Let me.
Thank you.
This hand.
What if your plan doesn't work?
It will.
But what if it doesn't?
Listen.
By the end of today, all this will be behind us.
Trust me.
Hello, can I help?
Well, this is never going to work.
Do you have an appointment?
I'm sorry there should be somebody here...
Yes, it shouldn't be left empty.
But I've heard you've got someone starting today.
Yes! Yes, I think so. Oh, you definitely do.
Very experienced. Really?
From St Phil's. You're lucky to have her.
Right, well you seem to know more than I do.
If you'd like to take a seat...
Hey! Kirsty!
Hi, Ruhma. So good to see you.
I see you have met Dr Emma Reid.
Yes. Sorry, I'm the new receptionist.
Ah! Very experienced, I hear.
Oh, she's legend.
We go way back.
Patients and consultants alike. They cower before you...
I wouldn't say "cower". A lot of people bring me cups of tea.
Well, it's very nice to meet you, welcome to the team.
Thanks, Dr Reid. I'll see you later.
Have you been behaving yourself?
I think Mr Sylvester is expecting me.
Hmm. I'll take you through.
Oh! It's so good to have you here. I know.
Ha! Right, come on. This way.
KNOCK ON DOOR
Come in.
Hey! Did you order a new receptionist?
Kirsty! Hi!
Nice to see you again, Mr Sylvester.
Please, Bear.
So, you two know each other from St Phil's?
Oh, yeah, definitely. I mean, I could tell you some stories...
Oh, yeah? All good, I hope?
Definitely. Mm.
There was this one time where you cut the umbilical cord for me
when a baby popped out in reception.
And we've battled lots of the same consultants.
Yeah.
So, I'll leave you to it. Catch you for coffee?
Absolutely! Thanks, Ruhma.
Pleasure.
Take care.
I can't tell you know how glad we are to have you here.
Well, you could try!
Sorry?
Oh, very good.
Someone of your experience...
I know you'll be an invaluable member of the team.
That's the plan. Let's get started.
Absolutely.
Let's talk about a new reception desk for starters.
Now, I'm going to make two small incisions in the wrist
to ease the pressure that's been causing you so much pain.
The anaesthetic should be working by now.
So, how does this feel?
Strange.
But not painful?
Good.
Ego te absolve.
Ergo exi, transgressor.
Exi, seductor,
plene omni dolo et fallacia,
virtutis...
I'm sorry, but that is a little bit distracting...
Sorry.
I didn't realise.
That's OK.
Right, where was I?
Frances, just a couple of minutes and it'll all be done. Right?
Exi ergo, transgressor.
Exi, seductor plene omni dolo...
Yeah, I can still hear you.
Sorry, I was trying to be quiet.
OK. I am not continuing until I know what's going on here.
Um, these are systems you're probably used to at St Phil's,
but don't be afraid to ask questions.
A lot of these caught me off guard when I started.
Like the St Phil's cardiology referral pathway.
Sorry?
You said cardiology referrals get sent to the usual E referral
portal, but in fact it should go via advice and guidance.
Oh.
Yeah, of course. Don't worry. Rookie error.
I'm not a rookie.
Um...
..I was looking at your CV again,
and I saw that you're VPAS trained.
Yes.
Is that something you'd be interested in...?
Definitely. I'm looking for new challenges.
Things I couldn't do stuck behind a desk at St Phil's.
Good.
I could also probably offer training,
if any more of your staff need a systems refresher?
I will bear that in mind.
I'm sorry, it doesn't matter.
You won't hear another word from me.
I'd better not.
Or I will have to ask you to leave.
HE MOUTHS
OK, Mr Crimp. I need you to step outside.
Please let him stay.
What is he saying?
Ken is performing an exorcism.
What?
Ken is performing an exorcism.
No, sorry, I heard you. Why?
You tell him, Ken. It was your idea.
Frances has been possessed by the devil.
A demon.
That's why she has pain in her left hand, you see?
Because left is a sign of evil. That's where evil goes.
Carpal tunnel is a medical condition.
Caused by the devil.
That's why it has to be done at the same time.
I perform the ritual, and you make the cut and the demon is released.
And all of Frances' suffering will be over.
SMOKE ALARM BEEPS
Oh, my days! No.
Oh!
Oh, no!
Ohhh!
Flaming Aida!
Oh, no!
OK, Mr Crimp. I'm going to be blunt.
I am very concerned about this situation
and how things have got to this point.
I understand. No, I don't think you do.
Frances needs help. Medical help.
Please, I know how it looks.
I know how I must have sounded.
But I only said that because that's what Frances believes.
Go on...
Frances worked for Adult Care Services
doing financial assessments.
18 months ago, a client died.
She tried her best for him,
and she was devastated when it happened, but...
There was an enquiry.
One of the relatives told Francis that she was evil
for the way she'd let him down.
Right.
Frances really took it to heart, and she ended up on sick leave.
This idea that she was evil,
she became obsessed by it.
And she thinks it's in her hand?
She didn't even want to have this procedure until I persuaded her
we could use it to get rid of the "demon" as well.
I really don't think humouring her is the best idea.
What else am I supposed to do?
Frances needs referring to mental health services.
Urgently, because this has gone on for way too long now.
And, as for her hand, I have other patients to see.
I'm not sure I can do the procedure today.
No. You have to.
I'm sorry.
One more try?
I don't know how much more I can take.
Rob said you were baking and that you might need a hand,
but I can see now that he was way off.
Well, thanks very much for popping by...
I'm just kidding.
What did they used to be? Sugar-free biscuits.
It looks like you've given them a Viking funeral.
I'll give you a Viking funeral! Steady.
Ooh, I tell you what.
Why don't I show you how to make these bad boys, if you like?
The secret ingredient is courgette.
Sounds...delicious. It is.
How are you anyway? Yeah, good.
Yeah?
Well, obviously there's been a...
The coronary event. Yes, that.
But I'm still here.
And sometimes you need something to shake things up a bit, don't you?
It's a bit extreme, but I get what you mean.
Dr Reid? I want a word.
Oh, hello, Sophie. Have you got an appointment?
No.
This is about last week when you told me
I should talk to all my sexual partners.
Right, I really don't think you want to have that conversation here.
I'll do it where I like!
I told my ex about my chlamydia,
and that he should talk to anyone he's been with too, like you said.
OK... But I didn't know he'd slept with my sister!
And now she's mad at me
because she reckons it's my fault that she's got it from him.
Except it's not my fault, it's yours.
Mine? What about your ex?
You're the idiot who gave me the stupid advice!
Look, Sophie, I know you're having a difficult time... Difficult?!
The advice I gave you what exactly the same any doctor...
It was stupid! And what I want to know is,
what are we supposed to do for my mum's birthday next week?!
Excuse me? But that is not an acceptable way to talk to our staff.
I'm just saying... No.
We do not stand for threatening or abusive behaviour.
Abusive?
Apologise, or you'll find yourself looking for a new GP practice.
I'm sorry, Dr Reid.
It's OK, Sophie.
It's been a stressful week. Yes, I imagine it has.
Thank you.
Now, as you don't have an appointment, I'd like you to leave.
Sophie, if you'd like to make an appointment
for you and your sister to discuss the situation, please do.
Thank you, Kirsty, but I was handling the situation.
OK.
But it was getting pretty heated, so I thought it best to shut it down.
Did you?
How are you anyway?
How's Jack and Immie, I guess they've been back?
Yes. Yes. It was nice to have them back if it weren't for, you know...
Yes.
And, er, they're very busy.
Jack's always got a plan.
Immie's always got a project.
That's exciting. Yeah.
Are you OK? Yes. Absolutely.
I'm right as rain.
Why is rain always right? Never understood that.
I will give you a prescription for a painkiller
for after the anaesthetic wears off.
You didn't say anything.
I didn't need to.
I finished the ritual earlier.
Really?
It worked perfectly.
We just had to let Dr Vere do his part.
And now you're as good as new.
Do you feel better?
I don't know.
Of course you do.
Let's get you home.
Are we free to leave now, Doctor?
Actually I would like a quick word with you.
Oh, there's no need. Actually, there is.
Frances, why don't I meet you outside?
Thank you, Dr Vere.
She needs help.
We've had the procedure. She'll be fine.
I haven't even given you the prescription.
Just send it to the usual chemist.
I'll pick it up. Thanks, Doctor. No...
Well, I do like a courgette.
Rob makes really lovely courgette fritters,
but I think they've got cheese in, so I bet they're a no-no...
Are you sure you're OK?
Why wouldn't I be?
Well...
Look, I just, erm...
I don't want to talk about it, because...
..I just...
I get all emotional, and nobody really wants to know
what...the truth is.
And, nobody really wants to know that...
..I feel like a stranger in my own body,
and I am terrified that it's going to happen again.
Of course we do.
Well, tough!
I don't want to talk about it.
I want to talk about you... You must have some gossip?
I don't know...
Well, make something up.
Al's become vegan.
Er, Zara and Daniel have started a Sonny and Cher tribute act.
Meanwhile in the real world,
Bear has signed us up to volunteer at a digital literacy course.
So, maybe you could help with that?
I would sooner eat a courgette muffin.
But good for you.
I'm quite looking forward to it actually.
I'm glad to be back.
I'm glad you're back.
Just in the nick of time.
Just call me...Supernurse.
I keep thinking about
what would have happened if you hadn't been there.
Um... Well, I know...
Hey. Hey.
What would I do without you?
You'll never find out.
How are you feeling?
Not much different.
My wrist feels strange.
That's the anaesthetic.
You look different.
Do I?
Absolutely. You look...
..lighter.
Like something has lifted.
You can see that?
I absolutely can.
Thank you.
What for? For looking after me.
All the things I've put you through...
It's what I signed up for.
For better, for worse.
I feel tired.
That's the anaesthetic again.
Or the exorcism.
It's literally taken a lot out of you.
And now it's over.
Is it?
Yes, I promise.
Get some rest.
I'll be in the garden.
I'm fine. Obviously, it's an emotional time.
I bet.
I keep thinking about,
what if you hadn't come in?
Somebody else would have found you.
No. There was no-one in till morning.
It would have been the cleaners who had to clear me up.
You're here.
You don't need to worry about what didn't happen.
Yeah, but I can't help it.
I just... I keep thinking, what happens next?
Will I be here this time next year?
Of course! You're going to be here for donkeys, you.
As long as you keep eating those muffins.
The...strange thing is, is that I feel incredibly lucky.
Is that weird?
Because...you were there.
And for that, I will be eternally grateful.
Thank you.
I'm glad I could help.
Frances!
It didn't work.
Of course it did.
Put the knife down.
No, it's still in me. I can feel it.
I can feel it in my blood. It's laughing.
I need to cut it out. No, no, no.
Those cuts were too small.
How is it going to leave through a hole like that?
That's not how it works.
It didn't have a hole when it went in.
Maybe it got in another way, I don't know, but it needs to go, Ken.
"If thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off,
"and cast them from thee.
"It is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed,
"rather than having two hands or two feet
"to be cast into everlasting fire.
"It is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed".
So, as well as general practice I also run the MSU,
and I do shifts on rapid response as well.
Impressive.
Do you manage to get any sleep in between all of that? Not really.
HE LAUGHS, PHONE RINGS
The Mill Health Centre, reception?
What can I do for you, Mr Crimp?
Something's wrong.
Mr Crimp, everything OK?
Frances says her hand doesn't feel right.
She has a knife.
Put her on.
SHE RECITES QUIETLY
Hello?
Frances, hi. How are you feeling?
My hand is numb.
I think the demon is taking over.
No, no, no. Frances. That's the anaesthetic, OK?
Everything is perfectly normal.
No! We were too late. I think I need to take the whole thing off.
Sorry? My hand.
It needs to come off!
No, no, no, Frances!
Ask Ken to bring you back here right away.
Sorry, I need to go.
I've got to be quick before it spreads.
No, no! Frances...
Can you try and call her back for me, please?
Straight to answerphone, great.
Shall I call the police? Yes, and an ambulance, and tell them to hurry.
Thank you!
How's it looking?
Well, it looks like that stuff that you feed birds in winter.
Fat balls.
I beg your pardon?!
You know, when they mix grain and fat and they roll it into balls,
and they feed it to birds,
and the thought of it is making me feel sick!
Mm, it does look a bit thick.
I think there might be something missing.
That's not been cooked!
You're not supposed to cook it.
It's raw. That's why it's good for you.
Urgh!
Mm. I think... I think it might be missing lemon.
Mm! All right, Nigella.
Mmm!
AS NIGELLA: "I love the way that it sticks to the roof of my mouth.
"And the way that it's both soft and hard
"at the same time."
"It's an old family recipe."
"Mm! It doesn't get any gloopier than that!"
"I like to make it for my friends
"who have recently had heart attacks
"for when they come over to my very expensive house."
"And here's some that Karen made earlier."
Oi!
SHE SCREAMS
No!
Please, Frances.
Dr Vere can help. We'll go in the car.
We tried that. It didn't work. It will.
We just have to be patient.
It's been months!
I want this to stop, Ken, and this is the only way.
No... This is what people do. They amputate to save a life.
In hospitals.
They don't do it themselves. I can't wait.
I can't.
I could do it for you.
What?
If this is what you've decided.
I can't make you do that. Yes, you can.
If it's what you want.
You know I'd do anything for you, don't you? Yes.
So you trust me?
So give me the knife.
You'll really do it?
Absolutely.
If this the only way.
Just give me the knife.
I'm sorry, Ken.
It's OK.
It's all OK.
Just hand it over...
What's wrong?
I just had an awful thought.
What?
I can't say.
Er... Of course you can.
You can tell me anything.
What if it's got into you too? The demon.
It hasn't.
I would know.
But if it had, that's what it would tell you to say!
DOORBELL RINGS
Frances... Who's that?
DR VERE: Mr Crimp! Let me in!
It's Dr Vere.
He can help.
I have to do this.
Don't!
Don't! This is my fault.
I said that operating might help, but I was wrong.
I've just realised.
This isn't how we do it.
DOORBELL RINGS
Yes, come in, it's open!
Frances, what if you're right?
What if the demon has got into me?
What if it wants you to do this?
I think I have to do it anyway.
Frances!
Please, put down the knife.
Why are you here?
To see if you're all right.
Ken told me what happened at your job.
You told him?
Yes, and we are very worried about you.
What happened must have been really, really hard
but it wasn't your fault.
It was.
Look, I think everyone who works in care services goes through
this at some point. I've even lost people myself.
But you help.
We just cared about money.
No, I don't think that's true. Plus, you're not a medical professional.
I think, at the very worst, you made a mistake.
OK? But that doesn't mean that you're evil.
Even the inquest found it wasn't your fault.
I should have... I should have seen it.
I should have been able to do something.
No, no. Look, it wasn't your fault.
I should have seen it.
POLICE RADIO CHATTER
I should have seen it.
It's going to be OK, Frances.
All right?
It's going to be fine.
I should have seen it.
Kirsty, come and join us.
Thanks. I've just got to get my lunch from the car.
How was your morning? Eventful.
A man with a guitar tried to serenade me.
Ah, yes! Well, we arrange that for all our new staff.
That would be Mr Paulson, our local busker.
I stopped him before the chorus.
And I had to break up a scuffle with Dr Reid.
Really?
A patient didn't like my diagnosis, but I was handling the situation.
She was.
But you have to keep your cool,
and you really shouldn't let things escalate in public.
I had the situation completely under control.
I'm sure you're right.
I'll be back in a minute.
Patronising.
I did have it under control!
Of course you did.
Absolutely.
Are you all right?
Yes.
Yes. Thank you for coming.
I think I would have been able to manage things,
but she caught me a little off guard.
Ken, is that really what you think?
Because you're not managing any more.
Frances could have really hurt herself today.
I wouldn't let that happen.
Yeah, but she could have hurt you.
This has gone too far now, I'm sorry.
Frances is going to have to be admitted to hospital.
No. You can't take her.
She...
She just needs a few days,
just till the pain eases.
I'm sorry, Ken.
You don't know her like I do.
No-one does.
I know you've been humouring her with the Latin and whatever,
but I'm not sure it's been helping.
It's possibly made some things worse.
No, I don't accept that.
I've done everything I could for Frances.
Yes, you have.
But Frances is sick.
You need to let the professionals look after her.
It's the best thing for her, and for you.
But...
Can I visit her?
Yes. Yes, of course.
And you should go with her now.
Hi, what's up?
It's Ollie. We've had a bit of a row.
Right. Well, that makes a change.
What does that mean? Nothing.
Just that usually it's me that has to be bad cop.
Is he all right?
Can you come home?
No! It's lunchtime, on my first day.
He's really upset.
Can't you handle it till I get home?
He says he's changed his mind about joining up.
What?! He's going in two days.
He says he doesn't want to.
What did you say?
I'm letting him calm down now. I thought you could talk to him.
I'm at work! Tell him he signed a contract.
I don't think he can drop out until he's done six weeks of training.
What time are you back?
I'm off to the pub!
DOOR SLAMS
What was that?
It's Ollie, he says he's going to the pub.
All right. I'll be back right after six.
But that's way too late! That's the earliest I can be there.
Just deal with it until then, OK?
Can we just talk?
You should be ashamed showing your face round here.
Kirsty, any chance of an extra shift this evening?
I can't tonight, sorry. I've got crisis talks with my son.
I'll do it.
THEY LAUGH
Al, we are not all too high and mighty to muck in!
He's a murderer!
He's my son!