Original subtitles

Ian is out of my life for good. I reported him for sexual assault.

GABRIELLE: How well do you know him?

Well enough to know he's a great guy.

MAN: (OVER TWO-WAY RADIO) MVA, Harris Street.

Nearest cross road, Turner Avenue.

Car versus pedestrian,

two casualties, the driver trapped, condition of pedestrian unknown.

Police there? One car in attendance.

Here. See how you go in traffic. What's the catch?

You carry on about it, I'll take them back.

You'd have to kill him first.

(SIREN BLARES)

Driver says he swerved trying to avoid her.

Witnesses confirm that.

But his breath reeks of booze.

He's conscious? Just.

She's worse.

Thanks, mate.

Can you hear me? Can you tell me your name?

It's Sharon Mitchell. She lives in the street.

Neighbours say they saw her walking towards her car.

The other car clipped her from behind.

Sharon, I'm gonna shine this torch in your eyes, alright?

That's good, Sharon. Now, just gonna feel your tummy.

(GROANS)

Jo. Yep?

Need a spine board and a hard collar.

The rest can wait. Alright. Scoop and go?

One pupil's blown. Need to get her into the ED real quick.

What about your guy? He's tachycardic.

BP's low, incoherent.

It's a toss up between a head injury and alcohol.

He's pretty tanked.

It was an accident - I didn't mean to...

It's alright. We're here to help you.

(GASPS) Is she OK? Yeah. She's in good hands.

I just need you to stay calm for me, alright?

Damien Collins, pulled from the surf after being dumped by a wave.

I'm never gonna surf again.

I'm gonna be a vegie - just say it now!

He's alert and orientated. GCS, 15.

You're talking, mate, and vegies don't.

Well, I can't move anything. And I've got this thing on my neck.

That's to keep you still until we know what's going on,

so try and relax, hey?

BP? 95/55, sir.

So, you think I'm capable of inserting a cannula?

You've gotta do the skills test to get accreditation, so live with it.

And the rest of your staff -

they're up to date with their skills tests?

Of course they are. I run a tight ship.

I make no apology for keeping people on their toes, including you.

So stop whingeing, and go and help Rossi.

CLAIRE: Motor and sensory loss in all limbs

and he's complaining of severe neck pain.

MAN: The only thing I feel and it hurts like crazy.

So, skills tests.

Everyone's up to date and signed off, aren't they?

Er, more or less, I think.

Well, that's not bloody good enough.

The rules say they have to be done regularly,

and that's what I expect to happen

without me standing over you constantly.

Is there a reason for this? Efficiency needs no reason.

When you get back from Radiology,

we'll have a better idea of what's going on.

Or you can put me out of my misery right now.

Why don't we save that discussion until after we've heard the results?

We'll do everything we can, OK?

And can you do full bloods? Thank you, Claire.

CLAIRE: Hey, come on. The news might be good.

Never has been so far.

Well, you've got to think positive.

I am. But the only thing that keeps me cheery is my surfing.

Cheery. Right.

If I can't do that anymore, I'll be totally depressed all the time.

Things can't be that bad, surely.

I'm out of work, the lease is up on my flat,

my girlfriend's left me.

Is there anyone we can call for you?

Nah.

Well, you have us. And we're not going anywhere, alright?

I wouldn't be in this neck thing if you didn't think I was paralysed.

Your toes have some movement. You're not paralysed.

No! No! Stay still.

Probably just some sort of leftover reflex action.

For goodness' sake!

Barrel of laughs, isn't she?

She's just concentrating on getting you better.

Well, maybe she should take up surfing. It really works for me!

I can see that.

Claire, telephone call for you. It's important.

You got stomach pains, Sophie? Yeah. They started this morning.

I thought they'd go away but they didn't.

Dr West, can I have a word for a moment?

I'll be with you in a minute.

Just wanted to make sure you've been told about having done... (COUGHS)

Done what?

(COUGHS) You alright?

Are your skills tests up to date? I haven't done any for a while.

But... (COUGHS LOUDLY)

(COUGHS) Well, bloody well make sure you are.

Fast. Well, can't be absolutely sure.

You, of all people.

Yes. I'll be there. Thanks very much.

They've set a date for Ian's court case,

which means I'll be going through it all over again in front of everyone.

If you want him to go to jail, that's the only way.

Yeah. I know.

Is she OK?

Sharon - she has to be alright. You know her, mate?

It's my boss.

She's on her way to hospital now.

They'll take good care of her.

She called, said, "That's it."

No reason. Just let me go.

BP's dropping.

Give him a 500ml fluid bolus. That might bring it up a bit.

I had to know why.

Don't worry, mate. We're gonna concentrate on helping you.

OK?

Sophie's not on any medications or supplements.

Don't need any. I've always been healthy until the appendicitis.

Is that your diagnosis?

Am I right? I dunno. Could be.

Full bloods? Yeah. Including beta HCG.

What's that?

To see if you're pregnant. Impossible.

Well, you never know. Trust me. I do.

I've never left anything to chance.

I've always been the boss of me.

It's a standard test. That's all.

If it is appendicitis, I don't really mind.

I've gotta go to the States in a few weeks,

and I'd rather it happened now than on a plane.

What are you going to America for?

Postgrad study.

I got an industry fellowship. I'm an engineer.

Hmm. Wow. You must be smart.

I just use what I've got. You've obviously got a lot of it.

It just takes planning, that's all.

You want something, you set a goal, you work towards that,

and then you set another one and so on till you get there.

(LAUGHS) My friends say that I'm the original anal retentive.

(LAUGHS) Well, I wouldn't say that.

Dr West here is pretty obsessive about checking every last detail.

Looks like I got the right doctor, then.

Yeah. (CHUCKLES) (BOTH LAUGH)

GCS, 9.

We grabbed her and ran. I cannulated in the ambulance.

Looks like a skull fracture.

Bleeding from ears and nose, Right pupil fixed and dilated.

She needs to be intubated ASAP.

Possible spinal injuries, multiple fractures...

Only had time for a minimal assessment.

(JABBERS)

Midazolam? 5mg straightaway.

Right, Leave her on the trolley. I'll intubate her here.

Get onto Radiology. Tell them we need an urgent trauma series and head CT.

Yeah, well, first things first, eh?

Come on, honey.

Midazolam going in.

Hey. Got Sophie's blood results back.

She's not pregnant - like she said. Mmm.

Can't believe it. I forgot to get tested on the ultrasound.

(LAUGHS) So you're human. Join the club.

Here.

OK. Is it appendicitis?

There's no elevated white blood cell count,

but it could be an atypical presentation.

I'm not gonna rule it out.

So, am I sorted?

Well, we are getting there. Good 'cause I got a lot of th...

Oh! I'm gonna be sick. Look.

Hang on. Here. Here you go.

(GROANS) Er, sorry. False alarm.

Can you just take my appendix out, please?

Nausea is a sign of appendicitis,

but it's also a sign of many other things as well.

You'll have to bear with us for a...

I'm really gonna be sick now. Come... come on.

(RETCHES)

(VOMITS)

How busy are you? Very. Why?

Your mother's outside. She wants to see you.

She's here?

What's it about?

No idea.

Well, is it urgent? I don't know.

Here's a thought. Why don't you go and find out.

I'm not sure I really want to.

If you don't see her now, she's gonna keep trying.

That much I do know.

Can you look out for Damien? He should be back from Radiology.

Of course.

I don't suppose you want to come with me?

Yeah. I figured that.

Debra.

(GASPS) Is, er, something wrong?

No, no! Course not. Um... but I need some advice.

And who better to ask than my son?

Advice about what? Well, um...

I can't stay in the assisted accommodation forever,

so I've been looking for a flat.

Good. That's good, yeah?

Yeah, but I...

I don't know how big a flat to get.

Well, I dunno. That's kinda... it's really up to you.

Yeah, because if it was just me, then one bedroom would be fine but...

..if it was for the two of us...?

What?

I know that this is, like, completely out of the blue a-and...

..you'll want time to think about sharing with me.

Yeah. I do.

I just think, um...

..it'd be a really great way to get to know each other again,

and we're getting on well now and...

I mean, the other night we were...

..weren't we?

Yeah. Look, this really isn't the time to have this conversation.

Oh, God! Yeah.

(SPLUTTERS) You're right. I've just sprung this on you.

We can... we can talk about it whenever it suits you.

I'd better get back to work.

Sure. You're really busy. Sorry.

It's alright. You...

I'll put in an arterial line. Did you get onto Radiology?

Yep. They're ready for us.

We're not ready for them yet. Not till she's stable.

Gabrielle, when you get a minute, set up a phenytoin infusion.

I don't want her having another seizure.

Claire, could use a hand in here. Can you put in a second cannula?

It's not looking good for her, is it?

I'm afraid not.

Gonna be OK without me? Are you going back to the MVA?

Yeah. They haven't got the driver out yet.

And he's been drinking, which doesn't help.

This poor woman's the one who suffers for it.

Next of kin? I'll see what I can find out.

But she's wearing a wedding ring,

so I guess there's a husband somewhere.

How you going, Carson? Hurts.

I know, mate. Just hang in there, OK?

(SHOUTS) Where's my wife? Sharon!

Sharon! She's been taken to hospital, mate.

She's in good hands. They're taking good care of her.

(SHOUTS) What did you do, you bastard?

Steady on, mate. (SHOUTS) He ran over my wife!

OK. Move away, please. This is not helping.

Jus move away! Let me go!

Stay away from the driver or I'll be forced to arrest you.

It's OK, Carson. They've got him.

Please, calm down.

The neighbour called me. He told me what happened.

(BREATHES RAPIDLY) Deep breaths. Deep breaths.

(GASPS) Deep breaths.

(PANTS) I'll kill him. I'll kill him.

How is he? He's persistently tachycardic.

I've given him a fluid bolus.

That's your patient's husband. He's desperate for some news about her.

You right here? Yeah.

(BREATHLESSLY) I'm fine. I have to go see her.

I'll say when you're fine and right now you're not.

You been married long? (CONTINUES PANTING) Five years.

Hi. I'm Mike. You're Sharon's husband?

Yeah. This is Adrian. How is she? Is she alright?

She's being looked after but she has sustained some critical injuries.

God, no! I have to go see her.

Once we get your breathing under control.

Could you keep an eye on him, please?

And do not let him drive until I've checked him again. OK?

Think his wife's gonna make it?

Touch and go. Where the hell's Rescue?

Another busy day for them. Just our luck.

Guys, we really need to get him out of here.

I don't feel so good. (MONITOR BEEPS)

Rescue are on their way. Just hang in there, OK?

It won't be long.

There. That should feel a bit better.

I'll try not to muck this one up.

You can't help being sick.

Always try to be prepared, no matter what.

(CHUCKLES)

It sounds like you've got your whole life mapped out.

Pretty much. I hate feeling out of control.

Doesn't that make everything predictable?

Don't you find that boring? It's reassuring. I hate surprises.

(MONITOR BEEPS) Really? I love them.

I just go with the flow.

You know, some of the best things that happened to me

have come totally out of the blue.

Huh.

You're a bit breathless. Is that just today or all the time?

(LAUGHS AWKWARDLY) Uh, couch potato. Guilty.

I've been so busy working and sorting the trip,

I haven't had enough time to do exercise.

So it's not just today.

A few weeks, maybe more.

OK. How about I get Dr West to give your lungs a quick check.

Sure.

Have you seen Bart?

No.

Why the hell can't I find my patient's X-rays?

Maybe they're not back yet.

You send your patient to Radiology, your patient comes back.

The X-rays should come back with them.

It's not rocket science.

Are you OK?

Sorry. It's nothing.

Uh, what do you need Bart for?

Oh, I just wanted him to check on a patient.

Well, can I help? No, no. It's OK. Thanks.

Uh, hey, can I ask you a question?

Sure.

Is there anything wrong with liking surprises?

What do you mean?

My patient Sophie,

she's so completely in control of everything it's scary.

Well, there's nothing wrong with wanting to be in control.

Even when it means you know what's coming ALL the time?

Well, it beats being sideswiped by something you weren't expecting.

Yeah...

..but if you spend your whole life thinking you've got it all sorted,

what happens when you do get sideswiped?

I mean, it's bound to happen sooner or later, right?

Yeah.

If that's what's happening to her, then she's got no coping mechanisms.

That can't be good.

No. I guess not.

You can see how the bones are out of alignment.

You've got the X-ray. Great.

Great!

There's nothing great about it! I've broken my bloody neck.

Unstable C3 fracture. Impinging on the spinal cord.

If there's the slightest movement,

the bone fragments could shift and pierce the cord, causing paralysis.

What happens if I talk?

Talking's fine, mate. I'm not about to let anything happen to you.

That collar's keeping everything in place.

But... the chance of me walking again...

(HOPEFULLY) 50%?

40%?

(NERVOUSLY) 20%?

It's simply too early to tell. But I have to surf!

I don't want to use antidepressants! I don't like them!

What?

I know I can be a bit...'glass half-empty'.

People suggested drugs

but nothing works as well as sitting on a board out the back -

just me, the waves and the sky.

Trust me - I'd be a shocker if I hadn't gone out this morning.

Enough! You're alive so you're luckier than some.

And we will do all we can.

Doctor, could I have a word?

Interesting bedside manner.

He needs to have tongs procedure to relieve pressure on his spine.

I'll get onto orthopaedics.

Is there anything else I can do for you?

No. I think I can manage from here.

How's she going?

Well, her medical skills are impressive

but I wish I could say the same for her social ones.

I didn't ask you for a personality assessment.

Good, because it wouldn't be glowing.

And you've always been easy to work with, have you?

Just give her a chance.

Whatever you say, boss.

Multiple skull fractures, fractured radius...

Do you want me to put a back slab on her?

And clean those abrasions.

That's about all we can do at this stage except wait.

The damage those idiots do.

I hope they lock him up and throw away the key.

Well, he's paying for it.

He's injured too, apparently.

Pissed... in the morning AND behind the wheel.

He deserves to pay big-time.

Can you get a bag of mannitol just in case?

We'll need some midazolam too.

You OK?

No. I'm sick of drunks who ruin people's lives.

Can't argue with that.

God knows we get enough of it in here.

But we also need to focus on the job that we're doing.

I am.

So this has nothing to do with Ian?

You will have your day in court and then that will be it.

Finished.

And I tell you what -

I am never getting involved with a man with problems again.

That is a mistake I've made for the last time.

MAN: Alright. Bring it down.

Yep. OK. Door's off.

You're doing really well, Carson. We're almost there.

Beautiful good stuff, guys. Hang in for me.

That's the way.

Hey. Hey. You should be taking it easy, mate.

Come on. Someone else can get your wife's things.

It's OK.

She didn't get my messages.

I rang after I left work

but she didn't answer so I rang again and texted.

She loves me calling all the time.

If you love someone, you can't say it enough. Right?

(PANTS) I have to go. I have to be there with...

He's still in no condition to drive.

I have to go to the hospital to get some statements

so he can come with me.

OK. We can move him now.

OK. Let's lift him. On three.

One, two, three.

(MONITOR BEEPS RAPIDLY) BP's dropping. He's hypovolaemic.

Let's push those fluids.

Come on, Carson. Help us out here. (MURMURS) It's my fault.

It's stupid. I couldn't believe what she said.

Can't have been that bad.

I had to know why...

What exactly did she say?

He's losing consciousness.

Carson, come on! Tell me what your boss said.

Carson, stay awake. Come on. Don't give up on us now.

Deep breath.

And exhale.

Good.

How long after taking my appendix out till I can exercise properly?

Well, they get you up and walking after a day.

They need the beds. Right? No.

It's better for your recovery

to get you moving as soon as possible after surgery.

Have you put on any weight lately?

Notice any body changes at all - small or large?

Uh, maybe a kilo or two. That's probably why I'm breathless.

It's hard work dragging that extra kilo around.

Yeah.

I'd like to organise an ultrasound if that's alright with you.

Why?

It helps rule out things like appendicitis and ovarian cysts.

Tick all boxes. Right.

Want me to get it? Yeah. That would be great.

Just relax. Won't be too long.

What are you thinking? I'm not sure.

But not appendicitis. No.

Massive blood loss from lower limbs. Abdomen's distended and rigid.

Briefly lost consciousness but responded quickly when lying flat.

Intoxicated so head injury's difficult to assess.

CARSON: Is that her? Is that Sharon? Is she alright?

Shh. We're taking good care of her.

Does he know her? She's his boss.

I could smell him from the corridor.

Well, I could.

I could use a hand in here.

Strict 15-minute obs.

This is her husband.

It's me, Sharon. It's me, sweetheart.

It'll be OK.

I'm here.

I'm here.

The guy has an unstable C3 fracture.

How long do you expect him to wait?

OK. Well, as soon as he can.

Problem?

There isn't a single orthopaedic surgeon available right now.

You did explain the patient's condition to them clearly.

Of course I did. But the tongs procedure can't wait.

You realise that? I am aware of that.

We are risking permanent spinal cord damage

from the pressure on his spine and if he makes the slightest move...

I'm not making the guy lie there for the fun of it.

Did they say when a suitable orthopaedic surgeon might be free?

Suitable isn't the issue. Right now I'd settle for anyone.

Anyone?

Really?

She's gonna drill holes in my head while I'm awake?

We'll give you a local anaesthetic. It won't hurt.

It's much safer than knocking you out.

But drilling into my head doesn't sound safe to me.

They're like barbecue tongs, only rounded.

That's going into my head?!

No way!

I promise you won't feel a thing.

I'm going to attach the screws here and here

and a counterweight here.

Doctor, what are you talking about?

I'm explaining the tongs procedure to the patient.

Can I have a word, please? Now.

You are not qualified to do a tongs procedure and you damn well know it.

I am. Not in this country, you're not.

No? Then where is the person who is qualified?

Because if that procedure isn't done soon,

the patient may never have motor function again.

We have orthopaedic surgeons here. Not available.

Dr Rossi has tried.

It's an unstable C3, so if the patient so much as sneezes

or the pressure on his spine gets worse,

he could end up a quadriplegic.

You've done it before? Many times.

I could do it with my eyes shut. I'd rather you didn't.

Are you saying I can do it?

Sorry to interrupt. Do you have time to supervise me on an ultrasound?

What for?! You know how to do tha...

Oh, right. Yeah. OK.

Get set up but don't start until I'm finished with Dr West.

Of course not.

Rules are rules.

Just one big infected appendix. Right?

No. No. Nothing's showing up.

Do you concur with that, Dr Campion?

Yes. Yes. Yes. Obviously.

What I'd like to do now

is organise a CT which is a more accurate type of scan.

If you think that's called for. Very good idea.

Look, you seem to have things under control so I'll just...

If you'll excuse me.

Sorry about all these tests. I want bloods for ESR, LFTs.

I'm gonna organise this scan.

He thinks it's something more serious, doesn't he?

He's just being thorough.

A doctor wouldn't order that much stuff for a simple problem.

A tricky diagnosis doesn't automatically mean the worst. OK?

When I talk to her, does she hear me?

I'm sure she does.

I hope you can hear me.

If I didn't have you...

You're the only woman I've ever loved.

No change.

Mr Mitchell, I'm Charlotte Beaumont. I'm taking care of Sharon for you.

I need her to get well.

I know. We're doing everything we can.

We've got her sedated at the moment to minimise the shock to her body

so she's not in any pain, I promise.

But she'll be alright? Look, I won't lie to you.

Her injuries are life-threatening.

At this stage we can only take it an hour at a time.

(MONITOR BEEPS RAPIDLY) She's arresting.

Adrenaline. What's happening? What's wrong?

You need to take this and wait outside.

Defib. Yep. I'll start chest compressions.

I don't want to leave her.

You can come back in as soon as we have this sorted.

Please.

Congratulations on passing the first half of your driving test.

You didn't tell me it was a test. Course it was.

What do you mean "first half"? What's the second?

Hmm. With privilege comes responsibility.

Could you, uh, take this for me? Thanks.

Adrian.

How's your wife?

I don't know. She's in there. Something happened.

They haven't told me anything.

OK. I'll see what I can find out.

Thank you.

Still hasn't returned to sinus rhythm.

Steve, quick - can you bag and push through the fluids?

Go again? Yeah.

Charging to 360.

How's the driver?

In much better shape than this one.

Clear.

Sophie's CT scans. Any idea what she's got yet?

Maybe these should help.

What are you thinking?

I don't want to say until I know for certain.

Come on. This is me you're talking to.

There's nothing to prove here. I like getting things right.

You know that.

Yeah. Except when it comes to staying up to date with the skills test.

Bart the slacker. Who would have thought it?

I never should have let that happen.

Well, you've had other things on your mind lately.

Yeah. You!

You're distracting. You're... changing me.

Good. Let's face it - some things needed to.

I used to like who I was.

So did I... with a few alterations.

No. This new version is way better.

Hmm.

Oh, no.

Is it what you thought?

Yeah.

And it's serious?

It's serious.

I can't believe I agreed to do this.

When will it be over? Almost there.

You're doing really well.

I guess there's a first for everything.

Will we still need operate?

It depends on how the bones realign.

If there's ongoing weakness,

the surgeon may want to do anterior and posterior fixation.

I don't want any fixation. This is bad enough.

Just try and relax.

Imagine yourself on your board waiting for another wave.

Torture a bloke a bit more, why don't you?

Oh, come on. There's a fair chance you'll be back surfing.

And a fair chance I won't.

Life isn't fair.

But if we're given hardship, we can either go under

or we can let it take us in a new direction.

And you, Damien, are not going under.

Is that clear?

Now, we increase the pressure until 2.5kg of torque is applied,

like this - two fingers only.

Alternately tightening one side and then the other.

Yes, Dr Campion, as I'm doing.

Why 2.5kg?

It's just a starting point.

We'll need an X-ray

to determine reduction of the cervical facet dislocation.

Depending on what that shows,

we'll increase the weight until we get normal spinal alignment

and that bony compression is reduced.

How long will that take?

Mmm, depends on how your body responds.

But you're not going under.

I'll do my best.

Where did you learn all this stuff?

From watching, same as you. Now, concentrate.

Well, he's gonna need surgery for the liver laceration

but C-spine is clear so we can lose the hard collar.

That's good news, Carson.

You're gonna feel much more comfortable now this is gone.

No, I won't.

Not after what I've done.

(MOBILE PHONE RINGS)

Still hasn't returned to sinus rhythm.

Go again? Yeah.

Clear. (PHONE CONTINUES RINGING)

Do you want me to get that for you?

Why are you sending messages to my wife? Who are you?

I'm sorry. You shouldn't be in here. She's my boss.

Why are you saying you love her? Would you leave, please?

You some sort of stalker? You've been following her.

That's why you were there today. Weren't you?

We've been seeing each other for months.

What? She said she was gonna leave you.

Come on. Out. No...

Drive her mad calling all the time. You stay the hell away from her!

She hates it! You smother her, never leave her alone!

Because I love her. You're going now.

And she loves me! She loves me!

BART: I'm sorry, Sophie, but the CT scan is definite.

Cancer. Right.

Well, there's plenty of treatments so there's ways to fix this.

It's a slow-growing tumour starting in the appendix,

so the only initial option is surgery.

OK, so the appendix was going to have to go anyway.

You'll see a specialist,

who will most likely recommend a course of chemotherapy.

OK.

How long?

Usually four to six weeks.

So after it's done, I can still do my fellowship?

PMP is a very aggressive cancer.

You're going to have to be closely monitored,

so you're going to have to be prepared to make a lot of changes.

(SOBS)

It's not how I planned things!

I know it's not.

What am I going to do?

What you always do.

Hey, listen.

You can still plan what happens from here.

Right? First you take step A.

When that's done, you take step B.

And then C.

That's right.

It's worked before. It has to work.

First you see the oncologist

and then you both decide what your treatment options are...

Then I have the treatment. That's right.

And the oncologist will assess what's working best.

So I might still be able to go to the States?

The plan might have changed

but you can still be in charge of it.

Ah, Homer. Quick.

Sign that. It's an ultrasound skills test.

Right. Really sorry for letting it lapse.

Slack is what it is. I hope it's not a sign of things to come.

There's no excuse. I know that.

I've been a bit... preoccupied.

I don't want to know the details. Just not on my time, alright?

How's she doing?

She wants some time alone before we transfer her up to the ward.

You were really great with her.

Yeah? Yeah.

Breaking it down into steps,

making her think like it was part of a plan...

It's exactly what I was gonna do.

Thanks.

Oh, my God! I'm turning into you! You've changed me!

Good. Let's face it, some things needed to.

Excuse me, Dr Campion. I'm about to put a cast on a radial fracture.

It's a skill that needs to be signed off.

Get Charlotte to do it. I wanna talk to you about something else.

You're not happy with the way I did the tongs procedure?

Oh, get off your high horse and sit down.

I'm fine here. Cut the attitude!

Do you always speak to your staff this way?

Yes, I bloody do. So sit down, shut up, and listen to me.

Now, look, about today -

there isn't an orthopod in this hospital

who could've done that procedure any better than you.

You don't need supervising. We both know that.

Yes, we do.

You're a very capable doctor.

But the rules are the rules and that's the way it is,

even though in your case

it's an idiotic and patronising waste of time and resources.

Anyway, what I wanted to say is that I'll do everything I possibly can

to make sure that you are a fully-fledged specialist

as soon as humanly possible.

Thank you.

Is that all?

Christ! How much more do you want?

Oh, um...

..did Dr West pass his skills test?

Get out.

STEVE: Adrian...

She's dead, isn't she?

We did everything we could. I'm so sorry.

I gave her this last birthday.

We went to dinner...

..had a great time.

How could I have not known?

Just try not to be too hard on yourself.

I should've known that she was unhappy.

Going on holidays, it was all fine.

Why did she never say anything?

It could be a million reasons why.

Last week, she said...

..I loved her too much.

I said...

I said I didn't think that would ever be possible.

Is that it?

I drove her away because I loved her too much.

I'm so sorry, mate. I wish I had some answers for you.

I thought we really had something, me and Sharon.

She whinged all the time about her husband -

how clingy he was, how trapped she felt...

..and that she couldn't wait to leave him.

I'm waiting in the bar for her after work

and she...

..she rings to say forget it.

It's over.

So you just kept drinking?

All night?

This morning it seemed like the best idea in the world to go and see her.

We've really gotta get him prepped for theatre.

Shouldn't be much longer.

I was racing. I had to get to her before she left.

And I lost control on the corner.

Do you understand you'll be facing charges?

Yeah.

We really have to get him up to theatre now.

Right. I'll leave you to it.

It was an accident. You've gotta believe me.

We do. We do believe you.

Drew the short straw, did you?

With privilege comes responsibility, or so I'm told.

Huh?

You drive it, you wash it, apparently.

(CHUCKLES WRYLY)

I take it you're not here to help me buff the upholstery?

Do you know, I don't know how to say what I need to say.

It's... Actually, it's none of my business.

Gabrielle, whatever it is, you've started already, so...

Yeah, OK.

Does Claire know about your history with alcohol?

Does she?

No.

It's just...

..I was thinking about us, actually,

and I was thinking about what lies did to our relationship.

Gabby, that was a bit different. You know, I was drinking then.

Lies are lies, Steve.

You know, you're right. I'll tell her.

OK.

When?

When the timing's right.

Just after everything that's happened with Ian,

I think you should find that time sooner rather than later.

Since when did you become my relationship counsellor?

Look, I'm only saying all this because you matter to me,

because Claire matters to me.

I don't think she'd be very happy being kept in the dark.

Is that it?

Hey! You busy?

No, just organising a patient transfer. Why?

Frank's on the warpath over the skills assessment,

so if you're not up to date...

Yeah, mine are done.

Really? Yeah.

Von was feral at me

about getting everything right before I started here.

Great. So I'm the only one who's not up to date?

Mate, if I was living your life over the last couple of months,

the last thing I'd be thinking about is skills tests.

Well, not the medical type, anyway.

Oh, you gotta be joking.

I spent the whole day stressing about ultrasound assessments.

Here you are working on a tongs procedure.

Yep.

Man, that sucks.

Any time you wanna swap lives, mate, you just say the word.

Debra. Thanks for seeing me.

What are you doing back here?

Well, um...

I had some things to think about, so I went for a walk

and I did some shopping and some more thinking and...

Is everything alright?

Not really, no.

See, it's just that...

I know you've provided a home for Adam.

And I'm very grateful for that and everything else that you've done.

But he's my son

and if he's gonna live anywhere, I want it to be with me.

As long as he's happy with that.

He isn't, yet. I kind of sprung it on him.

Oh...

If you want me to help... I can't.

That has to be Adam's decision.

As long as he's under your roof, I can't get close to him!

I have never stood in the way of you two getting to know each other.

Not deliberately, no.

But no matter what he does,

he's always gonna be thinking about how it affects you.

Like it or not, Adam and I are friends.

Oh, no!

You are much more than that.

Which is why I need you to step back and let me be his mother again.

Because no matter how much you try, that is one thing you will never be.

That should be enough for the specialist.

More than.

Come on, confess.

You didn't learn tongs

from dissecting tadpoles at medical school.

I've had overseas training but...

..that's not recognised here.

And that's why the internship? Mm-hm.

Well, I don't know how you do it, having to start all over again.

Oh, medicine's important to me.

And it's worth working for what you think's important, don't you think?

What I said before about your bedside manner...

There's always something we can do to be better doctors.

Debra's asked you to move in with her?

How do you know about that? She told me.

It's doing my head in, Von.

She wants 'happy families' straightaway. I'm not ready.

As long as I haven't influenced you against her.

Of course not!

You sure about that?

Why would you even...

Is that what she said to you?

You're her son.

She's missed out on a lot.

She's probably scared that she still might.

Well, that's her fault.

The only thing you've ever done is support and encourage me.

Any decisions I make about my mother come from me.

Alright?

CLAIRE: And when the hearing's over, I'm gonna walk out of that court

and get on with my life once and for all.

Maybe we should try and get away that weekend.

Great.

Don't get too excited by the idea.

I'm thinking about something else.

More important than going away with me?

Claire, you want to sit down? We need to talk.

About what?

Something I've been meaning to tell you.

Why are you sounding so serious? I'm not.

Well, Steve, what is it?

It was a long time ago.

I used to have a problem with alcohol.

That's why I don't drink now.

Why didn't you tell me before?

It's not an issue anymore.

For you. Or you.

I haven't had a drink for almost two years.

I go to AA. It's not a problem.

Why that? You could've told me anything, just not that.

I know what you're thinking, but I'm not Ian.

I'm nothing like him. I never will be.

I don't know if I can deal with this again.

There's nothing to deal with.

I'm fine now, Claire. It's not a problem.

I need to think about this.

Oh, Claire, please... No, I do.

I really need to think about this.

Then we'll talk later, yeah?