Kingdom Come Holby City

-So, what do I say?

-Tell the truth, as you see it.

Should we just reset a little bit?

Nurse Jackson, it's a simple enough question.

I have no recollection of Mr Griffin prescribing anticoagulants.

-Zosia was mad to trade Darwin in for the States...

-Zosia, Zosia, Zosia!

Is there any chance I can get through the day

without anyone mentioning her name?!

I'm sorry.

The law states that unnatural deaths must be investigated.

You didn't kill her.

I didn't save her either.

Was I right to stay?

Yes. Your career matters as much as Zosia's.

MUSIC: Upside by Kano

# Missionary with no phone to run to

# Yeah, Impossible I'll be Tom Cruising it

# The inner circle who's in it Would you give in?

# That's where the lines stay blurred

# Between what's real and what's fake concern

# My frame of mind it ain't right I've learned

# Staying sane that's my main concern

# So I look at the world through my fish-eyed lens

# And everything seems much closer than it is upfront

# So put your brave face on... #

SIRENS WAIL

Sorry I'm late.

Don't worry about it. You're not the only one.

This is Bay One.

She keeps trying to eat something.

Can you make sure she stays nil by mouth? Thank you.

This is Bay Three. Bit of a difficult one. I'm sorry.

Don't go anywhere. There's another one coming in a second.

-Are you kidding me? Are these all from ED?

-Afraid so.

Are they keeping any of their patients? What's going on?

-Fire...

-Fireworks.

-..works.

-Right. Great(!)

Fredrik, can you give me a hand, please?

-Sorry, a little busy right now.

-With your Junior Doctor Prize?

Great! I'll just deal with all of this, then, shall I?

Ted Percival. They told me to be here at 9:30.

O-K. Right. Um...

I have two more patients

I need to deal with at the moment, Mr Percival,

and then I can be right with you, OK?

-I'm very good at leaning.

-Thank you very much.

I'll be right back with you. Thank you!

Has anyone heard from Ric at all?

Maybe he's trying to do us a favour.

Trying to keep the fallout away from the rest of us.

Or he's embarrassed.

Suspension must hurt his pride.

Don't think it's the suspension, mate.

I think it's more the coroner

making Ric feel like he's done something wrong.

It's Donna's first day back today. First day back since the hearing.

I should go see how she is, see if there's any news.

She's going to need our support.

It could happen to any of us.

On that bombshell, I think I need to go back to work.

Oh, please don't stand on my account. Take a seat.

I'm very sorry for the delay.

I also wish I could say I wasn't going to keep you here very long,

but this is a crisis talk, I'm afraid, and I need you all here.

So as you know, for some time now,

I have been saying there's a storm coming.

Today, the storm is finally upon us.

The merger process with St Francis is underway.

Holby IS in danger of being closed down.

Some might say this is a sign of the times.

The trust's development agency are sending their representatives along

to assess our efficiency, and they are doing it today.

Today?

What, with no notice?

I don't mean to be pessimistic,

but what is the likelihood of us closing?

Highly likely.

Which is why we must show that we are at the top of our game

by being consistently innovative, pushing boundaries

and taking calculated risks.

We do this anyway. Daily.

It's never about what we achieve,

it's about what the bureaucrats think.

That may well be so,

but today we're going to have to justify our very existence.

So, be bold, be creative, seek inspiration anew

and let me have your ideas, please.

Do you know what? That Scary Sue on ITU,

sometimes I want to kick her right...

I'm not really an advocate for any sort of kicking, but...

She won't shut up about all this Ric stuff.

"Is Ric a murderer? Is Donna in on it? Will he go to prison?"

Mm-hm.

Oh, mate, I am so sorry.

You probably didn't want to hear that, did you?

Look, if it's any consolation, I told her exactly where to go.

A bit.

Enjoy your week off?

It wasn't a holiday, Lofty.

Um...have you heard from Ric?

No. And he's staying with his son, so...

I take it you all heard that the case has been referred?

Yeah, I thought so.

I had a bunch of funny looks with my morning espresso.

Look, don't beat yourself up over it, all right?

Maybe I should just beat up Scary Sue.

I'm kidding! Look, come on,

I didn't come back for you to walk on eggshells.

What needs doing?

We could rearrange theatre sessions.

Get all the lengthy ones out the way,

make the afternoon seem like we're all speed and precision.

We don't have the time to move it all around.

We needed a head-start yesterday.

Beds. We get strict about ring-fencing beds for electives.

OK, hear me out. It's always a headline

and it's where St Francis always consistently score better than us.

Because they haven't got an ED

that sends overflow patients up onto the wards.

OK. What about instead of the consultant and anaesthetist

consulting each patient separately pre-surgery,

they save time by doing it together?

I think Mr Levy is right about ring-fencing beds,

-and I think Keller should be our battlefield.

-Yes, but...

Are you sure we don't want to show off Darwin, like we normally do?

Fletch is right. If you want to put on a show, you hire a rock band.

Darwin are Led Zeppelin, I'm just a pub band.

Keller is the ward where you see the most improvement.

They have more patients, it's more achievable

and it's faster than Darwin.

Faster is not better.

My decision is Keller.

Today, I expect the best and brightest of all of you -

and for you to keep this meeting entirely confidential.

-You sure you don't want to tell the others?

-Certain.

I want everyone to be focused, not distracted by all of this.

Thank you.

Right, Mr Levy, let's see what we're dealing with, shall we?

-You sure about this?

-How long have we got to turn this around?

Your guess is as good as mine.

-In which case, I should probably get stuck in.

-Cheers.

I took your advice.

I've found a suitable candidate for the Junior Doctor Prize.

A neuroendocrine tumour.

I didn't mean for you to change the entire project.

It was good advice.

I have an HPB case scheduled for this afternoon.

Well, then, you'll have two opportunities to shine.

We've got a team of VIPs coming to Keller

who are going to see how we run things here.

-Fantastic.

-Excuse me, please.

Mr Copeland, your assistance here.

-OK, OK.

-Good catch.

I'm going to get someone to come and see you straightaway.

Right, Mr Levy, your work now begins in earnest.

-Hey! Welcome back. How you feeling?

-Notorious.

-Well, if you need a distraction...

-What do you mean?

I'm going to have plenty for you to do today.

We need even more miracles than usual.

Great. The healing kind, or the bread and wine kind?

I'm good at both.

Can someone lend a hand? Mine's not working.

There you go. Someone needs a capable hand.

It's good to have you back!

That looks painful. Can I see your notes?

Well done.

Sorry, that dude in Bay Two is after you again.

-Oh!

-He's not that bad, is he?

Hm!

So give them a run for their money, anyway.

Don't let Keller get all the glory.

No harm in looking good.

The very words I live my life by.

A bit of spit and polish and you'll be able to see your reflection

in every work surface from here to the gents.

Me? No! I did not train as a doctor so I could clean windows.

Now this is ridiculous!

First of all, you with your stubble

and now this one with his flowing locks bouncing everywhere.

Can't be sanitary.

You must have patients coughing it up like cats.

This is Mr James, your mitral valve prolapse.

Doctor Wash-and-Go, is it?

-Correction, he is YOUR mitral valve prolapse.

-What?

Why anyone needs that amount of hair is beyond me.

We have health authority assessors in today

and I have offered to help Fletch prepare the ward.

Much appreciated, Mr Valentine!

It was bad enough when you had all the women in here,

parading up and down like it was Miss World.

Glad to see a lot less of them here today.

What's wrong with you?

My ring!

Typical NHS!

Meant to be a short cut through the park.

Ended up tripping over a flipping shih-tzu, didn't I?

-What was the rush?

-Spent too long trying on bikinis

and nearly missed an appointment.

You going anywhere nice?

-Cayman Islands.

-Ooh, lovely!

I've never been, but my friend's got me a job in a bar

just as soon as I get out there. Living the dream!

-Jealous.

-You should get on it, then.

Plenty of experience measuring things out

and cleaning up sick, right?

I'm an expert.

How's does this feel?

Weird. Bit tingly.

Pins and needles?

Sort of. It's a bit numb, too.

Hm. OK. I think I might get a doctor to have a look at it.

Speaking of taking a look... Friend of yours?

No, not really.

That bloke who caught me, is he your boss?

Mr Hanssen? He's everyone's boss. He's the CEO.

Oh, that's me done for, then.

-So, the fainting, has this happened before?

-First time.

I haven't eaten for a while, though. Nil by mouth.

OK. We're going to run a few tests just to make sure.

I thought I'd be straight into surgery.

There's nothing wrong, is there?

It's not the good news/bad news joke?

I'm not sure I know it.

Doctor says, "There's some good news and some bad news.

"The good news is, we're going to name a disease after you."

Well, if it's a particularly juicy one,

I'll get them to name it after me.

-Huh! Nice one!

-I'll be right back.

I really shouldn't be talking to you. You shouldn't be here.

I tried a few days ago, but you weren't here.

What, so, you're stalking me now?

Guess so.

Shouldn't you be at work or something?

Compassionate leave.

Yeah. I'm sorry.

Look, I'm not here to cause trouble.

But you are here, and that means trouble. Probably for both of us.

I'm just after her notes. My mum's.

The CPS have already got them. I thought you might be able to help.

Are you sure you want to look at all that stuff?

HE SIGHS

I'm not picking a fight...

..but I deserve some answers, don't I?

It's not like I can ask her about it.

Look, I can't help you directly, I can't,

but if you go along to the records office,

Maz is usually really helpful.

Thanks.

It's nice to see you again.

I should get back to work.

Good luck.

So, Mr Lazar, your case study, you're confident, are you?

Yes. Aside from the lymph nodes,

my main concern is this new pain he's been describing.

It could be a perforated bowel.

Sounds like you're on top of it. Keep me informed, please.

Mr Levy, there are two more coming up from the ED.

So, another two beds lost.

Just have to find two more, won't we?

Lad says you're the boss.

Hanssen, he called you. Dane?

No, no, no. Swede.

Very astute of you.

It's my trade. Beer!

You Svenskas might like jam on your potatoes,

but beer's in your religion. I can get behind that.

-You are a brewer, are you?

-Craft.

What'll you have?

I can tell by looking at you it's not stout.

I'm partial to Lambic, as it happens.

Ah. Dry. Sour. Bit fruity.

Need to get something stronger inside you, I reckon.

Look, er...I don't suppose you know what's going on?

I thought I'd be in surgery by now.

Right, well, I'll find out.

Where are we with Mr Percival?

Oh, the Crohn's?

Well, he's in for a hemicolectomy,

but there's a queue and he's not urgent.

Any more like this and we'll have lost all the beds.

Yes, I'm aware, Nurse Harrison, thank you.

It's not the end of the world, right?

ANSWERPHONE: Hi. You've reached Ric Griffin. Sorry, I'm unable to...

-Can you feel that?

-Feel what?

-What about that?

-It just feels cold.

Sorry. Is it bad?

Well, at the moment, we don't really know what it is,

but we'll run a few more tests to get a better idea.

Sorry, I have to ask, is this your real name?

Primrose Budd? Oh, it's mine.

-Sounds like a drag act, doesn't it?

-I like it.

It was the only thing my mum gave me before she died.

So...I'll keep it.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Um...in view of your symptoms, we'll run a CT angiogram.

-A scan?

-It's just a simple one.

This isn't going to be an issue, is it?

Er...no, I don't think so, but thanks for the heads-up.

I hear people are dying. I'm going!

Um...why is Mr Risso leaving? I haven't even seen him yet!

He says he overheard someone talking about a suspicious death.

Scary Sue?

Says it was a man.

It doesn't matter, he's taken his fractured wrist to St Francis.

I'm sure he'll live.

Yeah, and what happens when someone who's really ill wants to leave?

We're a porter down. I'm going to need your help moving beds.

Great(!) Is anything working properly here today?

-Think of the workout you'll get.

-Oh, please!

There's a big difference between Mr Gilly and a kettlebell.

So, come on, what is it?

-What's what?

-Hands-On Hanssen all over the ward,

-you and Nina scurrying about.

-There's nothing, honestly.

You're sweating.

Ah! Saved by the bell.

So Mr Hamilton is ready for discharge.

I'd like that bed empty and prepped within the next half-hour -

and I would like a little stronger resolve

from you today, please, Mr Levy.

I have enough on my plate without rescuing you, as well.

I just... I don't like lying to them.

-It's an act of omission, not a lie.

-Yeah. Sorry.

If you can't get tough, would you like me to take over?!

-No, no, no. No, I'm fine.

-Right!

What's the story, then, with the tag?

-Oh, I didn't ask.

-She doesn't look much of a crook. Cat burglar?

She's a bit boho.

Smuggler caught sneaking snakes out of Morocco?

She looks kind of arty. Forged paintings?

Blackmailer?

Insurance scams. Accidental deaths.

Mm-hm.

Right. You have a subclavian pseudoaneurysm,

by the looks of things.

It's a kind of blood clot.

And you've got a puncture wound there. What happened?

Nothing. Stupid accident.

-Have you had it treated?

-Look, it's old news.

This aneurysm thingy, it's not going to stop me travelling, is it?

-Well...

-I know this tag's got you all thinking I'm a crook,

but I still deserve proper treatment, you know!

-Same as everyone else!

-Of course you do.

Look...

..it's going to come off in a week, and when it does, I'm out of here.

I just need to be there,

otherwise he'll open the bar with someone else.

This is my fresh start.

OK, I understand. We will do everything we can, OK?

Nurse Jackson?

She shouldn't get her hopes up.

-I'll speak to Raf.

-Neither should you.

SHE SIGHS

What the hell are you doing?

I wanted your advice on Mr Lazar's surgery.

But it's customary to wait outside an office until you are invited in!

You didn't think to let me know what was at stake?

Of course I thought about it, but I decided against it!

I will not make exceptions, all right?!

Well, I'm glad I found out.

You shouldn't be doing all this on your own.

The entire hospital on your shoulders?

I assure you, all is well and I have every faith in my staff.

Father?

You can be honest with me.

I appreciate your concern, but not your lack of confidence.

I can and will handle today in my own way!

All right?!

-I won't mention anything to the others.

-Thank you!

See if you can just roll over for me a bit. That's it. Big, deep breath.

-What are you doing back there?

-Nothing.

It doesn't feel like nothing.

It feels like a very inappropriate something!

I'm sorry. I was looking for my ring.

Yes, well, you're not going to find it back there, are you?

-Mr Valentine?

-I am a thief now, am I?

-No!

-Yes, well, I am being robbed - of my time and my dignity!

-Oliver!

-Just excuse me one moment.

No! No, I won't excuse you for that kind of inappropriate behaviour!

Today's not the day for it.

I know that, but it's not like I'd lost my phone charger or a book.

It might still be at home, waiting for you on a bathroom shelf.

-It's definitely...

-Not another word!

-You will get on with your work as a doctor. Understood?

-Understood.

The ED are starting to complain about the backlog.

Well, ED cases will always take priority, whether we like it or not.

If we want those beds,

we're going to have to be stricter with our elective patients.

I might just pop down and have a word with them,

see if I can't charm them into doing us a favour.

I had a word with a guy called Vic Crowther from St Francis.

He's a sort of frenemy of mine.

A friend who's an enemy.

Oh, yes, I do know what a portmanteau is.

Well, they've heard about the merger

and they seem to think they've got the upper hand.

I'm amazed you've got time for such gossip.

Give me an hour, I shall find you three extra beds.

You know, it could be a good thing.

Think what the merger could change.

Health care has to evolve.

This might be an opportunity for you.

The only opportunity I have is to stay here

and do whatever I can to preserve this hospital.

And go down with a sinking ship?

If it happens, it's for a reason.

You will stagnate if you stay in this place too long.

-I disagree.

-Why not go for something bigger?

You should put your mark on the world while you have the chance.

We both should.

Get out before this place drags you down with it.

No. Sorry, I have no time for it.

If she has to wait for a referral, we could mess things up for her.

She's starting a new job.

I hate to whizz on your chips, but today's just not the day.

Mr Hanssen wants the ward running like clockwork

and I am not slowing things down with more surgery.

-She'll need a referral.

-But she's here now.

Well, the immediate concern is her arm.

Once we've given her a tetanus jab, free up a bed for the next patient.

You know what they want from us.

It's strictest treat-then-street today. Sorry.

Unfortunately, he fits the bill. He's an elective, he's not urgent.

All right, well, I'll speak to him.

-You sure?

-Oh, yes.

Mr Percival, I am so sorry for the wait.

Bad news, isn't it?

Well, of a sort.

We're going to have to reschedule your surgery, I'm afraid.

The demands on the ward today have exceeded our expectations,

and more urgent cases have taken priority.

Well, I suppose you wouldn't do it unless you had to.

You've always done great by me in the past.

I'm very glad to hear it.

Normally you do a bang-up job.

My tonsils, big hernia that I had, when I dropped a barrel on my hoof.

And even when I was here with my dad, at the end...

..you made time then.

Yeah. You let him... You let him go with dignity.

Well, my condolences.

And my daughter was born here.

Ah, I still owe you for that one.

Nine out of ten is still good in my book.

You've made quite good use of this place, haven't you?

It's my local.

We both run locals.

Bit of a struggle, though, keeping a pub going these days.

Close more of mine than yours.

Ah, things come up.

Can't be helped.

No.

Well, I promise, we will reschedule as soon as we can.

I know. And thanks for trying.

You're welcome.

Do you remember much of her?

Bits.

She was nice.

Big smile.

Would have been nice to know her.

Might not have ended up with this.

I barely remember my mum.

You don't know your mum? I didn't know that.

Well, why would you?

OK, so, I've spoken to the consultant

and I'm afraid we're gonna have to refer you for the pseudoaneurysm.

I need this done now, so I can recover and get match fit,

-you understand?

-I understand that,

but, unfortunately, that's not the way this ward works.

So what if I don't get it fixed, and I catch my plane instead?

Well, without repair it could rupture.

Meaning?

Well, the worst case is the worst case.

You're going to have to get it treated. I'm sorry.

So that's it, then?

I'm swapping pina coladas and sandy beaches

for roast chicken crisps in my stinky bedsit?

Look, I thi...

You know I don't have a job for Christmas, now. I'm broke.

A one-armed ex-con.

I'm so sorry.

Sure.

Is this because of the tag?

No, of course not.

It's just the way this department works, I'm afraid.

Right. We're back on track with the beds.

What next?

I don't know.

Again, I can't say how sorry I am.

Yes, well, I've already tweeted my local MP.

I'm not sure 140 characters does you justice.

You're worried what Mrs Valentine might do?

-I'm sorry?

-About the ring?

Oh, she's not around.

Hm. Dead?

No. She moved away.

For her career.

Typical. You, sir, are well rid of her, I imagine.

Along with that ring. Jezebels, the lot of them.

Right. Well, I can't say I agree, but...

You know it's the worst investment you can make.

Big wedding, was it? And then there's all the cost before.

The nights out, dinner, drinks, gifts.

Women! They just suck it out of you.

I'm sorry?

They're like black holes.

Let's say the date - £30 with the weekday voucher, no starters.

Oh, yeah, but I bet you're the sort who won't split a bill, aren't you?

Yeah. Think it's noble.

Well, 30's a little cheap, if I'm being honest.

You want to know what the average cost of a wedding is these days?

-Hm?

-£25,000!

And for what?

Prodding at each other like animals.

We, sir, are well rid.

We?

-Well, it's the one upshot of my heart condition.

-Which is?

Didn't you read my notes?

Impotence! I'm liberated.

I never have to waste another second

thinking about the so-called fairer sex.

Good riddance, eh?

Right.

KNOCKING

Come in.

Just wanted to see if you were OK.

Well, I appreciate your concern,

but I think the patients deserve it more than I do.

I just know that you've got a lot on your mind today.

It can't just be about them.

What's the point of trying to preserve all this,

if we're not going to treat them with attention and care?

Well, that's what we're aiming to do.

Then where have we gone wrong, do you think?

We need to go further.

Not just do something that St Francis aren't doing.

Do something no-one's doing.

Go on.

I've been looking into SAINT -

post-surgical accelerated independence using novel technology.

I'm familiar with the concept. Yes?

I think we should do it. I think it would be ground-breaking.

You don't think it might be a bit risky to launch

a new practice under such scrutiny?

I think risk is what we should be doing.

We haven't got the novel technology, have we?

No, not yet we don't,

but we could implement the recovery practices today,

and then order in the bio-sensors if we get approval -

and the other great advantage is we can use the side bay.

There's no more worrying about available beds.

This is just an idea at the moment.

Yes, but it's a great idea.

We should be doing it to move with the times,

not just because it looks good,

not just because it meets our targets and money,

it's because it's what's best for the patients -

we won't have to send any elective patients away -

when they come here for surgery, they get it!

All right, but what makes you think we can take to this any better

than what we've done so far today?

You need to tell everyone what they're fighting for.

And then they will see that I've failed them.

No, you're the best man for the job, we all know that.

No. They will see that I have tried to hide the truth.

And they'll appreciate the honesty all the more.

No more rumours.

Maybe it's... Maybe it's good to show that you're human,

just like the rest of us.

I'll let you into a little secret.

I've spent a lot of time today thinking,

"What would Mr Griffin do? What would Ms Campbell do?"

I should have been thinking, "What would Sacha Levy do?"

People like pubs, people like pub bands.

Don't ever sell yourself short.

Gather the troops, please.

Yes, sir.

What, is it his birthday or something?

Shhh!

You don't think this is about Ric?

Nah.

MUTTERING

So, ladies and gentlemen...

..there is a merger proposed between St Francis and Holby City.

This will only effect the surgical wards, not ED.

Which hospital are they going to close?

I can't say for certain.

Well, I think we need to know, Mr Hanssen.

Yeah, what does that mean for us?

Well, it's not a fait accompli.

Clearly, we do not wish to compete with our peers at St Francis,

but we're going to have to, I'm afraid.

Unfortunately, they face the same challenge as we do.

There are no winners.

I can't believe this.

We are here to serve the public.

Today we are proposing a trial run of SAINT on Keller ward.

That means there will be more people getting the surgery they need.

Expect more of this in the future.

What future?

Mark my words, there will be a future for us all.

You're needed, you see.

Under-appreciated, I agree.

But at the same time, you're the most important people

in the world...

..and you are the best our NHS has to offer...

..and on behalf of all the people who forget to say it...

..I thank you...

Thank you for all you've done,

and for everything you will continue to do.

OK, everyone.

You know what to do.

110% - same as we manage every day.

Let's get to it.

CHATTERING

CHATTING

Hey. You all right?

Yeah, I'm fine.

Look, you can talk to me, you know.

We're fighting for our jobs and I land a big scandal on our doorstep.

Peak Donna, right?

None of that is your fault.

I feel so guilty. And worse than that, I feel stupid.

Why? You told the truth, didn't you?

How likely is it that I remember something better than Ric Griffin?

Look, you are a brilliant nurse, Donna.

And I don't believe you, or Ric, made a mistake that night,

and I bet you anything that's what the CPS find out, too.

Thanks, Raf.

Mr Percival, has he been discharged?

He was leaving before we went to the meeting.

Dom, can you find him, can you ask him to come back for me?

-OK.

-Good.

Are you are sure Mr Percival fits the bill?

If I can perform an intracorporeal anastomosis

instead of a typical helicolectomy, I'd cut his recovery right down.

He's a great example of what we could do,

as long as I could get the rest of the tech.

More than likely it's the beta-blockers

that have been causing...um...

..your difficulties.

Well, I did try coming off them, but the chest pains were awful,

and I thought, well, it wasn't worth it.

No libido, no problem.

If you say so.

Well, it's obscene, anyway.

It's clearly not this biological imperative,

because she's still at it, long after the menopause.

It's got nothing to do with children. Quite the opposite!

Sorry, who's she?

Lost all reasoning. Because, why?

Some equally lascivious old fool has come prodding at her.

Who are we talking about?

Mother!

Oh.

Taken a lover.

Or some unscrupulous con-artist,

with a very strong stomach and an eye on my inheritance.

Right.

You don't think maybe that your attitude might be a reaction

to your mother's new lifestyle?

You don't think maybe I'd rather talk to a heart surgeon

than a psychiatrist?

Good point. Right, we're all done.

What did I miss?

Uh. The end of the world?

Our potential closure officially announced,

and what it's looking like for us.

Right.

So I chose this hospital only to have it die from underneath me.

Great.

-Mr James.

-Yeah.

-Where are we?

-I was thinking a mitral repair.

Why?

He...uh... Um...

I need a reason.

Yes.

You know what? Don't worry about it.

Mr Levy. The schedule's changed for this afternoon.

I thought I'd be operating in front of the assessors.

It's nothing major.

I'll be going in with Dominic and Ted,

and if all goes well, it'll be you, Nina and your case study afterwards.

With the assessors still here?

Absolutely, yeah. Don't worry about it.

So, why the sudden rush to cut me open?

Am I really ill, then?

Who are they going to name the disease after? You or me?

There is nothing to worry about.

The fainting was just low blood sugar. You were just hungry.

Yeah. I still am.

We have some special guests here to review our efficiency,

so, rather than send you home,

we thought we'd show off just how quickly we can do things.

But not a rush job?

No. Never.

So, from no doctors to three doctors!

I suppose I should be grateful to this VIP, then.

You'd be the only one.

Right. Where do I sign?

The ED said they'll do all they can for us this afternoon.

Anything else I can do?

Just keep it up, Nurse Harrison.

We're good to go with Mr Percival.

That's perfect timing. The assessors have just arrived in reception.

Oh, I'm just going to put on some more deodorant.

Be back in a bit.

You all right?

Feels like a hangover, you know.

First my head kicks in, now the whole room feels fuzzy.

OK, put your head up for me, please.

I know that you said you've done all you can,

but I really, really need your help.

Come on, now. We've spoken about this.

I didn't exactly fall over in the park.

I was in a fight.

I used to be in a gang and when I first went down, I named names.

Those girls, now that I'm out, they've got it in for me.

They're the ones who stabbed me in my shoulder.

Then we need to call the police.

It'll ruin my probation if they think that I started it.

I've already told the officer that I just fell over in the park.

That's the appointment that I was late for.

I don't want him to think I'm a liar.

You seem like one of the good guys.

I wouldn't ask unless I thought it was important.

I've got one week left on this tag and then I'm out of the country.

It's not just a new start -

it's a chance to be safe.

Please, help me.

So, a change of plan.

After Mr Percival, I'd like you and Ms Karnik

to focus on a shorter procedure -

not the hepato-pancreato-biliary you have scheduled.

I was...

I just thought I'd have a chance to do my case study

in front of the Trust.

It's a great visual, the body opened up like that.

Precisely why we can't fit it into the afternoon's schedule.

It takes too long.

We could treat two, perhaps three patients in the same time -

but I would like you to be in theatre with Mr Levy, please.

-Of course. Anything to help.

-Thank you.

Right.

-Mr James? Have you seen him?

-Yeah. Bit weird, isn't he?

-Have you seen him recently?

-Aha!

-Never mind.

What is your problem, pal?

-Take a look at this fella's hands.

-What are you doing?

I thought I'd lend a hand. Help find that missing ring of yours.

OK. Mr Rooney, I apologise.

It's safe to say that none of those rings belong to me,

lovely though they are.

Well, you might want to rethink all of this.

Makes you look a lot like a gangster!

-It's a great look.

-Is he having a laugh or what?

Mr James.

Mr James, I appreciate your help, I really do,

but it would be best if you stayed in bed.

I just thought if we could find it, then we could be done with it,

once and for all. Get rid of it properly.

Find it to get rid of it?

Exactly! To throw it away, and then we shall be free.

You and I.

A brotherhood of liberated men, free from the shackles of desire!

OK. Nurse?

Would you get Mr James back to bed for me, please?

Thank you.

Why's he think that you're finished with women?

Unless you've found my wedding ring, or a way of saving all our jobs,

I really don't want to talk to you, mate.

If this was a small thing, even if it was just a holiday,

I wouldn't be pushing for it,

but it sounds like the rest of her life,

and it sounds like she's not well.

She's describing blurred vision and headaches.

And you're sure about the whole thing with the gang and the tag?

Donna?

They won't let me see my mum's notes.

-Did you know that when you sent me away?

-What are you doing here?

I just said that Maz might be able to help you, that's all.

-They told me you'd do this. Give me the runaround.

-Who did?

-My lawyers.

-I really don't think you should be having this conversation.

They also said I should sue.

Look, I was just trying to help you.

If you want to take that out on me,

then that's fine, but don't take it out on everyone else.

You need to leave. What you came for isn't here, so please just go home.

Look, all I...

I mean it.

I'm going. I'm going.

I'm going have to make it up with him.

I can't have him suing the hospital and whatever else.

Yeah, later, but first I need you to prep Primrose for theatre.

I thought we didn't have time.

Yeah, well, maybe we need to give the girl a break.

Hey, sorry. I don't suppose you've seen...

Stop. Enough.

-Sorry?

-I've told you already, leave it alone.

-I was just...

-It's a trinket. It's a comfort blanket.

It's not that.

I know what it's like to obsess over these things.

I need you in theatre right now. If you can't be, go home.

I know. That's why I was asking Rachelle

if she'd seen Mrs Delaney's consent forms.

Not my wedding ring, thank you.

You read this?

Yes. Good press for us. I'll tell everyone she was my protege.

I mean, did you clock the name?

It's got to hurt, right?

Mr Valentine?

Oliver?

What now?

Perhaps I was a little... insensitive?

I saw the article.

Ms Self?

You know what, that isn't even the worst part.

She looks very good in the photo, it's true.

She's out there making a name for herself,

and I am so proud of her...

..but while she's going from strength to strength, I'm...

What do you want to do?

Mr James. I really think we should offer mitral repair.

You said this. Why?

He's impotent.

And insists that he's given up on romance forever,

but I think even he deserves a chance...

I mean, for all we know, he may well still be a...you know.

Do you really want to wish him on another human being?

I just think he doesn't have to be lonely for the rest of his life.

OK.

I will look into it.

Thank you.

Well, Ms Budd is ready and prepped for theatre.

Cool. I'll let Raf know.

Oh, and by the way, that tag thing? Turns out she was in a girl gang.

She told me she threw an egg at her local MP.

What?

Yeah. After her nan lost her home.

She told me a big long story about it.

She told me she stole a Shetland pony.

She told me she'd grassed on her mates

and that is why she's so keen to get out of here.

So do you think any of her stories are true?

She played me to get into theatre.

So, all that talk about her mother?

Typically, the bulk of this procedure is external,

but today we're carrying out an intracorporeal anastomosis,

so the repair and join all take place inside the patient.

This way, we reduce the recovery time,

which makes Mr Percival here eligible for the SAINT monitors,

freeing him up to be discharged within the desired 23 hours,

whilst allowing us to keep a close eye on his health.

We've a perforation.

Suction, please. Quick as you can.

We've got contamination.

Should we convert to open and wash?

-No. It's single quadrant. We can keep going.

-Thank you.

Hold this sling, please.

Donna?

Sorry.

Do you want to talk about it?

What?

You tell me.

She lied to me. Well, at least I think she did.

About the fighting and the gang.

How come?

I'm not even sure I care that much. Why couldn't I tell, though?

I've been around her all day. I should know what people can be like.

Look, don't beat yourself up about it. People make mistakes.

Some more than others.

5-0 Prolene, please.

Thank you.

Look, you are handling all of this

-much better than most people would, you know?

-I should have lied.

People get more out of life when they do. Look at her.

Don't let Jeremy get to you.

I thought you were the comeback queen.

The keyhole mitral repair

would hopefully prevent further palpitations and arrhythmia.

Well, don't the beta-blockers already do that?

Yes, but you can come off those and, you know, you could...

Could? Hm? Spit it out.

It would restore your...manlihood.

Oh.

If you want to, of course.

Seems strange when I've already told you

I'm perfectly happy to be unencumbered.

-"Unen..."?

-Cumbered.

Liberated from the lusty desires the rest of you waste so much time on.

Yes. Well, I just thought you might like the luxury,

just in case...

In case?

You met someone.

I met someone?

You have... You must have... before.

I fail to see how this is any of your business.

No. Of course. I just thought... you know, if it happened again...

I mean, just look at your mother.

I'd rather not.

Well.

The option's there.

Ah...

Well, you never know...

Th-thank you.

Is that a yes?

On the off-chance that I might change my mind...

..then surgery might help.

Great.

But he has to tie that back.

I'm not catching MRSA from that ludicrous over-grooming.

Excellent work, Mr Copeland.

So, after this,

the patient would be moved to a recovery bay for routine checks.

Now, the advantage of a dedicated bay,

which doesn't need to be staffed 24 hours a day,

means never losing beds to other emergencies.

Mr Johansson, can you retract for me, please?

Within 23 hours, they're free to go home, with a sensor,

so hospital and patient alike can monitor their progress.

Holby on speed-dial, basically.

We'd be the first hospital in the country to roll this out.

It's the next big step.

All right, if you'd like to follow me, please.

Well done. Well done, everyone.

Well, thank goodness I put on extra deodorant.

We've repaired your pseudoaneurysm with a graft,

and it'll be sore,

but within a week or two you should be able to lift and move.

I owe you big thanks. I was so worried.

If you ever make it to the Caribbean,

there's a strawberry daiquiri with your name on it.

Right, OK. Well, good luck.

Is there a problem?

I don't like being lied to.

All of that stuff about the gang, to string me along.

I was getting desperate. I thought a sob story might help.

I didn't realise I was that good at acting.

It was pretty shady.

Well, I am a crook, after all.

So, come on then, what was it? What did you really do?

Who cares? I'm tired of being the topic of everyone's conversation.

I did what I did, I got caught, I've been punished -

but now I'm going to be someone new. Go somewhere new.

Who knows, might even change my name.

Donna Jackson?

WEST COUNTRY ACCENT: Tell everyone I was a saucy nurse back in England.

I do not talk like that.

Either way, I know who I am and what I want to do with my life.

And if everyone else thinks that I'm an international jewellery thief

or an art forger,

that's up to them.

Good for you.

Oh, so, how did the audition go?

We still haven't heard yet.

Your surgery, however, went very well.

Mainly thanks to this one.

And with any luck, you'll have a shorter recovery time

than we first planned.

So I can tell my daughter it all went well?

Yeah, absolutely.

I'll give her a bell now.

So?

So, I think we all owe Mr Levy a debt of gratitude.

His SAINT pitch impressed

as much as your deft hand in theatre, Mr Copeland.

You should take some credit too, you know.

Oh, no, no, no, I'd rather congratulate you all, thank you.

Right. What's next?

Well, today was just the beginning.

The pressure is now on us to deliver what we promised.

Bring it on.

So, Holby City.

Of all the places you could be, this is where you are.

What are you going to do?

What are you going to do?

Irrelevant. I am me. I want to know what you will do.

Stay. Get on with things.

That it? Where's the passion?

I need passion?

I have passion.

Ms Effanga, she had passion.

Jac has it most of all.

Oh, God, please don't.

Come on.

Zosia opens the medical journal in a month's time

and your face is there -

what is Oliver Valentine doing?

Chest wall reconstruction.

What's the article say?

That I got the funding, and I've put Holby back in the spotlight,

where it belongs, with the latest innovations out of Darwin.

Ta-da!

Good.

So you become you, she becomes she,

and a year from now...

We meet in Zurich -

the two greatest surgeons in the world.

Bravissimo.

LAUGHING

CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS, KNOCKING

Come in.

Wagner?

Yes, I can fault the man, but I can't fault the music.

Mr Percival's daughter dropped by to visit him. She brought you this.

-Oh!

-It's the jewel in their crown, apparently - barrel-aged.

Well, you can stay and share it with me, if you like.

I, er... I've got a lot to do and a long drive home.

All right.

"Si monumentum requiris circumspice."

You know what that means?

Sir Christopher Wren's son wrote it in dedication -

"If you seek his monument, look around you."

Very nice.

I'll, um...leave you to it.

Fredrik.

I know you're hurting.

You must miss your family very much.

I hope that Sara reaches out to you soon.

Good news, Mr James. Your operation was a success.

Now, we need to keep an eye on you for a few days,

but then you'll be on your way.

Medication-free.

Right. So...I can...?

Here's hoping.

Well. There you go, then, Mother.

Two can play at that game.

Thank you.

I spoke to maintenance and they're prepared to check

the plumbing in the loos - they just want to know which...

It's all right. Stand them down.

-You found it?

-No. If it turns up, it turns up.

If it doesn't, it doesn't. Let's move on.

-You sure?

-Yes.

Positive.

-MAN:

-'I'm sorry I keep missing you.

'Things are a bit hectic here, but I'm OK. We'll talk soon.

'Love to you and the girls.'

-Hey.

-Hey.

For what it's worth, thank you.

You made a big difference today -

and I reckon Primrose would agree with me.

I just want to keep my head down and be a good nurse.

Job done.

And not care too much about what people think of me.

Sounds like a plan.

Why would she lie about her mum like that?

Maybe she didn't.

But she did.

So have you ever tried to find her? Your mum?

Oh, my mum? No.

All I know is that her name is Evelyn and she walked out on me

when I was eight.

That must have been tough.

Yeah, it was, but what can you do?

Things aren't always clear cut, are they?

Oh, Don!

So, I've had a bit of a crazy idea.

What about,

we all go to Albie's?

Thanks, but I think I'll have a quiet one in tonight.

It's been a bit of a day.

Are you sure? What if I get you a packet of scampi snacks?

Thank you, but...next time.

OK, have a good night.

-See ya.

-Bye.

You ready?

-Let's go.

-Awesome.

So I hear Keller put on a good show, anyway.

So all that tidying up was for nothing?

Well, I found four quid and a Lego spaceman,

-so I wouldn't say it was for nothing.

-Get us some crisps, then.

All right, fair enough. Any more for anyone?

Same again.

Rossini?

Not for me. Time to go.

Just a trinket?

Don't stay out too late.

Tomorrow we work on that chest reconstruction presentation.

You are going to get that funding. Do not disappoint me.

Good night, my friends.

-Night, Donna.

-Night, lovely.

Have you been here all day?

No, I asked your friend Maz what time she thought you were finishing.

I wanted to say sorry.

I acted like a jerk. I think I was just frustrated at...

well, everything.

Makes sense.

Wanting... Wanting to sue a hospital is a bit much.

You know, the lawyers putting you up to this,

they can't be thinking about what's best.

Yeah, well, they're the only ones listening.

I'm listening. I mean it.

If you want to talk about something, then talk to me.

You're not trying to steer me, are you?

Steer you away from a fight you don't need?

Yeah, I probably am, if I'm being honest,

but that's because I don't think it'll be good for you, either.

I just... I honestly don't know what I'm supposed to do.

Neither do I.

Um... Here. Um...

It's my phone number.

Might be good to talk.

Sure. Thanks.

I'll see you.

Well, I know you're the boss,

but are we going to get in trouble for this?

Well, I won't tell if you don't.

-Cheers.

-Cheers.

Oh, wow. Oh, it's lovely.

-This is barrel-aged, apparently.

-Hm.

OK, off the record, between you and me,

do you think we'll make it?

Well, we did our absolute best,

and anyone would be hard-pressed to top that.

See, I need people like you, Mr Levy,

not to rally to my side, but to challenge me.

To steer me back to what matters most.

I don't really want blind devotion.

I need someone to tell me when I might be wrong.

Well, you have my word.

Good.

Then there's hope.