Episode 45. The Longest Day.

Disclaimer:  I do not own own All Saints, I only enjoy writing about them. The following text it taken straight from the episode, and if it offends ne1, I will willingly take it off. It belongs to c7 and red heart productions.

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Previously On All  Saints:

Nurses Station

Connor: Friend of Samantha�s

Lilly: Lilly Vale

Connor: As in the acupuncturist? I�ve actually got this lower back problem

Lilly: So you buzz my receptionist and if you wanna make an appointment.

Tea Room:

Von: So you want me to be fossil of the month?

Stan: Well the fact that your allegedly one of our best employees.

Ward:

Jaz: You didn�t tell us you�d been voted employee of the month.

*Von shrugged and looked shocked*

Room 1:

*Sophie in room with a gun, pointed at Ron. Calls of  �Sophie, Sophie� are yelled out as the gun blasts off, shooting peter in the head. (A/n se Truth and Consequences part 2).

Peter�s Room:

Peter: �I don�t know how much fight I�ve got in me Terri�

Terri: �I won�t let you think that.�

Utility Room:

Terri: *crying* I mean, what happens if I let peter down

Von: �ohhh� *hugs Terri whilst she cries.

*******************************************************************************

Close up shot of hospital.

Peters room:

Nurse Kendon: just let me adjust your pillows for you.

Peter: just leave me alone ok

Nurse Kendon: dr it�s my job. *Peter is resisting her*

Peter: I just wanna be by myself *goes quieter* �do you mind?

*Nurse leaves as Terri walks in*

Terri; hey

Peter: Hi, how long have you been here?

Terri: ah a couple of seconds, I just thought I�d pop in on my way to work

Peter: oh good, maybe you can explain something to me

Terri: whets that?

Peter: they brought my porridge, but they didn�t bring any juice, I mean they forgot the juice

Terri: your juice is on your bedside table Pete. Just over there.... that�s ok, its on your left hand side, your eyes can see it but your brain won�t acknowledge it.

Peter: yeah I know I know, I�ll get on top of it

Terri: you�ve got a lot of work ahead of you, you know that.

Peter: I�ll be outta here in no time, you�ll see

Terri: paresis can take months.

Peter: I won�t

Terri: ok, let me get this for you * Terri; leans over to get juice peter resists*

Peter: No, I don�t need your help. *Terri puts her hand up to her mouth*

Terri: Ill tell ya what, I�ll pop in l8er and see how you�re going.

Ward 17, the corridor

*Steph walks up to a tonsillitis patient Kate*

Steph: I�m sorry Kate, its gonna take longer than I thought, but you�ll get the first bed available.

Kate: *whispers* �I�m dry�

Steph: *nods* I�ll get some ice-cream sent up *walks over to Connor and Jared who have just arrived*

�come on goldfish, lets get going, now, Mrs Moore is going home today, so Jaz, organise a transfer pronto�

Jaz: uh huh

Von: *pointing to Kate* so is this one going in one?

steph: �oh. still figuring that out. Jared I want you back in 7, 8 and 4 again.

Jared: so mr Kennedy made it through the night?

steph; yeah, he�s still with us, the family know this, so it should be easier on them, unforutnely I  had2 put miss Lang in there

Jared; oh, I h8 mixed rooms

steph: well, so do I. ah Connor, haws your back?

connor: er, i�ll cope

von: well we can�t cope with your martyr act. God, send him to treatment b4 he drives us mad, will you

Connor: I�m going to see someone this morning alright

steph; well, just be as quick if you can, you can float in the meantime I�m sure we can all use a hand. right now, help me shift Kate out of the middle of this circus

Connor: I always get the good looking ones *quietly*

*Terri enters ward and looks up.*

Terri; hi

steph: hey, you  ok?

Terri; why

steph: we normally set our watches by you

Terri: well this is my rostered start, I think all saints ahs had enough of my time l8ly, don�t you. *walks past steph and into office

 *others look at each other worriedly*

Opening credits

********************************************************************************

Location:

*train goes past, ambulance siren*

ambo: so they say there were 2.

Bron: �yep�

John: ok, so what have we got

Bron; oh dear *sees care with accident victims Bron gets out*

PA: the ambo�s are here

HM: I�m not deaf *get stuff Bron goes over to them*

Bron: �good morning sir, my names Bron and I�m with the ambulance service.�

HM: �I�m alright� *Bron looks shocked*

Bron: �john....this won�t take long health minister� *looks at other ambo*

Ward 17:

*standing round a supply trolley.*

Connor: the only reason I�m going is to shut von up *turns and walks to reception desk*

Jared: yeah sure, if its a choice between an hr at work, or hanging  out  with a real babe, I know what I�d choose.

Connor: yeah, a real babe with sharp needles

Jared: needles *laughs* what planet are you from?

At Kats bedside (still in corridor)

Luke: can you swallow a lot. feel nauseated, tasting any blood?

Kate: *shakes her head and whispers * �no�

*steph walks up, picking up flower off the end of the bed* �wow, these are nice, I�ll put �em in some water for you?� *picks them up and starts to walk off*

Luke: ah steph, her obs haven�t been done.

steph; yeah, I�ll do �em in a second. *Connor walks past* �oh Connor, can you do Kates obs please�

Connor: I�ve got to make this bed.

steph: after

Connor; sorry

*steph walks to desk*

steph: um Jaz, any sign of that transport for room 1?

Jaz: yeah there sending the first available

steph: well I need it now

jaz:  *talks into the phone*yep, well I�ve gotta go, just send it up as fast as you can, thank you

*she picks up phone and makes another call. Camera cuts to kids running , around and into a room with Jared and Mary Laing *

Mary Laing: �how long do I have to be on this ward

Jared: not sure now, we�ll have you out as soon as we can

Mary Laing : has my son called yet *sounding miserable*

Jared: not yet, we�ll let you know as soon as he does, I promise. *turns round to patient out of bed* come on herb, lets get back into bed.

*Connor enters room avoiding kids who are still running round and making a lot of background noise*

Connor: Jared, can you give us a hand looking after a patient in room2?

*camera cuts to another room with Dr Samantha O�Hara and patient*

Samantha O�Hara: �that should slow it own a bit Greg,. how are ya feeling?

Greg: a bit better

Samantha O�Hara; believe it or not, the last barometry was good, meaning your improving� *turns to Jared who has just entered* exhausted and fed up but he�ll be alright once the wheezing slows up we can think about sending him home

Jared: fine, you got time for a cup of coffee later

*Samantha shrugs* �maybe, I don�t know� *laughs, leaves room*

*Jared goes to Mr Kennedy*

Jared: I�ll just do you fathers obs* talking to the daughter, Ruth*

*Terri enters room and sends kids out into sunroom* �there you are, just go sit in the sunroom there. she walks up to Ruth and her mum *

Terri: how are you this morning, can we get you nething,

*Mrs Kennedy sobs and Ruth starts to lead her away*

Terri: right, ah. Ruth, is there nething we can get your mother?

Ruth: there is one thing sister,  it would be so much easier if, if we could have some privacy,...my father is dying *Jared continues talking obs*

Terri; I know, look I�ll do my best, but I can�t promise nething, alright.

Ruth: thank you *walks back to her mum*

Back to ambos at accident scene

*Bron is with the health minister who is now in the back of the ambulance*

Bron: right, nice deep breath

*health minister strains and groans a little* yeah, um, what does it mean

Bron: possible broken ribs, sir, the policy of the ambulance service is to take the accident victim to the nearest public hospital

*health minister nods*

health minister: right, yep, I wouldn�t expect nething else

Bron: really?

health minister yeah, I don�t believe in private hospitals, never have.

Bron: good for you

Peter�s room.

*John Madsen walks past. Peter has a mirror out to see who�s there. John goes to keep on walking*

peter: morning john

john: peter *entering room* amazing, perfect perception on your left hand side so early in recovery

peter: I�m not as bad as you thought

john: good. *picks up chart*  we�re drawing up a plan of  physio and occupational therapy, you know what�s involved, it�ll take time, and it will be hard on you

peter: I can do that at home

john; you don�t even know your prognoses

peter, so tell me

john; there�s still a degree of cerebral endema and we can anticipate improvement when the swelling goes down. and the best results will be in the first six months.

peter: 6 months???

john, I don�t have to tell you that the perception and movement  on your left hand  side has suffered, possibly also your memory and your concentration

peter: no no no no that�s enough

john: Listen to me

peter; no no, you listen to me, I�ve got 2 kids at home that need me, I haven�t got 6 months,..

john; you won�t be in hospital the whole time

Peter. I haven�t got 6 weeks. you�d better come up with a plan that�s gonna work a lot faster than that.

*john starts to walk away* I�d get rid of that mirror if I were you, it won�t help your recovery *he leaves the room*

Ward 17. Nurses Station.

jaz; she reckons the health ministers in the building

steph; oh gr8, some PR tour with journo's crawling all over the place

jaz: no, he�s been in a car accident

steph; ahhh, I wonder who got the booby prize.

*Jared comes up to Terri who is at the white board*

Jared: Terri, what are  the chances of moving Mr Kennedy into room 1

terri; well Kates been in the foyer all night, um, she could go into the foyer, leave it with me.

*phone rings again and jaz answers it. Connor walks up to Jared* �mate, what about some help with that guy in room 2� Jared�s buzzer goes off and kids come running through the crash doors back onto the ward*

Jared: love to, but that�s me

Connor; well that leaves me with von *Jared walks off Connor turns round to call out* �VONNNN�

*Terri walks over to Kate who is still in the foyer*

Terri: I�m afraid that single room I got you, has just turned into a room with 3 others. can you cope with that

Kate; I guess I don�t have much choice

Terri: at least you�ll get a good nights sleep in a good bed

Kate; how bout, how bout letting me go home I have some hideous work deadlines I�ve got to meet

Terri; you just need 1 more day, try not to worry about it

Kate: I have just set up my own business, of corse I am worried I mean its not like I work for somebody else

Terri: you�ll go home as soon as you feel capable

*The health minister is brought into ward 17, along with Stan Ridgeway, Luke Forlano, Joan, Cara and various others*

Stan: Mr Stone has just Ben admitted for observation after an MVA Dr Forlano will fill you in .

Terri: Stan, we don�t have any beds

Stan: I wanted the minister to have the best, so where else would I bring him?

Terri: We had a patient in the foyer all night.*Joans mouth drops open*

Stan: Joan tells me you had a patient on country transfer this morning, room 1 I think?

Terri: we have another patient who�s very close to the end, they both deserve that room, I mean, how sick is the minister.

Stan: room 1

Luke: he needs monitoring,  Terri, we can�t do that here

Joan: we can�t have patients in the foyer at all

Terri: well where do you suggest I put them Joan, on the balcony?

Stan: thank you Joan., Terri if I could have a quick word

Luke: lets go *Health minister is wheeled into room 1 Stan takes the flowers from the front desk*

jaz: Hey...EXCUSE ME

* Mrs Duggan enters the ward with her cane*

Mrs Duggan:*to jaz* excuse me sister, I was told to come up here they�re finally going to fix my knee *jaz�s mouth opens*

Terri�s Office

Stan: Terri I�m begging your indulgence

Terri; if he was Joe public he wouldn�t  be getting this treatment

Stan: and  if you think I�m going to pass up an opportunity like his, then your being naive. how often do we get a captive health minister, you know how tight the budgets are, you deal with it every day . here�s our chance to do something about it

Terri: what makes you so sure he�ll listen

Stan: I�m not but getting his ear can�t do any harm can it? so special treatment for this one hey

Terri: Stan, we try to give all our patients special treatment

Stan: yes

Health Ministers room

Luke: its unlikely that any further complications will arise but we�d prefer to keep you in, just as a precaution. your gonna feel a little bit sore while that bruising there, so we�ll write you up something for that.

Ministers PA: we�re going to need a couple of extra phone lines here

Von: *sarcastically* want a satellite dish?

Ministers PA: what�s that

Von; oh you�ll need a form filled out in triplicate, usually takes about 3 weeks.

Luke; I�ll call  in again sometime this afternoon, if you need nething in the meantime, I�m sure our nursing staff will be happy to oblige. just use the buzzer there.

*Luke exits, jaz enters will flowers, nervously*

jaz: this just arrived for you, its from the premiers office

HM: oh, he�s probably just checking he�s been wanting me dead for yrs

*jaz takes the stolen flowers out and gives the PA a look b4 leaving*

{Camera cuts to Steph talking to the old lady about her knee, and then to nurses station where Luke and Von are talking}

Luke: no1 dr to the minister, just what I need

von: you�ll be whistling yourself up the state beaurocracy in no time

Luke; I just wanna get him out of here as fast as I can

von: you and me both

*Terri comes out of her office*

Terri: Oh Von, Stan and I have agreed that perhaps it would be best if you looked after the minister, personally since  you are employee of the month *Stan smiles*

von: you�ll be taking over my other patients will you, dr Ridgeway? 

Stan: I know you can carry the toughest workload, which is why we chose you.

*jaz is on the phone and hands it to Terri 

jaz: sister Sullivan, its mr Madsen *Terri takes the phone and Luke walks out after Stan to near the elevators*

Luke: dr Ridgeway, have you got a minute

Stan: ah, yeah sure, what is it

Luke: its about the incident report form theatre (A/N a scrub nurse had complained about Luke's attitude towards Sophie Williams on the operating table, suggesting that he didn�t do all he could to save her)

Stan: ah don�t worry about it

Luke: well I�m accused of causing Sophie Williams death, of corse I�m worried about it

Stan; u�ll have plenty of reports by the time you get to my age

Luke: yeah unless I�m done over this one

Stan: well you resussitated the patient right?

Luke: yes, but she still died

Stan: when you took up medicine did you think you�d only ever be saving lives?

*Luke looks down* no

Stan: look, we all loose patients and we all get blamed, usually we don�t deserve it, but sometimes we do, and they�re the ones you should worry about *lift comes* put it behind you dr.

*he gets into the lift and Luke walks back through doors*

Outside in the grounds

Terri; what makes you think I can help him

john; he�s very angry

Terri: of corse he is

john: and he�s not going to get out of here until he resolves some of that conflict

Terri: but is a fast recovery realistic?

john: I wouldn�t rule it out, but not in his present state of mind

*john looks over to the main doors and sees a Dr  talking to a young nurse*

John: Oh My God, when did they let him back in again *pauses* oh he�s a find dr mind, but a hooligan. hope he�s done some growing up in the last 10  years. *turns to Terri* you must have come across Mitch Stevens in your time.

*Terri smiles and looks up*

Terri: yes I have actually, yeah. listen, I was wondering if we could get peter into some counselling?

john: Terri, no offence but

Terri: so he won�t talk to a professional, but u think he�ll talk to me?

*john nods* your a friend.

*Terri runs her hand through her hair* �I think he doubts that right now, leave it with me

*john smiles and turns away* thanks

*Terri stares into space and then looks up at Mitch again.*

{ADD BREAK}

Peters Room

* Nurse Kendon is putting up the safety bar on peters bed, Peter is resisting*

peter: just put it down

Nurse Kendon: sorry I can�t do that

peter: I am not a child

Nurse Kendon; I know, you have hemi-paresis

*Terri enters nurse leaves*

peter: back so soon, couldn�t resist all the excitement?

Terri: john�s worried about your attitude

peter: well then john can tell me himself

Terri: oh, he tried but you wouldn�t listen

peter: so, what are you going to do about it Terri? You got some magic you can just snap me back to normal

*Terri looks up* no.

peter: then you can leave, cause I don�t need your pity

Terri: I was hoping, ah, we could figure out a therapy program that would work for you

peter: I didn�t realise that was your area

Terri: you know there�s a lot of people who care about you *pause* now  why won�t you let us help

peter: you have... you just can�t imagine how humiliating it is. You spend your whole life looking after patients, not being one, how would you handle it? and on top of that, in my own hospital

*Terri looks at him*

Terri: well we can move you

peter: that�s not the point, any hospital will be the same...do you have ne idea what we put people through? well maybe you should try it

Terri: I�m not the one who�s ill

peter: No, no your not, so you don�t know what the hell your talking about

Terri:  *raising her voice*well maybe I don�t know what I�m talking about, but I do know that you won�t get better, until you deal with your anger

peter: oh, spare me the sermon sister *Terri starts to walk out* I have to rest...and close the door *slam*

Back On Ward

*a baby is crying and steph walks over to find Connor holding his back at the nurses desk*

 steph: what�s happening now

Connor; well I had to lift a patient

steph: why didn�t you ask for help

Connor; well I did actually, I asked everyone, didn�t I Von

von: and I told you I was busy

*The Health Ministers Personal Assistant sticks his head out of the door8

PA: nurse, the ministers buzzing you

von: oh, I�ll be with you in a moment *forces a smile, the phone rings again. The old lady with the sore knee comes over to desk again*

lady: excuse me , I don�t want to trouble you, but I was wonder if you could tell me when my room will be ready

jaz: I�ll see what I can do Duggan

*buzzer is still going off. Terri comes out of her office*

Terri: why is nebody answering that buzzer

von; I�m on my way, just wanted to look after the life and death ones first

Terri: von

*Jared comes out*

Jared: ah Terri, I know your doing everything you can, but

Terri: but what

Jared; well its the Kennedy�s, its awful when  dying has to be this public

Terri: look, I�m onto that, alright

jaz: oh sister Mrs Duggan was wondering when her room might be ready

Terri: um, I�m not so sure about that jaz,  *she turns to Mrs Duggan* ahh, listen why don�t we put you in the sunroom, you�ll be more comfortable in there. ok

*Terri walks over to Kate, who is sitting up*

Terri: what is it Kate?

Kate; I need to go to the loo

Terri: oh right, hang  on, watch your fingers *she takes down the bar* there you go *she picks up her chart*

Kate: ahhh, I�m still a little showing here

Terri: ah ok, I�ll get you one, I�ll get you a sheet *goes to get one* hey steph, I mean who�s looking after Kate, you need to check to see if her obs have been done, she needs a sheet because she wants to go to the toilet . Its not good enough

*steph walks over to Kate*

steph: Kate, I�m sorry, listen, I�ll grab you a sheet and I�ll be with you in just a moment *she puts he bar back up and goes off again.*

*steph walks to utilities room where von is*

steph: is it just me, or is Terri being a tiny bit grrr

von: don�t take it personally

steph: I mean I�m doing my best, what am I meant to do, I

von; she knows where under pressure, but that�s not what this is about.

steph: Sophie?

von: and peter

steph: I guess I expected her to be a full time saint, its just a shock when she�s human

von; yeah, but you shouldn�t let her get away with it, I mean if your  gonna be the boss, you�ve gotta pay the price

*steph laughs and walks off, von goes back to it*

In a room

*kids are running around and playing tip using some guys bed as bar. Jared walks in*

guy: mate, you gotta do something about these kids, they�re driving me nuts

Jared; yeah sure *walks over to Ruth* ah Ruth, look I�m really sorry to have to do this but would you mind telling the kids to settle down a little bit...its just the other patients *Ruth sighs and goes to talk o them, b4 turning back around*

Ruth: there was talk about a single room at one point

Jared: ah yeah, well we had to give that to a trauma patient that just came in, um, I�m really sorry about this

*Samantha walks in*

Samantha O�Hara: hey, I got 10mins, what about you

Jared: well at this rate, my first coffee�s gonna be at around midnight

*Samantha nods and walks out Jared goes over to the guy*

Jared: ah, are you in ne pain?

guy: no, I�ve just gotta get some sleep....are they gonna be here all day?

Jared: probably, can I draw your curtains or something?

guy: 4get it

Near the nurses station....Kate�s Bed

*steph  & Jaz are setting up a make do room with curtains, Terri walks in*

Terri: steph, you can�t block he corridor, its a fire risk

steph: well you can move it hen, cause we�re not going to *steph looks at her and walks off, then jaz looks at her and walks off*

Terri; fair enough*walks away just as Joan comes in*

Joan: Terri, we can�t start building rooms in the foyer

Terri; well she�s been there all night Joan

Joan: its a fire risk

Terri; there�s no bed for her

Joan: then get one of the consultants down here and discharge someone

Terri:  I tried that

Joan: well she can�t stay there *walks off*

*Terri walks over to Connor who is still holding your back*

terri: hey I thought you were getting your back checked out

Connor: well I was, but we�re busy so

Terri: your not much help like that

von: he�s NO help like that

Connor; well if you think you can do without me

Terri: would you just go

Connor: yep *he leave*

von: our beloved leader would like a word with you..when your free

Terri: oh

*Tina comes in with he lunch trolley, Von walks over to it*

von: what�s this, avocado stuffed with seafood *Terri joins her*

Terri: Greek salad and kiwi fruit

von: where�s the macaroni and cheese like everybody else

*steph comes over and picks it up* �mrs Stevens?�

Terri: yep

Tina: hey, that�s for the minister

*steph takes the tray away, and von picks up one with macaroni and cheese and a juice*

von: he�s gonna love this, thank you Tina *smiles and takes it in*

*Tina looks angry and takes the tray away*

Ministers Room

*PA is on the phone*

PA: yeah, well were ready whenever you are. no no, he�s not going newhere, he�s got all these tubes and wires coming out of him

*Terri  & Von come in*

Terri: mr stone   you wanted to see me

HM:  oh yes, sister, I just wanted to say that your staff are bloody marvellous they do a wonderful job

Terri; well that�s very kind, they�re very dedicated, despite the conditions *Vons lips are pursed in a 1/2 smile as she gives him his  meal*

HM: as a matter of fact, I�m just about o get onto soy farm and give you a huge bouquet

*PA turns away from the phone*

PA: hang on a sec, what do ya call that?
*Von smiles* Lunch

PA: everything�s the same colour

HM: cut it out Don, I could eat a horse

*PA goes back to phone*

PA: yeah yeah John, he�s right here, hang on I�ll put him on

HM: john *Terri and von leave* yeah its good to walk to you mate*

*Terri and von rush into tearoom and turn on the radio*

Radio: ne special treatment?

HM: No, John,  no special treatment, just like everyone else, and its fantastic. the public health system�s in gr8 shape  *Terri laughs*

Radio: so you�ve changed your mind about the nurses

HM: The nurses?

Radio: the other day you were calling them under skilled and overpayed

HM: ahhh, said in the heat of the wage negotiations. No, once the girls come to their senses and realise how much more efficient they can be the we�ll  all be friends again

*von turns it off in the middle of the next sentence*

Von: history now

Terri: Oh Von,

Von: trust me, he won�t feel a thing.

Terri: Oh

Von: nothing he doesn�t deserve neway

HM�s room

*he�s still on the phone eating his M&C*

HM: well thanks for your time. cya *passes he phone back to Don*  you been onto that TV mob yet?

PA: we don�t know if your going to be out in time or not

HM: I�ll get out, you just make sure the cameras are there. *von enters* ne chance of a urine bottle nurse?

von: I�m afraid there�s a waiting list, would you like me to put your name down? *puts the lid on the m&c*

HM: if I have to wait too long, , its going to your problem as well as mine, now  isn�t it? Now, in the meantime, how bout some painkillers

von: I�m sorry all the sisters are busy at the moment

HM: how busy

von: hard to say, us girls, we�re so darn inefficient

*he laughs and takes the lid off the M&C and starts to eat again*

Utilities Room

Luke; Archer says Kate can go home

steph: but she isn�t due for discharge until tomorrow

Luke; yeah well its not ideal., but its out of our hands

steph: well, well, you�ll have to get it changed

Luke: steph, archers my boss, neway, early discharged is becoming standard protocol these days

steph: yes Luke, I know the trends, its all very well to say tonsillectomy�s are 2 day stays, but not every  patient fits the mould

Luke: no, Kates a good candidate for early discharge, she�s tolerating food, her obs are stable, she�s   post op

steph; she�s in pain, she hasn�t slept, she�s exhausted

Luke; there are other patients that need he bed more

steph: she never even got a proper bed

Luke: *rests his head against the door* oh steph, that�s not my fault

steph:  well we�re treating people like cattle

Luke: its not unreasonable to discharge her, we may not like it but its not dangerous

steph: are you gonna tell her or should I?

*Luke looks at her*

Luke: well it would be better coming from you, I�m due back....

steph: fine *walks out leaving Luke to rest his head against the door again*

Luke: thanks

peters room

Nurse Kendon : what is it dr?

peter: I told you to call me peter, I wanna go to the toilet

Nurse Kendon: do you want a bottle

peter: no, I wanna go to the toilet

Nurse Kendon: oh, you want to open your bowel�s, good good, I thought for a moment we were moving into enema territory.

peter: just get me the chair*nurse leaves,  next scene she�s pushing him in the chair to the bathroom. The phone is ringing*

Nurse Kendon: I�m terribly sorry dr, but I really have to get that phone, ok?

*she leaves him there and answers the phone, he rests his head against the wall, with his bum hanging out*

********************************************************************************

2ND ADD BREAK!

*******************************************************************************

*Luke walks through corridor and sees peter sitting there, walks up to him*

Luke; peter. how are ya going

peter: oh, could be better

Luke: yeah

peter: how r u

Luke; oh u know, this place gets more chaotic every day....can can I I take you newhere

peter: no, I�m fine

Luke: you sure?

*peter nods*

Luke: well, I�d better get going

peter: yeah

Luke: we�ll have a beer when you get out hey?

peter: yeah, yeah thanks

*Luke reluctantly turns to go then turns round again*

Luke: peter

peter: no, i�m fine, i�m fine *Luke nods and turns to leave slowly*

Acupuncture Clinic

*Connor is studying he diagram on the wall, looking pained*

Lilly: Mr Costello would u like to come this way

*in Lilly�s office, Connor is fiddling with the objects on her desk*

Lilly: and what about breakfast, what would your typical breakfast be?

Connor: well, ah, fruit, and muslei, and yougart

Lilly: and what sort of yougart?

Connor: huh

lilly; I mean, do you eat say acadoliphis culture, or do you go for the more commercial brands...with sugar in them

Connor: *Connor looks confuzzled (haha steph :P)* oh, definitely the acid one

lilly: and ur alcohol intake

Connor: what about it

lilly: daily intake?

Connor: no more than 3 beers

lilly: every day?

Connor: yep

lilly: ok

*makes a note*

lilly: right, if u take off ur top and trousers for me, and just lie down over there I�ll be back  in a moment *stands up*

Connor; what, you mean take everything off, down to my underpants?

lilly: yeah, I usually start with a massage, I can�t work on ur body through ur clothes now can I

Ward 17

*Terri comes out of her office again*

Terri: unm, what�s happening with Kate

steph: archer said she could go

Terri; but she�s only 24 hrs post op

steph: well I didn�t make the decision, and I�ve already had the lecture on modern medical practices from Luke

Terri; do u think she should b discharged

steph: I wouldn�t, but she is stable, and nothings gotta be better than being stuck in this chaos

*Terri walks over to Kate who is packing*

Terri ah Kate, I want to apologise to you for what�s happened after your operation, do you have ne1 to look after u at home

Kate: phill�s there, I�ll be fine, I mean frankly after this place, things can only get better...*Terri looks frazzled*look  i�m sorry, I know its not your fault *they start to walk off*

steph: Kate, take care of yourself, I�m really sorry

Kate: thanks, I don�t envy you�s

*she leaves*

Terri; steph, I wanna apologise to you to....I do realise how lucky I am to have you working with me

steph: *looks down* its ok

Terri: I do *puts her hand on stephs shoulder* its just not one of my better days

steph: its ok, thank you

Mr  Kennedy�s room

*Terri and jared are fixing up the sheets *

Terri there you go

*Jared runs a comb through his hair, and Terri dabs his face*

Jared: ok,  *open curtains, rello�s go back in*

Jared: um, if u need nething just let me know

*Ruth nods. you hear the kids again* Michael *she warns*

*Jared and Terri stand at door*

Terri: room 1

Jared: can u do it,

terrI:yeah I have to

Jared: dr Ridgeway will go berserk,

Terri: I�ll handle dr Ridgeway ,don�t you worry about it

*Terri leaves and Jared 1/2 smiles*

*Terri walks over to Von  and they enter the health ministers room*

HM�s Room

Terri: mr stone

HM: what can I do for you

Terri: I�m sure you understand that from time to time *von walks over to her* despite our best intentions, adjustments have to be made on the ward,

HM: get to the point sister

Terri; we have a patient that doesn�t have long to live, and his family need to be with him in privacy, unfortunelty  this is the only room where they can have this

HM: that�s no problem

Terri: are you sure

HM: yeah, I never asked for a private room

Terri: oh. well, that�s very kind of u, thank you, nurse Ryan will clear you a bed in room 4

*starts to walks to door*

HM: ah sister, I�d get that buzzer fixed if I were you, I�ve been pressing it for hours *von turns around and pulls a face at Terri*

Nurses Station

Mrs Duggan: I�m such a nuiscence, I feel terrible

jaz; no, ur not a nuiscence Mrs Duggan

Mrs Duggan : if only I could just get to the bed i�m supposed to

jaz: I will let you know as soon as I can

*health minister is wheeled out to go into room 4*

Mrs Duggan: is that my bed, my my room?

jaz: unfortunately its not Mrs Duggan, I�ll take you back to the sunroom shall I?

*camera cuts to the grieving relatives of mr Kennedy as he is wheeled out, Ruth looks at the HM*

Room 4

HM: how come there�s a woman in here

von: we decided not to put her in the garden.  *steph leaves*we have 36 beds in this ward, today we�ve had 38 patients and others banging on the door....welcome to All Saints minister

HM: what is that smell

von: oh oh, that�s herb, he tends to mistake the pot plant for the loo, we try and anticipate his timing, but don�t always get there *she smiles* I�ll be back l8er

*lilly is massaging Connor a chock looked appears on his face*

Lilly: ok Connor, when ur ready I just want you to turn over 4 me

Connor; turn over?

lilly: ummmmhum

Connor: I thought you were doing my back

lilly; yeah, but I need easier access to your neck and your shoulders

Connor: yeah, well I might just lie here still for a little while longer

lilly: are you in pain?

Connor: no no, I just don�t want to undo all the good work you�ve you�ve done

*lilly catches on*

lilly: oh, I see, don�t worry, it happens all the time. here�s a towel, just let me know when ur ready *she leaves and draws the curtain, smiling*

*******************************************************************************

ADD BREAK 3

********************************************************************************

 Ward 17 utilities room

Connor; gotta talk to yer

jared: what, did miss universe fix your back problems?

Connor; it was a nightmare

Jared: Connor, you can�t expect to be cured after one session of acupuncture

Connor; I can�t go back there

jared: what, did she hurt you?

Connor: Nooo

jared: could you feel the needles

Connor: well kind of but

jared; is ur back still sore

Connor; NO

jared: then what�s ur problem

Connor: well I was lying there, and I had a reaction

jared: yeah, what sort of reaction

Connor: warm hands, beautiful woman. massage. a reaction reaction

Jared: *laughs* well what did you do

Connor: well I stood up and acted like a towel rack, what did you think I did. I just lied there. it was terrible *jared was still laughing*

jared: ok ok, so this acupuncturist, she�s gorgeous, she fixed your back, and she made things happen for you?

Connor: yeah

jared: yeah mate if I were you, I wouldn�t go back either *jared leaves, Connor stays standing there with a dumb look on his face looking thoughtful*

drugs room

Steph: some day

*von grunts* nicotine levels dangerously low

*Terri walks in*

steph: what is there to smile about

Terri; well I got mr kennedy into room 1. at least I�ve achieved something today *smiles at von then steph*

von: don�t get too cocky, what about that 1 *points to mrs Duggan

Terri: well who�s her dr?

von: rung him

*jaz calls out from the phone*

jaz: sister, its ward 12 on the phone, dr Morrison *Terri sighs*

Room 4

HM: Hey, hey u, u get back to your own bed, go on *talking to Herb. he buzzes for a nurse jared comes in, buzzer is still going off*

Jared: come on herb, back to bed *takes him back and goes over to minister* everything ok

HM: yeah yeah hey listen, u give her a few of these flowers. she needs them more than I do (his bed is surrounded by them)

jared: sure *picks up a vase & takes it over. she looks up* its ok, u�ve just got some flowers thats all.

woman: from my son *smiles*

jared: no from that gentleman over there *he waves**she cries* I don't want them,

*jared takes them back, shrugs and leaves*

peters room

*peter is packing, Terri rushes in*

Terri: hey

peter; news travels fast

Terri: I heard your discharging ur self

peter: I have 2 children at home that need me, and u know something, I need them, not this god forsaken place that treats people like idiots

Terri: alright, well you show me how your going to get from the bedroom to the bathroom

peter: stop testing me

Terri; just do this 1 thing for me and I will leave u alone

*peter tries, and has to reach out for the chest of drawers which collapses, causing a huge noise. nurse rushes in*

nurse; what happened

Terri: its alright, its ok, its alright its alright, its ok, alright? *nurse leaves* u ok

peter: just leave me alone will u, leave me alone

*Terri stops helping him* Julie *she calls* thanks

*Julie comes in and Terri leaves, walking down the steps, and stopping b4 turning around and walking back up*

Terri: hey. I�ve decided that u don�t get rid of me that easily

peter: just let me wipe some egg off my face

Terri: oh, do u want a hand? *Terri smiles*

peter: there�s still some things I can do for myself

Terri: *takes a deep breath* dare  I ask y u�re back in bed

peter: I was sitting in the corridor unable to move, with my bum hanging out. people were walking by me, just pretending they didn�t even see, u know suddenly it occurred to me that i�m going to need a hand with this thing

Terri; it�ll b a long way back, u know that

peter; thanks for putting up with my nonsense *she takes his hand*

Terri: no thanks needed

Kate�s house

*ambos have arrived, Bron knocks on the door. Kate is lying on the lounge with lots of blood*

Kate: open

Bron: hi there, my names Bron i�m an ambulance officer, can u tell me  what�s happened here?

Kate: tonsils

Bron: u�ve had ur tonsils out have u

*Kate nods*

Bron: its ok, ur gonna b fine, your gonna be fine

john: I�m john, i�m going to put a needle into the back of your hand, so that we can get some fluid into you, ok?

*she sorta nods*

Bron: when did you have your tonsils out?

Kate: yesterday

Bron: yesterday

john: *whispers* that�s early

Bron: are you sure it was yesterday?

*Kate whispers* yes

Bron: ok, don�t try and speak, we�ll get you to all saints hospital, they�ll take good care of you there *Kate looks really  scared and shakes her head*

john: if you�ll make a fist for me

Ward 17. Room 4

*herb is walking around*

patient: go away please...I said go away *patient sighs and tries to get out of bed, but trips over iv stand*

HM: you right mate, u want me to call a nurse

*he gets up slowly clutching his ribs*

patient: i�m fine, just ignore me *gets back into bed*

nurses station

steph: *on phone* this poor woman has been in 3 times now, to have her knee done *jaz is standing there watching* she�s in perm ant pain, huh, is that so...are you gonna come down here and tell her? bye*puts phone down* Luke, they�re sending mrs Duggan home, is there nething you can do

Luke: they�re sending all electives home today

*steph puts her hand up 2 her neck*

steph: oh what am I gonna say

Luke: do you want me to talk to her?

steph: would you

Luke: you looked after Kate for me. where is she?

steph: the sunroom

*steph looks down, Bron comes onto ward*

Bron: hi there

steph: hhrm

Bron: what is going on in this ward

steph: good question

Bron: well we just brought in one of your patients tonsillectomy

steph: *gasp* Kate Mclaughlan

Luke: why

 Bron; haemorrhage. who ok�d the discharge?

Luke: look after those will u *dumps some stuff on the desk and rushes out*

bron: less than a day post op steph, what�s with it

steph: don�t start bron, I tried, alright

bron: she did manage to say the odd thing, like, don�t bring her newhere near this ward *bron gives them a weird look*

Room 4

*HM is buzzing for a nurse, guy is breathing heavily*

jared; how long has he been like this?

HM: oh, he got out of bed a while back and he just tripped over , he said he was alright though.

*jared goes over*

jared: u just need to calm down mate

patient: its my chest, my chest *steph comes in*

jared; he�s got shortness of breath and got a pain  near his right chest*

steph: ne bruising?

jared; doesn�t seem to be

steph: I�m just gonna have a listen to your chest here, its ok, that�s it, *see�s a HUGE red mark* oh what happened here

jared:  got out of bed and fell apparently *turns to HM* u saw it?

HM: yeah,  he just tripped on the edge of the bed there

steph: just lean forward for me, I want to help you, I�ll be as gentle as I possibly can

*he groans*

steph: that�s it that�s it that�s it

jared: breath slowly and deeply, ok

Steph: get me an iv trolley? *jared leaves to get it, Samantha comes in*

Samantha O�Hara: what�s going on

steph: tension numo thorax

Samantha O�Hara: just lean forward *to steph* I need a 16 gage canular and dressing pack for me  to do O2 stats.

*stephs getting it*

steph: its gonna be a little bit cold

Samantha O�Hara: ok, this will hurt, but u�ll feel a whole lot better afterwards, ok. I promise *he looks shocked. *Jared  turns patients  head away*

jared: just look away mate, just look away, you�ll be alright. come on mat u�ll be right *Samantha does it and he winces and groans in pain* ok, its gonna be fine, yep that�s it,m jst take slow breaths, u�ll be right

*******************************************************************************

ADD BREAK 4

********************************************************************************

Terri�s office

*HM is on the phone in Terri�s office as Terri walks in*

HM: that�s fine, yep, ty very much

Terri: ah mr stone, if you need something, i�m sure on of the staff will be able to help you

HM: ah sister, i�m sure you staff have got better things to do than just chase around after me all day, but, neway, u�ll be please to hear that I�ll be off your hands all together shortly

Terri: but you haven�t been discharged

HM: no, but I�ve just arranged a bed in a private hospital

Terri; are you unhappy with your treatment here?

HM: oh no no no, not at all, but it seems to me that there are other people that need that bed, so *he looks around* you know when they show me around these places, I only see the best

Terri: well I can tell you its not just the patients who suffer, its also the staff

HM: well to be honest with you sister, I don�t know how they o it

Terri: I wonder than myself sometimes. perhaps this could be kept in mind when the state resumes its wage negotiations

HM: yes, I could say yes right now of corse, but where would I get the money from? paediatrics? Home services? see I don�t have to tell sum1 like you that when sum1 in my position offers miracles, they�re lying, of corse, I do have a better idea now of what your up against, but ah, neway, your a very busy woman, so I�ll just, I�ll be on my way.

*he leaves, Terri goes to say something but doesn�t*

Near the Operating Theatre

*Kate is being wheeled out*

steph: how is she?

Luke: she�s gonna be alright

steph: thank god.. *she puts her hand on lukes back*.we blew it

Luke: you mean I blew it, don�t you

steph: she could have died

Luke: you think I don�t know that?

steph: well we�re supposed to protect our patients Luke,

Luke: her obs were good, there were no bed, we�ve been through this

*steph sighs* yeah yeah

Luke: there will always be of post discharge compilations

steph: yes, I know. but. it doesn�t make it ne easier

Luke: no, no it doesn�t

*he walks off, steph is still standing in the corridor*

Peters Room

*peter is in a wheel chair packing his bags, changed out of the gown. Terri walks in*

Terri: I take it you�ve decided to discharge yourself

peter: yep

Terri: is there nething that I can day to change ur mind

Peter: nope

Terri u�ll have to organise a private nurse

peter: its under control

Terri; physio

peter: 3 times a week.

Terri:  your bathroom will have to be modified

peter: taken care of, and a special bed. and a wheel chair. so y can�t u just be happy that i�m doing what I wanna do

Ward 17

*jared is drying his hands on some paper towel*

jared: I could sleep for a week

Samantha O�Hara; so much for the coffee we never had

jared: ah, I dunno, a shared emergency, it was almost as good

*samantha smiles*

jared: how bout a drunk after work

Samantha O�Hara: i�m on til midnight

jared: *sighs* its not easy having a relationship with a dr

Samantha O�Hara: *grins* is that what we�re having?

jared: ah, that�s what I�m having, I hope u r

*she smiles and leaves*

steph: i�m terribly sorry about this Mrs Duggan, theres just nothing we can do

Mrs Duggan: when should I come back?

steph:well, you�ll have to speak o your own dr about that....i�m so sorry

*she smiles a little and leaves*

*Terri walks past and up2 von*

Terri: sanity at last *smiling*

von; don�t get 2 comfortable *Stan enters the ward*

Stan: where�s he gone?

Terri: who?

Stan: he health minister, you let him get away

Terri; he discharged himself

Stan: y?

Terri: he knew we needed the bed

Stan: well Terri, that�s not good enough. U knew I needed some time with him b4 he left

Terri: I  think he got a fair idea of our problems....excuse me *she walks past him*

Stan: where are you going?

Terri: I�m going home

Stan: unlike u to clock of early

Terri: the systems got its problems, i�m not going to solve them by working overtime. I do have a life to lead...goodnight.

*she gets her jacket from her office and leaves, von is at the desk watching  and shakes her head*

END OF EP

********************************************************************************

NEXT WEEK ON ALL SAINTS

********************************************************************************

Voiceover:

�she�s a dedicated nurse� 

�and a devoted bride of Christ�

�with a deep dark secret�

*Terri�s office*

Mitch: I think I preferred you the way you were

Terri: In bed, wrapped around me!

*near the files*

�who is he?�

*shows him making steph laugh*

Samantha: he�s a bit of a bad boy *to jared in tearoom*

bron: he�s hot *to Luke in some corridor*

von: leopards don�t change their spots *reception*

*Terri is scratching her head* *on ward*

�and what does he want from her?�

*Terri opens a file with a rose and a note in there...�dinner�*

Mitch: you smell nice

*in office*

Terri: I don�t like having you here

Mitch: will you smile at me just once

�now that he�s back�

von: its like you�ve never left *on balcony, having a smoke*

�is Terri�s secret out?�

Mitch: you forget sister, I knew you, b4 you were a virgin *near water cooler. Terri rolls her eyes*

********************************************************************************

THE END

********************************************************************************

Samantha O�Hara: Justine Clarke

Joan Marden: Kim Hillas

Stan Ridgeway: James Roden

Lilly Vale: Katrina Hobbs

Kate McLauchlan: Amanda Ronald

John Ahearn: Michael Angus 

Barry Stoneham: Leo Taylor

Don Cunningham: Drew David (PA)

Faye Duggan: Germaine Clancy

Nurse Kendon: Leanda Fraser (peters Nurse)

Greg Morris: Benjamin McNair

Herb Dixon: Derek Strahan

Mr Kennedy: Richard Lambeth

Mrs Kennedy: Judy Knight

Ruth Kennedy: Jenny Wilson

Mary Laing: Pauline Bailey