Maternal (2023–…): Season 1, Episode 3 - Episode #1.3 - full transcript
All of my emotional
energy, all of my...
everything energy is spent keeping
those three children healthy
and happy, and, er, the house
running something just above chaos,
and... now I'm
back at work again.
I'm exhausted. And...
..I don't know what
he expects from me.
Just to lie back and let him get
on with it for seven minutes?
I mean, even that,
I literally, I...
I don't have time
to go to the toilet.
I'm not joking. You should
see my piles that...
How do you feel when you
look at your husband?
Irritated.
Just... angry.
We're both just angry all the time.
What do you do with your anger?
I don't know, do you want
me to say mindfulness?
What does Guy do with his?
Er, here... You need to
have to sign this also.
What's this one?
This is the, er...
paternity document to give
her Swedish citizenship.
This is in Swedish. Yep.
OK, er, here? Yeah.
WOMEN CHATTER
GIGGLING
OK. Thank you.
Er, ladies, we are
going to the playground.
Mm. Oh, great. OK.
It's so lovely to
meet you. You too.
CHATTER, BABY WHINES
Apparently, it would
cost a £150 a month
to put Elis into day
care full-time in Sweden.
That's very good money.
I told Brigitta you said you
were paying £1,300 a month here,
but you're probably
exaggerating. I'm not.
How are you affording
all that? SHE SCOFFS
You really had better
get that consultant job.
Brigitta said Elis was
going there next time?
They can't keep coming here. They've
got their girls to look after.
It does sound like the most
marvellous place to raise children.
Well, that's great cos she's
about to become a Swedish citizen.
You have had these
checked by a lawyer?
It's a print-out from the internet,
Mum, it's not an abduction order.
Is it?
What, you haven't
spoken to a solicitor
about this arrangement at all?
We're all grown-ups. We're all
doing what's best for Elis.
Lovely to spend time
with you, Anne, so nice.
You too. Bye.
Bye-bye, Catherine.
Bye. You can see how
much Elis loves her.
She's very charming, isn't she?
Delightful (!)
Hi, we've got an
appointment with Clare?
Can you just sign in?
Yeah, course, er...
Er, I was just thinking,
we shouldn't rush into
any decisions today.
How do you mean? Like, go away,
have a cooling-off period.
We're not buying car insurance.
I know. I just don't want us to
feel pressured in there to...
To what?
Sorry, it's work.
Do you need to deal with
that so you can be here?
Yeah, sorry. I... just, erm...
Two minutes? Just...
DIAL TONE RINGS
Hi, yeah, this is
Dr Maryam Afridi.
I just received an email
this morning about a...
meeting with Quality
Care and Patient Safety.
Are there, erm, any
other times this week?
This morning is just
too... Er, yeah, no.
Yeah, no, that's too late...
Erm, I can't wait that long.
Raza and Maryam Farooqi?
You know what? Just, erm, leave it
as it is, I'll be there, thank you.
All right? Yeah, good.
Nice to see you again.
Morning, Tess. What
you got for me?
48-year-old male presented
to A&E at 1am this morning
with palpitations
and chest pains.
He was in fast atrial fibrillation
and had signs of heart failure.
He's had diuretics
and rate control,
and he's booked in for an
echo later this morning.
Any medical history?
Just pancreatitis.
And any significant
alcohol history?
He was out with the lads last
night to celebrate one of them
becoming a father.
Well, I'm sure the mother
of that newborn is delighted
with everyone's choices
(!) HELEN INHALES
Good morning, Mr Massie.
My name's Dr Cavendish.
How are you feeling?
Yeah, much better. I
can catch my breath now.
And is there anything
you can think of
that might have brought
on these symptoms?
Well, I won't lie to you,
doctor, I had a big night.
Right. I was expecting
a hangover, but...
this wasn't right.
I've had to call in sick.
What is it you do for work?
Haulage. HGV driver.
Oh, OK, and what... What's a...
What's a big night for you?
Pints? Mm. How many?
HE LAUGHS
Well, I reckon... PHONE RINGS
Erm, it was a session,
you know that. Ha, right.
I lost count after five.
Some shots as well.
Erm, and is that normal for you?
Do... do you need to...?
I'm sorry. I do,
actually. That's fine.
I'll just be two
minutes. That's fine.
HELEN CLEARS THROAT
Dr Cavendish.
Yes. It's... it's
Maggie's mum.
Right.
Can you check it
again in ten minutes?
No, OK, yeah.
No, understood.
As soon as possible?
Yep. OK, thanks.
SHE SIGHS
So, where were we?
What are you chalking up
today? A gallbladder removal.
Oh, the pregnant woman? Yeah,
I thought you'd want that one.
Thank you, Jack.
Oh, God, I have missed the
buzz of a proper challenge.
Well, yeah, and because
you were pregnant.
Erm...
The interview panel - what order
are you meeting members in?
The interviews aren't for weeks.
Really? Great you're
feeling so confident.
The mother's circumstances haven't
changed since we removed Sami.
It's a sad situation.
I can't tell you
how delighted we are
that you're keen to welcome
this baby into your family.
Well, we do have some
questions. Well, of course.
What are they?
Oh, well, erm, well, the
extended family are still...
Oh, their circumstances and attitude
regarding adoption remain unchanged.
So it's us, or she
goes into care?
Or another... I mean,
we're not the only family.
Demand does outstrip supply,
especially with your
cultural heritage.
And, of course, we do prioritise
placing siblings together.
How is Sami?
Oh, he's great.
Fine, yeah, fine.
Everyone seems happy
with his development.
Yeah, really happy, yeah.
He still is only two.
There's lots we don't know.
But so far, totally normal.
Yeah, I spend my days
looking at him thinking,
"Do you have ADHD,
or are you just two?"
Hard to take off the
doctor's hat, I expect.
Yeah, it can be.
Well, I'm sure he'll be excited
about being a big brother.
Oh, he's already a big brother.
Yeah, we had a baby. Another baby.
Yeah, pregnant
during the pandemic.
Of course, congratulations!
I miscarried, had six...
W-Well, we didn't think I
could carry to full term.
We'd need to do a
suitability assessment again.
Any changes in your
health since last time?
Sleep deprivation.
Oh, yeah. I'm really
not good on no sleep.
I mean, there's a reason why they
use it as a torture technique.
I mean, is it
postnatal depression,
or is it a rational response to
physical and emotional trauma?
What kind of support do
you have, you know, nearby?
Ah, the grandparents
have been amazing.
When they've not had to isolate.
It's given us real,
quality time with the boys.
Well, you were at work.
Maryam's back at
work also, so...
How do you feel you're coping?
VOICEMAIL: 'This is Dr Guy
Cavendish. Please leave a message.'
Hi. It's me, where are you?
You don't start
teaching till half past.
Could you give me a call
when you get this, please?
SHE SIGHS
Have you seen Guy?
Is he not teaching?
I've gotta go and get Maggie.
You're in the middle of a shift.
I'm aware of that. I'll be half
an hour, page me if you need me.
Well, then what are you
gonna do? Er, I don't know.
Bring her here? Would
it help if I stayed?
I can't ask you to do that.
Besides, you've been here all night.
You're not asking, I'm offering.
Thank you.
Is there something else you can
give me for the pain? Sorry.
I guess it's good
preparation for labour.
Ah-ha, don't worry, this is
far easier than giving birth.
Work busy?
Oh, is... Is it a problem
with the machines, or...?
Oh, no, no, you carry on.
Just dreading what the
inbox is gonna look like
after six weeks of
maternity leave.
And what do you do?
Erm, I am a solicitor,
big family law firm.
What was that? Things haven't
been great, we shouldn't be lying.
That felt like sabotage.
I said no decisions today,
and you're all like,
"Is it us or care"?
What do you think's gonna happen?
I cannot take responsibility!
Who will? What about the next
ten babies she has removed?
Are we gonna adopt them all?
How long have you
been looking at Sami
wondering what's wrong with him?
Do you know, what I wouldn't
give for your ignorance
of what might be in store
for Sami and that baby.
"That baby"? What?
With Sami, we always
said, OUR baby.
Oh...
I'm gonna be late for work.
You're still well enough
for work, then? Yes, I am!
That's great,
yeah. Well, get...
Can you get in the car?
Where are you going?
I'm teaching... in a hour!
Fuck!
SHE HUFFS
SHE SIGHS
Page cardiology, OK?
I'll call you back.
Hello.
You seem absolutely fine.
She's been coughing consistently
and her temperature was 38.1.
Was she jumping about
when you took it?
She needs to be in isolation.
Could she not be in isolation
here, in the sick bay?
No.
I'm working, and I don't
have any childcare so...
Where's Dad? He's also
working, we're doctors.
In a hospital.
For the NHS.
SHE RETCHES
Sorry, Mummy.
So, the paternity document gives
him rights to equal custody
and to apply for
full custody. Right.
Don't worry, the bias is still in
favour of the mother, everywhere.
They'd have to
prove your daughter
was significantly better
off with them. OK.
I would advise drafting something
to ensure that all parties
are working towards the same
understanding of shared custody.
You do need a clear framework
otherwise their
understanding might be
"Elis goes to school in Sweden."
Sure.
What if Elis did go to school,
or even preschool, in Sweden?
Well, the framework can
be whatever you want.
It wouldn't be that much, it's
just tough, with the on-calls
and the nights and the
weekends and the money,
but when I'm a consultant,
it gets easier.
Why don't you give
me a call tomorrow?
You didn't even flinch
when I just said about Elis
going to school in Sweden.
Neither did you when I said I was
going back to work after six weeks.
PHONE BUZZES Oh.
I've gotta get this.
Oh, er, just a sec, Tom.
Will I have a horrible scar
to add to the stretch marks?
Not if I'm doing it.
Oh.
Are you Steve?
From Quality Care and
Patient Safety. Yes. Hello.
You must be Maryam...
Or is it Marry-am?
Some people find Maz
easier. Maz. Great.
Erm, did you want
to get a coffee...
Oh, a flat white would be lovely.
With oat milk if they've got it.
Yeah. OK. I'll just leave...
I spy with my little eye
something beginning with O.
OK, er, orange?
There's no oranges around here.
Shall I explain how
this works again, Tessa?
MUSIC: 'Tearz' by
El Michels Affair
Yes.
♪ I tried to hold back my tears
♪ I tried to hold back my sorrow
♪ I wonder if I can hold
it Till tomorrow... ♪
Ow! Shit.
♪ After the laughter
comes tears. ♪
Er, ointment. No.
Otoscope.
I think that's an
ophthalmoscope.
Ophthalmoscope. No.
First off, the most important
thing to say is I'm so sorry
you're having to
go through this.
Oximeter. No.
Oxybutynin. No.
Mummy! Something
beginning with O.
O... er, trolley.
Yes!
So, my role in all of this is
to liaise between the family
and any staff involved in,
or affected by, the incident.
You asked to see me... Could
I speak to the parents?
No.
I... I just want to tell
them how sorry I am.
It's in your best
interests not to do that.
How?
Well, they'll almost
certainly imply personal
or organisational culpability.
Then we'll both end up being sued!
Rest assured, they have been offered
the Trust's full condolences.
But when will the panel make
a decision on culpability?
Well, they don't seem to
assign blame to any individual.
Most recommend
changes to the system.
Failing systems
let everyone down.
You, the other clinicians
involved and the family.
And Edward. Yes, most of
all, of course, Edward.
I don't think you're
gonna get struck off,
if that's what
you're worried about.
Well, when will they make
their recommendations, then?
There'll be a meeting to
draw together conclusions
and actions, probably
in a few weeks.
So, I just, what, carry on?
The panel may want
to interview you.
Particularly as
there's a disagreement
between you and Dr Segman,
as in your instructions to
him to call Microbiology.
Or not. From his perspective.
Have you ever attended
an assertiveness course?
What makes you think
I'm not assertive?
Well, I'm not on the panel.
It's not for me to
draw conclusions,
it's just, it's a training course
that is often offered as a response
to this kind of...
it's here somewhere.
You know, is there a
course for arrogant pricks
who can't take
instructions from a woman?
Have you ever attended
any talking therapy?
I will say there's a
waiting list. COVID.
I'm due on the ward
in three minutes.
Oh, don't let me keep you.
And if there's anything else,
the Quality Care and Patient
Safety team are here for you, Maz.
No, thank you.
I'm doing this one.
Keep the CO2 pressure low.
MUSIC: 'Shine' by Cleo Sol
That should do it, thank you.
♪ And cherish the sunshine
Leave everything behind
♪ And run away so far together
♪ Together
♪ A lot of pain in those eyes
♪ Please, don't lose your light
♪ Shine, shine your light, yeah
♪ This world was made for you
♪ So do what you have to do
♪ I wanna see you shine
Shine your light... ♪
Oh, that's good.
Thank you.
♪ This world was made for you
♪ So do what you have to do... ♪
That is the uterus,
in case they're no longer
bothering to teach female anatomy,
and we want to stay
well out of its way.
I'm moving the liver, so we
can retract the gallbladder.
Make sure you can see
both the cystic artery
and cystic duct clearly.
Three clips to the artery.
Now, cut.
Now, I'm gonna peel the
gallbladder off the liver.
This can be tricky when
it's inflamed like this
because you don't want to injure
the liver and make it bleed.
♪ Shine, shine your light, yeah
♪ This world was
made for you... ♪
Bag for the gall
bladder going in.
♪ Shine, shine your light...
♪ Yeah, the world
was made for you
♪ So do what you have to do. ♪
When you're all grown up,
you'll appreciate how
brilliant that was.
And one of our frequent
flyers, Jakub Wozniak.
Jakub has interstitial
lung disease
and is still recovering from
a serious COVID infection.
He's here, this time,
with a chest infection.
Are you with us, Dr Afridi?
Yeah. Absolutely.
Can I take Jakub?
Well, it's not pic 'n' mix,
but they were asking for you,
so, yes, you can. Bay 15.
Mae, can you take bay four?
Dr Fisher says I have
to come with you.
MAZ SPEAKS UKRAINIAN
Dr Maz is back!
This is Jakub, his sister
Zoya, and mum, Katarina.
This is Dr Simon Segman.
Jakub is one of our
frequent fliers.
Yeah, the in-flight
entertainment's crap.
Is it OK if Simon has a
listen to your chest, please?
Oh, congratulations!
This bit's not so bad,
the first few months...
Yeah, it's no fun.
SHE SPEAKS UKRAINIAN
So, he's struggling for breath,
the nights are really bad,
his temperature's
been a little high,
and he's coughing a lot.
I am here. OK, you
wanna say something?
Well, I... I had COVID.
She can see that,
she has your notes.
I was in ITU for two weeks.
I was lucky to get out alive.
Stop saying that? She doesn't
understand what I'm saying.
He thinks it's funny.
Yeah, ITU was hilarious.
SHE SPEAKS UKRAINIAN
There's some fine
crackles, bilaterally.
JAKUB COUGHS OK, so, Jakub,
your most recent
lung function tests,
which were taken after
your COVID infection,
show that your lung function
has deteriorated significantly.
SHE SPEAKS UKRAINIAN
Another chest infection
isn't good news.
SHE SPEAKS UKRAINIAN
Do you mind if I
have a listen too?
Deep breath for me.
MAZ SPEAKS UKRAINIAN
OK. SHE SPEAKS UKRAINIAN
THEY SPEAK UKRAINIAN
TO EACH OTHER
We'll touch base with
his respiratory team
at St Harry's and let
them know you're here.
I'm going to admit you, Jakub,
they'll take you up
to the Rainbow Ward
as soon as there's
a side room free.
Have they fixed the Wi-Fi?
I doubt it.
Yeah, I told you I needed to
download stuff before we came,
now I'm gonna be stuck up
there with a load of toddlers,
hanging out a window for 3G.
Er, I've got loads of
data left on my mobile...
..if you want to
download something.
How can you speak Ukrainian?
So I can speak to
Jakub's family.
I can only say a few things,
I've been seeing them
since I was your age.
Long time, then. Can you read
your notes back to me, please.
Yeah, I'm going to
get him an urgent CXR,
bloods to include WCC,
neutrophils, CRP and blood cultures
and to get a sputum MC+S urgently.
You're going to contact
his respiratory consultant
at St Harry's to
discuss antibiotics.
I'm going to prescribe his
regular medication on the charts
and let the physio
know that he is here.
How much longer are you
gonna make me do this?
How much longer are you
going to be with us?
Maryam, did you know
that Raz is here
and he has a young lad with him?
Clare!
Is Mags in the junior doctors'
office or are they that young now?
Where have you been? Teaching.
Have you got my messages?
Tessa's doing a great job.
Oh yeah, cos it's fine for me
to compromise my
professional relationships
with childcare favours.
Because my professional
relationships
are a beacon of
fucking integrity.
Can you speak to bed two
about his heart failure,
so I can go make some calls?
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy?
Yeah, I'd say so.
Shall I cancel date night
again? Had you forgotten?
No. No, we're double
dating, aren't we?
With that guy that you never
have time to play tennis with.
Who are we setting him
up with? Catherine.
Surgeon Catherine? Yes. What?
Nothing, he's just a nice
guy. Not exactly her type.
Yeah, I'm not sure
that we're best placed
to judge other people's romantic
choices, though, are we?
YAWNING
This isn't fair, you
need to go home, Tessa.
I'll sort it. Thank you.
No, she's the rescue centre
and I'm the person
with the emergency.
Do you want to play?
Oh, I can't sweetheart,
sorry. Trying to work.
She is the prettiest
lady I have ever seen.
OK. Hello, what
emergency, please?
Quick.
DIAL TONE
Oh, excellent.
Hi, Callum, it's Helen.
Yeah. Aunty Helen.
I know this is a
bit out of the blue,
but are you free today to
look after your cousin?
Sarah? Everything
went really well.
How are you feeling?
My stomach hurts.
OK.
I need to poo.
OK. Let me just
take a quick look.
Oh, my tummy hurts.
GROANING
Fuck.
GROANING CONTINUES
Sarah? Sarah, you're
having your baby.
It's crowning. When was
the last time you did this?
Excellent. SARAH GROANING
Sarah, Sarah, Sarah, stop
pushing. Stop pushing.
Slow down for me. That's it.
Call the neonatal crash team.
SARAH PANTING
MACHINES BEEPING
OK, another one coming. OK.
Keep pushing, push. That's
it. Keep... Keep pushing.
Where's the crash team?
That's it. OK, push.
SARAH STRAINING That's
it. OK, keep pushing.
Nearly here... Oh...
Here it comes. Oh...
Great work. Ah!
SARAH STRAINS
Oh! Hello. Wow!
Oh...
Have we got anything
to clamp the cord with?
MACHINES BEEPING
Where is the crash team?!
Come on. Come on, baby.
CHATTER
SHE EXHALES
Shit! I didn't
deliver the placenta.
We see this kind of heart
damage in men your age
who've been drinking too
much for a long time.
I should go home
and see the kids.
Well, if you wanna see them finish
school, you need to stop drinking.
I hear you, Doc, I do. Can
I get home and see 'em now?
There are organisations I
can put you in touch with.
I don't need none of that. I'm
not an alcoholic, for God's sake.
They can support you in
making some lifestyle changes.
Give me some pills, and I'll...
I'll calm it down a bit.
You're an HGV driver? Yeah.
Key worker, like yourself.
You'll need to inform the DVLA
that you have a heart condition.
And also that you have
a problem with alcohol.
W...
Well, they'll take away me
licence. I won't be able to work.
Until you can demonstrate
you're in treatment, yes.
I don't have an
issue with alcohol!
I'm asking you to
tell them, Mr Massie.
Otherwise, I will.
Take your shoes off.
And wash your hands.
Take your shoes off, Maggie!
Er, so, she's fine to go
and watch TV in the...
in the den,
and if she falls asleep,
that's... that's fine.
Now, in the... There's
pizza in the freezer,
and the, er, babysitter's gonna
drop the other two off about six.
You OK? Yeah. This house.
Oh, I know. Sorry, it's
a... it's a bit of a mess.
The, erm, the pizza is..
Whoa. Does this work?
Er, yeah. It's a bit...
out of tune, but...
Er, yeah, maybe,
erm... don't touch...
HE PLAYS: 'Early One Morning'
Do you play?
No, no. Guy used to.
It's a family thing, the piano.
It's been in his family for years.
Like Downton Abbey?
Yeah, his, erm...
His dad is the second son
of, um, an earl. So he's...
he's not gonna get an
inheritance, but yeah.
A bit like Downton Abbey.
I thought Mum was
just making shit up.
SHE CHUCKLES How
is she getting on?
She's off somewhere
at the minute.
But she'll come
back, eventually.
Always does.
Worse for wear, an' that.
But...
nothing to worry about.
SOFTLY: No. Erm...
This is, er...
Thank you. That's
too much. No, no.
It's fine, honestly. I
really appreciate it.
It was short notice. So...
Do you not need to
get back? Oh, yeah.
I just need to grab
a change of clothes.
Yeah.
Hiya.
Were you playing the piano?
Yeah. Do you want
me to teach you?
Please, Mummy? Yeah, go on.
Up here, then, half-pint.
What's a half-pint?
You are. HE PLAYS NOTES
Just there.
This one goes a little
bit to the left.
So I'm like, "That's not on", and
I just punched the greenhouse.
Well, Jayden, I would say
that the greenhouse won.
Nah, Miss, it's fucked.
In't it, Sir? Language.
And it's Doctor, not Miss.
We need to wait for surgery,
to see if there's any
damage to the tendons.
Simon, can you ask
a nurse to show you
how to steri-strip the
shallower cuts there?
And do you want us to take
a look at those for you?
It's long waits in A&E.
Will they scar?
Not if they're sutured properly.
All right.
There you go, Simon. You
need some extra practice.
Oh, no, no, no, you're
all right, mate.
I'll risk A&E.
You're busy, so...
Are you sure? Mm.
I-I'd give it a good go.
No, you look after the children.
Mr Massie is about to give
himself a heart attack.
He said you're calling the DVLA?
He's not engaging with
his drink problem.
We haven't even got a treatment
plan in place for him yet.
Give him a chance!
Are you all right?
Pancreatitis, then AF. How
many chances does he need?
You want him driving
a four-tonne lorry
after his next big
night out? All right.
If he's gonna change, he
needs to take responsibility,
and he can't do that
if you take it for him.
He has got three
kids, for fuck's sake!
Who lets themself get
into that kind of a state?
He's as bad as your sister.
Maggie's fine, by the way.
I left her with Callum.
Callum? Yes.
Debbie's son.
My nephew.
HE SCOFFS
He was shouting in the
greenhouse at no-one,
and then he just puts
his fist through it.
Do you think he's
hearing voices?
Well, the tomatoes can
be totally unreasonable.
I'll refer him. You know,
he's been on a waiting list
for CAMHS since
before the pandemic.
He's put his father in hospital.
He's made three attempts
on his own life.
I mean, what does it take
to get him some help?
Have the family tried a
charity... He's in care, Maz.
Been through four foster
homes since I've known him.
You're right.
That wait time is unacceptable.
What I can do is treat his
hand and follow up with CAMHS.
How is that good enough?
It isn't. That's all I can do.
♪ What is more
beautiful Tonight... ♪
SHE BREATHES HEAVILY
♪ And bluer than the sky
♪ I had to climb... ♪
SHE VOMITS
COUGHING, RETCHING
♪ Higher and higher
♪ Until I fall,
until I fall... ♪
Have you always
known you were gay?
Erm...
Yeah.
Well, when did
you tell your mum?
I didn't, really.
Sh-She just kind of
always knew, and...
then I introduced
her to a boyfriend.
Do you think my mum knows?
I mean, I don't speak Ukrainian,
but yeah, I think she knows.
HE LAUGHS
LAUGHING TURNS TO COUGHING
Am I going to get better?
Er...
Right. Right. No, it's just...
I mean, I-I mean, I
don't know what to say.
Not if we can't... It's
been so bad since COVID.
And I'm used to chest
infections, but this is...
We are going to do everything
that we can for you.
♪ Until I fall,
until I fall... ♪
When I was pregnant, the only
thing that touched the sides
of my morning sickness
was ginger biscuits.
I still have some in my
locker, if you want them.
It's OK.
I'm not...
I'm not gonna continue
with it, so...
Why does that stop you
from having a Ginger Nut?
I mean, they're
probably out of date.
SHE LAUGHS
SHE EXHALES
♪ Are you alone now? ♪
Be kind to yourself.
♪ Are you... ♪
Thank you.
♪ Are you alone now? ♪
RECORDED VOICE: 'Floor two.'
Evening, Jack. Guy. Helen.
You look lovely. Oh, thanks.
Just off out with
Catherine, actually.
She told me she had a
date this evening. Yeah.
It's a double date.
Right. It's a friend of mine.
Really nice guy.
'Ground floor.
'Doors opening.'
Have a great night.
Thanks.
SHE SIGHS
BABY CRYING
'They said it
wasn't your fault.'
Got an infection,
your body can...
reject the pregnancy
to protect itself.
It could have been the pressure
on the uterus from the operation,
or the dip in adrenaline once
it was all over. Or, yes,
your infected gallbladder
might have been such a threat,
it made you deliver early
to focus on saving yourself.
How can my body...
H-How could I do this?
It's not your fault either.
Elis's birth was awful.
I haemorrhaged so badly I
was in a coma for two days.
Almost died giving birth to her.
Perhaps that was my
body's way of telling me
I'm not cut out to be a mother.
And now I love her so much,
I worry that might kill me.
Can't believe I thought I was
going back to work after six weeks.
What an idiot.
I'm never letting
her out of my sight.
Do you think Jack
Oliviera is handsome?
I think he's a twat. Doesn't
really answer my question.
Ah. Terrific.
Oh, I'll do it.
I thought you were
just getting a glass.
They'll want a glass of
wine. They might want white.
Then we'll get a
bottle of white.
Zoya?
Are you still volunteering
at the children's charity?
Yeah, we're swamped. Why?
Is there a process for
referrals for counselling?
I wouldn't usually, but can I
ask you for special treatment?
Of course.
Sorry. No, it's all right.
Crazy day. Hi.
Hi. Hi. Hiya.
Hello, I'm... Hello again.
Catherine.
It's Matt.
I knew that. Anaesthetist Matt.
What, you two already
know each other?
Well, just from around... I
saved Matt from killing someone
by intubating too early.
And Catherine, er..
I think offered to sleep with me
if I stayed to do an operation.
I think I offered the
father of my child
to pick up your dog,
actually. Well... that time.
Catherine, wine?
Hell, yes!
Ooh, thank you. Ah, erm,
I'll get another bottle.
Absolutely! Cheers to that!
Cheers! ALL LAUGH AND TOAST
And there's Archie,
smacking me on the
forehead at 6:00am, saying,
"Daddy, Daddy, I don't like
this kind of chocolate."
Oh, God!
I know. I know. I know!
Sorry, we can only talk
about children and work.
We've literally got
nothing else, have we?
So, Matt. Hm.
Caroline.
Are we doing this all night?
Well, I'm gonna run
out of Cs eventually,
then it'll be less funny.
Less funny? Let's see
if I notice that. Oh!
I hear you play tennis?
Oh. No, erm, I literally
have never played tennis.
Then why were we gonna play
tennis? I watch tennis.
Ah. Yes, I'm sorry.
I see how this misunderstanding
occurred. I watch football.
Oh, I have a season
ticket for City.
Catherine, I'm so sorry,
I've made a terrible mistake.
If you wanna make a break for
it now, we'll cover for you.
Catherine, we, erm,
get another bottle?
Yes, keep it coming.
Hi. Could we get another bottle
of the Rioja Reserva, please?
Thank you.
What do you think?
Dunno.
It's just talking to someone.
It's unlikely you'll have
tendon surgery after.
What are you thinking, Jayden?
Inside my head's a lot
scarier than broken glass.
You'd better let someone
help you with it, then.
And then, erm... Thank you.
Yeah, in the second wave,
I was redeployed back
on ICU again with Guy.
That was full on, wasn't it?
Intensive care. The
clue was in the title
when you trained for it.
Yeah. Surgery was dead.
I was just making
TikTok videos in A&E.
Then I was pregnant.
Is that why you kept it?
Guy! Fucksake. Sorry...
Sorry.
No, in case I got redeployed
to your team. Terrifying.
Mm. Yeah, it was,
er, pretty brutal.
Did you score poorly in
your wellness appraisal?
God, those bloody
forms, such bullshit.
Yeah, actually. Yeah.
I, er, took some time off.
Last man standing!
Holding the place up.
I'm just, you know, I'm just
not used to being the last...
Like, the last person
that people see,
for that number of
people. It's, erm...
I'd rather be on gallbladders.
I did one of those today and
accidentally delivered her baby.
What?! Thirty-one
weeks, five days.
Oh, my God. Was it
OK? It was alive
when I handed it to
the obstetrician.
Yeah, that's right, hand
it to the obstetrician.
Who didn't remember me.
What, from Elis? Yeah.
I was like, "Not every day your
colleague nearly dies, love."
Not if you're on TikTok
during the pandemic.
Does anyone want a dessert?
Catherine, more wine?
I'll get another bottle.
No, I don't think we
need another bottle.
I'll have a coffee.
Coffee sounds good.
How are you getting
home? Er, taxi. You?
She's always policing me. You
know, I so... run a department,
so I think I know,
you know, I know...
Do you wanna get that
coffee back at mine? Hello!
Sure. Get in!
This is outstanding
work, you two!
Sorry about him, he's
had one too many...
Don't apologise. Don't... Just
don't fucking apologise for me!
Hey, Captain, you're all right.
No-one's giving you a hard time.
Sorry.
Erm, right. Shall I get
the bill on the way out?
No, no, no, it's fine.
No, we'll get it.
It's the least we can do, honestly.
Are you sure? Yeah. Go, go.
Well, thank you so
much. It was amazing.
It was lovely. Call
you tomorrow. Do.
Yeah.
Wow.
I hope he's OK.
We've all had a drink. Yeah.
Yeah, so, we're not...
I mean, that was just
an exit strategy, right?
What a fucking day.
Are you OK?
You seem... Why
don't you have kids?
HE LAUGHS Don't ask people that.
Sorry.
I think my baby would be better
off with someone else. But I...
Fuck. Sorry.
And I didn't deliver
the placenta.
You know, how useless is that?
Let's get that coffee.
BOTH LAUGHING
♪ If I got it Baby,
your love brought it
♪ Yeah, yeah... ♪
DOOR SLAMS
Oh.
Er...
I forgot you were here.
Hello.
I'm Matt.
Will it... Will it
scar? Keep still.
Yeah, sorry.
I can't adopt her just
because I feel guilty.
Or I'm worried I'm
gonna break your heart.
I do feel guilty.
I feel horrible.
Are you saying you
don't wanna do it?
I'm saying I don't know.
After us, Sami,
Xavi and this place,
I don't know if there's enough
of me left for anyone else.
I don't know.
So, er, this is just a regular
Wednesday night for you?
You go out, you pick up some
guy, you bring him back home?
What night of the week
did we meet, again?
It's not an acceptable environment
for Elis. You are a mother now.
Elis would have been
totally oblivious.
Which is how I would like to
be very shortly, thank you.
Look, look, look. I'm...
I'm not a babysitter, OK?
I'm her father. And I get
a say in how she is raised,
and I am not happy with
this... this situation.
You're her father, not mine.
You know, I think
it would be best
if you and Brigitta stay
in a hotel the next time.
Next time,
Elis will be coming
with us, to Sweden.
Sorry about this.
♪ Tell me how to be like you
♪ Live my life as someone new
♪ Cos every day, the same pain
♪ Begins to feel OK
♪ But every night,
I close my eyes
♪ And it's there again
♪ When you're down on
the floor Cut to the bone
♪ Keep on breaking
when you're broke
♪ When time never heals It
just seems to make it worse
♪ Yeah, it's gotta
make you wonder
♪ How it's supposed
To make you stronger
♪ I know I gotta wait in line
♪ For good things
Only come with time
♪ But every day
♪ The same pain
begins to feel OK
♪ And every night,
I close my eyes
♪ And it's there again
♪ When you're down on
the floor Cut to the bone
♪ Keep on breaking
When you're broke. ♪
energy, all of my...
everything energy is spent keeping
those three children healthy
and happy, and, er, the house
running something just above chaos,
and... now I'm
back at work again.
I'm exhausted. And...
..I don't know what
he expects from me.
Just to lie back and let him get
on with it for seven minutes?
I mean, even that,
I literally, I...
I don't have time
to go to the toilet.
I'm not joking. You should
see my piles that...
How do you feel when you
look at your husband?
Irritated.
Just... angry.
We're both just angry all the time.
What do you do with your anger?
I don't know, do you want
me to say mindfulness?
What does Guy do with his?
Er, here... You need to
have to sign this also.
What's this one?
This is the, er...
paternity document to give
her Swedish citizenship.
This is in Swedish. Yep.
OK, er, here? Yeah.
WOMEN CHATTER
GIGGLING
OK. Thank you.
Er, ladies, we are
going to the playground.
Mm. Oh, great. OK.
It's so lovely to
meet you. You too.
CHATTER, BABY WHINES
Apparently, it would
cost a £150 a month
to put Elis into day
care full-time in Sweden.
That's very good money.
I told Brigitta you said you
were paying £1,300 a month here,
but you're probably
exaggerating. I'm not.
How are you affording
all that? SHE SCOFFS
You really had better
get that consultant job.
Brigitta said Elis was
going there next time?
They can't keep coming here. They've
got their girls to look after.
It does sound like the most
marvellous place to raise children.
Well, that's great cos she's
about to become a Swedish citizen.
You have had these
checked by a lawyer?
It's a print-out from the internet,
Mum, it's not an abduction order.
Is it?
What, you haven't
spoken to a solicitor
about this arrangement at all?
We're all grown-ups. We're all
doing what's best for Elis.
Lovely to spend time
with you, Anne, so nice.
You too. Bye.
Bye-bye, Catherine.
Bye. You can see how
much Elis loves her.
She's very charming, isn't she?
Delightful (!)
Hi, we've got an
appointment with Clare?
Can you just sign in?
Yeah, course, er...
Er, I was just thinking,
we shouldn't rush into
any decisions today.
How do you mean? Like, go away,
have a cooling-off period.
We're not buying car insurance.
I know. I just don't want us to
feel pressured in there to...
To what?
Sorry, it's work.
Do you need to deal with
that so you can be here?
Yeah, sorry. I... just, erm...
Two minutes? Just...
DIAL TONE RINGS
Hi, yeah, this is
Dr Maryam Afridi.
I just received an email
this morning about a...
meeting with Quality
Care and Patient Safety.
Are there, erm, any
other times this week?
This morning is just
too... Er, yeah, no.
Yeah, no, that's too late...
Erm, I can't wait that long.
Raza and Maryam Farooqi?
You know what? Just, erm, leave it
as it is, I'll be there, thank you.
All right? Yeah, good.
Nice to see you again.
Morning, Tess. What
you got for me?
48-year-old male presented
to A&E at 1am this morning
with palpitations
and chest pains.
He was in fast atrial fibrillation
and had signs of heart failure.
He's had diuretics
and rate control,
and he's booked in for an
echo later this morning.
Any medical history?
Just pancreatitis.
And any significant
alcohol history?
He was out with the lads last
night to celebrate one of them
becoming a father.
Well, I'm sure the mother
of that newborn is delighted
with everyone's choices
(!) HELEN INHALES
Good morning, Mr Massie.
My name's Dr Cavendish.
How are you feeling?
Yeah, much better. I
can catch my breath now.
And is there anything
you can think of
that might have brought
on these symptoms?
Well, I won't lie to you,
doctor, I had a big night.
Right. I was expecting
a hangover, but...
this wasn't right.
I've had to call in sick.
What is it you do for work?
Haulage. HGV driver.
Oh, OK, and what... What's a...
What's a big night for you?
Pints? Mm. How many?
HE LAUGHS
Well, I reckon... PHONE RINGS
Erm, it was a session,
you know that. Ha, right.
I lost count after five.
Some shots as well.
Erm, and is that normal for you?
Do... do you need to...?
I'm sorry. I do,
actually. That's fine.
I'll just be two
minutes. That's fine.
HELEN CLEARS THROAT
Dr Cavendish.
Yes. It's... it's
Maggie's mum.
Right.
Can you check it
again in ten minutes?
No, OK, yeah.
No, understood.
As soon as possible?
Yep. OK, thanks.
SHE SIGHS
So, where were we?
What are you chalking up
today? A gallbladder removal.
Oh, the pregnant woman? Yeah,
I thought you'd want that one.
Thank you, Jack.
Oh, God, I have missed the
buzz of a proper challenge.
Well, yeah, and because
you were pregnant.
Erm...
The interview panel - what order
are you meeting members in?
The interviews aren't for weeks.
Really? Great you're
feeling so confident.
The mother's circumstances haven't
changed since we removed Sami.
It's a sad situation.
I can't tell you
how delighted we are
that you're keen to welcome
this baby into your family.
Well, we do have some
questions. Well, of course.
What are they?
Oh, well, erm, well, the
extended family are still...
Oh, their circumstances and attitude
regarding adoption remain unchanged.
So it's us, or she
goes into care?
Or another... I mean,
we're not the only family.
Demand does outstrip supply,
especially with your
cultural heritage.
And, of course, we do prioritise
placing siblings together.
How is Sami?
Oh, he's great.
Fine, yeah, fine.
Everyone seems happy
with his development.
Yeah, really happy, yeah.
He still is only two.
There's lots we don't know.
But so far, totally normal.
Yeah, I spend my days
looking at him thinking,
"Do you have ADHD,
or are you just two?"
Hard to take off the
doctor's hat, I expect.
Yeah, it can be.
Well, I'm sure he'll be excited
about being a big brother.
Oh, he's already a big brother.
Yeah, we had a baby. Another baby.
Yeah, pregnant
during the pandemic.
Of course, congratulations!
I miscarried, had six...
W-Well, we didn't think I
could carry to full term.
We'd need to do a
suitability assessment again.
Any changes in your
health since last time?
Sleep deprivation.
Oh, yeah. I'm really
not good on no sleep.
I mean, there's a reason why they
use it as a torture technique.
I mean, is it
postnatal depression,
or is it a rational response to
physical and emotional trauma?
What kind of support do
you have, you know, nearby?
Ah, the grandparents
have been amazing.
When they've not had to isolate.
It's given us real,
quality time with the boys.
Well, you were at work.
Maryam's back at
work also, so...
How do you feel you're coping?
VOICEMAIL: 'This is Dr Guy
Cavendish. Please leave a message.'
Hi. It's me, where are you?
You don't start
teaching till half past.
Could you give me a call
when you get this, please?
SHE SIGHS
Have you seen Guy?
Is he not teaching?
I've gotta go and get Maggie.
You're in the middle of a shift.
I'm aware of that. I'll be half
an hour, page me if you need me.
Well, then what are you
gonna do? Er, I don't know.
Bring her here? Would
it help if I stayed?
I can't ask you to do that.
Besides, you've been here all night.
You're not asking, I'm offering.
Thank you.
Is there something else you can
give me for the pain? Sorry.
I guess it's good
preparation for labour.
Ah-ha, don't worry, this is
far easier than giving birth.
Work busy?
Oh, is... Is it a problem
with the machines, or...?
Oh, no, no, you carry on.
Just dreading what the
inbox is gonna look like
after six weeks of
maternity leave.
And what do you do?
Erm, I am a solicitor,
big family law firm.
What was that? Things haven't
been great, we shouldn't be lying.
That felt like sabotage.
I said no decisions today,
and you're all like,
"Is it us or care"?
What do you think's gonna happen?
I cannot take responsibility!
Who will? What about the next
ten babies she has removed?
Are we gonna adopt them all?
How long have you
been looking at Sami
wondering what's wrong with him?
Do you know, what I wouldn't
give for your ignorance
of what might be in store
for Sami and that baby.
"That baby"? What?
With Sami, we always
said, OUR baby.
Oh...
I'm gonna be late for work.
You're still well enough
for work, then? Yes, I am!
That's great,
yeah. Well, get...
Can you get in the car?
Where are you going?
I'm teaching... in a hour!
Fuck!
SHE HUFFS
SHE SIGHS
Page cardiology, OK?
I'll call you back.
Hello.
You seem absolutely fine.
She's been coughing consistently
and her temperature was 38.1.
Was she jumping about
when you took it?
She needs to be in isolation.
Could she not be in isolation
here, in the sick bay?
No.
I'm working, and I don't
have any childcare so...
Where's Dad? He's also
working, we're doctors.
In a hospital.
For the NHS.
SHE RETCHES
Sorry, Mummy.
So, the paternity document gives
him rights to equal custody
and to apply for
full custody. Right.
Don't worry, the bias is still in
favour of the mother, everywhere.
They'd have to
prove your daughter
was significantly better
off with them. OK.
I would advise drafting something
to ensure that all parties
are working towards the same
understanding of shared custody.
You do need a clear framework
otherwise their
understanding might be
"Elis goes to school in Sweden."
Sure.
What if Elis did go to school,
or even preschool, in Sweden?
Well, the framework can
be whatever you want.
It wouldn't be that much, it's
just tough, with the on-calls
and the nights and the
weekends and the money,
but when I'm a consultant,
it gets easier.
Why don't you give
me a call tomorrow?
You didn't even flinch
when I just said about Elis
going to school in Sweden.
Neither did you when I said I was
going back to work after six weeks.
PHONE BUZZES Oh.
I've gotta get this.
Oh, er, just a sec, Tom.
Will I have a horrible scar
to add to the stretch marks?
Not if I'm doing it.
Oh.
Are you Steve?
From Quality Care and
Patient Safety. Yes. Hello.
You must be Maryam...
Or is it Marry-am?
Some people find Maz
easier. Maz. Great.
Erm, did you want
to get a coffee...
Oh, a flat white would be lovely.
With oat milk if they've got it.
Yeah. OK. I'll just leave...
I spy with my little eye
something beginning with O.
OK, er, orange?
There's no oranges around here.
Shall I explain how
this works again, Tessa?
MUSIC: 'Tearz' by
El Michels Affair
Yes.
♪ I tried to hold back my tears
♪ I tried to hold back my sorrow
♪ I wonder if I can hold
it Till tomorrow... ♪
Ow! Shit.
♪ After the laughter
comes tears. ♪
Er, ointment. No.
Otoscope.
I think that's an
ophthalmoscope.
Ophthalmoscope. No.
First off, the most important
thing to say is I'm so sorry
you're having to
go through this.
Oximeter. No.
Oxybutynin. No.
Mummy! Something
beginning with O.
O... er, trolley.
Yes!
So, my role in all of this is
to liaise between the family
and any staff involved in,
or affected by, the incident.
You asked to see me... Could
I speak to the parents?
No.
I... I just want to tell
them how sorry I am.
It's in your best
interests not to do that.
How?
Well, they'll almost
certainly imply personal
or organisational culpability.
Then we'll both end up being sued!
Rest assured, they have been offered
the Trust's full condolences.
But when will the panel make
a decision on culpability?
Well, they don't seem to
assign blame to any individual.
Most recommend
changes to the system.
Failing systems
let everyone down.
You, the other clinicians
involved and the family.
And Edward. Yes, most of
all, of course, Edward.
I don't think you're
gonna get struck off,
if that's what
you're worried about.
Well, when will they make
their recommendations, then?
There'll be a meeting to
draw together conclusions
and actions, probably
in a few weeks.
So, I just, what, carry on?
The panel may want
to interview you.
Particularly as
there's a disagreement
between you and Dr Segman,
as in your instructions to
him to call Microbiology.
Or not. From his perspective.
Have you ever attended
an assertiveness course?
What makes you think
I'm not assertive?
Well, I'm not on the panel.
It's not for me to
draw conclusions,
it's just, it's a training course
that is often offered as a response
to this kind of...
it's here somewhere.
You know, is there a
course for arrogant pricks
who can't take
instructions from a woman?
Have you ever attended
any talking therapy?
I will say there's a
waiting list. COVID.
I'm due on the ward
in three minutes.
Oh, don't let me keep you.
And if there's anything else,
the Quality Care and Patient
Safety team are here for you, Maz.
No, thank you.
I'm doing this one.
Keep the CO2 pressure low.
MUSIC: 'Shine' by Cleo Sol
That should do it, thank you.
♪ And cherish the sunshine
Leave everything behind
♪ And run away so far together
♪ Together
♪ A lot of pain in those eyes
♪ Please, don't lose your light
♪ Shine, shine your light, yeah
♪ This world was made for you
♪ So do what you have to do
♪ I wanna see you shine
Shine your light... ♪
Oh, that's good.
Thank you.
♪ This world was made for you
♪ So do what you have to do... ♪
That is the uterus,
in case they're no longer
bothering to teach female anatomy,
and we want to stay
well out of its way.
I'm moving the liver, so we
can retract the gallbladder.
Make sure you can see
both the cystic artery
and cystic duct clearly.
Three clips to the artery.
Now, cut.
Now, I'm gonna peel the
gallbladder off the liver.
This can be tricky when
it's inflamed like this
because you don't want to injure
the liver and make it bleed.
♪ Shine, shine your light, yeah
♪ This world was
made for you... ♪
Bag for the gall
bladder going in.
♪ Shine, shine your light...
♪ Yeah, the world
was made for you
♪ So do what you have to do. ♪
When you're all grown up,
you'll appreciate how
brilliant that was.
And one of our frequent
flyers, Jakub Wozniak.
Jakub has interstitial
lung disease
and is still recovering from
a serious COVID infection.
He's here, this time,
with a chest infection.
Are you with us, Dr Afridi?
Yeah. Absolutely.
Can I take Jakub?
Well, it's not pic 'n' mix,
but they were asking for you,
so, yes, you can. Bay 15.
Mae, can you take bay four?
Dr Fisher says I have
to come with you.
MAZ SPEAKS UKRAINIAN
Dr Maz is back!
This is Jakub, his sister
Zoya, and mum, Katarina.
This is Dr Simon Segman.
Jakub is one of our
frequent fliers.
Yeah, the in-flight
entertainment's crap.
Is it OK if Simon has a
listen to your chest, please?
Oh, congratulations!
This bit's not so bad,
the first few months...
Yeah, it's no fun.
SHE SPEAKS UKRAINIAN
So, he's struggling for breath,
the nights are really bad,
his temperature's
been a little high,
and he's coughing a lot.
I am here. OK, you
wanna say something?
Well, I... I had COVID.
She can see that,
she has your notes.
I was in ITU for two weeks.
I was lucky to get out alive.
Stop saying that? She doesn't
understand what I'm saying.
He thinks it's funny.
Yeah, ITU was hilarious.
SHE SPEAKS UKRAINIAN
There's some fine
crackles, bilaterally.
JAKUB COUGHS OK, so, Jakub,
your most recent
lung function tests,
which were taken after
your COVID infection,
show that your lung function
has deteriorated significantly.
SHE SPEAKS UKRAINIAN
Another chest infection
isn't good news.
SHE SPEAKS UKRAINIAN
Do you mind if I
have a listen too?
Deep breath for me.
MAZ SPEAKS UKRAINIAN
OK. SHE SPEAKS UKRAINIAN
THEY SPEAK UKRAINIAN
TO EACH OTHER
We'll touch base with
his respiratory team
at St Harry's and let
them know you're here.
I'm going to admit you, Jakub,
they'll take you up
to the Rainbow Ward
as soon as there's
a side room free.
Have they fixed the Wi-Fi?
I doubt it.
Yeah, I told you I needed to
download stuff before we came,
now I'm gonna be stuck up
there with a load of toddlers,
hanging out a window for 3G.
Er, I've got loads of
data left on my mobile...
..if you want to
download something.
How can you speak Ukrainian?
So I can speak to
Jakub's family.
I can only say a few things,
I've been seeing them
since I was your age.
Long time, then. Can you read
your notes back to me, please.
Yeah, I'm going to
get him an urgent CXR,
bloods to include WCC,
neutrophils, CRP and blood cultures
and to get a sputum MC+S urgently.
You're going to contact
his respiratory consultant
at St Harry's to
discuss antibiotics.
I'm going to prescribe his
regular medication on the charts
and let the physio
know that he is here.
How much longer are you
gonna make me do this?
How much longer are you
going to be with us?
Maryam, did you know
that Raz is here
and he has a young lad with him?
Clare!
Is Mags in the junior doctors'
office or are they that young now?
Where have you been? Teaching.
Have you got my messages?
Tessa's doing a great job.
Oh yeah, cos it's fine for me
to compromise my
professional relationships
with childcare favours.
Because my professional
relationships
are a beacon of
fucking integrity.
Can you speak to bed two
about his heart failure,
so I can go make some calls?
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy?
Yeah, I'd say so.
Shall I cancel date night
again? Had you forgotten?
No. No, we're double
dating, aren't we?
With that guy that you never
have time to play tennis with.
Who are we setting him
up with? Catherine.
Surgeon Catherine? Yes. What?
Nothing, he's just a nice
guy. Not exactly her type.
Yeah, I'm not sure
that we're best placed
to judge other people's romantic
choices, though, are we?
YAWNING
This isn't fair, you
need to go home, Tessa.
I'll sort it. Thank you.
No, she's the rescue centre
and I'm the person
with the emergency.
Do you want to play?
Oh, I can't sweetheart,
sorry. Trying to work.
She is the prettiest
lady I have ever seen.
OK. Hello, what
emergency, please?
Quick.
DIAL TONE
Oh, excellent.
Hi, Callum, it's Helen.
Yeah. Aunty Helen.
I know this is a
bit out of the blue,
but are you free today to
look after your cousin?
Sarah? Everything
went really well.
How are you feeling?
My stomach hurts.
OK.
I need to poo.
OK. Let me just
take a quick look.
Oh, my tummy hurts.
GROANING
Fuck.
GROANING CONTINUES
Sarah? Sarah, you're
having your baby.
It's crowning. When was
the last time you did this?
Excellent. SARAH GROANING
Sarah, Sarah, Sarah, stop
pushing. Stop pushing.
Slow down for me. That's it.
Call the neonatal crash team.
SARAH PANTING
MACHINES BEEPING
OK, another one coming. OK.
Keep pushing, push. That's
it. Keep... Keep pushing.
Where's the crash team?
That's it. OK, push.
SARAH STRAINING That's
it. OK, keep pushing.
Nearly here... Oh...
Here it comes. Oh...
Great work. Ah!
SARAH STRAINS
Oh! Hello. Wow!
Oh...
Have we got anything
to clamp the cord with?
MACHINES BEEPING
Where is the crash team?!
Come on. Come on, baby.
CHATTER
SHE EXHALES
Shit! I didn't
deliver the placenta.
We see this kind of heart
damage in men your age
who've been drinking too
much for a long time.
I should go home
and see the kids.
Well, if you wanna see them finish
school, you need to stop drinking.
I hear you, Doc, I do. Can
I get home and see 'em now?
There are organisations I
can put you in touch with.
I don't need none of that. I'm
not an alcoholic, for God's sake.
They can support you in
making some lifestyle changes.
Give me some pills, and I'll...
I'll calm it down a bit.
You're an HGV driver? Yeah.
Key worker, like yourself.
You'll need to inform the DVLA
that you have a heart condition.
And also that you have
a problem with alcohol.
W...
Well, they'll take away me
licence. I won't be able to work.
Until you can demonstrate
you're in treatment, yes.
I don't have an
issue with alcohol!
I'm asking you to
tell them, Mr Massie.
Otherwise, I will.
Take your shoes off.
And wash your hands.
Take your shoes off, Maggie!
Er, so, she's fine to go
and watch TV in the...
in the den,
and if she falls asleep,
that's... that's fine.
Now, in the... There's
pizza in the freezer,
and the, er, babysitter's gonna
drop the other two off about six.
You OK? Yeah. This house.
Oh, I know. Sorry, it's
a... it's a bit of a mess.
The, erm, the pizza is..
Whoa. Does this work?
Er, yeah. It's a bit...
out of tune, but...
Er, yeah, maybe,
erm... don't touch...
HE PLAYS: 'Early One Morning'
Do you play?
No, no. Guy used to.
It's a family thing, the piano.
It's been in his family for years.
Like Downton Abbey?
Yeah, his, erm...
His dad is the second son
of, um, an earl. So he's...
he's not gonna get an
inheritance, but yeah.
A bit like Downton Abbey.
I thought Mum was
just making shit up.
SHE CHUCKLES How
is she getting on?
She's off somewhere
at the minute.
But she'll come
back, eventually.
Always does.
Worse for wear, an' that.
But...
nothing to worry about.
SOFTLY: No. Erm...
This is, er...
Thank you. That's
too much. No, no.
It's fine, honestly. I
really appreciate it.
It was short notice. So...
Do you not need to
get back? Oh, yeah.
I just need to grab
a change of clothes.
Yeah.
Hiya.
Were you playing the piano?
Yeah. Do you want
me to teach you?
Please, Mummy? Yeah, go on.
Up here, then, half-pint.
What's a half-pint?
You are. HE PLAYS NOTES
Just there.
This one goes a little
bit to the left.
So I'm like, "That's not on", and
I just punched the greenhouse.
Well, Jayden, I would say
that the greenhouse won.
Nah, Miss, it's fucked.
In't it, Sir? Language.
And it's Doctor, not Miss.
We need to wait for surgery,
to see if there's any
damage to the tendons.
Simon, can you ask
a nurse to show you
how to steri-strip the
shallower cuts there?
And do you want us to take
a look at those for you?
It's long waits in A&E.
Will they scar?
Not if they're sutured properly.
All right.
There you go, Simon. You
need some extra practice.
Oh, no, no, no, you're
all right, mate.
I'll risk A&E.
You're busy, so...
Are you sure? Mm.
I-I'd give it a good go.
No, you look after the children.
Mr Massie is about to give
himself a heart attack.
He said you're calling the DVLA?
He's not engaging with
his drink problem.
We haven't even got a treatment
plan in place for him yet.
Give him a chance!
Are you all right?
Pancreatitis, then AF. How
many chances does he need?
You want him driving
a four-tonne lorry
after his next big
night out? All right.
If he's gonna change, he
needs to take responsibility,
and he can't do that
if you take it for him.
He has got three
kids, for fuck's sake!
Who lets themself get
into that kind of a state?
He's as bad as your sister.
Maggie's fine, by the way.
I left her with Callum.
Callum? Yes.
Debbie's son.
My nephew.
HE SCOFFS
He was shouting in the
greenhouse at no-one,
and then he just puts
his fist through it.
Do you think he's
hearing voices?
Well, the tomatoes can
be totally unreasonable.
I'll refer him. You know,
he's been on a waiting list
for CAMHS since
before the pandemic.
He's put his father in hospital.
He's made three attempts
on his own life.
I mean, what does it take
to get him some help?
Have the family tried a
charity... He's in care, Maz.
Been through four foster
homes since I've known him.
You're right.
That wait time is unacceptable.
What I can do is treat his
hand and follow up with CAMHS.
How is that good enough?
It isn't. That's all I can do.
♪ What is more
beautiful Tonight... ♪
SHE BREATHES HEAVILY
♪ And bluer than the sky
♪ I had to climb... ♪
SHE VOMITS
COUGHING, RETCHING
♪ Higher and higher
♪ Until I fall,
until I fall... ♪
Have you always
known you were gay?
Erm...
Yeah.
Well, when did
you tell your mum?
I didn't, really.
Sh-She just kind of
always knew, and...
then I introduced
her to a boyfriend.
Do you think my mum knows?
I mean, I don't speak Ukrainian,
but yeah, I think she knows.
HE LAUGHS
LAUGHING TURNS TO COUGHING
Am I going to get better?
Er...
Right. Right. No, it's just...
I mean, I-I mean, I
don't know what to say.
Not if we can't... It's
been so bad since COVID.
And I'm used to chest
infections, but this is...
We are going to do everything
that we can for you.
♪ Until I fall,
until I fall... ♪
When I was pregnant, the only
thing that touched the sides
of my morning sickness
was ginger biscuits.
I still have some in my
locker, if you want them.
It's OK.
I'm not...
I'm not gonna continue
with it, so...
Why does that stop you
from having a Ginger Nut?
I mean, they're
probably out of date.
SHE LAUGHS
SHE EXHALES
♪ Are you alone now? ♪
Be kind to yourself.
♪ Are you... ♪
Thank you.
♪ Are you alone now? ♪
RECORDED VOICE: 'Floor two.'
Evening, Jack. Guy. Helen.
You look lovely. Oh, thanks.
Just off out with
Catherine, actually.
She told me she had a
date this evening. Yeah.
It's a double date.
Right. It's a friend of mine.
Really nice guy.
'Ground floor.
'Doors opening.'
Have a great night.
Thanks.
SHE SIGHS
BABY CRYING
'They said it
wasn't your fault.'
Got an infection,
your body can...
reject the pregnancy
to protect itself.
It could have been the pressure
on the uterus from the operation,
or the dip in adrenaline once
it was all over. Or, yes,
your infected gallbladder
might have been such a threat,
it made you deliver early
to focus on saving yourself.
How can my body...
H-How could I do this?
It's not your fault either.
Elis's birth was awful.
I haemorrhaged so badly I
was in a coma for two days.
Almost died giving birth to her.
Perhaps that was my
body's way of telling me
I'm not cut out to be a mother.
And now I love her so much,
I worry that might kill me.
Can't believe I thought I was
going back to work after six weeks.
What an idiot.
I'm never letting
her out of my sight.
Do you think Jack
Oliviera is handsome?
I think he's a twat. Doesn't
really answer my question.
Ah. Terrific.
Oh, I'll do it.
I thought you were
just getting a glass.
They'll want a glass of
wine. They might want white.
Then we'll get a
bottle of white.
Zoya?
Are you still volunteering
at the children's charity?
Yeah, we're swamped. Why?
Is there a process for
referrals for counselling?
I wouldn't usually, but can I
ask you for special treatment?
Of course.
Sorry. No, it's all right.
Crazy day. Hi.
Hi. Hi. Hiya.
Hello, I'm... Hello again.
Catherine.
It's Matt.
I knew that. Anaesthetist Matt.
What, you two already
know each other?
Well, just from around... I
saved Matt from killing someone
by intubating too early.
And Catherine, er..
I think offered to sleep with me
if I stayed to do an operation.
I think I offered the
father of my child
to pick up your dog,
actually. Well... that time.
Catherine, wine?
Hell, yes!
Ooh, thank you. Ah, erm,
I'll get another bottle.
Absolutely! Cheers to that!
Cheers! ALL LAUGH AND TOAST
And there's Archie,
smacking me on the
forehead at 6:00am, saying,
"Daddy, Daddy, I don't like
this kind of chocolate."
Oh, God!
I know. I know. I know!
Sorry, we can only talk
about children and work.
We've literally got
nothing else, have we?
So, Matt. Hm.
Caroline.
Are we doing this all night?
Well, I'm gonna run
out of Cs eventually,
then it'll be less funny.
Less funny? Let's see
if I notice that. Oh!
I hear you play tennis?
Oh. No, erm, I literally
have never played tennis.
Then why were we gonna play
tennis? I watch tennis.
Ah. Yes, I'm sorry.
I see how this misunderstanding
occurred. I watch football.
Oh, I have a season
ticket for City.
Catherine, I'm so sorry,
I've made a terrible mistake.
If you wanna make a break for
it now, we'll cover for you.
Catherine, we, erm,
get another bottle?
Yes, keep it coming.
Hi. Could we get another bottle
of the Rioja Reserva, please?
Thank you.
What do you think?
Dunno.
It's just talking to someone.
It's unlikely you'll have
tendon surgery after.
What are you thinking, Jayden?
Inside my head's a lot
scarier than broken glass.
You'd better let someone
help you with it, then.
And then, erm... Thank you.
Yeah, in the second wave,
I was redeployed back
on ICU again with Guy.
That was full on, wasn't it?
Intensive care. The
clue was in the title
when you trained for it.
Yeah. Surgery was dead.
I was just making
TikTok videos in A&E.
Then I was pregnant.
Is that why you kept it?
Guy! Fucksake. Sorry...
Sorry.
No, in case I got redeployed
to your team. Terrifying.
Mm. Yeah, it was,
er, pretty brutal.
Did you score poorly in
your wellness appraisal?
God, those bloody
forms, such bullshit.
Yeah, actually. Yeah.
I, er, took some time off.
Last man standing!
Holding the place up.
I'm just, you know, I'm just
not used to being the last...
Like, the last person
that people see,
for that number of
people. It's, erm...
I'd rather be on gallbladders.
I did one of those today and
accidentally delivered her baby.
What?! Thirty-one
weeks, five days.
Oh, my God. Was it
OK? It was alive
when I handed it to
the obstetrician.
Yeah, that's right, hand
it to the obstetrician.
Who didn't remember me.
What, from Elis? Yeah.
I was like, "Not every day your
colleague nearly dies, love."
Not if you're on TikTok
during the pandemic.
Does anyone want a dessert?
Catherine, more wine?
I'll get another bottle.
No, I don't think we
need another bottle.
I'll have a coffee.
Coffee sounds good.
How are you getting
home? Er, taxi. You?
She's always policing me. You
know, I so... run a department,
so I think I know,
you know, I know...
Do you wanna get that
coffee back at mine? Hello!
Sure. Get in!
This is outstanding
work, you two!
Sorry about him, he's
had one too many...
Don't apologise. Don't... Just
don't fucking apologise for me!
Hey, Captain, you're all right.
No-one's giving you a hard time.
Sorry.
Erm, right. Shall I get
the bill on the way out?
No, no, no, it's fine.
No, we'll get it.
It's the least we can do, honestly.
Are you sure? Yeah. Go, go.
Well, thank you so
much. It was amazing.
It was lovely. Call
you tomorrow. Do.
Yeah.
Wow.
I hope he's OK.
We've all had a drink. Yeah.
Yeah, so, we're not...
I mean, that was just
an exit strategy, right?
What a fucking day.
Are you OK?
You seem... Why
don't you have kids?
HE LAUGHS Don't ask people that.
Sorry.
I think my baby would be better
off with someone else. But I...
Fuck. Sorry.
And I didn't deliver
the placenta.
You know, how useless is that?
Let's get that coffee.
BOTH LAUGHING
♪ If I got it Baby,
your love brought it
♪ Yeah, yeah... ♪
DOOR SLAMS
Oh.
Er...
I forgot you were here.
Hello.
I'm Matt.
Will it... Will it
scar? Keep still.
Yeah, sorry.
I can't adopt her just
because I feel guilty.
Or I'm worried I'm
gonna break your heart.
I do feel guilty.
I feel horrible.
Are you saying you
don't wanna do it?
I'm saying I don't know.
After us, Sami,
Xavi and this place,
I don't know if there's enough
of me left for anyone else.
I don't know.
So, er, this is just a regular
Wednesday night for you?
You go out, you pick up some
guy, you bring him back home?
What night of the week
did we meet, again?
It's not an acceptable environment
for Elis. You are a mother now.
Elis would have been
totally oblivious.
Which is how I would like to
be very shortly, thank you.
Look, look, look. I'm...
I'm not a babysitter, OK?
I'm her father. And I get
a say in how she is raised,
and I am not happy with
this... this situation.
You're her father, not mine.
You know, I think
it would be best
if you and Brigitta stay
in a hotel the next time.
Next time,
Elis will be coming
with us, to Sweden.
Sorry about this.
♪ Tell me how to be like you
♪ Live my life as someone new
♪ Cos every day, the same pain
♪ Begins to feel OK
♪ But every night,
I close my eyes
♪ And it's there again
♪ When you're down on
the floor Cut to the bone
♪ Keep on breaking
when you're broke
♪ When time never heals It
just seems to make it worse
♪ Yeah, it's gotta
make you wonder
♪ How it's supposed
To make you stronger
♪ I know I gotta wait in line
♪ For good things
Only come with time
♪ But every day
♪ The same pain
begins to feel OK
♪ And every night,
I close my eyes
♪ And it's there again
♪ When you're down on
the floor Cut to the bone
♪ Keep on breaking
When you're broke. ♪