Call the Midwife (2012–…): Season 9, Episode 4 - Episode #9.4 - full transcript

The heavens don't always protect us.

PHONE RINGS

Nonnatus House,
Sister Julienne speaking.

Mother Mildred!

They choose, on occasion,
to throw down challenges

instead of simply showering
more blessings on our heads.

Oh!

Come on!

Not every tempest
passes in an instant.

Not every deluge can be brushed off.

We can cower,



we can wait for blue skies
to be restored,

or we can take the plunge,

defy the elements,
and we can seize the day.

Is Dr Turner still on the premises?

At the latter end of patient
record completion.

But what could be so urgent as to
get caught in such a downpour?

Would a telephone call
not have sufficed?

Sister Julienne!
A word, if I may. Well, of course.

I have just received a telephone
call from Mother Mildred.

She had previously voiced her

concern at the order's position
in Poplar.

I might add that I too
have similar concerns.

The Sisters of Nonnatus are an
integral part of this community.

Always have been.



Being part of the furniture does not
equate to our security, Dr Turner.

More mothers having their babies
delivered in hospital

and the threat of demolition
to Nonnatus House itself.

But the urban renewal programme
could take years to complete.

The Christopher Row
demolition is imminent

and that is merely
around the corner.

Without Nonnatus, the maternity
home couldn't continue.

We both know that.

I am determined for us
to keep our presence here.

But the times are changing,
Dr Turner.

If we do not change with them,
I fear we may become obsolete.

That is why I need your support.

A united front, if you will.

I do believe that to be
the signal for my retirement.

You don't know what you're missing.

Indeed I do, Trixie - a fluttering
of eyelids and a swooning.

I find the exuberance of young
love a joy to behold,

and essential for the progression
of the human race.

I do enjoy a doctor that's
easy on the eye.

Few and far between
at St Cuthbert's.

I can tell you that for a fact.
THEY LAUGH

I'll bid you all a goodnight.

Good evening.

Dr Turner.

If we could prevail upon a few more
minutes of your time,

it would be much appreciated,
Nurse Crane.

BUTTON CLICKS
Oh!

All right, lads. Excellent exercise,

although in a real life scenario
I doubt if the casualties

will be shouting, "Get a ruddy
move on,"

because they're getting a little bit
cold.

Still, not a bad exercise.

WHISTLE TRILLS
Dismissed.

GLASS SHATTERS

Someone there?

Dot! Dot!

You get down here right now!

There'll be no supper for you
this evening.

Hello! Civil Defence.
KNOCKING

Shut the door.
I don't want her going out there.

What do you want?

Erm, I heard a noise.

I didn't think anyone
still lived here.

Well, you were wrong, weren't you?

That's the second one she's
smashed this week.

Stubborn as her nan, this one.

Dot, you get down here right now.

COUGHS

COUGHS HARDER

Oh! You want to keep an eye on
that.

And you want to mind your own
business.

Now if you don't mind,
I've got a bird to catch.

Come on, girl.

Come on, Dot. Dot!

Look, sorry for barging in.
I thought it was kids mucking about.

We have been presented
with an exciting opportunity.

To offer training and guidance
to four junior doctors.

All young men.

Nonnatus House have agreed to

participate in their interim
diploma training.

Won't such extra duties impinge

on what is already an extremely
tight schedule?

I believe we can manage,
Nurse Crane.

It's an ideal opportunity to shape

doctors we could be working with
in future.

Erm, what will qualified doctors
expect to learn from midwifes?

We have all this knowledge
and understanding

which goes far beyond the textbook
and the lecture hall.

Is this something in the
foreseeable or immediate future?

Quite immediate, in fact.

I have said we will of course
accommodate them.

Well, I trust accommodation doesn't
extend to residency.

As they are to be on call for the
duration of their stay,

yes, it will.

Well, at least it's
just for the short term.

I have to say that I am surprised

Mother Mildred has agreed to men
staying at Nonnatus House.

If the men of my tent have not said,

"Who is there that is not
satisfied with his meat?"

But no sojourner would have
to lodge in the street.

For I have opened my doors
to the traveller.

Sister Monica Joan, I doubt very

much that it will be your door that
is opened,

or your fellow Sisters who
will be disturbed from their beds.

You will, of course, be
recompensed for your inconvenience.

It'll be fun -
all girls together, hey?

Pigeons! Never mind pigeons!

If there's a big gust of wind,
the whole street will fall down.

He needs to get in touch
with the housing officer.

But he doesn't take kindly
to strangers.

But it's not safe, Fred.

I've got a council
meeting to go to.

There's some Battenberg in the
cake tin if you get peckish.

Thanks, Mum.

He'll have to come out of there,
one way or the other.

It's sad to lose a home.

Do you fancy going on a little jolly
after work tomorrow, Reggie?

All right.

Is everything all right,
Sister Frances?

I've just received
a bathroom roster.

Sister Julienne is being most
efficient.

How will I know how long to take?
It says I'm number four.

My concern is having to
queue in the first place.

I do believe Sister Monica Joan
is taking secret baths in the day.

The water was positively arctic.

What will it be like with
four extra bodies?

And male at that.

And as for this rostering system.

Makes one feel like a pedalo
on a boating lake.

Pardon the intrusion.

I believe that the commandeering
of our room will be the preferred

option due to its slightly
larger dimensions.

They can't expect you
to give up your bed.

Bags are already packed.
Then I insist on you taking my bed.

I couldn't possibly impose
myself in such a manner.

It's for purely selfish reasons.

We can't have you putting your back

out again on a camp bed with all
these doctors swarming round us.

Then I shall gratefully
accept your offer.

What if a big wind comes?

I think we'll be safe enough.

Here - you like pigeons, don't you?
I like all birds.

Well, he has got the most
beautiful pigeon called Dot.

And I'm sure he'd let you hold her
if we ask him.

Hello? Anybody home?
COUGHS

KNOCKING

Oh! You caught her, then.

Eventually.

I was telling Reggie here about Dot.

He loves pigeons.
Can I hold her?

He's never handled one before.
Please.

Not too loose but not too tight.

You don't want to strangle her but

you don't want her flying away
either.

Hold it in, close to your chest.

That's it.

Your heartbeat, it keeps her calm.

Fred, by the way. Fred Buckle.
COUGHS

George Benson.

Well, you should come to the CDC
and do a talk.

Do you good,
get you out of here for a bit.

There's nothing wrong with here.

George.

You do know this place
is due for demolition.

Would you like to come
and meet her kin, Reggie?

Yes, please.
COUGHS

You follow me.

Doctor Livingstone, I presume.

Nuns have certainly changed
since I was at school.

I'm a resident midwife.

I'm so sorry we are late.
Navigational issues.

I'd be weary of letting him

near your patients when he can't
even handle an A to Z.

If you wouldn't mind waiting,
I'll fetch Sister Julienne.

Cheery looking fellow.

Raymond Nonnatus.

Patron saint
of childbirth and midwifery.

Born of Caesarean section.

A learned scholar in our midst.

Thank you, Sister Monica Joan.

Welcome to
Nonnatus House, gentlemen.

Sister Hilda will show you
to your quarters.

We have saved some supper
for you

and you will then be introduced

to the midwives with whom you'll
be working.

If you would follow me.

PHONE RINGS

Dr Turner's surgery.

Erm, Dr Turner? It's Fred.
Apologies for the late call.

There's a bloke I'm worried about.

It is of paramount importance
that we keep our focus

over the coming days and not be
distracted by this intrusion.

With all due respect, Phyllis,

I deem us all to be a little beyond

the giggling schoolgirl phase of our
lives.

I'm glad to hear it.

Though none of us
have taken the habit just yet.

With the exception of
Sister Frances, of course.

Good evening. Evening.

No need to rise on our account.
Kevin McNulty.

Dr Benedict Walters.

Are you any relation
to Sir Howard Walters?

My father, as it happens.

Obstetrics And Gynaecology In The
Modern Age

is a seminal work in the field.

So everyone keeps telling me.

There's not a midwife in the country
who doesn't know who your father is.

Big shoes to fill, young man.

Yes, everyone tells me that too.

Shall the others be joining us?

They're still unpacking.

Perhaps you would be so kind as to
pass this along to your colleagues.

Bathroom roster?

You'll find punctuality is
imperative at Nonnatus House.

It would appear we're
last on the list.

I'm glad to see there's nothing
wrong with your observation skills.

We'll need hot water for shaving.
We do have a kettle.

Deep breath in. And out.

WHEEZES
And again.

I do wish you'd come to the
surgery sooner.

I am putting you on a course

of penicillin and sulphonamides
as a precaution.

I have it, don't I? The TB.

I need to send your sputum
samples off to be tested.

I'd also like to send you for an

X-ray and do a Mantoux test, which
requires an injection just here.

I won't go to no sanatorium.

In an ambulance,
middle of nowhere, out in a box.

Like my Uncle Raymond.

You don't even know
if you've got it yet, George.

Fred does have a point.

Let's see what the test results
show, shall we?

I've a colleague who should be able
to rush them through for me.

COUGHS

You know how to ride one of these?
Black Betty?

Prefer the Raleigh Supreme myself.

Lighter of frame
but still sturdy on the cobbles.

My father owned a bike shop
back in Coventry.

ENGINE STARTS

I assume it's this way.
HORN TOOTS

Well, this is going to be
an interesting clinic.

Clearly a tension between
those two doctors.

CLEARS THROAT

Well, that basement won't be
helping his chest.

I'm watching you, Fred Buckle.

Then you shouldn't put
temptation in my way.

It's because of people like George

that the council want the urban
renewal programme fully implemented.

He don't want to live in a box
halfway up in the sky all alone.

He won't be alone.

It's perfectly possible to move into

a tower block and make friends with
your neighbours.

I mean, the council's got all sorts
of schemes to help people settle.

What about his pigeons?
Ah, excellent question, Reginald.

Unfortunately, there are some
matters that can't be resolved.

Fred! Fred!
CHUCKLES

COUGHS

Hello, Dot. Come on then.

Oh, no, no, no. Go on. Hey!

Hello, Dot. Hello, Dotty.

You sit there, that's good.

Hey, I'm the most popular bird man
in Poplar, did you know that? Yes.

My waters have broken.

Ah! Nurse Franklin, could you oblige
Mrs Jessop - waters have broken.

Of course. This way, Mrs Jessop.

Five finger dilation.

Not to me. To the patient.

Mrs Jessop,
you're halfway there already.

Hope it's as quick
as the last three.

Like dogs out of a gate, they were.

Perhaps, Dr Walters, you

could ask Sister Frances to
telephone for an ambulance.

Non urgent case.

It'll be a while yet, Mrs Jessop.

Not a bad looker, that one.

Let's concentrate on the job
at hand, shall we?

EXHALES

Blood pressure 130 over 85. Normal.

For a pregnant woman,
it's a little high

but it's nothing to worry about.

If you could write it up on her
co-op card, Dr McNulty?

This lady used to model swimwear
for Perlmans catalogue.

Another lifetime.

Lesley is a fully signed up
woman of leisure now.

How's Harry?
You know what he's like.

Sell sand to an Arab, that man.
Meet himself coming back, he will.

If he's not arrested first.

Everything all right, Nurse Dyer?

Everything seems to be in
its rightful place, Dr Turner.

It feels different.
In what way, Mrs Pike?

I dunno. Bigger or something.

Dr McNulty? That's not unusual
for a second child?

Address Mrs Pike, Dr McNulty.

Sorry, erm...

That's nothing to worry about,
Mrs Pike.

Dr Pontin seems to have urinary
frequency and a tendency to babble.

He spends more time in the lavatory
than he does on the floor.

It's probably nerves.

Whoa!

Is someone in labour?
GROANS

May I be of assistance?
Follow me.

Remain calm, help is on its way.

The ambulance appears
to have lost its way.

I trust you've no objection
to Dr Walters being present?

You can have the whole dockers
union in for all I care.

Just get it out of me.

Sister.

Dr Walters, would you pull the

curtains and send the others out,
please?

Please take your belongings
and vacate the area immediately.

There we go.

I'm afraid I'm going to have
to hurry you away now.

We have a mother in labour.

You'd never get a job in Pickfords!
Hurry!

I'm sure you can all understand
her need for privacy.

GROANS

I can see baby's head.
Keep your eyes on Mrs Jessop.

It's not me
you should be addressing.

Sorry. Mrs Jessop, I can
see your baby's head.

Better.

Elsie, you know the drill
better than anyone.

Small controlled pushes for me.

Don't expect restitution and a pause
for the shoulders on this one.

It's coming. I'm sure Elsie won't
mind you using her Christian name.

Don't you take that hand away.

GROANS
Almost there, Mrs... Elsie.

BABY WAILS

I believe we may have a soprano
in our midst.

You clever, clever woman.

There she is!

Congratulations.
Thank you, doctor.

It would appear you've inherited
your father's gift, Dr Walters.

Could walk a mouse across it. Oh.

Exactly how I like it.

You know they've got all the modern
conveniences, those new flats.

Is that why you came back here?

Reggie wanted to see how you were.

Wanted to see how my Dot was,
more like.

Go on. You know what to do.

Not too loose...
Not too tight.

No news?

No news is good news, I suppose.

You're a natural, Reggie.
A born natural.

My father was a breeder.
Like his father before.

No-one still knows how they do it.

Find their way home.

Instinct.

Yes, certainly are clever birds.
I was never much of a mixer.

Then I found one out in the yard one
day. Its wing was broken.

Cat, I'd say.

The next thing, I'm building
myself a pigeon coop.

Just like my old man.

Learnt everything I could.
Made up the rest.

The generations that've passed
through these hands.

Me and my birds. Family.

What is it this time? Tea maker.

A fresh cup of Rosie for when you

open those sparkling mince pies
of yours.

Charmer.

You'd want to be careful.
All legitimate and above board.

Pull the other one.

Why do you think
I picked the top floor?

There's no way Dixon of Dock Green's

coming all the way up here to
check me out.

We do have another one on the way,
Harry.

Why do you think I'm doing all this?

It won't be always like this,
wheeling and dealing.

I'm building us an empire, Lesley.

Have your tea before it gets cold.

Sorry, love. Got a van load
of these to shift.

Even empire builders have to eat.

Oh!

BABY BABBLES

I'll say goodnight, Dr Turner.

Goodnight, Miss Higgins.

Be wary of burning the midnight oil,
doctor.

You do have a loving home to go to.

I'm waiting for a call
from a colleague.

Oh, if you require my presence...

That won't be necessary.

No man is an island, Dr Turner.

Goodnight, Miss Higgins.

PHONE RINGS

Hello. Edward!

Really? Yes, yes of course.

If you could pass the cold meats,
Sister Frances? Allow me.

I'm afraid there isn't much left.

Sorry, have I taken too much?

Absolutely not.

Man does not live by bread alone.

No doubt all that learning has given
you quite the appetite.

I believe, Dr Walters,

congratulations are in order for
your delivery of Mrs Jessop's baby.

Is that a first for the clinic?
I believe so.

Apologies for our tardiness.

Louise Mary Phillips was reluctant
to introduce herself to the world.

It would appear there's no
room at the inn.

Please.
Don't disturb yourself, young man.

Some digestives and a glass of milk

in the comfort of my chambers
should suffice.

Or wherever it is I lay my head.

Oh!

Just as I thought.

George, I am glad to inform you,
you don't have TB.

Do you hear that, Dot?

A fine specimen.

You should have met her nan.

Now, she were special.

She nearly never made her way
out the shell.

You'd never know to look at her.

That's because I stayed up with
her night after night.

Out in that yard.

Yeah, you probably think I'm mad.
Not at all.

I don't know why.
There was just something.

Something about our Nellie.

But she blossomed.

How she blossomed.
Indeed she did.

Cross channel, 1957.

I'm waiting out back. It felt like
the others were waiting too.

We were waiting in anticipation.

Then out the clouds she flew.
I recognised her straight away.

White tail feathers.

And even before I clocked her in,
I knew.

I knew she were my champion.

These birds are more than just
a past time, doctor.

Do you understand? They're
part of me, each and every one.

They are lucky to have you. So,
you keep taking those antibiotics.

It'll clear up that nasty
chest in no time.

A little air might do you good, too.

Read it and weep, my friends.
Not for long.

I think you'll find our patients
are more than just a tick

at Nonnatus, Dr Walters.

CLEARS THROAT
Racing is not just about winning.

It's about the process.

The rearing. The training.

Take Dot here,
she may be of good stock,

but she still needs to be
bred in the right way.

You need to get to know your bird,

to understand them,
to understand their temperament,

their intelligence.

Only then will you know their true
capability to fly hundreds of miles

from a foreign shore and land right
back on your doorstep.

COUGHS

Right, lads, let's give Mr Benson
a round of applause.

THEY CLAP

Take your time.

I probably shouldn't have come.

Doc said it'd take a couple of days
for the antibiotics to shift it.

Well, we'll be finished here
in a minute and I'll walk you home.

I'm not a complete invalid.

Don't be a stranger.

Go home, rest up and, erm, we'll see
you back here next week. OK.

THEY CLAP

I do find Dr Walters rather
dismissive.

Efficient.

Though I do concur that his bedside

manner does leave a lot to be
desired.

Dr Fielding barely talks at all.

What about your Dr McNulty, Val?

He is of a pleasant disposition.

Though his communication skills
also leave a lot to be desired.

Pleasant on the eye also?

Is that a blush I see?

No, I just find the room quite warm.
THEY CHUCKLE

It must be the extra bodies.

Are you absolutely sure that we
can't tempt you to come to keep fit?

I shall stick with my tried and
trusted Canadian Air Force routine

and fully embrace my brief solitude.

You missed Timothy today.
How is he?

Been given a rare night out
and he's on his way to a gig.

A gig? It's what they call
concerts these days.

On a week night?

The school probably felt
they needed to blow off some steam.

He has been working flat out
since he got there.

I suppose a little R and R
never hurt anyone. Indeed.

You're very late.
Mm, I had a house call.

We need two of you.

These adoption papers. Ah.
They can wait til morning.

Eat up, before it gets cold.

# Don't you
Don't you worry, darling

# Don't you know I'll be there

# I'll be there

# When all your dreams are broken

# Answer your unspoken prayer

# When the little things
you're doing

# Don't turn out right

# Don't you worry, darling

# I'll be there

# Don't you
Don't you worry, darling

# Don't you know I'll be there

# I'll be there... #

CHUCKLING
Down the hatch. Cheers.

SPLUTTERS

You really shouldn't be doing this.

Ah! Dr Immaculatta.

Gentlemen, I give you
the Nonnatus -

full of the holy spirit,
but a little bitter.

Fill your cups.

Not imbibing, Dr McNulty?

I'm first on call tonight.
Oh, one won't hurt.

No, not when Daddy can bail you out,
it won't.

Anyone for cricket?

SHATTERING GLASS

THUDS

What was that?

Is it a break in?

Come on, they won't have gone far!
Leave this to me, Sisters.

I urge you to proceed
with the utmost caution.

THEY LAUGH
I think I've dislocated my hip.

Perhaps you should try more soothing
music the next time,

some Matt Monro or a little
Calypso music perhaps.

Mr Walters!

Nonnatus House is a place
of sanctity and solace.

It is neither a lodging house nor
is it the Oval,

and I will not allow it
to be treated as such.

GLASS SHATTERS

To the sisters of Nonnatus...

..the great silence is a time of
contemplation and spiritual peace.

And if you are unable or unwilling
to abide by the rules of this house

then alternative accommodation will

be found for you for the duration
of your stay with us.

I hope you are suitably
ashamed of yourselves.

Well, at least he turned up.

That's a start. Hm.

I might drop in on him later.
See how he's getting on.

That's the reason I married you.

Now, Fred's got to drive me
to the wholesalers.

So, you've got your comic,
you know where the biscuits are,

and don't touch the cooker.

Yes, Mum.
You promise? Promise.

And don't go bothering that
nice Mr Benson.

Good lad.

Reg.

KNOCKING
Mr Benson?

WHEEZING

Mr Benson?

This is me, Reggie.

Mr Benson...
Help me.

Fred! Fred! Mr Benson needs help!

Shouldn't you be teaching me
something?

Manners, perhaps?

Last night had nothing to
do with me.

Dragged you along, did they?

So, what is the deal with you
and Dr Walters?

There is none. Right!

Everyone loves Benedict.
He's a natural.

I spent six months with him
on a chest ward.

I studied every book I could get my
hands on, every disease there was.

He never opened a book the whole
time we were there.

Yet he ends up top of the class.

Some of us just have to work
for what we get.

It's the way we were dragged up.

The antibiotics I gave you aren't
working, I'm afraid.

But you said I haven't got TB.

No. Still, I am concerned.

You're not well, George.

I'm going to send you into hospital
for some further tests.

What about my birds? Dot?

I'll look after them for you,
Mr Benson.

Don't worry, George.
That's what friends are for.

We'll take care of 'em.

The patient is presenting
with all the symptoms of TB -

lung shadow on his X ray -
but the skin test proved negative,

as did the results from his
sputum samples.

And he's living on his own in a

condemned building with only
his pigeons for company.

Yes, I'm very concerned about him.

They've been here for over
a week now.

I told you they wouldn't
sell around here.

Some goods move a bit
slower than others.

Yeah, well, they've come
to a full stop.

Little tranny radios are flying out.
I had to order more stock.

From your dodgy docker?
What you don't know...

But I do know.

No silver spoons where we come from.

If you get nicked,
I ain't coming visiting.

I better not get nicked then.

You need to speak to him. He's a GP
with over 30 years' experience.

I can't go barging up telling him
I know better!

What if I don't know better?

What if I'm just blindly barking
up the wrong tree

because of something I saw happen
once, 100 years ago?

Before I even went to school?
Dr Turner?

Dr McNulty would like to
speak to you.

GROANS

BANGING
Hello!

Hello! Please? Anyone!

Ah! Oh, oh!

Oh, no! No! Please, no.

GROANS

It was my Uncle Judd, sir.
My mother's brother.

He lived a bus ride away,
in a mining village.

There wasn't much there apart from
the pit and the cottages,

but to me - coming from where I came
from -

it was the countryside,
and I loved it.

Was he a coal miner? Yes.

I thought he was heroic.

My dad owned a bicycle shop.
It wasn't quite the same.

Mine was an ironmonger.

When I was about ten,
my uncle started coughing.

Coughing, and coughing,

and he just carried on going
down the pit every day.

Then one day my Uncle Judd
coughed blood,

and everybody thought he'd got TB.

And was it? No.

One of the doctors had seen it

before in another miner who
kept pigeons.

Pigeons?

The doctor ran blood tests
and diagnosed histoplasmosis.

It's contracted from a dimorphic
fungi in bird droppings.

One of the endemic mycoses?
Yes, sir.

It's relatively asymptomatic
when confined to the lungs,

but life-threatening
if it enters the system as a whole.

I thought it might be worth

investigating with regard to your
elderly gentleman.

But I didn't want to jump to
conclusions.

Good doctors never jump to
conclusions.

But they can reach for them.

And they can be led.
Thank you, Dr McNulty.

Oh! Whoa! Lesley!

It's happening now, Harry.

All right. All right. Wait there.

Don't, Harry. Please!
You just... Please!

You just... I'll be right back.
Harry, please! Ah!

PHONE RINGS

Nonnatus House.
Midwife speaking.

Hello. It's Harry Pike. Please!
Please, you've got to hurry.

It's extremely important you keep
her calm til we get there.

So that means you need to stay calm.
Do you understand, Mr Pike?

OK, yeah. We'll be there as soon as
we can. OK.

Take me with you.
It's what I'm here for, isn't it?

I need your car keys. What?
Now, Benedict!

This way, doctor.

I will, of course,
be running further tests...

..but I'm now convinced that you

have an illness called
histoplasmosis.

Not a chest infection?

There is a treatment that will
involve a daily dose for two months

after which you'll have
a clean bill of health.

However, the fungicide used can only
be administered intravenously.

It will mean going to
hospital again.

I don't understand. It's your

pigeons that are making you sick,
George.

Not the birds per se.

Their droppings react with
the soil in your yard

causing these spores that
have made you sick.

My birds? In order to be cured,
you have to let them go, George.

No. No, I won't. I can't.

They're making you sick.

CHILD SQUEALS

With me now, Lesley. Look at me.

It might be advisable to move
to the bedroom, Mr Pike.

GROANS

I can see the head.

You hear that, Lesley?
Almost there.

Again for me, Lesley.

Slow advance, but it's coming.

Well done, Lesley. Take a breath.

Don't remember the last one
being this hard. You're doing great.

Keep your hand on the head.

You don't know how quickly this baby

might move once mum starts
pushing again.

Here we go again.
Just pant for me now.

And I need a little push.

And again.
GROANS

Well done!
That's the baby's head, Lesley.

Head is still very tight.
No restitution.

What? Nothing's wrong, Lesley.

Baby's face is still pointing down,
that's all.

It's nothing to worry about.

Now, I need you to move towards me.

GROANS

I've already talked to the
Royal Pigeon Racing Association.

Some of their members are willing
to take your birds.

I bet they are. Why wouldn't they?
Prize fliers and all.

There's nothing? Not even my Dot?

I'm afraid not.

The disease is currently confined
to your lungs, therefore treatable.

But further exposure
puts your life at serious risk.

Do you think that's
what your birds would want?

No.

WAILS
It is all going to be fine.

Dr McNulty,
change places with me, please.

That's it. Nice and gentle now,
Lesley.

You're in the best of hands.

Lesley, I just need to locate
the shoulders.

WAILS

I'm sorry, Lesley.

I know this isn't nice for you
and you really want to push,

but please try not to.

They're bad for you, you know.

If they're good enough
for Ms Hepburn...

I watched you yesterday.

I watched your colleagues.

The compassion you show,

the kindness,

the elation you feel with
each birth.

Me? I feel none of those things.

Then perhaps it's a path
you are destined not to follow.

My father is Sir Howard B Walters.

He has the entire alphabet
after his name.

It is preordained that I follow
in his rather large footsteps.

We make our own choices in life,
Dr Walters.

You won't find any
solutions in there.

Believe me, I know.

Well done, chick.

I know this is uncomfortable.
Baby has its arm around its back.

It's causing a bit of a blockage so

I'm going to deliver the posterior
arm first.

SHE WAILS

An episiotomy will give
you more room.

Those won't be necessary,
Dr McNulty.

Almost there - one arm's out.

Now, I need you to push again
for me, if you can.

SQUEALS

SHE WAILS

That's it. Good. Good.
Keep it coming.

What's the heart rate?
Not good.

Why isn't it crying?
Shouldn't it be crying?

Whoa, stop!

Don't cut yet. Clamp first,
otherwise baby will bleed.

What's happening?

What's happening with our baby,
doctor?

Harry! I'm here.

It'll be all right.

Come on now.

BABY CRIES

There we are!

Oh! Oh!

You have a beautiful baby daughter,
Lesley.

Oh! Hee-hee!

Think we're going to have our hands
full with this one.

She's a beauty.
Just like her mum.

Aw!

Give yourself a tick, Dr McNulty.

I was about to cut her. Yeah.
But you didn't.

I take it you had an eventful day,
Nurse Dyer.

Poor little one had her posterior
arm twisted behind her back.

No problems after that was
resolved though.

Excellent job.
Well, I didn't do it alone.

No, I don't suppose you did.

Well, you've both earned
yourselves a cuppa.

I believe there may even be some
chocolate digestives

stashed away in the cupboard.

Very sad.

Hm. You're not wrong there, Reggie.

Not used to it being this quiet.

She's yours.
If you want her, that is.

I've cleared it with the powers
that be at The Glasshouse

and they're more than happy
to oblige.

What do you say? Thank you.

She couldn't be in better hands.

I know he's doing it all for us.

His beautiful girls.

But I just keep thinking he's going
to get nicked one of these days,

I know he is.

And I can't bring our girls
up on our own

stuck in this flat.

Lesley?

Hey! Talk to me darling,
what's wrong?

Strong and healthy.

Sensible to leave listening to the
heart til baby had calmed down.

I have a good teacher.
Indeed you do.

You have a very healthy baby boy,
Mrs Foster.

Thank you. And now, it's your turn.

Dr Walters? Of course.

Dr McNulty,
you will be pleased to hear

that your diagnosis of George
Benson's lung condition was correct.

And how is the patient?

The disease is confined to the lungs

and so the outlook is a positive
one,

with certain restrictions,
unfortunately.

Ah, Mrs Brown. Now, how is that
blood pressure of yours?

You had me a little worried,
I'll be honest with you...

Does he ever stop? Never.

Excellent.

Varicose veins in need of support.

Hello. How are you today?

It makes a nice change having
a few chaps about.

Indeed.

My name's Beatrix.
MANY: Hello, Beatrix.

And I'm an alcoholic.

And I have been sober now for
23 months, 2 weeks and 3 days.

BABY CRIES

If you're finished your tea,

go brush your teeth
and on with your pyjamas.

And no running
in your stocking feet.

BOTH: Sorry, Daddy.
Go on!

It felt good to be able to share
the load these last few days.

You've always been doctor first.

I knew that when I married you.

You have been working some
very long hours.

And I'm not getting any younger.
I didn't say that.

You didn't have to. I'm not.

Maybe it's time we thought
about taking on another doctor.

I can discuss the financial

implications with Miss Higgins,
if you like.

Let's do that.

Did one emerge victorious?

It all appears quite infantile now.

A parting gift.

Sometimes our lives overlap
with others, only briefly.

We share troubles through laughter
or learning and move on.

Afterwards all we will
hold in common is a memory.

I do believe this first sojourn
has proved quite fruitful.

Hmm. I'm inclined to agree.

Although if we were to repeat
this exercise,

alternative lodgings would be
a prior requisite.

Indeed.

Bye. Bye!

The chapter passes like a storm,
or sunshine, or an ordinary day.

But the heavens always send us
something new.

A chance, a lease of life.

A soulmate...

..or a friend.

Come on, Reggie.

And the best,
like love itself, fly back to us.

In us they make their home.

The Sound Of Music!
Everyone's talking about it.

Patrick! Perfect timing!

I honestly don't
think I'm going to have time.

I'm sorry. This is my wife.
Aileen Mallen.

Her water's have broke.
Come on, lass.

I'm not leaving her side. How are
you feeling? You don't look fine.

And what business is that
of yours anyway?

Sticking your nose in where it ain't
wanted. Like you really care!