St. Aidan's royal free hospital

SERIES 6

06.01 ABSENT FRIENDS - 25th March 2007

Dr. Jeff Goodwin is a long way from home having swapped the comfort of THE ROYAL for a Biafran field in Africa. The conditions of the hospital are a far cry from those he’s used to, as Dr. Goodwin works closely with Dr. Therese Duval to save lives. With no antibiotics and a lack of medical supplies, their job seems impossible at times, causing Dr. Goodwin to become increasingly angry and upset about the devastation around him.

Despite all the tragedy and massacre, Dr. Goodwin and Dr. Duval have grown close and a possible romance blossoms. However, as they are about to kiss, suddenly warning shouts are heard from the field hospital.

They rush back to help Alele, a seriously injured woman and her young daughter Nkeshi. Despite all his best work, the lack of essential supplies and morphine means Dr. Goodwin is unable to save Alele. Before she died, Alele makes Jeff promise to look after Nkeshi and keep her safe. Due to return home to England, how will he keep his promise?

Back in Elinsby, Dr. Ormerod arrives to chaos in the hospital as Dr. Makori is rushed off her feet. With Dr Jill Weatherill on maternity leave and Dr. Goodwin still in Africa, everyone is anxious for the new locum to arrive Dr. Makori’s first patient of the day, Mr Heaton, has a large lump on his shoulder which gives Dr. Makori cause for concern.

Dr. Makori arranges for Mr. Heaton to see the surgeon, Mr. Rose, the following day. After consultation, Mr. Rose decides to operate, but will the lump be malignant as Dr. Makori expects, or is it something else?

Hey Joe - Jim Hendrix

I'll Be Back - The Beatles

Jollity Farm - The Bonzo Dog Do Dah Band

Paint It Black - The Rolling Stones

Soldier Boy - Free

The End - The Doors

06.02 HOME & DRY - 1st April 2007

An exhausted Dr Goodwin returns from Africa, with the Biafran orphan, Nkeshi, in tow. His colleagues at The Royal are relieved to see him back safe but are shocked when they discover that he has smuggled Nkeshi back illegally.

Carnegie is showing off the new private wing of the hospital and everyone is impressed except Dr. Ormerod and Matron who disagree with the privileged getting priority treatment. Mr. Carnegie has arranged an opening ceremony for the new wing the following day with the Mayor of Elsinby. It’s Dr. Weatherill’s first day back at work and her first patient is alcoholic Jimmy Beattie.

Despite her best efforts to try and detoxify him, it proves an impossible task and as he leaves the hospital he heads straight for the pub. When she later finds Jimmy inebriated at the bar, Dr. Weatherill is at a loss about how she can help him when he’s not willing to look after himself for the sake of his family.

Frankie and Alun are very excited that the gorgeous popstar, Dorcas, is in town with her Dreamboats for a sell-out concert - and they have tickets! However, life is not all that glamorous for Dorcas, who purposely throws herself off the stage in a bid to get her tour cancelled and escape her bullying manager, Rick, who also happens to be her fiancé.

The next day, Dorcas’ presence at the hospital causes a paparazzi furore. Journalist Brownlee tells Ken that he’ll pay a substantial amount of money for a picture of the star in her bed. As the staff at The Royal tend to Dorcas’ injury, it becomes clear that she’s deeply unhappy with Rick, who only seems concerned about how soon she’ll be back on her feet so that she can start earning him money again.

Dorcas confides in Stella about her misery and together they create a plan to get Rick out of her life. They use the unsuspecting but obliging Frankie to create a scandalous scene for the paparazzi journalist Brownlee. However, chaos ensues when Carnegie finds out and begins to panic about how the hospital will be portrayed when the pictures are released.

As Rick announces his split from Dorcas to the press, Ken and Alun hatch a plan to destroy Brownlee’s pictures. Meanwhile, Dorcas saves the day for Carnegie when she steps in for the Mayor who, at the last minute, wasn’t able to attend the opening ceremony.

That evening, Matron discusses adoption and children’s homes with Jeff. He’s not keen, but eventually he takes Nkeshi to the orphanage and is in turmoil about leaving her. As he drives away and sees a heartbroken Nkeshi waving in the window, he realises that he can’t abandon her in a foreign country and leave her to face life in an institution. It’s an emotional moment as he runs back inside and tells a delighted Nkeshi that he’s taking her home with him. How will Goodwin cope with caring for a child fulltime ?

Buzz Me - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five

Gimmie Shelter - The Rolling Stones

Je T’aime - Serge Gainsbourg & Janet Birkin

Set Me Free - The Kinks

Surround Yourself With Sorrow - Cilla Black

Too Much Between Us - Procul Harem

Unknown Track - Catherine Arrives Home Drunk

Unknown Track - Dorcas Opens The Private Ward

BACKGROUND MUSIC - Sung At The Concert

The Last Time - The Rolling Stones

The actor that played Brownlee the paparazzi journalist and photographer was the same actor that played the part of Brownlee / Capt. Kirk in THE ROYAL TODAY Episode 01.05, the character in that episode was also called Brownlee who has appendicitis.

06.03 HOPING FOR THE BEST - 8th April 2007

Dr. Goodwin’s decision to take care of Nkeshi has caused quite a stir in Elsinby. Dr. Ormerod kindly offers to put them up, but Weatherill complains that there is simply not enough room in the house with the children and new baby. Over at THE ROYAL, Nkeshi’s presence has also been causing trouble for Mr. Carnegie, who’s been receiving calls from the Home Office all morning about the legality of Nkeshi’s stay.

The situation worsens later when Dr. Weatherill receives a panicked phone call from the nanny informing them that the little girl has gone missing ! Anxious Dr. Weatherill and Jeff search the village for Nkeshi who is eventually found playing on the beach.

Elsewhere, Sister Brigid is on her way to THE ROYAL when she witnesses Brian and Lesley Pinner crash their tandem bicycle into a ditch. The dysfunctional couple come to casualty to get checked out and it appears as though Brian’s more concerned about the damage to his tandem than the damage to his wife’s head! Whilst Brian is in surgery, downtrodden Lesley agrees to let Alun and Ken fix the tandem as a surprise for her husband. However, when he comes round he is less than pleased when he discovers that his wife has made a decision without him.

Lesley is tired of being patronised by her husband and confronts him about her feelings, but when Brian refuses to take her seriously, she takes matters into her own hands and wheels his precious tandem off a cliff, warning a stunned Brian that if he doesn’t start to take her seriously their marriage will be on the rocks too!

Meanwhile, it’s a tragic time for the Beattie family as Marie is diagnosed with terminal cancer after collapsing in the chemists. The upbeat and attentive mother has been too busy looking after her children and alcoholic husband to tend to her own problems. After discovering that his wife is dying, Jimmy weeps at her bedside.

Meanwhile, Marie continues to worry about everyone but herself, and after apologising for being ill, informs Jimmy of his duty to the children once she is gone. Despite his intentions, Dr. Ormerod and Matron aren’t convinced that alcoholic Jimmy will be able to cope alone with the kids and debate whether they should be put into care. Jimmy assures them that he’s given his word to Marie and won’t let her down, but will his addiction allow him to keep his word?

Later that evening, baby Jason Hodges is rushed into THE ROYAL after Dr. Makori and Jeff diagnose him with a fatal case of meningitis. As Dr Weatherill saw the young boy earlier, how will she feel when she learns of his condition ?

The next morning, exhausted Dr. Goodwin and Dr. Makori have managed to keep Jason alive but will the toddler pull through ? Emotions are high for Nurse Deane, and after she runs out of the children’s ward in tears, she confesses to Matron that she’s pregnant. Matron discreetly mentions the news to Carnegie believing that it’s his child. How will Carnegie react to the unexpected news?

Meanwhile, with the Home Office still on his case, Dr. Goodwin is forced to face the reality that the chances of him being able to keep Nkeshi in the UK are slim. Desperate to keep her safe, Dr. Goodwin is willing to explore all options, so when Dr. Makori reveals that she’s been offered a job in Cameroon they decide that Nkeshi should go with her. Jeff admits he’s been finding it hard to settle back into routine GP practice and resolves to follow them !

Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrisson

March Of The Siamese Children - Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen

No More Sad Refrains - Sandy Denny

Sugar Sugar - The Archies

06.04 FEAR OF THE UNEXPECTED - 15TH April 2007

Lady Isabella Martindale has had a horse riding accident and is driven to THE ROYAL by her Chauffeur Tom, who Lizzie takes an instant liking to! Whilst Mr Rose diagnoses Lady Isabella with a broken ankle, Adam Carnegie tries to charm her into making a donation to the private wards.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Beattie and the children arrive to visit Marie who is weaker than ever. Jimmy looks exhausted and puts on a brave face for his wife, however, Ormerod is still concerned about how he’s going to cope. He tries to speak to Jimmy about getting some help with the children and his drinking problem, but Jimmy refuses to listen. Despite his reassurances, Marie is not convinced that Jimmy will change and, terrified about how her children will fare when she has gone, she resolves to put them into care.

Later, Marie takes a turn for the worse and Dr. Ormerod has to break the news to Jimmy that she only has a few hours left to live. When he hears that Marie plans to put the children into care, Jimmy is furious, but after seeing how upset Marie is, he decides not to contest her decision. Jimmy is devastated as his wife passes away moments later, but to Dr. Ormerod’s dismay, vows that he isn’t prepared to lose his children as well as his wife.

Back in reception, Lizzie is getting jealous of the attention Tom is paying to Stella and when he informs her that Stella will be joining them for dinner that night, Lizzie’s piqued and invites Frankie along too. Tom subtly tries to seduce both girls, but will the friends let a man come between them ?

As Dr. Makori prepares to leave for Cameroon she receives a surprise visit from her mother, Safi, who tries to stop her from going to Africa. The next day, Dr. Makori says her goodbyes, but will her mother induce a change of heart ?

Elsewhere, it’s Marie’s funeral and the children arrive without their father, who is drowning his sorrows in the pub. Gordon takes them back to the hospital with him, but when a drunk Jimmy turns up to collect them, everyone is concerned that the children are at risk.

After witnessing Tom’s treatment of Lizzie and Stella the previous night, Frankie has an angry word with him and decides to inform Ken about how his daughter has been treated by the cocky driver. However, when Ken confronts Tom and is met with sarcasm, he loses his temper and punches him. Much to Ken’s horror, Mr. Carnegie witnesses the whole scene and sacks the friendly porter there and then !

In the meantime, Lady Isabella has observed the plight of the Beattie family and has been thinking about her late husband, who was a generous benefactor to the hospital. She decides to make a donation to THE ROYAL much to Adam’s delight. However, when she informs him that the money will be under Matron’s care, is to be used to improve facilities for all patients and is only offered if he reinstates Ken, Carnegie feels slightly humiliated. Nevertheless, he perks up when Lady Isabella invites him to have dinner with her later that week ! Ken is relieved when he is told that he has his job back.

Back at the Beattie’s, Jimmy isn’t coping at all well and the chaos worsens when in a fit of anger he hurls his whisky bottle at the wall and causes a blazing fire when the alcohol smashes over the stove. Dr. Ormerod and Sister Brigid are feeling uneasy about leaving the children alone with Jimmy and decide to call round. When they arrive at the Beattie’s to find the house totally ablaze, Gordon rushes inside. With the help of Frankie he sets about a rescue mission, but will they get all of the Beatties out of the blazing inferno in time ?

This Episode features the final appearance of Dr. Joan Makori.

Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel

Golden Slumbers - The Beatles

He's A Tramp - Peggy Lee

Hoots Mon - Lord Rockingham's XI

Man Of The World - Fleetwood Mac

Mr. Apollo - The Bonzo Dog Do Dah Band

One More Chance - Fairport Convention

The Game Of Love - Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders

When My Little Girl Is Smiling - The Drifters

06.05 Dr. WHO - 22nd April 2007

As Dr. Goodwin prepares to leave for Africa, the staff at The Royal are anxiously waiting for the arrival of the new doctor who will be replacing him.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ormerod prepares to visit Dorothy who has had a fall, so Frankie is trying to persuade her to go to hospital. After getting her to the ward, it turns out Dorothy has actually had a stroke which caused her to lose her balance. Sister Brigid tries to convince Dorothy to contact her son, to let him know what has happened, however, the patient seems reluctant.

After a hectic day at THE ROYAL, the staff let their hair down at a fancy dress party hosted by Frankie. Stella turns a few heads in her Cleopatra outfit and Stan, dressed as a cowboy, later offers to escort her home. After the party, Alun bumps into Stan leaving the Gardens. Walking on, Alun finds a high heeled shoe and hears sobbing. He finds Stella crying, her face grazed and her clothes torn. Taking control, he helps her to her feet. Stella asks him not to tell anyone that he found her or what has happened.

The next day, Guy Fitzgerald arrives at the hospital and introduces himself as the new GP but minutes later, Mike Banner appears, also saying he’s the new Doctor. There has obviously been some confusion, but who is the real doctor ?

When Dorothy’s son, Trevor, arrives nobody can find her and it turns out she has a life long secret she needs to tell him. What could she have been holding back for so many years? Meanwhile, Adam confronts Catherine and asks if she is pregnant. Having lost Dorothy and frantically searching for her, Adam has chosen the wrong time for a confrontation.

Later that day, Alun tries to talk to Stella but she’s reluctant to tell anyone about the attack the previous night. When Stella is rude to Sister Brigid, Matron overhears and asks to see Stella in her office. When Stella declares she’s leaving, a concerned Matron tries to find out what has happened. Will Stella be strong enough to go to the police to catch the man that raped her, or will she leave THE ROYAL as she plans ?

Don’t Let Me Down - The Beatles

In My Life - The Beatles

Jumping Jack Flash - The Rolling Stones

Lilly The Pink - Scaffold

She Said She Said - The Beatles

The Last Of The Steam Powered Trains - The Kinks

We’ve Got To Get Out Of This Place - The Animals

This Episode features the first appearance of Dr. Mike Banner.

06.06 CURSED & BLESSED - 29th April 2007

The new doctor, Mike Banner is settling in at The Royal but has no patients until Jeff Goodwin leaves for Africa. It has been observed by everyone that Banner fits in perfectly at the hospital. Dr Goodwin attends to expectant mother, Lily. Her partner Terry, informs Goodwin that Lily’s husband, whom she is separated from, won’t leave her alone. Later, when Dr. Ormerod is in consultation with Lily’s husband, Nick, he diagnoses him as suffering from depression. Will Nick’s obsession with his estranged wife lead her into danger ?

Meanwhile, Dr. Weatherill has been looking after Stella following her attack and she informs her that the test results reveal she hasn’t contracted an infection. Having learnt the identity of her attacker, Weatherill encourages Stella to go back to the police. Fearing that they will only laugh and put the blame onto her, she is reluctant.

Lizzie feels guilty as she invited Stella’s attacker, Stan, to the party, and Catherine insists that Stella stay with her for a while. However, not everyone is so supportive of the young nurse and Frankie makes it clear that he believes she is lying to save her reputation. Later when she is alone, Stan catches Stella, angry about the police questioning him. As Ken, Alun and Lizzie leave the hospital they hear a scream and quickly rush to Stella’s aid. Will they get to her in time ?

Elsewhere, Sister Brigid suggests to Catherine that marriage would legitimise the pregnancy and child, not realising that Carnegie has offered money for an abortion and isn’t the baby’s father. Later, Billy arrives back from Sea, and wanting to be with Catherine and the baby, he proposes. However, having been married to a trawler man and knowing the agony of waiting for him to return, will Catherine accept Billy’s proposal ?

Dr Goodwin is called away to visit a child with an injury to her leg, who’s parents seem to have no idea how the condition occurred. Having admitted baby Victoria to hospital, Sister Brigid feels there is more to the child’s discomfort than the hairline fracture. A full body x-ray reveals multiple fractures and Goodwin believes these are possibly the result of abuse. However, after confronting the parents, Goodwin is forced to change his opinion when Mr Rose identifies the true cause

Later that day, a taxi pulls up outside the hospital and a travel stained Therese Duval emerges. Unsure of herself she slowly makes her way to the hospital and waits patiently for Dr Goodwin. Jeff is clearly delighted to see the doctor he worked so closely with in Biafra, however, he is stunned when Duval delivers some shocking news. Deciding to go home to France, Therese leaves the hospital, but after time to absorb the information, Jeff races after her and makes a decision that will change his life forever.

A Little Help From My Friends - Joe Cocker

Angel - Jimi Hendrix

Green Onions - Booker T & The MG’s

Let Me Down Easy - The Spencer Davis Group

This Episode features the final appearance of Dr. Jeff Goodwin.

This Episode features the final appearance of Nurse Catherine Deane

06.07 STARTING OVER - 16th Sept 2007

Stella is still feeling uneasy after the attack and is less than pleased when she’s woken in the middle of the night by a new arrival to THE ROYAL, Nurse Marian McCaig, her new room mate. In the morning, Stella is made to feel even more anxious when the police arrive and inform her that they’re going ahead with court proceedings against the man who raped her and will be needing statements from everyone who was there.

Mr. Middleditch makes a surprise return to THE ROYAL in the back of Frankie's ambulance after hurting his ankle whilst fishing! Everyone is pleased to see him, but Mr. Middleditch is wary of the changes Carnegie has been making to the hospital.

A patient, Ted Skinner, over hearing about Mr. Middleditch’s accident, takes a surprisingly keen interest in his fishing tackle and catch. When questioned by Ken on what he wants it for, Ted admits he lied to his wife about his injuries and needs the equipment as an alibi.. Explaining to Ken about his secret girlfriend hitting him, he tries to bribe him into silence. Persuaded by the lore of money, Ken goes along with the plan.

Meanwhile, Doctor Banner tends to a frantic mother, Jessica, who has snuck out of her hippy commune on the moors to seek medical help for her daughter, Sky. Her husband, Gideon, is the founder of the commune and refuses to allow any of its inhabitants to receive aid from the outside world, forcing them to rely solely on homeopathic remedies. Dr. Banner goes up to the moors with Jessica to offer his help to Sky but is met by a very hostile Gideon, who rejects his aid.

While at the commune, Dr. Banner discovers some diabetic treatment in Gideon’s caravan. Outraged that Gideon has been curing his own illness but will not allow his daughter to receive treatment, Dr. Banner confronts him and convinces him to relent.

When he eventually gets to examine Sky, Dr. Banner is horrified to discover that she has a severe case of measles that could cause permanent blindness. He rushes her back to the hospital for some urgent treatment and urges the other parents in the community to bring their children along to be vaccinated. Later, Gideon sees the error of his ways and his guilt drives him to attempt to take his own life. Will it turn into a double tragedy for the commune?

Back at THE ROYAL, Alun is smitten by the new nurse, Marian, and jumps at the chance to do some maintenance work in the Nurse’s accommodation in a bid to get closer to her. Unfortunately, his clumsy and awkward disposition causes Marian to think that “he’s not all there”! However, after a rather eventful first day, Marian sees the funny side of things and, much to Alun’s delight, invites him to join Stella and herself for a drink!

Dr. Weatherill tends to up and coming football star, Bobby Horrocks, who’s finding training difficult. After examining the promising young sportsman, Dr. Weatherill deduces that he has TB and may never be able to play football again. Bobby is distraught as his dreams of success are shattered when Dr. Weatherill breaks the news of her diagnosis to him.

Later that day, over in the Maternity Ward, Dr. Weatherill is devastated that she’s been unable to save a premature baby due to lack of equipment. Adam Carnegie reassures her that the creation of a premature baby unit is on the top of his list of priorities.

Marian has received a warm welcome from everyone at THE ROYAL on her first day except her roommate Stella. However, when she learns about Stella’s ordeal, she’s a little more patient and actually takes the rap for her when Matron discovers Stella has made a mistake with some medication. Stella’s grateful and they agree to get to know each other over a drink that evening.

Albatross - Fleetwood Mac

Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You - Andy Williams

Earth Angel - The Crew Cuts

Heeby Jeebies - Little Richard

Kites - Simon Dupreet & The Big Sound

Mickey's Son & Daughter - The Bonzo Doo Dah Band

Moonchild - Vincent Gallo

Within You Without You - The Beatles

This Episode features the first appearance of Nurse Marian Mckaig.

06.08 COMING TO THE BOIL - 23rd Sept 2007

THE ROYAL demonstrates its efficient emergency techniques to the ‘Friends of The Royal’ as Adam Carnegie tries to win some funds for his new maternity and premature baby unit. The focus of his attention is on wealthy ex - RAF commander Ralph Fleming, who he invites to the fundraising dinner in a bid to persuade him to join the committee.

Meanwhile, Lizzie has had to move out of her flat after a row with her landlord, and Ken and Alun help Lizzie hide her belongings in the cellar of the hospital. In Banner’s consulting room, Agnes Corbett is being examined after a series of dizzy spells. Dr. Ormerod has dismissed it as neurosis but Dr. Banner’s not so sure. He calls in a specialist, Ian Mackay who diagnoses her with Hysterical Conversion Syndrome, a nervous reaction to stress.

In reception, Stella is upset after receiving a phone call from her solicitor warning her that her attacker, Stan, will be pleading not guilty and has a ruthless barrister. Mike decides to take her mind off the court case by taking her out for a drink, leaving a note at reception explaining where he is in case of emergencies.

Later that evening, Lizzie accidentally sweeps Banner’s note off the desk, so when Mrs. Tomlinson phones in with an emergency, Dr Banner is nowhere to be seen. Sister Brigid is forced to call Dr. Ormerod who is minding the children whilst Dr. Weatherill’s at the fundraising evening with Adam Carnegie. Leaving Sister Brigid to watch the kids, Dr. Ormerod races over to find Johnny Tomlinson running a seriously high fever with a swollen arm covered in a black lesion.

The symptoms are worrying and he’s rushed to The Royal. When Johnny’s blood tests come through it’s revealed that he has a fatal case of anthrax. The next day, a meeting is called with Mark, the Public Health Officer, to try and decipher the cause of the anthrax and prevent it spreading. When Carnegie demands that Dr. Makori’s office is set up for Mark, Alun discovers that Lizzie has been squatting in there since leaving her flat.

She pleads with him to keep the news to himself. However, when Matron finds one of Lizzie’s night dresses in Makori’s office, she sympathises and offers Lizzie a room in the nurse’s accommodation. When Dr. Ormerod discovers that Johnny regularly helps out feeding Ralph Fleming’s llamas and that one of them died recently, he suspects he has found the cause of the anthrax. He heads straight over to Fleming’s estate and reprimands him for not reporting the dead animal and putting the whole community at risk. Ralph Fleming is devastated to hear that Johnny may not survive the anthrax.

As the public health authorities get to work on Fleming’s estate, killing infected animals and cordoning off the fields, Ralph’s consumed with guilt and heads over to the hospital to check on Johnny. Met by accusatory looks from Johnny’s mother and the news that he may not pull through, a distraught Ralph leaves the hospital and crashes his car off a country road. Will the crash prove fatal?

After such a traumatic day with Fleming and Johnny, Stella rethinks her imminent court case and decides she would rather put the whole experience behind her and not go ahead with charging Stan. Will it be that easy to move on and forget what’s happened? Back at the hospital, Alun and Lizzie are intrigued when a young girl named Susie arrives to collect an envelope of money from Matron.

Who could the mystery girl be ?

Bad Moon Rising - Creedance Clearwater Revival

Crosstown Traffic - Jimi Hendrix

Fire - Jimi Hendrix

Hard To Handle - Otis Reading

Hippy Hippy Shake (and on the pub jukebox) - The Swinging Blue Jeans

Let It Be - (and on the pub jukebox) - The Beatles

Seek & You Shall Find - The Isley Brothers

Walk Don’t Run - The Ventures

We're Going Wrong - Cream

Wild Horses - The Rolling Stones

This Episode features the first appearance of Suzie Dixon.

06.09 SCABS - 30th Sept 2007

Lizzie and Alun are still speculating about who the young girl staying with Matron is, and when Alun bumps into her, he finds himself arranging to take the mysterious Susie out on a date that evening!

Dr. Banner’s first patient is single mother, Kathy Graham, whose son has an ear infection. She opens up to Mike about how she’s struggling for money and when she asks him to lend her some cash, he agrees.

Elsewhere, Dr. Ormerod takes his daughter to her piano lesson at cancer sufferer, Hugh Etheridge’s house. However, he is puzzled to discover that the house is open but Hugh is nowhere to be seen.

Meanwhile, in the pub, Alun and Susie are enjoying a drink when Marian and Lizzie come over to join them, curious to find out more about Matron’s house guest. After probing her for information, Susie tells them that she’s Matron’s niece and a 20 year old art student from London. When she reveals that she’s been sent up to Elinsby to keep an eye on Matron everyone is intrigued. Later, Matron is angry to witness Susie kiss Alun as he drops her home, and she warns him to back off and find someone his own age. When Alun looks confused, Matron reveals that Susie is only seventeen. It soon becomes clear that Susie is in Elinsby so that Matron can keep an eye on her and not the other way round!

Dr. Ormerod has been called out to Kathy Graham’s house because her son’s ear seems to have become more serious. After checking for allergies with his mother, he prescribes him some penicillin and thinks nothing more of it. However, Gordon is surprised when Kathy reveals that Banner has lent her some money.

Back at THE ROYAL the next morning, Gordon is shocked to see Hugh Etheridge rushed into casualty after he was found collapsed outside. When he comes round he claims he can’t remember a thing and must have blacked out.

Elsewhere, Dr. Weatherill goes to visit her elderly patient Dora, a widow who’s been having problems breathing. Dr. Weatherill has been researching Dora’s condition and tells her that it’s an allergy to her pigeons that’s damaging her lungs and she needs to come back to THE ROYAL for treatment. Dora’s reluctant to go, claiming that she can’t leave her birds and remains adamant that she must keep the pigeons as she’d promised her late husband she’d take care of them. Can Jill convince her to put her health before the birds?

Back at the hospital, Kathy Graham arrives in an ambulance as her son has developed breathing problems and a rash and after taking the medication prescribed by Ormerod. When Dr Banner realises that he’s had an allergic reaction to it, he jumps into action and manages to save the young patient. However, when he confronts Ormerod about it, Ormerod retaliates by bringing up the fact that Banner has been lending money to patients. After a few angry words the two doctors finally reach an understanding about each other’s methods of working.

Meanwhile, Ken and Alun are forced to go on strike after a porter at Ashfordly General is sacked. Susie finds a way to undermine Matron’s orders not to go ‘out’ with Alun by arranging a date ‘inside’ the hospital. However, Alun impales his leg on the metal railings as he’s sneaking back to the hospital for their date. The fire brigade arrive to cut down the railings but Dr. Banner warns Ken that Alun risks losing his leg. With the theatre technician on strike surgery is going to be even more difficult, but will they be able to save Alun’s limb?

In another ward, Hugh Etheridge is still being very secretive and Dr. Ormerod is suspicious. Etheridge eventually reveals that he’s a retired scientist, who shared vital information with the enemy during the war and is now wanted as a spy. Stella sympathises with Hugh when she overhears his story and, after having a bad time with the police herself recently, she helps him escape when the Special Branch Police arrive at THE ROYAL.

Backdoor Man - The Doors

Baubles, Bangles & Beads - Frank Sinatra

Carry On - Nash, Young, Stills & Crosby

I Can’t Explain - The Who

Shotgun - Junior Walker & The Allstars

Spoonful - Cream

Wherever I Lay My Hat - Marvin Gaye

BACKGROUND TRACK (on the pub jukebox)

Wild World - Cat Stevens

06.10 LAURA - 21st October 2007

It’s a busy day at THE ROYAL when a train crashes into a car at a level crossing. Marian and Dr. Banner rush to the scene to find Janice and Mark Hayward, who were in the car, alive but unconscious, and discover that Janice is pregnant. After an emergency caesarean, the baby is delivered, but tragically dies at Ashfordly General where it was taken due to the absence of premature baby facilities at THE ROYAL.

Dr. Weatherill is now even more determined to help Adam Carnegie make his new plans a reality.

As Mark Hayward comes round he asks after someone named Laura. Marian is horrified when he informs her that she is the couple’s three year old daughter who was flung from the car during the crash. Dr. Banner races back to the scene, whilst Dr. Weatherill breaks the news to Janice that she’s lost her baby.

Back at the scene of the accident, everyone is panicking that Laura has not survived the crash, but just as all hope seems to be lost, Dr. Banner hears a whimper and finds the little girl huddled in a bush, traumatised and exhausted. Everyone has noticed that Susie is making Matron even more uptight than usual. Sister Brigid proposes that Susie help out in the laundry and move into the nurses’ house which gives Matron a welcome break. However, it’s not long before the nurses are at their wits end with her as well.

Meanwhile, Dr. Weatherill sees to a woman who has been trampled by cows on a public footpath after a dispute with her farming neighbour, Sam. The farmer later sprays slurry all over her husband when he attempts to confront him, leaving Dr. Weatherill worried about Sam’s mental state. Later, her concerns about Sam’s condition are confirmed when he follows her to the hospital and attacks her for interfering. Alun manages to save Jill from any serious harm, and Sam is taken to York to receive treatment for paranoid schizophrenia.

Elsewhere, Stella’s rapist, Stan, has attacked another girl and her father beats him up after discovering his whereabouts from Frankie. When he is brought into casualty he has a ruptured spleen and Stella is distressed after assisting in the operation to save him. Later that evening the police arrive at THE ROYAL to arrest Stan for rape and Stella finally comes to terms with what has happened and begins to put the whole ordeal behind her.

Meanwhile, Dr. Banner hears that Marian is struggling financially and takes her out for a meal to thank her for helping him with the train accident. Could romance be blossoming?

All Along The Watchtower – Jimi Hendrix

Golden Girl - John Martyn

Sunny Afternoon - The Kinks

Run Honey Run - John Martyn

Tomorrow Never Knows - The Beatles

BACKGROUND TRACK (on the radio at the nurses home)

People Are Strange - The Doors

06.11 CANT BUY ME LOVE - 29th Oct 2007

Matron has a meeting with Gordon and Dr. Banner and it comes to light that Adam has been spending the Trusts’ money rather than using it for the development of the new hospital wing. With a brand new sports car, suspicions are raised as to where the funds are being spent. With the trouble surrounding the hospital money, Matron has called in Mr. Middleditch to resolve the crisis.

Later that day, Dr Banner attends his appointment with Billy, a 50 year old man and his mother, Edith. The appointment doesn’t get underway until the arrival of Billy’s new mental welfare officer, Mr. Hulbert. They discuss the possibility of Billy working, an idea that both Edith and Mr. Hulbert disapprove of due to Billy’s incapability’s. Later, their worries are confirmed when Billy causes chaos at his home and the police are called. Can Mike stop Billy from being admitted into an institution?

It’s noted that Ken isn’t his usual chirpy self and Mike eventually manages to persuade Ken to tell him what is bothering him. Ken confesses to having forgotten to post the pools coupon for the hospital syndicate on the week they had six draws. It’s potentially a lot of money and Ken doesn’t know what to do or how to tell everyone they haven’t won.

Meanwhile, Frankie has found out they have won the pools and worked out how much everyone is due to get from the winnings. Mike arrives and hearing everyone’s excitement realises that Ken hasn’t told anyone his mistake. Can Ken come clean about the pools ticket to and will his friends forgive him?

Elsewhere, Jill and Gordon are far from achieving marital bliss as they argue over an earlier than anticipated visit from Gordon’s ex-father-in-law, Henry Appleton. However, things soon change when Henry makes a confession as to why he is really there. Henry admits to a shocked Gordon that his visit is due to the fact that he has inoperable cancer and only a few months left to live. Not wanting any fuss he has taken the chance to say his goodbyes.

The next day, Adam arrives back at the hospital, and prior to his meeting with Mr. Middleditch he tries to find out from Matron what it is about. Adam talks to Mr. Middleditch and the other Trust board members about his radical new plan for the hospital wing. However, the meeting is abruptly interrupted when Jill and Gordon find out Henry has collapsed. Gordon is devastated to discover that his ex-father-in-law has passed away.

Will the tragic circumstances bring Gordon and Jill closer together ?

5th Symphony (sample) - Beethoven

Blue Moon - Cliff Richard

No Song To Sing - Michael Chapman

Out Of Limits - The Marketts

String Of Pearls - Glenn Miller

Time In A Bottle - Jim Croce

BACKGROUND TRACK (on the pub jukebox)

A Groovy Kind Of Love - Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders

06.12 LOVE & LOSS - 4th Nov 2007

Dr. Weatherill and Frankie help Lucy Hibbert into the waiting ambulance as her anxious father, David, and heavily pregnant stepmother, Alice look on. Lucy is distraught as she is informed she will need an operation to fix her broken ankle. However, despite her agony, Lucy doesn’t hide her dislike for her stepmother.

Elsewhere in the hospital, Ormerod and Sister Brigid deliver Heather Seddon’s baby boy. The baby, Adam, is a joy to his parents as Heather has suffered numerous miscarriages in the past. They are overjoyed with their new baby but worried about his health as he is placed in an incubator and taken to the nursery.

Matron tries to persuade Susie to go back to school for an education. Susie is less than impressed with the idea as she doesn’t want to focus on her career and end up alone with no husband or children. As soon as the words are out of her mouth she realises that’s exactly what her aunt has done.

Elsewhere, Lizzie hand delivers some test results to Banner, however, they are for Dr. Weatherill – she’s pregnant. Not wanting to talk to Gordon about the pregnancy yet, Jill confides in Mike her concerns about having another baby.

That evening, Lizzie, Stella, Marian and Susie talk about Dr Banner’s possible attraction to Marian. Stella is trying to arrange a double date with Marian, Banner and Frankie for the following evening. Stella gives Marian a warning about her night shift as apparently there are ghosts on the ward.

As Marian reluctantly leaves for work the others head to the pub. Over a drink, Susie makes it clear to Frankie that she is interested in him, despite him being secretive about his past marriage and two children. An inebriated Susie tries to persuade Frankie to buy some more beer, however, Stella and Lizzie insist it is time they all go home.

The girls are locked out of their accommodation and as they try to get in, Matron hears them. As she is about to reprimand the girls, Sister Brigid arrives distressed, and tells them a baby is missing from the nursery.

When Dr. Weatherill arrives back at the hospital, she sympathises with the baby’s mother, Heather. However, her suspicions are raised as to the baby’s whereabouts when David Hibbert announces that his wife, Alice, has given birth prematurely. After some investigation, Weatherill rushes to where Alice is staying and as predicted she has stolen the baby. Will Weatherill get to them in time? After all the commotion Mike is concerned for Weatherill’s health as she seems unwell, a serious situation due to her condition.

Meanwhile, a patient of Dr. Ormerod’s, Anthony Poole returns to the hospital, delusional and not recognising his wife. Dr. Ormerod is concerned as it seems Anthony’s diabetic medicine is not working. While Mr. Rose reassures Anthony’s wife, Daisy, everything will be alright, Sister Brigid notices Anthony is suffering from a seizure. Mr. Rose is on hand to help and makes some revelations about Anthony’s condition.

Elsewhere, the nurses and Susie hold a séance at Matron’s flat. As the girls intently try to contact the spirits, Alun and Frankie spy on them, clumsily falling from the wardrobe and revealing themselves in the process! In all the excitement, a glass of brandy is spilt and a candle knocked over igniting the alcohol. In a panic the girls struggle to dose the flames.

As the girls struggle with the fire, the hospital staff are otherwise distracted by Dr. Weatherill’s deteriorating condition. Shocked by the revelation that Jill is pregnant, Ormerod now has to come to terms with the possibility of losing her or the baby. He watches helplessly as Mr. Rose tries desperately to save Dr. Weatherill.

Will the much loved doctor pull through?

Black Magic Woman - Fleetwood Mac

Dazed & Confused - Led Zeppelin

I Ain't Done Wrong - The Yardbirds

These Boots Are Made For Walking - Nancy Sinatra