'Going, Going...' Holby City

Do you ever feel like booze isn't quite scratching your itch?

-What happened?

-I don't even know, she just collapsed.

It's not what you're doing, it's the constant fear of what you're on the edge of doing.

I'm sick trying to second guess you. I can't do it any more.

You're just going to drag us all down with you.

-Would somebody mind telling me what's going on?

-It's an announcement.

You all received the e-mail from Mr Self this morning announcing me

as the new director of Cardiothoracics.

I just want to make sure we're all clear exactly what that means.

The buck stops here.

In the current climate, Holby City relies more than ever

on the generosity of individuals, businesses and community groups

for funding, so events like tonight's charity ball

really do make a difference.

Thank you all for coming down.

Clive.

Mr Self!

I'd hoped we'd seen the last of you.

What are you doing here?

-I run the place.

-Had your fill of Northbridge?

Er, yeah, that's a long story.

Star of stage and screen now?

Oh, well, I'm just promoting a charity fund-raising event.

Oh... Been to plenty of those in my time.

So, how are you?

Well, you're the expert, you tell me.

Well, you've looked better.

'Fraid I'm not long for this world.

Really?

All over bar the shouting...

Oh, Clive, I am sorry.

Nothing to do with your handiwork, I assure you.

Glad to hear it.

So what is the problem?

Oh, I won't bother you with the details.

No, no, please...

Haven't you got somewhere more important to be?

I'm the CEO, I do whatever I want. I'll take over from here.

-Where are we headed?

-Keller. Keller.

'Mo, how's the list looking?'

Running like clockwork.

We need to get our theatre times down.

-Do we?

-Yes, more space for more complex cases.

I thought you were going to buy some fresh bread last night.

-Yeah, forgot.

-I went to make myself some toast this morning and it was full of minging mould.

Sorry...

I think our turnover in theatre's pretty good.

And that's your problem, Mo, setting the bar at "pretty good".

-You got a minute?

-Look, can it wait?

-PAGER BEEPS

-I just want a word about Emma...

I'm sorry.

-Jac...

-Yes?

-Did you get my message?

-No.

-Oh.

-What?

Er... This is Georgia Staniford and...

Will Berry.

Georgia's a patient of mine.

-And?

-And she's 22 weeks pregnant

and her baby has just been diagnosed with aortic stenosis.

Right.

Right, and I was telling Georgia and Will that you'd spent some time in Stockholm...

-Studying techniques in foetal heart intervention.

-We need a second opinion.

Who made the diagnosis?

Brian Rutterford.

He's a decent enough guy.

-He seemed OK, but...

-We want to make sure he's right.

Fair enough. Get her checked in and I'll take a look.

'Listen, Clive,'

anything you need, anything at all...

Save yourself for the living, Mr Self.

-I'm serious.

-So am I.

-Digby.

-Yes?

-Got a job for you.

-Right, I, er...

-It's OK, it's nothing complicated.

-Bring it on.

-What?

-Nothing.

We have a VIP on the ward. Clive Lloyd.

OK, a VIP?

-He's dying of cancer.

-Sorry.

He's having a blockage removed from his PEG feed.

He's desperate to get out of here soon as.

-Fine.

-I'm relying on you to make the whole process as quick

and as painless as possible.

-No problem.

-That would make a pleasant change.

Is this your first pregnancy?

-Yeah.

-It was our first date, too.

Oh!

-Wasn't even a date.

-No?

We...met at a party, a launch of some new designer gin.

-Free booze all night.

-Next thing you know...

-We've made a baby.

-Who says romance is dead?

'Was that you, crashing around in the middle of the night?'

-Might have been.

-Why?

-Cheese on toast.

-What?

-I was starving.

-At four in the morning?

So?

Oh, I suppose it beats popping pills.

Digby...

Sorry, can't stop, got a PEG blockage to clear.

That's nurse's work.

Not when it's the VIP patient of the CEO.

-Really?

-Yes. Who happens to be terminally ill.

Who is he?

Oh, I don't know. Eminent professor,

minor member of the landed gentry, who knows?

Where's he gone?

Where's who gone?

Mr Lloyd...

Aah, thought they'd carted me off to the morgue?

No, I was just...you know.

-Who's this?

-Dr Zosia March.

Oh, charmed!

-I believe you know my father?

-Do I?

-If we could just...er...

-Guy Self?

Oh, my favourite brain surgeon.

OK, I'm going to be flushing you through with this.

Cut a nasty little tumour out of my frontal lobe a few years back.

OK, right.

It's going to be a little bit easier if I just lie you back,

there you go...

Then just as I thought I'd got away with it...

Do you have a definitive diagnosis?

Mmm...

Oesophageal cancer.

Accompanied by a whole host of secondaries.

Dr March, please.

-Nice pyjamas.

-Mulberry silk.

HE YAWNS

Pardon me.

OK. It is my aim to get Mr Lloyd home today.

I've seen quite enough of hospitals in recent years.

-I'm happy to sort the PEG out if you like?

-Er, no.

-Under the circumstances I'd really like to...

-Suits me!

-PAGER BEEPS

-Uh, no, Mr Self insisted...

-What's up?

-I'm supposed to be at an MDT meeting.

You go, I'll take over.

Excellent.

If you...er...insist.

Thank you. I'll be back.

I booked us a suite at the hotel for tonight.

Be a lot cheaper getting a cab home.

Hey! Where's your sense of romance?

Has it got a spa? I'd kill for a good massage.

Hot stones, the works...

Fletch, I believe you're doing a spot of auctioneering tonight.

Mmmm. He's been polishing his gavel all morning.

How'd you land that job?

Head-hunted by the governor.

The guests'll be signing cheques just to shut him up.

Want a cuppa, Jill? >

-Mrs Overall's off again.

-Two sugars, isn't it, love..?

Debbie, will you please get back to bed.

Keep your wig on, Lord Snooty.

-Never going to tire of that joke, are you?

-Eh?

The HCA went round with tea five minutes ago. Come on, please.

-I only want to help.

-I appreciate that...

-Problems?

-Nothing I can't handle.

-Doing the rounds, Debs?

-Trying to.

And what did I say about that abscess...?

-I want to keep busy.

-Deborah...

It takes my mind off turkeying.

That abscess bursts before we drain it,

you'll have more than cold turkey to worry about.

Does he have to be so horrible?

He's right, you know...

I'm fine, Eileen. Rumours of my death, et cetera...

Yes, I should have mentioned the ambulance was coming...

Yes, I'll see you later.

Was that your wife?

No, I doubt any of my wives would be remotely interested

in my imminent demise.

There's been a few of them?

Yeah, call me hopelessly romantic.

It sounds like someone cares.

It was my guardian angel. Next door neighbour.

The lovely Eileen.

Has the oncologist put a timescale on things?

You share your father's penchant for the straight question!

Feel free to avoid it.

I believe you lost your mother to cancer.

April of last year.

-Sorry to hear that.

-Thanks...

Well, this is all very Terms of Endearment!

Better get started.

HE YAWNS

Am I boring you?

All I seem to do recently is sleep.

Really?

I was rather hoping to go out kicking and screaming.

Not snoring against the dying of the light.

How are we getting on?

-Just about to clear his PEG.

-What's the hold-up?

-There isn't any.

-But I've been gone at least...

Blame me, doctor. I've been distracting her.

-Right, I'll take over.

-No, it's OK.

No, no. Please.

Suit yourself.

All this must have come as quite a shock to you.

Well, I've been thinking about kids for a while, but...

Just not with a barman.

The diagnosis was accurate.

But there is another issue.

We've had a look at the original scans. The stenosis has got worse since your last assessment.

-That was only a fortnight ago.

-Is there anything you can do about it?

Yes, a percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty.

It's an operation on the baby's heart in the womb to stop the problem

from developing further.

And you'd do this?

I am qualified to perform this procedure but these cases are usually referred

to the specialist centre in Sheffield.

-Is it dangerous?

-It's a very rare procedure, but...

If you don't have it, put simply,

the left side of the baby's heart will stop growing.

If you make it to full term, it's a condition that guarantees the need for further surgery

and maybe even a transplant.

Hi.

Hey.

Are you still going to the ball tonight?

Ugly sisters permitting.

I thought maybe we could head over together.

-Sacha...

-No strings.

You just want to save on cab fare, don't you?

Yes, exactly.

Maybe I could pick you up about seven?

I was thinking of, uh, going straight from work..

-OK, well, er...

-Alone.

I checked Clive Lloyd's meds...

-What? Why?

-I think he's over-sedated.

-Oh...

-He's complaining of drowsiness...

-OK, those drugs were prescribed by his oncologist.

-I know, but...

-My job is to clear his feeding tube and then send him home.

-What? Even if...

Which is why I'm personally going to sit and watch this delicious liquid meal

-disappear into his system.

-But...

Lunchtime!

Oh, joy(!)

That looks appetising(!)

One of the pleasures of losing the use of one's gullet.

What I wouldn't give for one more filet mignon.

All seems to be going nicely.

32-day hung, cooked blue as a WI perm...

Erm, shouldn't you be at the outpatient clinic?

-Me?

-It's your turn to assist with the bloods.

-Right, yep...

-You've forgotten, haven't you?

-No, I haven't.

-Off you go.

-Yep.

One second, OK?

OK, right, can you just check that it's working perfectly?

Yep, and then we'll sort your discharge papers, OK?

Not exactly dignified.

My mum would've really liked you.

Shame our paths didn't cross in a chemo suite.

I think I can do something about your sleep problem.

Really?

If you want me to, that is.

Look, what I don't want is to see out my time semi-comatose.

Right.

Ah, I've got some paperwork for the pair of you.

For me?

Yeah, parental stuff.

You can fill it in for Georgia if you like.

-Better not.

-Get her to sign it. It's fine.

There might be stuff I don't know.

It's pretty straightforward.

Like her middle name, and her postcode...

No worries, why don't you just give us your details for now?

Thanks.

Um... You OK?

Bit shell-shocked.

Well, I'm not surprised.

It's bizarre, a one-night stand ending up like this...

Good on you for sticking with it.

You've got to, haven't you?

Well, there's a lot of blokes who'd disagree with you there.

Never thought when I poured Georgia that first gin,

a few months later, I'd be praying for my kid's life. You know?

I know how you feel.

I doubt it.

Actually, I had a very similar experience with my baby girl.

She had the same condition?

Not the same, no, but she had serious problems.

Did she...pull through?

It was touch and go, but, yeah.

She's a tough wee thing, like her mum.

How did you manage to keep your head together?

I dunno...

you know, it's amazing what you can cope with

when you really have to.

# I said that's life

# And as funny as it may seem

# Some people get their kicks stomping on a dream

# But I'm never going to let it Let it bring me down

# Cos this fine old world keeps spinning around... #

-Mr Lloyd...

-Sorry...

Time for your medication.

Yeah, lost in the mists of time...

Mmm, I heard.

Hold on. There's been a change of plan.

-Has there?

-We're cutting down Clive's dose.

Has that come from the oncologist?

It's an on-ward decision.

-Well, Arthur hasn't put it in the notes.

-I'll do it now.

If you say so.

Thanks.

It'll mean a bit more pain.

Well, at least it'll remind me I'm still alive.

-But hopefully the fog will lift.

-Then it's worth it.

Have you got any family to look in on you?

-No.

-No children?

No. Just three bewitching,

betrayed ex-wives.

Betrayed?

Fidelity was never my strong point.

Oh, dear.

But believe it or not, I never found attracting women a problem.

No?

Keeping them was another matter.

Sounds like you've tasted the high life.

Mmm. Too much work, too many parties.

What did you do for a living?

What didn't I do..?

So you've got a care package in place?

Yeah, the district nurse calls in a few times a week.

Right.

And...er, Eileen next door, she helps out with the PEG feed

on the off days. We used to go for days out,

but her car's been off the road for months.

Dr March. Some bloke has just delivered a takeaway for you.

Great.

Hospital food beneath you?

Wait and see...

Any news?

We're still waiting for Sheffield to get back to us.

How long's it going to take?

-Sorry.

-Was the male nurse's baby treated at the specialist centre?

What?

He told Will he had a child with a similar problem.

Er, yeah.

Was the mum transferred to Sheffield?

No, they were treated here.

How come?

It was just different.

Right.

Did he say anything else?

Just said it was tough, but it all worked out for the best.

Well, there you go, then.

PATIENT WHEEZES

You OK?

Cramps...

Still determined to avoid the methadone?

I promised my mum... I'm doing it properly this time.

No, no. Fair enough.

She won't have me back in the house otherwise.

Well, we're sorry about the delay.

Grr!

You all right?

That was my mum's nursing agency.

-What's up?

-The carer I'd booked in for tonight has cried off sick.

-Can't they get a sub?

-No-one available.

Oh, so you can't go to the ball?

No, I really want to go to that party.

It's no big deal, is it?

I need sane conversation.

It's just another work do.

With people under the age of 75.

Same old faces...

And wine.

That bad?

Oh, you don't know the half...

Mums, eh.

And to top it all, I'm off to the board meeting from hell.

'If I'm honest, I'm not quite sure'

-why you want a place on the board.

-Or what you bring to the table.

Our previous relationship wasn't exactly a match made in heaven.

The last thing we need is a repeat performance.

So why would you want to come back for more?

I came back for you, Serena.

What?

Joke.

Hilarious(!)

No, but seriously, Mr Tressler.

We could have all have handled things better last time out.

Oh, could we?

But the fact remains - I want to make a difference.

So it might as well be us?

My son has stuck with this place

and to my amazement, he actually seems to be thriving.

Which means that I'm invested before I even make an investment.

Hmm.

Right, shall we take a vote?

If you wouldn't mind waiting outside, Mr Tressler.

I've bought a table for the big do tonight.

-Good for you.

-You going?

-We'll all be there.

-Actually, I might have to give it a miss.

Again?

Are you trying to avoid me?

My mother's not well.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

I can't leave her on her own and I'm struggling to find a carer.

Can't knock a woman for looking after her mum.

Some people try.

Voila.

What's this?

Filet Mignon, cooked blue, pommes dauphinoise.

Remember the bit where I said I couldn't swallow...

Yes, but you can still see, smell and hear what it tastes like.

And what would I want to do that for?

Beats a protein shake in a drip.

Granted, but...

So I'm going to eat it for you.

HE CHUCKLES

What a strange girl you are!

Well, if it makes you happy...

Looks good.

Melt in the mouth!

What's going on?

Dr March kindly provided me with my last supper.

Right, you're on a PEG feed.

She's eating for me!

-The deaf find ways to enjoy music, so why shouldn't...?

-OK, excuse us...

Can I just have a quick word?

Um... What are you thinking?

I just told you.

Right. The man has oesophageal cancer.

-Exactly.

-So how does this possibly help him?

-If you can't tell that...

OK, I know you think you've made some sort of connection with him, but...

Yes, of course, I have my reservations. >

My main concern is the future of Holby City.

So let's do it, shall we?

How's my patient?

He's fine.

Digby looking after you?

Well, Dr March has done most of the leg-work but...

Yeah, but I was at an MDT meeting...

-Yes, OK, we get the picture.

-Your daughter's a credit to you.

I know.

You must be very proud.

Yes, I am, actually.

Right, um, as soon as we get back to the ward

you can sign those discharge papers.

Make sure he gets a lift home.

Will do. Sorry. D'you want to...?

I'll be seeing you, Clive.

On the other side.

Digby.

Back to the ward.

It's going to take a week?

Technically, you're not classed as an emergency.

How can this not be an emergency?

Well, they have to prioritise more serious cases.

Is there anywhere else we can go?

You need to be in the specialist centre.

So what do we do in the meantime?

We'd like to keep Georgia in...

Because you think something'll go wrong?

No.

This is a nightmare...

I don't mind a few days in bed.

I mean the whole thing!

Excuse us a minute.

Look at this. That baby's in the optimum position for valvuloplasty.

Well, that's Sod's Law.

-Let's hope it still is in a week's time.

-Chances are she won't be.

-Then they'll have to manipulate the baby back into...

-Which is more risk,

on top of the stresses of transporting the mother halfway across the country.

-What else can we do?

-Plenty.

Such as?

-Mr Lloyd. Your ambulance'll be here in a minute.

-Good.

Ooh.

Are you OK?

Yeah, feeling more alert already.

Really?

Suppose that might be psychosomatic.

Sorry, what would?

I haven't been on the lower dose that long.

-Lower dose?

-Of painkillers.

What?

Dr March said she'd sort the new prescription out.

Not a problem, is it?

Right, are you in more pain than you were before?

I can cope.

OK, I'll have to change it back.

-Why?

-Cos you can't leave, otherwise.

I'm sleepwalking through the days!

But your palliative care team decide on your drug regime.

It's not working for me.

Right. OK. She's a junior doctor...

I need to keep a clear head!

But those drugs were prescribed for a reason.

Yeah, and I'm cutting down on them for a better one.

-Please, Mr Lloyd.

-No.

Then I'm going to have to keep you under observation,

-for the rest of the day.

-Fine.

-But you're meant to be going home.

-A few more hours won't kill me.

All hail the prodigal!

Dad... What are you doing here?

You are looking at the newest member of the Holby board.

What? Since when?

Today.

I've been hearing about your exam results.

Oh, yeah?

Top 15 in the whole country.

Yeah, who told you that?

Your crackpot mother's been singing it from the rooftops.

Oh, yeah, that'd be right...

Sounds like you could be running the place in a year or two.

Yeah, I highly doubt that, Dad.

Well, you've finally proved you can knuckle down and make something of yourself.

Which makes me want to get involved.

Mr Tressler.

Mr Di Lucca, good to see you.

My dad's just joined the board.

Nice work if you can get it.

Would you mind if I hung around for a while?

Who am I to tell a dignitary what to do?

I'd like to shadow the boy.

See exactly how he became one of the nation's top doctors.

When did that happen?

It's all in black and white. Exam results.

Aah...

Lead on.

Hypothetically, who would we need to do the valvuloplasty here?

Well, you, me,

and either a foetal cardiologist

or a foetal medicine specialist.

Got any on speed dial?

Ha, yeah(!)

-What? Now, hang on. You're not serious, are you?

-Deadly.

-We can't do it here.

-Why not?

Governance approval, for a start.

Well, if the patient's on board and we can find a specialist...

But have we got compelling enough reason?

I think a life is compelling enough.

Can't argue with that, can you?

We can do this. Me and you.

Well, I suppose there are a couple of people I could call...

So, what are you waiting for?

'Are you going to this ball tonight?'

It's not really my kind of thing.

I really appreciate all the effort you've gone to.

My pleasure.

Not everyone would have paid as much attention

to a dying old man.

-You're a clearly a lot more than that.

-No, I'm not.

-You could teach the other patients plenty...

-About?

About courage, dignity,

-living life to the full...

-Do you think?

I hope to be as brave when my time comes.

Very poor judge of character, aren't you?

I don't think so.

What if I told you I'm petrified?

I've never lived that kind of life.

-I'm sorry...?

-I'm not a bigwig,

I'm not a bon viveur.

I was a waiter.

-A waiter?

-A ghost at the feast

for the whole of my working life.

But you seem so...

You develop a great line in charm

if you're relying on tips.

Well, you certainly had me fooled.

-I didn't intend to mislead you.

-I know that.

Time's almost up and I don't know what it was all for.

I'm scared I'm going to die alone

trying to remember what my dreams were.

You're not alone.

-Would you consent to having the operation here if we could do it ourselves?

-Here?

I think waiting a week is a mistake.

I just want the baby to be safe.

I thought she needed to be in the specialist centre?

Not necessarily.

I'm up for it.

Excellent.

-You can't be serious.

-Why not?

-We're not geared up for...

-Look, I know what I'm doing.

-But you can't just...

-Who's going to stop me?

Look, would you rather be pushing bits of paper around a desk

or testing yourself to the absolute limits?

-Right, well, you're going to need a specialist.

-Jac.

-Talk to me.

-We're good to go.

My office.

Didn't take long for her new job to go to her head, did it?

This is about a lot more than a new job.

'Right, where have you been?'

Outside with Mr Lloyd. Why? Should I have asked permission?

Well, I've just had to turn a patient away cos we're full.

-And?

-And I wouldn't have to if Clive Lloyd had been discharged.

Ifs and ands were pots and pans...

Pot..?

What does that mean?

How are you feeling?

Oh, never better...

Clive...?

Clive! Are you OK?

Yeah?

There, OK?

Clive?

Clive?

Dr March!

OK, can you hear me?

Yeah?

He's collapsed.

'Your thing's trauma, isn't it?'

-Well remembered.

-Interesting enough, I suppose, but, er...

Actually, some of the advances we're making recently are pretty...

Think we'll need something a bit more high-profile for this fella.

Where's my counsellor?

Is there still no sign?

Could you clean Debbie up for me, please?

Sorry.

-She's in withdrawal.

-Actually, we have a team meeting

shortly so this might be a good point to take a break.

I can stick with it.

It's pretty dull stuff.

I'd like to sit in.

-Fine.

-So...

-What do you think?

-About?

-His specialism.

You're his boss, where would you like to see him end up?

'Bet you thought it was curtains for a minute.'

Not at all.

Dr Digby knows a simple faint when he sees one.

Yes, I'm sure the reduction in pain relief won't have helped.

-I'd say that was irrelevant.

-Either way.

Right, we're going to have to

-keep you in overnight at least.

-Not a chance.

Um, right, I can't really send you packing after an episode like that.

Regardless of the CEO's wishes.

I'll discharge myself.

You were perfectly happy to stay under observation earlier.

-Yeah, for a couple of hours.

-Right, this is going to be a day or two at the most.

If I stay put now, something tells me

I'll never get out of here.

Mr Lloyd, that is...

Sorry.

Right, well, that's your prerogative...

Actually, would you mind sticking around for a while?

'This is ground-breaking work.'

I know there are protocol issues, but the parameters are in place.

I'm certain to get informed consent

so I just need the OK from board level.

If we can pull this off under emergency conditions,

-then we can push for full DOH approval.

-Yes.

-Then I could bring in

-the people I worked with in Stockholm.

-Fine.

-We're talking about

-saving...

-Jac.

-What?

-You had me at "ground-breaking".

-Thank you.

-What are you doing?

-I need something...

I'm sorry, but I can't help you!

-Anything to make it stop!

-I can't help you until...

-Debbie...

-Stop it.

-Get off me. There must be something.

Debbie, come on.

I said get off!

Daddy, what are you doing?

Are you all right?

Is she all right?

-I had it covered.

-Yeah, it looked it.

Argh...

That's burst. Colette?

I want my mum.

You go.

Why the NHS wastes taxpayers' money on deadbeat junkies is beyond me.

We treat every patient the same.

You sound like a socialist.

Could you prep her for theatre for me, please?

-Are you all right?

-Yeah.

-Sure?

-Mmm, I'm fine.

Dad.

-Daughter.

-The Charity Ball.

Yeah, that's why I have to tie this stupid thing.

I'll do it.

Oh, right.

-Can you spare two tickets?

-Who for?

-Me.

-You?

Yes.

-And who else?

-Does it matter?

No, it's just that I thought you were otherwise engaged.

Change of plan.

Oh, right. well, yeah, OK.

-Leave it with me.

-Not as good as Mama's, but...

I'm sure it is.

-Thanks.

-No, thank you.

Has, er, Clive Lloyd gone?

-I don't know.

-I think he's in the toilet, actually.

-Brilliant(!)

Mr Lloyd?

Clive?

Yes?

Right, er, sorry to labour the point but, you know, if you don't

want to stay here, perhaps would you consider a bed in a hospice?

I'd rather not, if that's all right with you.

Right, OK, but I could arrange one very quickly, you see. So...

Really, I'm perfectly all right.

See, you might find it strikes a balance between a hospital and...

WOMAN AND CLIVE GIGGLE

Mr Lloyd?

LOCK UNBOLTED

Please tell me this is some sort of misguided joke.

-No, I can't do that.

-Does your father know what you're planning?

Ah, Zosia, darling. I managed to get your tickets.

Um, could somebody tell me what's going on?

'Look, just think about what you're taking on.'

-I have, long and hard.

-You've never done this procedure before.

That's not true.

OK, if you're convinced that it has to happen now,

then send them to Sheffield.

They can't take her unless it's an emergency.

-So wait.

-Until it is one?

OK, why now, why this case?

It's not about "now", I'd have taken this on any time.

Except Elliot would never have sanctioned this.

-So you think this is about the new job?

-No.

-That I'm on some kind of ego trip?

-No! That's not what I'm saying.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

So what is the truth then, Jac?

I would love to stay and talk this to death,

but I have a baby to save.

Dr March acted without consultation.

Mr Lloyd is now in more pain than he was than when he was admitted

-and we had a much-needed bed that was out of action for several hours.

-Dr March?

Clive complained of fatigue and drowsiness.

When I explained it was due to his medication,

-he consented to a reduction...

-No, I think...

-You've had your say, Digby.

Even after a short period on the new meds, he seemed happier.

-So you thought you'd take him dancing?

-He really wants to go.

What would you rather do -

sit in bed listening to Shostakovich while you wait to die?

-He discharged himself, did he?

-Against my wishes.

He's at liberty to go where he chooses.

Well, I can't argue with that.

-I can take him tonight?

-I can't see how I can stop you.

-Thanks.

You know, I gave you what appeared to be a relatively simple task.

I know.

And yet you've contrived to turn it into a three-ringed circus.

-Er, but...

-Well played, Digby.

Will you be in theatre with us?

No, it'll be Jac and the specialist.

-Where've you been?

-Walk round the grounds,

just trying to get my head together.

-I thought you'd done a runner.

-What do you mean?

Nothing.

Right.

-Good luck.

-Thanks.

-So what, you're just going to stand by and let this happen?

-What?

-Jac is doing this for all the wrong reasons.

-Maybe she's doing it for the best of reasons.

She is abusing her authority to try and save an unborn baby

using a procedure that has never been done here before.

-OK, she's made a judgment call.

-None of this is in the patient's interest.

-Mr T seems to think so.

-No, he's just caving in cos he's petrified of her.

He wouldn't do that.

-Have you asked him what he really thinks?

-Not in so many words.

Talk to him. Please, Mo.

There might still be time to do the right thing here.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Yep.

Hey.

-What do you make of our new board member?

-Ugh.

Not a fan, then?

Always looks as if he's trying to work out

what colour underwear I've got on.

So, anyway, have you found someone for your mum?

Oh, I haven't had the energy, to be honest.

Well, I've got a friend who's a matron at a nursing home.

And she is happy to sit in.

Right.

Well, that's very kind of you, but I'm not sure it's a good idea.

Oh, come on, you need a night off.

She's got loads of experience. Everyone's happy.

Oh, go one then. Thank you.

'How are you feeling?'

-Crap.

-Well, everything went well.

We've given you some morphine to take the edge off

and we've also written you up a methadone prescription, OK?

Sorry about before.

-Er, I telephoned your mum.

-Right.

I explained it was absolutely necessary to start you on methadone.

Is she coming in to see me?

'Fraid not.

I knew she wouldn't.

I always let her down.

Here.

SHE WEEPS

Right, Son - I'm off.

Enjoyed yourself?

It's been...enlightening.

-See you later.

-Looking forward to it.

Ah! Mr di Lucca.

-Thanks again.

-Our pleasure.

There's a bit of a madhouse down here.

Well, that's the way we like it.

-Still, doesn't seem to have done Harry any harm.

-No.

-Not in the short term, anyway.

-Mm.

Suppose you all have to rough it for a while.

Yeah, it's character building.

Well, anything you can do to keep him

moving in the right direction will be much appreciated.

Yeah, don't worry, I've got his back.

-KNOCK ON DOOR

-Come in.

Hey.

Clumsy-itis.

-You busy?

-Prepping for Jac's valvuloplasty.

-Right.

It's a fascinating procedure, you know. Come and have a look.

The very idea of passing a needle

through the mother's abdominal wall, then her uterus,

then on through the baby's chest, and into the left ventricle...

I mean, that's amazing, right?

Are you sure it can be done here?

Yeah, I don't see any reason why not.

So, you think Jac's right?

Well, I see nothing wrong in wanting to save the life of an unborn baby.

No...

You don't sound too convinced.

Jonny has some doubts.

Because it's Jac, right?

Everything's because of Jac in Jonnyworld.

Mo, if we could set up a foetal cardiac unit on Darwin,

just imagine the patients we'd attract.

-Yeah?

-Yeah! Yeah. And it wouldn't all be about Ms Naylor, either.

WE'D have our own caseload. You and me, the Dynamic Duo.

-Dyna-Mo, eh!

-I don't think I've ever seen you this excited.

This is worth us both getting very, very excited about.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Come in.

'Are you decent?'

As I'll ever be.

You look lovely.

Not so bad yourself.

The name is Bond...

Premium Bond.

You see, that's my line.

I thought you'd gone.

Well, I nipped home, I grabbed my tux and I came straight back.

Why?

Cos I intend to arrive at this do with you on my arm.

You're a persistent so and so, aren't you?

-Borderline stalker material, me.

-You clown.

Listen...

I know that we haven't had the most...conventional of starts...

..but there is something there...

..I know it.

I'm not saying there isn't, but...

Where's the harm in just seeing where it goes?

And if I say no,

are you going to force me there by gunpoint?

Well, this ain't no banana, lady.

Easy tiger.

-You spoken to Mr T yet?

-He's totally up for it.

Right.

Since when was trying to save a child's life a bad thing?

Mo, I'm just off to see the foetal specialist.

-OK.

-Can you get Georgia into theatre?

-Yep.

-I take it you'll be joining us.

-Will I?

-Is there a problem with that?

-I just thought...

-If we're going to be rolling this out,

I need everyone up to speed, as soon as.

-OK.

-You're not really giving off that

"thanks for including me in my career-defining op" vibe.

Oh, I get it. Mr Moral High Ground's been in your ear.

Fine. Give it a miss.

-I'm in.

-Good.

-What?

-Nothing.

Do you expect me just to keep standing still?

Good old dependable Mo, yeah?

Well, I want more, mate, and it's about time I went out and got it.

Ladies and gentlemen,

good evening and welcome

to the Friends of Holby City

Foundation Trust Grand Charity Gala.

We have a fabulous five-course tasting menu

for you to enjoy tonight

along with our sommelier's selection of wines from across the world.

I'm looking forward to that!

After dinner, we'll be having music, so shine up your dancing shoes.

And then, after that, we'll move on to our main event of the evening,

our charity auction...

-Serena!

-..including our star prize...

-Think you're next to me.

..beautiful continental drive Austin Healey,

which, at one point in its life, was actually owned by

the late, great James Hunt.

Fancy being whisked off to Monte Carlo in that little beauty?

So, please get out your cheque books. Thank you very much.

APPLAUSE

I'm sorry.

-What for?

-You didn't sign up for any of this.

-Neither did you.

-So, we'll see you later.

Wait.

-You don't have to do this, you know.

-Do what?

Stay.

I've got family who love me.

I can cope on my own if you don't want to be a part of it.

MUSIC: "That's Life" by Frank Sinatra

-I LOVE this song.

-I can tell.

Clive?

Colette, hello.

-What are you doing here?

-Oh, long story.

Do you two know each other?

We do now...

Col, my bottle's gone.

Have you been at the bar all this time?

Right, give me that.

I'll catch up with you later, OK?

Come with me.

-I want you to do the bidding tonight.

-Why?

To make sure you haven't turned into a poncey pinko.

-How high?

-Go with your gut.

Enjoying yourself?

Did you have to sit me next to the big I Am?

-It wasn't deliberate.

-Are you sure?

-Drink that.

-I can't do it.

Course you can.

Nah. Too many people.

Just imagine them all naked.

Yeah, everyone EXCEPT me!

There we are.

-Having a good time?

-Yeah.

Not on the pop?

No.

Cheap date.

She's pregnant.

Congratulations.

Thanks.

I can just make out the little bump.

I can't wait to have grandkids.

Really?

Once this fella stops sowing his wild oats...

OK, ladies and gentleman, time to get the wallets out.

It's the auction.

Thanks for the applause. I love a warm hand on my entrance.

SILENT PAUSE

OK, er...

Right, OK, let's get this started.

HEART RATE MONITOR BEEPS

OK, the balloon's in place.

All looking good. Let's inflate.

Sold, to the man in his mother's wig.

LAUGHTER

Brilliant.

So, I've just ran into an old patient of ours. Clive Lloyd?

Oh, yes, he's been in the hospital all day.

-Wish you'd told me.

-Why?

Well, it would've been nice to see him.

Obviously you just have.

Lot 32 is the one you're looking for.

Right, and I've been told that I can start the bidding at ten.

-Thousand?

-That really is a beautiful machine.

Come on, ladies and gentleman, don't be shy.

Wait.

£10,000, thank you, sir.

We have 15. 20. 25.

That's £25,000. Any advance on 25?

Now.

£30,000 and a new bidder. Any advance on 30?

Anyone else?

35 from the gorgeous brunette.

-What are you doing?

-It's for Eileen.

-Who's Eileen?

-What?

-His guardian angel.

Don't worry. My treat.

-40.

-£40,000. Come on, ladies and gentlemen.

Who doesn't want to look like a wonderful wind-swept

James Hunt driving that?

-45.

-No, Zosia!

£45,000, ladies and gentlemen.

THEY OOH

£50,000 from Dr Harry Tressler.

APPLAUSE

Any advance on 50? Anyone from this side of the room?

-Shall I bid again?

-No. Absolutely not.

-What does Clive think?

-Call an ambulance.

-I'm sorry.

50 going twice, for the third and final time...

-60!

-£60,000 and a new bidder.

-Five.

-65.

-70.

-£70,000. Now we're cooking.

Raf?

-71.

-71.

75.

Have you lost your mind?

£75,000, ladies and gentlemen.

And that's just its scrap value!

LAUGHTER

So, are we all done at 75?

75 going once...

75 going twice...

for the third and final time...

GAVEL BANGS

Sold to the surgeon with brooding Mediterranean looks.

APPLAUSE

Removing the cannula.

We've got a bleed from the puncture hole.

I'm going to leave the cannula in for a moment,

see if it sorts itself.

MUSIC: "Somewhere Beyond The Sea" by Frank Sinatra

-Thank God that's over.

-You were great.

-Seriously?

-Yeah. You always did have the gift of the gab.

-Do you reckon?

-Well, you convinced me of a few things back in the day.

Yes, I did.

But that was when I was at the height of my powers.

God, you were full of it.

What can I say?

-What was that for?

-Dunno.

That was a great bit of bidding.

Thanks. The car's a gift for Amy.

-I want you to tell them there's been a mistake.

-I can't.

-Tell them you were drunk.

-No.

Tell them anything, I do not want that car.

I thought you'd love it.

No, you bid for it because he did.

That's not true.

Then why, for God's sake?

Because I wanted...

What?

I want...

Where are you going?

To our suite.

Good night.

Serena, what are you doing?

Escaping.

Escaping from what?

Tressler.

I know he's a bore, but all you have to do is humour him.

-Hm! That's easy for you to say.

-Just smile and nod.

I'm not a bloody Geisha.

-You know what I mean.

-I'm sorry. You're on your own.

HEAR RATE MONITOR BEEPS

Heartbeat slowing.

Jac.

I know.

Still dropping.

Dammit.

ALARMS BEEP

Right, let's try suction.

OK...

Down to 45.

Come on. Hang in there.

40.

Come on.

ALARMS STOP

Heartbeat's rising.

OK, we're back on track.

-OK, I'll take it from here.

-No, I...

-You've been drinking.

-So have you.

-No, I haven't. I was on call.

-Dr March.

-Zosia.

I just want to thank you

for one of the most outstanding nights of my life.

OK, yep. Thank you.

Well, that pretty much blew my mind.

Hope not, you're going to need it.

-Yeah?

-We proved we can do it, this is the first of many.

-Yeah, I thought we were going to lose her for a minute.

-Not me.

I feel an inappropriate high-five coming on.

Normally, I'd laugh in your face, but on this occasion...

-You look pleased with yourselves.

-With good reason.

Excuse me.

Is the baby all right?

The op went well. She's got a great chance of making it.

Thank God. And Ms Naylor.

Have you seen Will?

Not for a while.

Has he gone?

I'm not sure.

Will?

How is she?

They're both doing great.

OK, we're going to make you as comfortable as we can, Mr Lloyd.

I'm sorry we couldn't get you home.

Right, let's get you pain relief...

..and then we can get you something to help with the...

Mr Lloyd?

Clive?

KNOCK ON DOOR

Congratulations.

Thank you.

That was really quite a glimpse into your brave new world.

Glad you enjoyed the show.

My only concern is where our wee girl fits into all this.

All what?

Weekend conferences,

international research junkets...

You mean all the stuff that's going to pay for her education.

It's not about money.

Then what is it about?

Time.

With Emma. Jac, I...

I can't do this.

-I know it's been a long day...

-Ever.

I can't do this ever.

AMBULANCE SIRENS BLARE

# Riding high in April

# Shot down in May

# That's what all the people say

# Shot down in May

# That's what all the people say

# Riding high in April

# Shot down in May... #