On The Ropes Holby City

I'm your nephew, Jason.

If I'm a bit direct, it's because I have Asperger's syndrome.

-Consultant's interview.

-How did it go?

Yep. Absolutely smashed it.

Well, aren't you just full of surprises?

-No.

-What happened in that staffroom?

Well, obviously we were both terrified

and, with Mr Griffin on the floor,

-I didn't know what to do...

-I was not terrified.

Just don't underestimate the effect that can have on you.

Not bad for an old bloke!

Maybe I should go easy.

Don't want to give you a heart attack.

Age's got nothing to do with it.

It's all about skill and stamina.

Didn't your coach teach you that?

HE LAUGHS

See? You can talk the talk,

but can you walk the walk?

Kit?

-Kit, you all right?

-Yeah, man. It's fine.

Happened before. It's cool.

HE WAILS

Hey, hey. All right.

Let's get you some help.

Et voila!

Another life transformed, thanks to my medical genius.

I think we all deserve a pint in Albie's later.

Actually, I got Albie's to put a couple of bottles

-of champagne on ice...

-Champagne?

You two aren't getting...married?

No.

Not for us. For you.

Ollie saw the unofficial shortlist

for the new consultant's job...

And?

..and the only candidate anywhere near your level of experience

was the weird locum...

Yeah, that guy with the hygiene issues and hairy hands...

-Yeah, yeah, Jac hated him.

-Precisely.

So, by process of elimination, we thought even you'd be preferable.

Imagine that, me and Jac on a level playing field.

How long have I waited for that?

Can I have a word when the party's over?

Yeah.

Ah, Well, thanks again for a lovely evening.

I didn't think the night was too bad, either.

Well, apart from the impromptu midnight feast...

Cold biryani. What could be more romantic?

Dinner at Leandro's tonight.

And I promise I'll go easier on the wine...

Oh, no, you won't.

We are going to eat and drink...

and then be extremely badly behaved when I get you home.

That's the whole point.

I'm looking forward to it already.

Oh.

It's a bit early for that, isn't it?

I am seriously impressed.

Nurse Harrison! This is Kit McNeil.

I need a bay now, please.

Bed three is empty at the moment,

but Ms Wolfe is expecting a transfer.

A 76-year-old female.

Acute abdominal assessment.

Elderly Care can take her.

Excuse me, I've just spent an hour on the phone to the ED...

Bay three, please.

How old are you, Kit?

-19.

-Is there anyone I can call for you?

-Parents or...?

-No.

Who are you, anyway?

This is Dr Copeland.

He works with me.

Get your hands off!

I don't need any help!

Can you call radiology and book him an abdominal X-ray, please?

Don't talk to my staff like that.

I don't need the hassle.

Had this for ages.

I feel better already.

For now, maybe.

PHONE VIBRATES I'll be right back.

Dr Copeland.

He's a little agitated.

He's got an important boxing trial.

It's fine. I'm very used to dealing with ungrateful, arrogant, little...

It's fine, it's fine.

What you mean, like, proper snogging?

Oh, it was like something out of Grease.

Yeah, but set in the car park.

Do you know what? I can just see it now.

Serena in her satin pedal pushers and Robbie with his massive...

-Watch it.

-..quiff. I was going to say quiff, all right?

Singing his little heart out...

Oh, please, don't stop on my account.

OK. A word if I may, my lieblings.

Just because I'm ever so slightly over 50

does not mean I'm dead from the waist down.

And as this seems to be the subject of much speculation,

let me put your minds at rest.

Robbie's...

quiff is more than satisfactory

and my sex life is tickety-boo,

thanks very much.

In fact...

..I've never been happier.

Right, I'll be in my office

once you've picked your jaws up from the floor.

THEY GIGGLE

You do have a weakness in the abdominal wall

and that's allowing the intestine to poke through.

Just push it back.

Done it loads of times.

You should've been a doctor.

Better than you.

-Jumped up little...

-You know what? I can refuse treatment to patients

who are either threatening or abusive.

-Go on, then. Do it.

-Kit...

we need to treat this now.

You're in danger of losing the blood supply.

That's what's causing the pain.

I'm going to need FBC, U&Es, clotting and an ECG, please.

OK, well, there's going to be a wait.

We're backed up on here today.

It's a nightmare.

Then again, when isn't it?

Yeah, thank you, Dr Copeland.

All them tests?

I haven't got time...

Kit, if we don't act now, you're at risk of some serious complications.

I really think we should call your parents.

Only got a mum and she don't want to see me.

Why?

I get aggressive sometimes.

Caused her loads of hassle, so...

she chucked me out.

Hence the boxing.

Turns out I could be good.

Well, your health is more important.

This isn't a joke, man.

It's the only way I can prove to my mum I can be a decent person.

Let's see what the tests tell us.

Excuse me a moment.

Look, I really should apologise

for not calling ahead,

but I know that boy.

Gym buddy?

He's a temporary porter.

We spar occasionally.

Our very own Rocky Balboa.

Well, I'm sorry I wasn't here last week to show you the ropes.

I gather it was a bit of a baptism of fire.

Well, as he said,

"It ain't how hard you can hit,

"it's how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward".

Luckily, I don't bruise easily.

I'll bear that in mind.

Ward round in ten minutes.

Good.

Who's that?

No idea.

-Very dapper.

-Maybe he's a billionaire.

I reckon she'd stop at nothing to get her device funded

and she's got form. Lord Byrne.

Excuse me? Hi.

This is Kevin Duncansby.

Chest pains, breathlessness and unusually nervous.

Good morning, Mr Duncansby. I'm Ms Effanga.

But I made it quite clear I wanted a male doctor.

I'm the closest you've got.

-What about him?

-Doesn't count.

-I'm the big cheese, he's still in kindergarten.

-OK.

So, pretend I'm a mister and everything will be good.

Well, ED did all the usual tests

and on examination reveals slight murmur and palpitations.

Oh, can he come back and do that, please?

Don't worry, I'll be gentle with you.

Here we go.

Breathe in...

and out.

OK. That wasn't so bad.

Can we get FBC, U&Es, LFTs,

amylase, group and save

and a chest X-ray, please?

PHONE RINGS

Can you put that on silent? It disturbs the other patients.

If you want that word, I'm free now.

I'm not.

Can you listen to your own heart with that thing?

I'll give it a go.

What the hell do you think you're doing?!

OK, man, no need to pull a hissy fit.

What's your problem?

Don't be too hard on him.

Is this still about Lee?

And Arthur.

Dr Copeland?

I have bloods to chase.

Dr Copeland!

Stop.

Look, having time out of this place

can help to put things into perspective, so...

maybe a few days off would...

There's really no need. I'm fine.

-But when you've been through trauma...

-I said I'm fine!

That was AAU calling about a transfer.

Somebody you know as Sheridan.

Sinclair Sheridan.

Ric. What a lovely surprise.

To what do we owe the pleasure?

You have a patient here. Sinclair Sheridan.

Yeah. Lovely old boy.

He's been asking for you.

-What happened?

-He fell off his ladder.

You know he's been clearing out his own guttering.

-The man's a total legend.

-That sounds like...

-Sinclair.

-Eric Griffin!

Never too old for a hug!

It's so good to see you.

And you...but not in here.

We're waiting on a few results,

but Mr Di Lucca seems to think it's just a period of observation.

In case the old fool has a relapse.

Then you're coming with me.

Hey.

Just called my mole at St James'.

Hairy hands definitely hasn't got it.

So, if those who haven't got it have been told, then...

-Then you're definitely still in the running.

-You reckon?

Well, if not you, then who?

I'd ask Ms Naylor to put you out your misery.

Hey, you've drawn the short straw with me as your neighbour -

I'm a total nutter.

Oh, no, I can't say that any more, can I? Not "PC".

I like nutters.

Hurts like hell.

You really shouldn't be taking those sort of risks...

You're telling me to be careful? That's rich. Ha!

Eric was in trouble with the headmaster once,

about to get the cane, and do you know what he did?

He jumped out of the window and ran across the roof to freedom.

Like bloody James Bond.

Nice one.

I never was one to submit to authority.

No, neither am I.

So, if I want to clear my own gutters, I will.

You'll never get old.

No, but there's no denying the numbers,

but I'm not going to turn into one of those saddos

that need their backsides wiping,

and YOU are going to help me.

You've to pay back for all those hours that I wasted on you, Griffin.

I've never seen such a handsome doctor.

Beautiful jawline,

like a Roman god.

You can come back.

Maybe you'd let me draw you.

Don't give him an even bigger head than he already has.

Oh, Mr Di Lucca, sorry to interrupt,

but they're ready for you in theatre.

Just when we were getting acquainted.

-It's been an absolute pleasure, Ms Moore.

-Ciao, bello.

I've always loved Italian men.

Well, I'm afraid you'll have to put up with boring old me from now on.

Boring?

With the fire of love in your eyes?

Is there a problem, Nurse Martinez?

Perhaps you'd like to talk me through your symptoms, Ms Moore?

Seraphina, please.

Well, I just had one of my turns.

I mean, the daffodils were SO beautiful this morning,

I just had to paint them.

And the next thing I knew, I was face down in the herbaceous border.

OK.

FBC, U&Es and LFTs and an echo, please.

Oh, but I have been very, very tired lately...

and, I mean, it's not like me at all -

I'm normally the life and soul.

Yes, I can see that.

Well, you leave it with me.

You left your phone in my car.

-Did I?

-Yeah, I found it when I got to work.

And you came all the way back? That's very nice of you.

Oh, what can I say? I'm a nice guy.

I keep trying to tell you that.

So, see you later?

You certainly will.

OK, how lovely is he?

I know.

I can't quite believe how lucky I am.

I'm in the gym, man!

Can't I even train in peace now?

Ah, you remind me of Eric when he was a boy.

All fire and brimstone.

What does that even mean?

Full of rage against an unjust world.

I'm a boxer.

I got a trial.

Coach don't need to know about this.

Whoa, don't be daft.

You're in no fit state to walk to the toilet,

let alone fight anyone.

It ain't funny, man!

Athletes fight through injuries all the time.

How's the pain?

Fine.

Better.

Your hernia's incarcerated

and that could cause problems later IF we don't treat it surgically.

I'm sorry, but there's no other way round it.

Mr Griffin.

Sorry, Mr Sheridan's scans are through from AAU.

I'll be right back.

Unlucky fall, hitting that railing.

I'm surprised he didn't do himself more damage.

What are you thinking?

Injuries to the brachial plexus

often recover spontaneously,

but I'd second AAU's recommendation

-of a period of observation.

-Hmm.

You disagree, Ms Wolfe?

Well, there are signs of a small haematoma.

I say we relieve the pressure on the brachial plexus surgically.

The stress of surgery is unnecessary.

A period of observation, at least six weeks,

but if you could organise some repeat bloods and scans...

-please?

-Sure. No problem, Rocky.

They're just checking me out, Mum.

I got a bit wheezy.

Yes, I had my inhaler.

No.

No, no, no, no.

No, you're not to come in.

Mum, I'll call you later.

Still living at home?

You're good.

I'd kill my mum within two days max.

It's a matter of economics.

Well, it must be nice, though.

I bet she does everything for you.

Washing, cooking...

Toothpaste on the brush?

How'd you know that?

Wild guess.

Don't get me wrong, she's...lovely.

She just seems to think I should stay 12...for ever.

No girlfriend?

No.

In fact, I'm still a...

You know.

Oh.

Nearly managed it once.

I invited this girl over,

Mum was supposed to be at her sister's watching Strictly...

but they had this massive argument over Anton Du Beke.

She barged in just as things were hotting up.

Right.

Well, you might not be home for a while,

if that's any comfort.

Your echo suggests that you have endocarditis,

which has caused damage to the mitral valve of your heart.

My heart?

I'm 29.

It's looking likely to be a bacterial infection,

possibly from your gums

or sexually transmitted infection -

herpes, for instance...

You can strike that off the list.

HE CLEARS THROAT

-Hanssen. For you.

-Thanks.

Excuse me.

Mr Hanssen?

Ms Wolfe.

Bloods?

Mr Sheridan's bloods aren't back yet.

Well, could you ask them to fast track them, please?

So...

what subject did you teach?

English.

Not that he wanted to learn much.

I thought you were brought up in Ghana.

He was, till his family couldn't cope.

Nowadays, he'd be pumped full of Ritalin.

I was a bad influence on my kid brother,

according to my father -

so he sent me to England.

But I saw a spark.

And I wouldn't be here without you.

No.

You'd be doing 25 years for armed robbery.

Hopefully the morphine will ease the pain.

I'll be back to check on you later.

-Yep, there you go.

-Thanks.

LAUGHTER

I hope I'm like that at her age.

I'm sure you will be -

only much, much naughtier.

I shall take that as compliment.

Jason!

How lovely to see you.

Allan's ill, so I'm coming to stay.

What's for dinner?

Ah, now, that would be really great...

but I'm afraid I've made plans for this evening, with a friend.

They'll understand if you explain.

I'll wait in your office.

There's football on telly.

Have you got chips?

Chips?

Oh, no, I don't think I have, so...

We always have chips when it's football.

Not quite the evening you had in mind.

No.

HE HUMS

Sorry, mate. This room's for staff only.

I didn't mean to intrude.

Sir Dennis Hopkins-Clarke.

I don't believe we've been introduced.

THE Hopkins-Clarke?

I used your paper on ischemic preconditioning as the basis

for my clinical research project.

It is an honour to meet you.

And you are?

Mo Effanga, senior registrar.

Ah, so you're Mo.

I've heard a lot about you from Ms Naylor.

Really?

She just wanted to talk me through the team,

so I knew what I was letting myself in for.

It's some time since I've been a jobbing ward consultant.

Kit.

I'm going. Can't stop me.

-You'll get another chance.

-You don't know that.

I'm trying to help you.

Then let me go.

I'll come back tomorrow, I swear.

Kit, if we don't treat this now, you could die.

It's worth the risk.

I've got nothing else.

No. Come on.

You've got me now.

Strangulated hernia.

Straight to theatre, please.

Fast as we can and we need to do this right now.

Dr Copeland,

I want you to scrub in.

But I'm a little bit busy at the moment,

-but Mr Law needs the experience.

-I'm asking you.

You can't keep avoiding surgery.

What about your electives?

-Shall I call Sacha?

-That won't be necessary.

If you need another pair of hands...

I've asked Dr Copeland.

That's ridiculous, I'm much more experienced.

Yes, we know that you have the experience, but he needs it.

Now, just keep a close eye on Mr Sheridan.

Any change, I want to know.

I'll see you in theatre.

Ms Moore's echo...

and her results.

She's anaemic, U&E's abnormal and she has hyperkalemia.

Oh, she does. Her potassium levels are off the scale.

Nurse Fletcher's been keeping me amused

by telling me tales of his former life

as a dodgy car mechanic.

Unfortunately, it's all true.

-And he's an even dodgier nurse.

-Hey!

Oh, I don't mind dodgy -

it's dull I can't abide.

Right, well, the good news is your cardiomyopathy

hasn't progressed since your last scan.

And the bad?

Some unusual blood results.

Have you experienced any changes in how you've been feeling generally?

I'm tired, but I put that down to getting old.

Oh, and I have lost weight.

Ah, do you know how much?

A fair bit.

Oh, my husband.

Oh, he would have been devastated.

he used to love my Ruben-esque curves...

but, well...

he died a year ago.

I'm so sorry.

-SHE SIGHS

-What now?

It seems I'm a bit of a conundrum.

I'd like some more urine tests,

a kidney function test,

an ultrasound of the kidney

-and an abdominal CT, please.

-PHONE RINGS

SHE SIGHS

Mr Sheridan's scans and latest bloods.

Seems like his shoulder wasn't the only thing damaged in the fall.

Let's have a look.

Elevated amylase levels, 4,000 U/L

and there's a collection around the pancreas.

Could mean a transection.

How come this didn't turn up earlier?

Pancreatic injuries can be subtle,

especially in the first 12 hours.

Mr Sheridan, mind if I take a look at you?

Is that absolutely necessary?

I came here to be treated by Eric.

I just need a quick feel of your tummy.

Ooh!

Abdomen's tender and there's rigidity there.

What's going on?

Will you excuse us?

We need to drain the cavity now.

Don't we need to inform Mr Griffin?

You really think Superman needs the distraction?

I need a treatment room for a percutaneous drainage.

But he specifically said...

If he's not prepared to delegate, I'm very happy to do it for him

-and I can do this with my eyes shut.

-Yeah, I'm sure you can, but...

Are you going to grow a pair or do I need to find somebody else?

I know we're not exactly besties,

but at least Hanssen had the decency to tell me himself.

Well, I did try.

Yeah, I came to you and you shut the door in my face.

I'll tell you, if Elliot was still here...

Are you seriously still peddling that one?!

It's pretty hard to compete with someone

who's a pioneer in biological valve technology

and has an aortoplasty technique named after him.

Worse still, he seems like a really nice guy.

Who trained Jac Naylor.

What a strange coincidence.

Are you serious?

That's what it says here.

So, the old boy network strikes again.

Mr Sheridan, we're ready for you now.

So, Eric's done.

Is the boy OK?

No, he'll be some time yet, I'm afraid.

Oh, you haven't signed the consent form.

I came here to be treated by Eric, not his stunt double.

It's a very straightforward procedure -

we do it under local anaesthetic.

Then it can wait.

Delay could mean spread of infection

and a much more serious operation.

Mr Griffin wouldn't want to put you through that.

He said that, did he?

I'm a general surgery consultant.

At least as senior in experience as Mr Griffin.

He'd think I was failing you if we didn't do this right now.

Sorry for making a fuss...

about you not being a man.

Yeah, I'm sorry too sometimes,

men seem to get an easier ride.

What are my chances of avoiding surgery?

Minimal, I'm afraid.

We're still trying to work out the source of the infection.

Why me?

It just seems so unfair.

Life is a balance of good and bad luck.

There's nothing fair about it.

It's how you deal with it that matters.

So, in the meantime...

just chill, yeah?

Chill?

Okey-dokey.

Mo, we're not going to let this go without a fight.

Darwin wants you as our new consultant.

Aw, much appreciated, guys,

but I think we just need to suck this one up.

No, I've just started a petition.

If everyone signs it, then Hanssen cannot ignore it.

If nothing else, it'll show the strength of feeling.

Well, I guess I can't stop you.

If you don't want this, we won't carry it on.

No, go for it.

I need you to retract here.

Here.

Where the hell is Dominic?

I don't know.

You'll have to make do with me.

Would somebody page him again, please?

Hang on, hang on.

I don't think pressuring him is the right thing to do.

He doesn't have your resilience.

Then he needs to learn it.

Page him again now.

I hope you don't mind,

but you are going to have to stay a little longer

while we wait for your new set of results.

I'll be delighted.

In fact, I'm enjoying the attention.

Weeks can pass by without me seeing a soul, except my Pandora.

My Persian.

Most of my friends have passed on now

and it's so hard to make new ones.

Yes. Yes, divorce can be a bit like bereavement.

Work was my solace

until I found a "new friend".

Lucky you.

I'll be your friend.

Oh, that's very kind of you.

Excuse us.

She has a nice smile.

Where did you get to?

You didn't think you had chips.

You're soaked.

I didn't have an umbrella

and then I got lost.

Ms Campbell, that emergency appendecectomy is on its way.

Right, OK.

Just don't go anywhere.

-Fletch, can you...?

-Yeah, have you phoned Robbie yet?

I'm dreading it.

-What do I tell him?

-The truth?

DENNIS HUMS

Ah, Ms Effanga.

Come and join us.

Of course. He is my patient.

Ms Naylor felt your list was overloaded...

and he seems to have a problem he can only share with a male doctor.

It's the examination.

What examination...?

I know where the bacteria's coming from.

My lack of...

You know.

I think it's caused a blockage.

There's swelling down there.

Not on the actual...

The other area.

The testicles?

He's fearful that, if you examine him, he...

He might have a spontaneous physical reaction.

Right, well, in that case -

please, be my guest.

If I do call Mum,

she doesn't need to know about...downstairs.

No, of course not.

You're a grown man, Kev.

It's about time you believed it.

So, you've known Mr Griffin a long time.

Man and boy.

From class clown to leading consultant.

He was the only black face in the school.

He pretended that the racism didn't bother him but...

he was a walking volcano.

Well, he's a proud man, isn't he?

I taught him there was only one way he could get his revenge.

By channelling that rage.

By achieving.

By being better than all of them.

And, eventually, he listened.

Made it right to the top.

And that is where he is determined to stay.

What are you saying?

Just that a deep-rooted lack of confidence

can result in seeing those of equal ability as a threat.

Soldiers like that are dangerous.

They take unnecessary risks

to maintain the illusion of their own superiority.

Eric's not like that.

He's kind and considerate.

He's a brilliant doctor.

Right, can you finish up here, Mr Law?

Sure.

What's her problem?

She hasn't been here long.

She doesn't really know Mr Griffin.

Eric hasn't any idea about this, has he?

That she's just operated on me?

Swollen epididymis,

possibly caused by prostatitis.

Well, it's not from an STI, that's for sure.

I'd recommend a traditional valve replacement.

Sorry, hang on a minute.

What, don't I get a say now?

Just because you felt his testicles doesn't make him your patient.

-No, but...

-A valve repair would give a faster recovery time,

it's less invasive

and the chances of complications are greatly reduced.

Indeed, but, in my experience,

the main problem with repair is that damage re-occurs.

A valve replacement would last a lifetime.

And mean he's on anticoagulants for the rest of his life.

He needs to get out there and we need to give him his best chance.

Both options are equally valid.

However, there is evidence of calcification

of the mitral valve ring...

but as you feel so strongly about it,

and I'm late to the case,

let's go with your instincts, shall we?

See you in theatre.

I'm sorry, Mr Griffin.

I know I let you down.

No.

No, I've pushed you too hard.

It's just, when...

Kit kicked off...

something just snapped and I was...

I was right back there with Lee.

You mustn't give in to this, Dominic.

I keep re-playing it over and over in my head.

I'm having nightmares.

Look, Dominic,

we can kid ourselves that we're in control,

that we're safe...

and then someone like Lee walks into our lives...

..and if it happened once, it can happen again.

Why not today?

Exactly.

I don't know how to stop it.

We have to fight it.

Push those thoughts away.

Otherwise, they win.

And we can't let that happen.

I failed to protect you.

I let you down.

It's open-heart surgery.

So maybe it's time you call your mum.

You are still my doctor?

We kind of both are.

I didn't mean to put you down or anything, it's just...

Well, you know.

I feel like such a loser.

Just see it as two for the price of one -

but I'm the boss-man cos I'm an honorary bloke, remember?

What the hell happened?

That's what I was trying to tell you.

-The scans revealed a tear...

-I'll tell you what happened.

She hijacked my treatment.

I'm sorry, but...

I made it absolutely clear

that I wanted to wait,

that I was in your care.

She confused me.

She made out that she had your say-so,

-that she was some sort of big hotshot.

-I see.

Then I find out she's only been here for five minutes

and she's not even a permanent member of staff.

My office.

If we're going to be friends,

I need to know more about you.

Oh, you.

Hello again.

Auntie Serena doesn't like me on the ward, though.

It's against regulations.

Good! Then sit down.

What do you do...for a job?

Do?

Do?!

No-one's asked me that in years.

People assume I sit in a chair

watching daytime TV,

sucking boiled sweets.

Boiled sweets are bad for your teeth.

The acid destroys your enamel.

I know.

THAT'S why I prefer to paint.

-I'm an artist.

-Really?

So am I. Look.

Oh, lovely.

I'd like to draw people, but they never sit still.

Well, I can sit still.

So you can draw me.

I'd love to.

I thought I made it absolutely clear

that I was to be informed about anything

concerning Mr Sheridan's care.

Did I not, Mr Law?

Yes.

Then why didn't you?

It was my decision.

We heard things were complicated in theatre,

I said you weren't to be interrupted.

Against my direct wishes.

I took immediate action

to prevent further, potentially life-threatening,

infection down the line.

It was not your decision to make, it was mine.

This is my ward.

Here, I'm in command and control.

Are you?

Or are you just terrified of losing it?

Well...

I didn't realise that you were a qualified psych,

in addition to all your other exceptional qualities(!)

Whatever you may think of me,

I will never compromise patient care for the sake of anyone's ego.

Including yours?

I've already got 20 signatures without having to resort to bribes.

Thanks, Ollie.

-Why the glum face? I thought you were up for this.

-And I was,

but then I kicked off with Dennis the Menace over Kev's treatment.

Now I can see that he was right.

How very irritating of him.

-DENNIS HUMS

-Time to bite the bullet.

-Sir Dennis?

-Damn it.

Just overfilled the cup.

I've had another look at the scans.

I think my judgment was a bit off. I owe you an apology.

There's really no need.

The job.

I went up for it, too.

Ah.

Tea? The kettle's just boiled,

there should be just enough water.

Thanks.

I didn't want you to be right, but you were.

There are very seldom rights or wrongs in medicine.

But there are good and bad calls.

A calcified mitral annulus

makes repair far more challenging

and far less likely

to be successful long-term.

I'm sorry.

Never apologise for your passion, Ms Effanga.

It's to be admired in a surgeon.

As is the ability to admit when one is wrong.

I don't suppose you could lay your hands

on a biscuit of some description?

Yeah, no problem.

Want my advice? Never retire.

I should've got married,

made room in my life for a family.

Hold on.

Who was it who advised me

never to get tied down?

Fortunately, you didn't listen.

No.

Six marriages, six kids,

one grandkid...

..zero family.

You're smiling, Eric,

but it's not funny, is it?

You see that kid?

Angry,

lost...

Remind you of anyone?

But I was lucky.

I had a Sinclair Sheridan to help me find my way.

Yeah, but still you never QUITE believed

that you were good enough, did you?

I tried...hard.

I'm still trying...

-still failing.

-Ah, come on.

You brought that boy in here,

you just saved his life.

You can't save everyone...

..and it's the failures that stay with you.

This is not the Eric that I know.

You should be so proud.

PAGER BEEPS

I'm going to have to go.

I'll be back.

We're up to 35 now.

-Definitely one of the popular girls.

-That's good, but, you know what?

I think I'm just going to let go.

I think you're making a mistake.

I want to hate him, I really do,

but then he made me this lovely cup of tea

and I just thought, "Forget it."

He didn't know what he was walking into.

They said the same thing about Richard Nixon.

Mrs Meloncamp.

Septic tracheomalacia.

Our Den thinks that she is the perfect candidate

for Naylor's new device.

How does he know? He's only been here five minutes!

Or maybe that's precisely why he's here.

Thanks for nothing, man.

You'll recover from this, and then...

And then what?

Coach has dumped me cos I wasn't straight with him.

"A waste of space."

Kit, I was trying to protect you.

Why do you even care?

You're not my dad!

Don't have no dad. Don't need one.

You have no idea what you've done.

No, I will make sure Mr Griffin sees you as soon as he gets back.

Where's Rocky gone?

No-one's seen him.

Oh, no.

Find him!

-Nurse Harrison.

-Yeah?

When was the last time anyone checked on Mr Sheridan?

I don't know.

How can you not know? He's under 15-minute obs.

Mr Griffin said he was handling it personally. He was very insistent.

Well, he's clearly got better things to do(!)

-MACHINE BEEPS

-BP's dropped. Sats 89.

He's bleeding out. Might be septic. Alert theatre.

Glad to hear you've extended a warm, Holby welcome to Sir Dennis.

You know me. Not one to bear grudges.

Onwards and upwards.

So, I hear you and Dennis are old friends. Small world.

Yes, I trained under him 15 years ago,

-but if you're insinuating...

-No, no. I wouldn't dream of it.

But, hey, listen, I've been meaning to talk to you.

Your project - how's it going?

-Haven't heard much about it lately.

-Another time.

Zosia.

Jac's device - how close is it to trial?

She's looking for suitable patients.

I thought she was struggling for investment.

She was, until Sir Dennis opened it up to his investor contacts.

I'm here now, Sinclair. I'm so sorry.

Where the hell have you been?

And don't insult my intelligence

with another "chain of command" speech. I had no choice.

If you've quite finished, just tell what happened.

He had a massive bleed, which no-one picked up on

because you insisted on caring for him yourself.

Except you didn't. You let him down.

This man to whom you say you owe everything.

But as you've made perfectly clear, he's your patient, it's your call -

so good luck with that.

Wait!

I'd like you in theatre.

Please?

Where's all this blood coming from?

Suction.

So, what are you thinking?

Cauterise the immediate bleed, once we locate it.

Then insert larger drains to ensure effective drainage of fluid,

the remaining blood and infection.

Suction.

Let's pack the abdomen, please.

I've always found it more effective

and immediate to do a splenectomy

and distal pancreatic resection.

Given his age, perhaps we should think about prioritising speed.

Yes. Let's do that.

So, he's breathless, requiring additional oxygen.

I thought you should take a look.

Please, God, let it not be serious.

I cannot go into theatre with Lord Smarmy Arse. Not now.

Really? I thought you found him charming, made a nice cup of tea.

Yeah, that's before I found out he was Jac's big, fat cash cow.

-You're 100%?

-Look, I refuse to fall at the last hurdle

just because my face doesn't fit, cos I don't know the right people.

I've had to deal with that all my life. Kev!

-What's happening, mate?

-MACHINE BEEPS

I felt fine and then... HE STRUGGLES FOR BREATH

I can't die without getting off first base.

You need to keep this on and nobody is going to die, OK?

Oh, no, no, no. Come on, Kev. Come on.

You are a lovely bloke, you're going to meet a lovely woman

and live happily ever after...

-SUSTAINED BEEP

-Kev?

Crash team!

BP's falling, blood's filling the area.

Mr Griffin, there's a massive pancreatic bleed.

You need to make a decision.

No. You make it.

Is this some kind of a test?

This man is practically family.

It would be more appropriate ethically.

2.0 prolene on a round body needle.

Talk ethics all you like, but I know exactly what you're doing.

Cut.

You're not in control.

You haven't been in control all day.

Stabilising.

Well, perhaps now you'll be man enough to admit

that if I hadn't put that drain in earlier,

against your specific directive,

this man would probably already be dead.

I'm so sorry, Seraphina.

Oh, no, don't be.

I'm an artist, you see.

Just giving him a few tips.

You really need to let Ms Moore rest now, Jason.

But I haven't finished.

He's rather talented.

Jason.

Jason, show her.

Show her.

Wow.

Sorry to interrupt, Ms Campbell.

That diabetic ulcer, can you take a look?

Yep. Jason...

Let him finish it.

I'll be right back.

Essie said you'd be up here.

Needed a breather.

Look...

Ric's had a hard time of it lately.

I think you should cut him some slack.

I've been doing that all day.

You didn't have to humiliate him in front of his team.

Why?

He's an incompetent, arrogant, egotistical martinet

and he was damn lucky I was there.

OK, maybe you had to adopt this tough, uncompromising approach

in your last place, but working here,

with Hanssen at the helm...

If you're not looking out for your team 24/7,

you're not going to last five minutes.

And for your information,

Ric Griffin is an excellent doctor.

I mean, sure, we all have our off days from time to time -

when life impacts on work...

..but we're only human.

I seem to be having nothing but "off days" at the moment.

Truth is, I miss what I had

way too much.

I promised my family I'd give it a shot...

..but I'm not sure I can hack it.

It's good to be back in theatre -

getting my hands dirty, so to speak.

Didn't realise how much I'd missed it.

Scalpel, please. 23 blade.

Surprised you'd choose it, to be honest.

The cut and thrust of the NHS over all those swanky investor dinners.

It's not really a direct choice, exactly.

More have your cake and eat it?

Sutures ready, please.

On second thoughts, why don't you lead?

-But you're the...

-No, you'd be doing me a favour.

After my time in the corporate world,

I fear I might be a tad rusty.

Fine.

Let's do it.

What happened to you, Eric?

There's a young doctor who...

needed my protection...

and I let him down.

I seem to be letting a lot of people down lately.

I even let you down.

When you were young

and you'd done something you were ashamed of,

you used to turn in on yourself -

shut off, just like you're doing now -

because you've been brought up by a father

who thought vulnerability was a weakness...

but it's not.

It's human.

We're all flawed, Eric.

You've just got to dust yourself off and move on.

As for letting me down...

HE SCOFFS

..you just saved my life, you daft pillock!

Actually...

that was Ms Wolfe.

Seraphina Moore.

I was concerned it might be renal failure,

but the ultrasound shows no damage to the kidneys.

There's some urine output, but some signs of dehydration

and the protein levels are normal.

-That makes no sense.

-I know.

She'll have to have an MRI.

-JASON:

-There's something wrong!

-SERAPHINA:

-It's my chest. I can't breathe.

All right, we'll get you some oxygen.

Jason. Jason, you are in the way!

Maybe it's the bananas.

Oh, Fletch, could you just pop him in a cab?

I'll come and pick you up later.

Eating so many bananas, it's not good.

-Come on, Jase.

-It can cause heart attacks!

Actually, he's got a point.

Yeah, but it would have to be her entire diet

to make any real difference.

It is. She told me.

15 a day, washed down with milk.

Decided to stay, then?

Well, I can't sing

and I certainly can't dance, so...

I need to pay the rent somehow.

But you're right...

..we can't let him win.

I...

I wanted to thank you...

for giving me the credit.

Just stating the facts.

Nevertheless...

as someone who finds it

almost impossible to back down,

I know how hard that must have been.

And I wanted to say that

even I usually draw the line at crass point-scoring.

I owe you an apology.

You mean you're not the power-crazed

megalomaniac that I took you for?

I have my moments.

Maybe we're more alike than you think.

Hey. Coffee?

Yeah, I'll have an espresso.

Double. Make it a triple.

I thought theatre went well.

He was playing me!

I feel like I'm stuck in a straight-to-DVD conspiracy movie

and I'm the fall guy.

OK, just don't do anything rash.

Why not? I mean, it all stacks up.

Jac's never liked me.

No, I'm not taking this lying down.

Mr Hanssen, I need a word.

Well, there was never any question

about your suitability for the role, Ms Effanga,

if that's what's concerning you.

Your interview was exemplary.

Apart from Jac, I'll bet.

No. On the contrary, this is a copy of her feedback

if you care to take a look.

I think you'll find that her admiration for you

and your achievements

is unusually heartfelt.

I have to say, I'm surprised.

Well, there's one negative, however.

When it comes to professional disagreements,

your refusal to entertain viewpoints other than your own

can verge on paranoia at times.

We're happy to support you, Ms Effanga,

and indeed appreciate what it's taken for you to come this far...

but, occasionally, senior colleagues just might

have opinions worth listening to.

SHE SIGHS

Got a minute, man?

Yeah, sure.

Coach changed his mind.

I said I was sorry for not being on the level.

He's giving me another chance.

Well, that's great news.

I owe you an apology, too.

I was out of line.

I'm used to being let down.

I don't trust no-one.

I understand.

You said you cared.

Did you mean it?

If you need me, just come and find me.

I was thinking...

..if boxing doesn't work out,

maybe I could try nursing or something.

Guys do that now.

Sure.

So, we're all right now?

We're all right.

He's not in trouble, is he?

Oh, I couldn't bear that.

Quite the opposite.

Excuse me.

Jason, is it OK if I join you?

Not if you're going to shout again.

I don't like raised voices.

I know, I won't. I'm sorry. I...

I really underestimated you.

Is there anything you don't know about?

Girls...

and cooking.

Right.

Keep fighting, Eric.

You owe me one, remember?

My success story.

I've nothing else to brag about now.

I'm so proud of you, son.

Your mum's on her way.

So, this is it, then.

What?

I'm going to tell her.

I'm moving out.

Good for you.

I'm not 12...

and I hate Strictly...

and I REALLY hate Countryfile.

I...

I don't...

I don't suppose you...

I don't mean...

Oh, no, sorry.

Just a date.

Yeah, flattered, but I am your doctor, Kev, so no can do.

But once you've got rid of mummy dearest,

you'll have them queueing round the block.

You think so?

Yeah, who knows? You might be a natural.

I know plenty of blokes who've been doing it for years

and they're bloody useless, believe me.

See you in a bit.

I'd like you at the investors meeting tomorrow.

Me?

Sir Dennis was very impressed with your work in theatre -

we both think you should be involved.

-But I thought...

-No, no. You didn't think,

you jumped to conclusions -

assumed that you'd been deliberately sidelined.

Let me get this straight.

Are you're asking me to properly be on board?

You're a very important part of this team -

whether you choose to believe that or not is up to you.

He didn't ring back.

I haven't had a chance to explain.

Would it be so bad if you all went out for dinner together?

It's going to happen at some point.

And you said that Jason and Elinor got on brilliantly.

Maybe give Bergerac the same chance.

Oh, thank you.

Those are beautiful.

I thought we could have a quick drink before dinner.

Yeah, about that.

-Oh, you don't have to work, do you?

-No. No, it's not that.

But...

somebody might be joining us.

-Is that Jason?

-Yeah.

I've been dying to meet him.

OK...

Great, but brace yourself.

This is Robbie.

We're going to have dinner with him.

I'd rather have dinner with your boyfriend.

He's better looking AND he knows about football.

No, ROBBIE is my boyfriend.

How many have you got?

I play seven-a-side for the Holby Police Team, if that counts?

You're a policeman?!

That's right.

I prefer you, then.

Let's go.

See you next week!

Oh, we're going to have drawing lessons every Friday,

if that's OK with you.

We're going to have cake.

Ah, but not banana cake.

I promise.

-You can keep this...

-Oh!

-..so you remember.

Jason, how could I possibly forget?

-Right, come on. Let's go, mes amis. Bye.

-Bye.

I like your style, Effanga.

Well, we are still celebrating.

What's that, then?

The fact that my colleagues believe in me.

Especially these two.

Next time, that job'll be yours.

Yeah, just got to bide my time.

OK.

Cheers!

You do realise alcohol reduces your brain cells.

It causes impaired judgment,

poor insight,

reduced motivation,

attentional AND impulse control deficits.

Well, it's a wonder I'm still here.

As you are still here,

I want to raise a glass.

To us! To all of us!

-To us!

-To us!

TV BLARES

What?

I'm so lucky to have a dribbling convalescent for a best mate.

I do not dribble!

Yes, you do.

-I saw you wipe.

-DOOR UNLOCKS

Sorry I'm late.

Oh! I'm...

I'm the teensiest bit drunk.

Mo bought champagne...

but I got kebabs!

Ugh, yuck. You know unspecified meat doesn't agree with me.

Poor Dommy-wommy

and his tummy-wummy.

Oh, and how much bubbly-wubbly have you had?

Loads.

I'm such a happy-wappy!

Here she comes.

Wow. Do you know what?

I think we're all pretty lucky, aren't we?

You know what, guys?

I think I love you two.

So, so much.