Skin and Blister Holby City

'Does she like anyone in this hospital at all?'

Look, she doesn't suffer fools gladly.

The trick is, never take it personally.

Have you had much experience with that?

I've split up with my husband.

He had an affair with me for months.

I can tell you, he definitely wanted to do that.

I don't want anything to happen to you.

First a surgeon, then an anaesthetist

then an intrepid traveller and now back to surgery.

You can see my reservations about your commitment.

But whatever the outcome, Dr Law, be warned.

This will be your last career change at Holby.

Aw, mate, I owe you one.

Hey! Oi!

I need the carbs, big day for the Lawman.

You do realise talking about yourself in the third person

is the first sign of insanity?

Insanity, genius. Fine line, amigo.

-Cheers, cheers.

-Ah-ha.

Thank you.

Is it too much to ask that when you roll in at 2am

with your lover boy, you refrain from waking me?

Why so grumpy, Moley? Do you feel left out?

No. It's a question of respect.

# R-E-S-P-E-C-T! #

OK, I'm a serious person with a serious job,

and my team respect me, so I'd quite like...

Hiya, Dom!

-Hey.

-Diggers. Move.

Yeah. Yeah, that's a lot of respect, right there.

Mr Law.

Morning.

Oh, Mr Hanssen, you're here.

Remarkably observant for such an early hour.

You're operating today.

Ooh, now we're entering the realms of the savant.

Funny!

Any objections?

-To?

-My presence in theatre.

-No, no, no. Absolutely not.

-Now there's a relief.

-It's great to see you getting the old knives and forks out.

-Really?

Especially on my last day's probation.

Ah, now, I assure you that is purely coincidental.

I've only had the pleasure from an anaesthetist's point of view.

Who said that's about to change?

Sacha, my man.

You all right?

You all right? Come on, what are you after?

What makes you think I'm after anything?

Spit it out.

The theatre list is up, yeah?

Yeah.

Please tell me I'm on the assist for Hanssen's caseload.

-I think Dom is in the frame for that.

-No, not Dom!

'Fraid so.

But my need is greater than Dom's.

Why is your need greater than Dom's?

Do I really have to tell you?

Oh, yes. Yes, sorry. Yes.

Oh, come on, mate, help me out.

It's all sorted.

Sacha, please, I need this.

If I could I would, but I can't.

Minions. Ever wondered what it feels like to win the lottery?

-Uh, yes. Standard.

-Sometimes.

-Well, today is the opposite.

St James' have had a power cut, you know what that means.

Wheel them in, wheel them out, ASAP.

Now, Mr Orson, bay three. Who's going to help me with...

Um... Can I help?

Cardiothoracics is a bit more technical than casts

and kidney dishes.

Well, lucky then that I spent five years

nursing at the National Heart under Harriet Spencer-Lamb.

Cardiothoracics is my passion.

I didn't know that.

You didn't ask. Shall I...?

Read on. I need to change.

Who did YOU murder in the night?

Spring cleaning.

Technically that happens in the spring.

Well, it's junk. And I'm fed up of it...

hanging around.

You all right?

Yeah, I'm fine. Why?

Well, you just seem a bit worked up.

I'm not worked up. Why would I be worked up?

It's fine. It's fine.

I've had my catharsis.

I just want things to get back to normal. You know?

OK. See you in a bit.

Dr Copeland! Doctor!

Hey.

-Are you off to theatre?

-Imminently, lucky me.

What do you mean?

Well, who needs the King of Scandi-noir

watching over your every move?

Well, me, as it happens. Look, why don't you...

Dr Copeland.

Yes, Mr Hanssen.

We have a potential addition to today's list.

Female, 39,

multiple injuries, including upper GI bleeding.

Right.

So, if, as I suspect, she requires surgery,

we should inform our electives that there may be delays today.

-I can do that.

-I'm sure Dr Copeland's more than capable.

In fact, I'm more than happy to take over altogether if you like.

Is that right?

Hundred. I mean, there's nowhere I'd rather be on my last day of trial

than in theatre with the maestro himself.

How romantic.

Dom?

Well, I would hate to pass up on a chance to work with you myself...

Ah, well...

..but I would also hate to deprive Dr Law of that opportunity as well.

So which is it?

Fill your boots.

Yes! Cheers.

Ah, here's the patient.

This is Caroline.

She came second place in a scrap between her bike

and a transit van.

Right, so if you'll do a gastroscopy

I will have a look at the ED assessment.

Dr Law?

Yes?

Gastroscopy?

I'm all over it.

Whatever that may mean.

-MUSIC PLAYS

-Mr Orson.

Shush, woman!

I was listening.

Beethoven's Fifth, you know it?

I have heard it, yes. Reminds me of cute dogs.

As fascinating as this is, you were found by a neighbour

having collapsed due to shortness of breath.

-I assume you've been taking your diuretics?

-Ow!

Quiet, please. Must you be so shrill?

I don't have time for this.

Quite a character, eh? He reminds me of my grandad. Highly intelligent.

-Very particular.

-Yes.

Can you order him an MRI and something to shut him up, please?

We'll beat him into submission. Two strong women.

Look, just so you know, the whole "sisterhood" thing?

It's not my bag.

Morning, morning.

You OK?

Yup. I just got told.

Ah, yes, well you are working with Stalin reincarnate today. My advice?

Swap with the bank nurse, quick as you can.

I've handled worse than Jac Naylor, Guy. She doesn't bother me.

Sounds like she was lucky to survive the accident.

Yeah, looks like it.

Well, at least she was wearing a helmet.

Small mercies.

She had at least 80 stitches all in all.

Nasty.

Wouldn't catch me cycling on those roads.

You checked her notes, right?

Yeah.

And her name is Barnett?

Yeah, that's what it says on her ID.

Why?

It's not important.

You can double check if you want.

No, no. It's OK.

Ignore me.

How long will all this rigmarole take, hm?

This rigmarole would be over a lot quicker if you laid down, Mr Orson.

Is there anyone I can call for you? Any family?

I don't have any family. My mother died recently.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Why? It's not your fault.

No, I know.

Do you live with anyone?

Not since my mother died.

Oh, you lived with your mum?

We're ready.

Right, OK. Come on, lie down and keep still. Come on.

That's it. This will be over shortly. Piece of cake.

I don't like cake.

OK, just need to see your name. That's it.

-I'm looking for my daughter. Caroline.

-Yes?

Caroline Evert.

-Evert?

-Well, Barnett these days.

Yeah, she's just through here.

-Is she all right?

-Well, she got knocked off her bike by a van.

Uh, I've told her about riding that bloody thing.

She's got internal injuries, serious cuts and bruises

and she needs help with her breathing.

She's unconscious!

Sedated. Just so we could put the breathing tube in.

What about head injuries?

Only minor, but we'll keep a close eye on that side of things.

I can't believe this is happening.

One of our consultants'll come down

and he'll be able to explain more to you.

Oh, yeah, I bet he will!

Sorry?

I've had dealings with consultants before.

How do you mean?

Arrogant pigs.

-Well, I can assure you...

-Who don't give a damn for your feelings!

I'll just go and get him.

Argh!

You all right?

Apart from looking like a complete wuss in front of a beautiful woman.

Yeah, dandy.

And how long have you had this tingling sensation in your legs,

-Mr Strongman?

-Dan. Again, since I slipped last week.

I thought it'd get better, but...

Must've been a nasty fall. How did you do it?

Capoeira. Practising for this competition.

Brazilian martial art.

Well, as much martial as it is acrobatics and bit of dance, too.

Hence...the injury.

If you could just slip your top off for me, please.

So, capoeira. Learn something new every day, don't you, Cara?

Cara. That's a pretty name. Figures.

Got all the lines, you.

OK, well, the problem is the spine's a little curved here, do you see?

Between that and the sciatica, it could be spondylolisthesis,

where the vertebra has slipped out of position,

but I'd like to rule out

the possibility of Cauda Equina syndrome.

-Come again.

-Come again.

Cauda Equina syndrome occurs when the disc material

is forced into the spinal canal and compresses the nerve roots there.

Is it serious, doc?

It could cause loss of bowel or bladder control,

but let's not jump the gun.

We'll give you an MRI, and we will take a look.

Will you be there to hold my hand?

Looks like someone's got a thing for our girl.

Seems to be cheering her up a bit, though.

Do you know what?

I always thought that you and her would make a good couple.

Me?! I'm far too old for her. Clearly.

Yeah, good point.

It is good to see her laughing again, though.

All right, thank you.

Caroline Barnett's gastroscopy.

And?

Clots in the stomach and duodenum, but no active bleed.

And how would you proceed?

-Exploratory surgery?

-Why?

Belt and braces.

Not because you're desperate to get into theatre?

Still more chance of finding a spurter in there than none.

-Correct.

-So we operate?

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Come in.

Caroline Barnett's mother's here.

Right.

So, do you want to talk her through the options?

Um, you know what? Um... I'd rather you did it.

I beg your pardon?

Well, er... Well, she'd want to talk to the top man, wouldn't she?

You don't usually pass up the chance to exhibit your inimitable charm.

First time for everything.

All right, have it your way.

Um, actually, I think Dom should take the case, after all.

What?

Well, it was out of order of me to muscle in like that.

What in the name of Odin...

Look, just count me out altogether. All right? Sorry.

Hey, how's it going with the Prince of Darkness?

Pft.

That good, eh?

Mr Orson. I have your MRI results.

Quieter, please. Your voice is drilling through my skull.

It appears your medication has stopped working,

which has exacerbated the valve stenosis,

so we're going to need to perform a valve replacement.

I need a valve replacement.

It's fairly routine.

I see.

And when do you propose this fairly routine operation

should be taking place?

Well, normally you'd have to wait, but as you're already in the system,

I can schedule you in for later today.

I can't. I've got Quiz Champion tonight. I never miss it.

Look, I've never got an answer wrong.

Quiz Champion?

It's a television show.

-It's perfectly natural to be nervous.

-I know that.

Mr Orson, the valve in your heart is no longer functioning.

Without an operation, at some point in the not too distant future,

you'll go into certain heart failure, which will likely be fatal.

I'll be back later to talk you through the operation,

at which point I hope normal logic has returned.

I'll be right back.

Was that totally called for?

He needs an operation and he's banging on about missing a television show.

He's a little bit scared! No, now he's a lot scared.

Seymour Orson might remind you of crumpets

and cuddles by the fire with Grandpa,

but he needs the facts straight.

No, he needs your reassurance.

I'm not a social worker, Nurse Reynolds.

Mrs Evert? I'm Henrik Hanssen, your daughter's consultant.

Is she going to live?

Well, Caroline has received some...

I asked you a question.

And I'm trying to explain.

Is she going to live?

I certainly hope so.

Because I cannot go through this again.

Go through what, Denise?

I lost my eldest. Caroline's sister, Clare.

I'm sorry to hear that.

She died on the operating table.

When was that?

20 years ago.

Well, although Caroline's injuries are relatively serious,

-there's no reason to believe that they're life-threatening.

-Right.

Right, so the main thing we have to decide is whether to operate or not.

-What?

-We haven't located any internal bleeding.

Well, that's good, isn't it?

Indeed.

It may be in Caroline's best interests to perform

an exploratory procedure...

No. Well, not unless she has to.

Would you like some time to think about it?

No, thanks.

I'm very happy to discuss it with my team.

There's no point.

-I certainly don't mind waiting.

-My mind's made up.

Right. As you wish. Thank you.

Nurse Harrison?

Well, we'd better prep Mr Cohen for his cholecystectomy.

-Right.

-Tell the rest of the patients we're back on schedule.

Will do.

Apparently, you'll be joining me in theatre today after all, Dr Copeland.

How's it going, genius? You got that consent for me?

Dot-dot-dot-dash. Yes. Remarkable. It's Morse Code for V-V-V.

V Fifth. Fifth Symphony.

Seymour? The consent form? Look, I can tell you're nervous.

I am not nervous. I have things to attend to.

Seymour, is there anything specifically that's bothering you?

Is it Ms Naylor?

Ms Naylor? Very loud, that woman.

Pushy.

OK. So it's possible she's the reason you haven't signed your consent form?

It's possible.

I understand. Leave it with me.

What happened to you?

Hey?

Well, one minute you're overly eager

to wriggle into Hanssen's good books

-and the next I'm back in theatre again.

-Not now, Dom.

-Well, I thought you needed this gig.

-Yes, I did.

So why am I back in the spotlight?

Dom, just leave it. All right?

All right.

She's bleeding! Please, can someone help us?!

What's wrong with her?

It's OK, Denise.

Page Dr Law.

Well, why is she bleeding?

We'll know more when Dr Law's here.

Well, at least you managed to put a smile on her face earlier.

-You reckon?

-Yeah.

Do you, uh...

Do you know if she's seeing anyone?

-Um...

-Not as such. But...

Seriously? I think she's just...

Any chance you could maybe put in a good word?

Sorry. ED called and...

What?

Comfy?

Yeah. Thanks.

What's the problem?

She's bleeding.

Sutures need redoing.

It's you.

-You know I'm off the case, right?

-Everyone else is in theatre.

-Dr Law.

-Mrs Evert, I...

Get your hands off my daughter!

-What's going on?

-Now!

-Jesse?

-She needs my help.

-Right, whatever this is, it's got to wait.

-I don't want you anywhere near my daughter!

Mrs Evert, I have to do this.

So rumour has it, Hatters completed the MDT challenge yesterday.

There is no way that that tool managed to sleep with

someone from every discipline?!

Apaz he did. I think he's quite hot.

What?

I can't fathom how any woman

would find that man even remotely attractive.

Seriously. Very, very attractive.

Oh, you cardiothoracic surgeons.

Are you all on a drive to give yourselves a coronary?!

Correct. Excepting Ms Naylor. She'll be the last one standing.

Yeah, standing over you, with a scalpel.

That is too dark even for a Tuesday.

Er, actually, on that, Ollie, could I have a word?

I hope that wasn't too bad.

I mean, it'd be totally wrong, wouldn't it...

Yeah, utterly. We can't encourage it.

-Can we?

-Encourage what?

Forbidden fruit. Doctor-patient.

You're not seriously thinking...

No. No, we're not.

She was pretty grumpy this morning

and I'm presuming the marital breakdown is to blame.

Although, a bit of fun could be just the tonic she needs.

I mean, once he's been discharged. Keep it all above board.

It'd certainly help her to move on. Maybe get her smile back.

Uh. Did you just hear what I said?

So on balance...

Do you not...

Do you not think it's far too soon to just be setting Cara up

with someone, willy-nilly?

Are you a bit of an expert on the fairer sex now, are you, Diggers?

Well, it might come as a bit of a surprise,

but I actually have a very high EQ and...

Woman's intuition, is it?

No, this is just what she needs.

Uh. Just... Right. I just thought that the...

Sorted?

I want Hanssen on the case soon as he's out of theatre, OK?

I'll page him.

And can you update the mum?

Are you going to tell me what's going on?

She had a sister. Clare.

She died in theatre.

I was there.

I was just appointed registrar.

Then I operated on her.

And the mum recognised you.

She must hate the sight of me.

Yeah.

She was nervous about the surgery.

Denise?

Clare. Then I talked her into it.

So that's why you walked off the case.

That's why I gave up surgery.

Seeing Denise, it just threw me.

I didn't know what the hell to say to her.

I'm a coward.

You're not a coward, but you can't keep this bottled up any more.

You need to go and talk to her.

You saw how she reacted.

I'm the last person she'd want to talk to right now.

Nurse Reynolds. Just FYI. I am not a fan of postmodernism.

I prefer my beds made.

Oh, and I get a bit confused when my registrar consults me

for advice on my own case.

Your case? I apologise.

-I was under the impression that you'd given it to me?

-No.

You were making Mr Orson nervous about the surgery

so in an effort to persuade him to continue, I thought

it best that another surgeon take over.

Hang on. That's not exactly how you put it to me before.

So you lied?

I was acting in the patient's best interests.

That's what we do here, isn't it?

No, we're here to perform surgery,

not play nursey-nursey by the bedside.

I understand you're a consultant

and you don't deal with such trifling, nursey-nursey matters,

but maybe if you had a bit more of a social conscience

instead of just washing your hands of Mr Orson...

Wow. Do continue.

-He's still your patient.

-Hm.

Mr Orson.

I hear you're unhappy with my bedside manner?

It's possible.

You're a man of facts, so let me put this in terms you'll understand.

I have performed over 100 pulmonary valve replacements.

That's significantly more than

the average cardiothoracic consultant, nationally.

My outcomes are unrivalled.

So in short, I'm the best there is.

You don't have to have Ms Naylor perform this operation.

It's whatever makes you feel...

She's right. You don't have to have me.

Hell, what are a few statistics?

If used correctly,

statistics are often the most truthful indicators of outcome.

I'm glad two of us speak the same language.

I thought you felt unhappy.

So can we proceed as we were?

Certainly. Proceed as we were.

Dandy. You're scheduled in. A porter will come and collect you.

Nurse Reynolds, you're off the case.

It's funny, isn't it, you know?

Even though I don't bat that way myself, I can still appreciate

that Dan Strongman is an inhumanely good-looking fella.

Yes. I absolutely agree. Objectively speaking, of course.

Of course. Cara, what about you? What do you...what do you think?

Yeah, he's fit.

Must be all that practising of the martial arts thing that he does.

Yeah. You're into physical fitness, aren't you?

-Um...

-Well, you've got that trophy in your car.

What?! Twerkmaster 2014?!

I think the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira is a little bit different to twerking, don't you?

Well...

Yeah. I'm going to chase up an MRI.

Right, well. I think that was for the best, don't you?

We need a more direct approach.

It think it has to come from the horse's mouth.

I think what you were doing was already quite obvious.

You might want to get that looked at.

Dear me.

No, no. This can't happen again!

Mrs Evert.

She's gone, hasn't she?

-Sorry?

-My Caroline... She's gone?

No.

Mrs Evert, do you want to come and see her?

Is she all right?

Yeah, we've closed the wound up again.

Why did the stitches open up in the first place?

I think it'd be better if you spoke to Mr...

I want to speak to you first.

But Caroline is Mr Hanssen's...

About Clare.

COUGHING

What's happening now?

Um... Leave this with me.

Get Hanssen.

Denise, you come with me.

Dr Law's just going to do some more checks.

And that should pretty much take care of it. Actually, er...

Why don't you go and talk him through it all?

Really? Wouldn't it be better coming from...

I've got to go and check on Mr Bennington.

I already did that.

OK.

How you doing, mister?

Better for seeing you, but... nervous, to be honest.

It's not Cauda Equina syndrome.

Thank God.

Spondylolesthesis, and fairly minor.

So we'll administer a steroid injection into the spinal canal for the pain.

We'll do that in theatre.

Then it's one to two weeks' bed rest,

then you can have your Cap...oeira shoes back on and wow the judges.

Seriously, thank you.

Annoying thing is, erm...

I...don't have anyone coming to watch me. Perform and that, so...

That's a shame. It sounds great.

Yeah, yeah. No, it is.

Proper spectacle. V cool.

V cool!

I don't get that bit.

Sorry, that's, um...

Er, I wondered... would you be interested?

Oh, what, coming to watch?

Yeah, coming to watch me?

Maybe we could get some drinks, grab a bite to eat after?

No?

No, stupid idea. Sorry. It's been a while.

It's just, you're a patient.

Not for much longer.

I don't know anything about Capoei... Cap...

Capoeira.

Capoeira. Thank you, though. For the offer.

Tried, mate. No interest.

-Sorry, can I just have a quick...

-No.

I appreciate how you must feel, Mrs Evert,

but I strongly advise taking the surgical route.

But you don't know for sure she needs it.

I strongly advise it.

Don't you understand? I can't...

In circumstances like these, Mrs Evert, you should try

putting your own feelings aside and think of your daughter.

I'm thinking of both of them.

Is there any way I can persuade you?

I can't give my consent. What if something went wrong?

Would you like me to go after her?

I think that would be pouring oil onto troubled waters, Dr Copeland.

You can't just leave it at that!

Well, what choice do I have?

We have to operate.

Her mother is next of kin. There we are.

What about her husband?

Divorced.

Look, you've got to try again.

For someone who refused to have anything to do with this case,

you're showing a remarkably keen interest.

Look, we've got history, OK?

Ah, so now the picture becomes a little clearer.

Thank you, Mrs Wakely.

Her other daughter was a patient of mine.

And you didn't think to share this little nugget of information earlier?

No.

Look, Dr Law, communication is vital.

Yes, yes, I understand that...

And you do not seem to be one of nature's great communicators.

Mr Hanssen, please...

But you still have a minuscule chance of proving me wrong.

Thank you.

How?

Well, perhaps you could encourage Mrs Evert to change her mind.

Uh, I, um...

As you have a history.

I don't think I could.

Oh, well, perhaps not.

SHE SIGHS

Seymour!

OK, hello, hi.

-What are you doing?

-I've got to get back.

I've got to get back for Quiz Champion.

I never miss it. Never got an answer wrong.

I know you stopped picking up your medication up from your GP.

Why?

You knew it would make your heart worse.

Seymour?

OK.

Look...

I know what it's like, when someone close to you dies.

My mum died when I was really little.

It's easy to give up on everything...

These lifts, they are so slow.

You need to update the system!

OK, fine.

When did your mother die?

I was five.

2nd February, 1978.

-I'll never forget that date.

-Saturday.

-Sorry?

-2nd February, 1978.

Your mother died on a Saturday.

-How did you know that?

-Days are important.

My GP changed her days. She changed it to Thursdays.

Thursdays aren't good for me.

That's why you stopped picking up your medication?

Because your GP changed the day she was working?

-Thursdays aren't good...

-Er, are you going somewhere?

Yeah. I've got to get back. Got to get back for Quiz Champion, Quiz Champion. I never...

Mr Orson, I strongly suggest that you have your surgery today...

I've never missed it! I've never missed an episode and I've never got an answer wrong!

Fine. Have it your way, but it's been noted that this is against medical advice.

No, you can't let him go.

But he's not been taking his medication...

No, there's something more going on with him.

Look, if that oddball doesn't want to help himself, then, frankly,

-I'm not going to waste my time.

-Oddball!

And I suggest, for your own career, that you drop this immediately.

Uh, uh, uh. No carbs before Marbs, babes.

OK, I'm not going to Marbs.

And does the concept of hypocrisy mean anything to you?

I'm in love. I have a faster metabolism.

NO! You just...

Oh, are you still angry that me and Lee woke you up this morning?

Then what?

Raf and Fletch are trying to set Cara up with a patient...

Right... Lee was a patient.

That's beside the point.

She's not ready and, um...

I can see it's going to end in disaster and, frankly,

I just don't want to get embroiled in any of it.

Embroiled?

Will you chill out? A little bit of rebound action never hurt anyone.

I'm kind of sick and tired of, um, people not taking me seriously.

I am a person.

Have you finished with that, Matilda?

No!

Now you've ruined it.

Hi.

CONTINUOUS BEEP

Mrs Evert.

Yeah, I know you might not want to talk to me right now...

It was like seeing a ghost, seeing you again.

It must have been quite a shock...

Brought everything flooding back.

Same here.

Look, um...

I believe you're having doubts...

consenting to Caroline's surgery.

Wouldn't you in my shoes?

I think you should reconsider.

-Are you serious?

-Absolutely.

-I don't believe this.

-Look, Denise...

You're the man who talked my late daughter

-into having an operation that killed her...

-Yeah, yeah I...

And here you are 20 years later doing exactly the same thing...

-Which is why you should listen to me.

-What?!

Look, don't you think I'd be having this conversation

-if I thought there was any other way to treat...

-You lot!

You all know best, don't you?!

No.

I lost my beautiful little girl...

And I don't want history repeating itself.

Denise, look.

Look at the monitor.

Caroline's blood pressure is slowly getting lower...

She coughed up blood.

They're both signs that she's bleeding inside

and if that's the case, she'll be getting other symptoms soon,

things that are going to cause her a lot of pain...

It might be too late to help her then.

We have to do this now.

Please, say yes.

For Caroline's sake.

It's Nurse Reynolds from Darwin ward.

I need some advice on a patient.

No, no, please, I'll hold. It's urgent.

KNOCK ON DOOR

DOOR OPENS

Um...

She said yes.

What happened...?

Hey, what... Whoa, what are you doing...?

You said you didn't know anything about Capoeira.

So I'm showing you,

because...

Ah, careful, careful, your back!

Ooh!

I'm not taking no for an answer.

Come on - your go.

What?

No.

Just...mirror me.

This is ridiculous.

-Come on. That's great.

-Hmm.

Let the rhythm dictate.

Sorry...

um...

I can't...

-Cara?

-Sorry...

Mini-Me, have you seen Nurse Reynolds?

I've got bloods backed up from bays one to three, not enough beds...

-I'll do the bloods.

-Thank you.

-Marriage Of Heaven And Hell.

-Sorry?

Seminal text by William Blake.

Not dissimilar to our own little domain.

-Neuro-heaven, cardiothoracics...

-Uh-huh.

And if your little nurse squeeze did her job instead of performing a disappearing act...

Oh, congratulations, by the way,

on not being at all cliched on that one.

-Mr Hanssen.

-Ah, the inimitable Dr Law.

-I've had a change of heart.

-Another one?

I'd like to assist on the procedure if I can.

OK, well be my guest.

I'm sorry. I made a mistake.

Well, if Dr Crosby doesn't mind withdrawing in this instance,

you're welcome to join us in your normal role as anaesthetist.

No, I want to be here as a surgeon.

I'm afraid that won't be possible...

-But it was me that...

-I said no, Dr Law.

Cara?

You all right, love?

We...we didn't mean to upset you...

This was you?

Yeah, we...just thought it might help you get over things.

For the record, I did not concur with that sentiment.

Get over...things?

Yeah, I just want to reiterate, it wasn't...

You have no idea about things...

The breakdown of any marriage is hard...

It wasn't just any marriage.

Obviously, it's very personal to you.

Is it "any marriage" when your husband is undercover 24/7

and you're just left...?

I thought he worked on the oil rigs?

..when, undercover, he sleeps with someone else

and tries to convince you it's all just part of the job...

and then he has a baby with her...?

Cara...

..and I have to help her give birth, on this ward

and I can't tell anyone?

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

It's kind of hard maintaining a relationship with someone

when your significant other is banged up at Her Majesty's Pleasure.

But, hey, maybe I should visit more often.

Maybe we could all go. We could make a day of it.

Maybe Dan could come, too?

MACHINES BEEP

INSTRUMENTS CLATTER

Well, that's a further five minutes on the procedure

while we wait for that to be replaced.

Thank you, Dr Copeland.

Has anyone seen a man come out here?

In his 50s, eccentric looking?

No?

Seymour!

SEYMOUR MUMBLES

Seymour!

I've got two minutes and 57 seconds!

I am not going into reception!

'Please, please, don't touch him!'

SEYMOUR SCREAMS, ALARM SOUNDS

Seymour, Seymour...

It's me, it's Fran.

Seymour, Seymour...

Seymour, it's me.

It's OK. It's all right.

Thank you.

Seymour? Seymour!

ALARM CONTINUES

It's only me. I'll help you get back. I'll help you get back.

HE MUMBLES

..Quiz Champion

I never miss an episode,

-GROANING:

-I never miss an episode.

I'm sure the bleed is somewhere in the duodenum,

I just can't see where.

Suction, please.

BP's falling.

That's hardly surprising, is it, but thank you.

You really did want to leave because you wanted to watch Quiz Champion, didn't you?

-I've never missed an episode and I've never got an answer wrong...

-Yeah, I know.

Have you always been able to work out what days of the week certain dates are?

Yes.

I remember when mother said that they wanted me

to go to one of those places and she said no.

She didn't want me being put in a box.

How can you go about your daily business in a box?

Can't argue with that.

Do you know what autism is, Seymour?

Autism is a social communication disorder

that is sometimes described as Asperger syndrome.

Did your GP talk to you about it?

Possibly.

Your mum must have helped you a lot.

You must be lost without her?

I'm not lost. I've got a timetable.

I mean...

My mother and I...

..shared the same shadow.

I've really...I've got to be going. I've got to be...

Seymour, how about this? How about we do your operation now?

Listen, and then afterwards,

while you're recovering,

you watch Quiz Champion here in the hospital.

How does that sound?

Yes...

Yeah?

Come on, then.

Seymour? Seymour?

Sit down. OK, sit down.

Can I have some help, please?

OK, Seymour, listen...

-What's happened?

-It's his heart. It's his heart.

He's having a heart attack.

Well, I think I'm owed an apology, don't you?

High EQ.

I knew there was something going on.

So to be tarred with the same brush of insensitivity

when all along I was in distinct opposition to this harebrained scheme...

She's arrhythmic, let's forget the bleed and stabilise her.

Packs, please.

No change.

-Polyps.

-What?

Yeah, um, it was in her sister's notes.

Clare was treated for FAP when she was a kid.

So there's a 50-50 chance of inheriting from a parent.

Well, check the bowel... Check the bowel!

All right, Dr Law, thank you.

Well, I never.

Am I right?

Yes, Dr Law, thank you.

One of the polyps is indeed the source of the bleed,

so let's get it stitched and the bleeding under control.

Would you care to stitch the bleed, Dr Copeland?

Oh, well, after that shrewd observation

I thought it might be prudent that Dr Law finishes up...

Really?

Well, it was his case originally...

But I don't want Dr Law anywhere near a scalpel today...

But I wasn't...

..and given your obvious reluctance I'll finish the job myself.

Where the hell have you been?

He's tachycardic and severely short of breath...

SEYMOUR PANTS

Right, take him straight to theatre. I'll be right there.

What happened?

The man you dismissed as an oddball has been managing undiagnosed autism.

And YOU discharged him when he needed a critical operation.

That's what happened.

Autism?

Wanting to watch Quiz Champion, not picking up his meds -

it's all about the routine, not laziness, or indifference...

Fine. If that's the case then he can go and see psych after his operation.

He wouldn't be having an operation if it was down to you, would he?

He'd be DEAD. You turned your back on him, admit it.

Fran, just back off.

This ward is overflowing with patients who need surgery.

Seymour Orson didn't want it.

I can't force him, it's GBH.

You turned your back on your patient when he needed you the most.

Why can't you just admit it?!

Someone should admit you.

That woman is single-minded and dangerous!

Look, I think you're overreacting.

I did tell you to swap your shift.

WHAT?!

Which one of us do you think he despises the most?

Cara, um...

We're...

We're truly, truly sorry

and I had no idea...

And I should've thought...

It was stupid and...

unforgivable.

Yeah, and, um, I'm sorry, too... for their actions.

We just wanted that big, bright, infectious Cara smile back...

Aw, look, I know you did it with the best will in the world.

It's just...

..too soon. You know?

But I'll be fine.

Right?

Yeah, you will.

You absolutely will.

Come on!

-JAC:

-Are we ready for bypass?

Bypass prepped.

Knife.

Ms Naylor.

Could I see you in my office, please.

Can this wait until afterwards...? I have my hands full...

Unfortunately, not.

Mr Valentine, would you be so kind as to take over?

-Ms Effanga will be joining you presently.

-Certainly...

Er, I'm sorry. What's going on?

-It's a matter best discussed in private, if you don't mind.

-No.

I'm not going to be removed from my own theatre without a good reason.

As you wish.

There is a complaint of negligence against you.

Negligence.

Regarding this patient.

This is a joke.

No, Ms Naylor, I can assure you it's extremely serious.

So, Ms Effanga will be scrubbing in very soon.

May I ask you, please, leave theatre immediately.

She's doing great.

That was one of the longest hours of my life.

Mr Hanssen talk to you about the polyps?

Yeah.

So you're OK with the prospect of another op?

Have to be, won't I...

I've never really forgotten about Clare...

I just wish there was more I could've done to help her.

I'm sure you did your best.

My best wasn't good enough.

The hospital explained no-one could have done anything.

I always wonder...

What if I reacted quicker?

What if...

I spotted the problem sooner...

I've spent years on maybes and what ifs...

They're a waste of time.

It's the biggest regret of my life.

Clare didn't do regrets.

I'm so sorry.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

Knock, knock.

Hello.

-Sorry. I don't know what that was...

-It's fine, it's fine...

Look, I just wanted to say I'm sorry about earlier.

Well, freaking out on you...

Just...

..they were my best moves.

I don't really know where to go from here.

Oh, God, Dan.

I didn't mean to...

I'm only messing...

THEY LAUGH

So...

you know this competition thing?

Stupid, really.

Well, is the offer still open?

To come watch you?

Really?

As friends.

Course.

It'll do me good to get out of the house anyway.

I know far too much about the Kardashians these days...

Cool.

Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 18,

B Flat Major,

K456.

Movement Three,

Allegro vivace.

How's Quiz Champion?

Not got an answer wrong.

All right, smart aleck, no need to gloat.

My name's Seymour, not Aleck.

Seymour, you know we spoke about autism?

Autism.

It's a social communication disorder...

..sometimes described as Asperger's.

Well, since your mum's gone,

life's been difficult, hasn't it?

No...

On your own...

Lonely.

Seymour...

how would you feel about talking to a psychiatrist

who could help you manage?

Things have really changed.

People with autism don't have to live in a box.

You could meet more people like you.

People who like Quiz Champion.

Thank you, Fran Reynolds.

You're welcome.

KNOCK ON DOOR

-Come...

-DOOR OPENS

Mr Law.

It is customary after knocking to await an invitation to come in

before actually doing so.

Sorry...

But that's you all over, isn't it?

Always in a rush. Rush to get here, rush to get there.

Never really settling on anything, never seeing anything through!

I know I, um, failed today...

Undeniably so!

But you failed with feeling.

We have a tough time in today's litigious world, we surgeons.

Damned if you cut...

..damned if you don't.

Hardly surprising that many view us as psychopaths.

But today, in you, I saw something different.

Deluge of feeling.

Look, um, I should explain...

My history with the...

What I am saying is...

you displayed passion...

..and compassion,

which, when lacking,

can undo the best of surgeons.

So, yes, you failed in some senses,

but, in others, you are already streets ahead.

So, um...?

So, please carry on...

..and don't let me down.

Thank you.

I've spoken to Mr Hanssen.

Negligence?!

The patient refused to have surgery.

He was an inconvenience and you dismissed him because of that.

I can't force someone to have surgery against their own will.

Look, have I done something to offend you?

FRAN LAUGHS

OK, I admit that perhaps I could've dealt with the pastoral side of things a LITTLE bit better.

But let's just stop this nonsense.

Withdraw the complaint...

You go through life steam-rollering over those you perceive as weak.

You turn your back on them...

..because to you, it's all about survival of the fittest

and screw everyone else!

You have been here all of five minutes.

What the hell do you know about me?

The complaint stands.

Hey.

Looks like you're on your own, amigo.

Sorry?

In the bad books.

How come?

Turns out Scandi-man thinks I'm the bees knees, after all.

Oh!

See you later.

-Moley...

-Look, actually I could really do without the...

Look, I'm sorry - for waking you up last night.

It won't happen again.

OK...right.

Good.

Do you want to watch TV tonight? Get takeout?

I presumed you were seeing Lee?

I don't have to see him every night.

We can call it recompense or whatever.

OK.

-That would be nice.

-OK.

-I've actually recorded...

-I'm not watching Brian Cox documentaries.

OK, I've got one on primitive art. Cave art?

No!

Um, how about the history of, um...