I could trust you with just

a little bit of freedom, but Ms Campbell was right.

You are joking, right?

No, I'm not, actually.

I'm fed up of you interfering in my life like I'm some sort of failure.

I never said that.

I am a senior registrar. A transplant surgeon.

And I respect you for getting there.

Don't give me that. All you care about

is blokes, nights out and getting away with doing as little as possible.

How we ever came from the same family, I have no idea!

Wow.

Where are we? Where are we?

I said walk. What is this? Please, just talk to me, please.

We set you a simple task and you let us down.

OK, no. I didn't mean to upset anyone. I was just... Whoa!

Help! Help!

No-one can hear you. What do you want?! What do you want?!

I don't like people who waste my time. So...

you're going to go back to Phoenix

and get him to agree to the operation like we said.

Or I'm going to let you go. Argh! No, please!

So what's it to be?

As Napoleon said,

"Death is nothing,

"but to live defeated and inglorious is to die daily."

Wait, just... please.

Look, OK. I'm not going to be coerced or bullied!

The patient has the right to be in full possession of the facts.

I am and will always be my own man!

So...

you are one of us.

What?

Men show their true colours when they're pushed to the edge.

I don't understand.

You had your doubts and you were true to yourself.

But Mr Self would never take a risk

if he didn't believe it was the right decision.

You have to trust us.

So this was some sort of test?

Neurosurgery is all about risk.

Passion.

Nerves of steel.

And you just proved you deserve your place.

If you want it.

But what about Phoenix?

Mr Self had another word and he's agreed to go ahead.

So it's up to you. Are you in or out?

Yeah, yeah, I'm in.

OK. Good. Let's go.

I'm going to need some staples.

Sure.

I have been way too passive.

Jac, calm down.

I feel like I'm losing control.

Jonny wants to cut Emma in half. It's completely unworkable.

I know it's hard,

but I still think you need to hang fire. There's definite progress.

I don't trust him.

Jonny isn't in his right mind, grieving's like a madness,

but it won't last forever.

How can I know that?

It's Emma you need to think of,

what's best for her.

Which, according to Jonny,

is never seeing her mother and father together.

I don't mean to alarm anybody, but her oxygen levels are dropping.

She's in respiratory arrest. Could be a pneumothorax.

But that would've shown up on the second CT.

Ms Naylor didn't think it was necessary.

Even though the patient was complaining of chest pain.

Get me a chest tube, now!

You better hope and pray that she wakes up fit and well.

You must be due a break soon.

I thought maybe we could go together.

No, thanks.

Argh!

My hair!

It failed.

It's not the end of the world.

I can't afford another one.

It's OK, Baz.

You're better off without it anyway.

Bald men are sexier.

Definitely.

Look, I'll tell you what. I'll give you a hand.

I'll pick them out for you.

If that's OK, Ms Effanga?

Course.

Nice work, by the way. Really on top of your game.

If I hadn't listened to you and compromised myself professionally,

we'd have been in theatre hours ago and none of this would've happened.

Of course.

It's my fault and nothing to do with your gross negligence.

The answer's no. To your OCD timetable.

I will tell you if and when you can see Emma.

I'm not going to let you dictate terms.

Is that right?

Here, Digby, take a look at this.

MUSIC: "Standing On The Corner" by Dean Martin

See the difference between the tumour and the normal tissue?

Uh-hmm.

I'm pretty confident about this one.

I think we're going to get all of it out.

I just need a section for biopsy.

Get that to the lab for me, thank you.

Don't we need to wait for the results?

I'm going to carry on de-bulking to reduce the pressure.

How we doing, Jesse?

Yeah, patient stable. Sats are fine.

MUSIC: "Ain't That A Kick In The Head" by Dean Martin

Oooh, I like this one.

Yeah, we always play Rat Pack in theatre.

Rat Pack?

Yeah, Mr Self is Dean Martin, I'm Sammy Davis Junior.

We do have a Frank Sinatra missing though.

Dr Digby, that could be you.

Nah, Diggers is dead set on being a knife and fork man.

Aren't you, Diggers?

Not necessarily.

# The room went completely black

# I hugged her and she hugged back

# Like the sailor said, quote

# Ain't that a hole in the boat... #

Right, Digby. Take a look at that now.

# I go to bed, I keep grinning... #

Get your bearings,

and you'll see that I've removed about 50% of it.

# My life is going to be beautiful... #

# I have sunshine enough to spread... #

Mr Self, I'm probably completely wrong,

but could that be a bleed?

# Tell, me quick

# Ain't that a kick in the head. #

Music off. Now.

OK. Good spot, Digby. Let's get this sorted.

The operation went well. Your mother's now stable.

So she's going to be OK? There were some complications.

But you just said...

Nothing you need to worry about.

I want to know.

Your mother suffered respiratory arrest

which means that her brain was deprived of oxygen

for a short period of time.

We were able to react very quickly. We weren't warned about this.

Every procedure carries a degree of risk.

Nurse Maconie said there were tests.

What?

He told Ms Naylor she should re-examine her.

Ms Naylor felt it was unnecessary.

Jonny. But if she had...

then she would have found what's called a pneumothorax on the scan,

and we would have dealt with that,

before putting your mother under the strain of surgery.

That was a good spot, Dr Digby.

Shows a neurosurgeon's attention to detail.

But, there is a risk in stopping the bleed

of increasing his chance of spinal cord infarction.

So let's find out.

Mr Patterson.

We were very pleased with how the operation went

but we'd just like to do a couple of simple tests.

Do you mind if I...?

No, no, go ahead. Be my guest.

Right, OK. Phoenix,

I just want you to wiggle your toes.

OK?

I can't.

OK. Right, Phoenix...

Just relax.

Focus... breathe...

just like you taught me.

And try again.

They're moving, they are moving.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

You're welcome.

Welcome to the Rat Pack, Frank.

You must be thrilled. They're now threatening to sue. For negligence.

I'm being hauled up in front of Mr Self.

You brought it on yourself.

And I thought we were supposed to be being reasonable.

Ah, I see.

The more you stain my reputation,

the more points you get in your ridiculous custody case.

And you say that I'm ruthless?

I'll take what I can get.

Why are you doing this? For Emma.

So destroying me is good for Emma?

Oh, yes.

Because if I can get her away from you,

there's just a chance that she won't turn out to BE like you.

I'll do whatever it takes.

You haven't got a chance. You do know that.

I know I'm just a lowly nurse with a cheap high street lawyer,

but underestimate me at your peril.

I will do anything to get her away from you...

with or with out your permission.

Ms Jac Naylor.

The consultant who never puts a foot wrong.

Forensic. Brilliant.

Where's that woman gone?

I'm waiting.

Everyone's entitled to make mistakes.

Yes, but you never do.

That's the point.

Professor Hope tells me, in your defence,

that you've been under a great deal of stress lately.

I'm dealing with it.

I hope you do.

Because the Jac Naylor I know would never let personal problems

get in the way of professional decision making.

Your lapse of judgment today was mind-blowing.

It won't happen again.

Well, I hope you get the chance to prove that, Jac.

Because if the family decide to sue...

then I'm afraid we as a hospital will move to cover ourselves.

I have to think of the greater good.

'Hello.'

Vanessa, it's Jac Naylor.

Hi, Mr Edwards, welcome back. Bay five.

Good evening, AAU.

No, she's not here.

OK.

Hey, I just wanted to say sorry.

No. It's fine. Look, I'm over it.

And you were right, anyway.

I need to pull my finger out sometimes. I can be a lazy cow.

What's brought this on?

Nothing. Can I leave early?

You're going out again?

No, early night.

Oh, yeah. Two hours' sleep, yeah... I remember.

Thanks, sis.

I mean, Ms Effanga.

Good night, Baz!

Good night, sweetheart.

I called my lawyer, set up a meeting for tomorrow.

I worry we're rushing into this.

So, we just do nothing?

No. We wait and see how she is.

You never stick your neck out for anything... or anyone!

Mum could've died today!

But... but she didn't.

Mrs Davis, you really shouldn't talk.

Please. I have to.

It's all right, Mum. I'm here.

Nicky.

You haven't called me that since I was a little girl.

Thank you.

No more...

No more fighting.

Nurse Maconie.

No matter how much you want to punish Jac,

you need to walk away now.

This family don't want this.

It's easy to get caught up in blame and recrimination,

but there are always consequences.

And I'm sorry, but the way you've been handling things with Jac,

it's terribly wrong,

and you must know in your heart,

the only person you're really punishing is Emma.

Mr Self signed me off.

Oh, my God! I'm so thrilled for you!

And for our future together.

We are going to be the dream team.

We are going to be like the Sherlock and Watson of the gastrointestinal tract, OK?

No stone unturned.

OK, actually, I've changed my mind.

I've decided to preference neurosurgery in my application.

Neurosurgery?

Yeah, I'm sorry if you're disappointed.

No, no.

I thought you had your heart set on general surgery.

Yeah, so did I. It's...

I see. Well, if you're absolutely sure?

Yeah, I've never been more sure of anything in my entire life.

OK.

# How lucky can one guy be

# I kissed her... #

Bang goes my new protege.

He'll be back.

# Like a fella once said... #

Arthur and neurosurgery, that's a car crash waiting to happen.

More like a 50 vehicle multiple pile up.

# Ain't that a kick in the head. #

It's feeling much, much better.

Yup. Those antibiotics are kicking in nicely.

You'll be able to go home soon.

And when I do I'm getting the razor out, I'm going to shave it all off.

Seriously?

Yeah, who wants to be Wayne Rooney when you can be Jason Statham?

Yeah, Jason Statham, yeah. Spitting image.

Yeah, I thought that too.

Hey, speaking of fresh starts,

I had a little rethink about the radio show.

I think I might give it a go.

Sorry, it's too late. My mate just phoned, he's got someone.

Oh, well, maybe next time.

Next time.

RADIO JINGLE

Thanks, Gary.

I'm delighted to be here, your introduction was spot on,

being a doctor is an incredibly responsible and demanding job.

No time for messing about, too many lives to save.

You get me?

Good news.

The family have decided to back down.

Right.

And even better,

I think Jonny is finally realising that fighting you over Emma

may not be in her best interests.

Look at him,

puffed-up little fraud.

I was the one who worked out that it was neuro.

And I was the one who sussed the lesion on the spinal cord.

Napoleon'll never hack it in neuro.

He doesn't have the testosterone levels required.

However, your Uncle Jesse...

He's not my real uncle.

His dark lustrous skin kind of gave that one away.

Don't even think about it.

Never say never.

Same again?

Mmm-hmm.

CHEERS

# Tell me quick Ain't that a kick in the head. #

Mr Jonny Maconie?

Yes?

Vanessa, I want to press pause.

I need time to think this through.

Ms Naylor. Look, I'm sorry, it just doesn't feel right.

It felt right earlier on.

But he's backed down.

I acted on your instructions, Ms Naylor,

and the Prohibited Steps Order is being served as we speak.

Mr Maconie no longer has the right to take Emma out of the nursery.

Or away from your care. Or that of carers nominated by you.

It's what the court decided

was in the best interests of Emma under the circumstances.

Which is what you wanted.

Jac...

Jac, wait.

No. Stay away from me.

But there are things I need to explain.

I don't want to hear it!

Well...

This is a new low,

even for you.

You didn't leave me any choice.

I told you, a long time ago now,

there's no-one I'd rather have as the mother of my child.

Well, I was so wrong.

I'd rather have anyone else in the world.

I'm a good dad.

I love Emma...

..with every bit of my heart and soul.

And I would never, ever do anything to hurt my daughter.

I never said that.

Then why are you trying to take her away from me?

Like I'm some kind of criminal.

You're not a mother.

You're a monster.

So...

I'm a grandmother.

# In the land of gods and monsters

# I was an angel

# Shining like a fiery beacon

# You got that medicine I need

# Fame, liquor, love Give it to me slowly

# Innocence lost... #