All Saints (1998) s01e07 Episode Script

1
And Von is on with Jared today.
Jared's secret stash
from some deli in Rose Bay.
You can get bagels here.
These are the best bagels
you'll ever taste.
Oh, yeah?
You can take the boy out of the
Eastern Suburbs and we did!
There's a lot to get through
this morning.
Jared! As well as six, seven and
one, you've got a new admission.
Mr Zuckerman.
Diabetic for stabilisation.
Mr McGrath, laparotomy, room one.
He's that guy from yesterday.
Can I have him?
I've allocated rooms.
What about continuity of care?
He's really stressed out
about the operation.
I organised it so there's
an even patient load.
Oh, excuse me.
Could you move, please?
Von, you're wasting your time.
The guy's deaf.
Hearing impaired's
the preferred term, Jaz.
He must be Laura's husband.
Morning. Are you ready for
a round with the Easter Bunny?
Steph, I'll swap with Bron.
Thanks.
Has that patient
for the cochlear implant arrived?
Yep. Laura Wilson.
She lost her hearing five years ago.
Mike McGrath - check with Recovery.
They've been pretty busy.
Yes, of course.
(soft) Control freak!
Morning, Mrs Matthews.
How are you feeling?
Well, Doctor.
Mrs Wilson.
You'll be going for the Promontory
Stimulator in about an hour.
How many weeks?
Twenty-seven weeks.
Your blood pressure's normal.
Haemaglobin looks good.
You got any kids?
No, not yet.
That's why the operation's
so important now.
I want to hear my baby from
the first time it makes a sound.
This implant's like a hearing aid,
huh?
Lucky girl can switch it off
when the crying gets too much!
Sshh.
Oh, she can't hear.
You're in good hands
with Dr Wagstaff.
He's a wonderful man.
I know. He said it will be
only four weeks after the operation
before I'll be able to hear again.
That's great.
Steph, the wound's infected.
I need a swab and a redress
and we'll start her on
a course of Bactrim BD.
Mrs Matthews, if you want anything,
use your buzzer.
You mustn't get up without help.
BEEPER SOUNDS
Yes, dear. But you're all so busy.
Just give me a tick.
PHONE RINGS
Yeah, it's Forlano.
Jaz, tell Emergency the bed's ready
for the surgical patient.
Sure.
Hey, patient's here.
(Jewish accent) You think I can't
walk up here by myself?
I'll take it from here.
You know how long
they keep me down there?
And the questions oy, oy, oy!
So many questions, Doctor.
I'm a nurse.
You don't look like one.
When do I see the doctor?
Don't tell me - more vaiting!
Have you done Mr Evans' obs yet?
I'm just about to.
Come on!
Laura Wilson is so lucky.
If you'd lost your hearing
10 years ago,
you could forget about
ever hearing again.
She must be so excited.
Me, too. I'm assisting.
I think her husband's
a bit nervous about it.
He may not want to get her hopes up.
How come?
She may not be eligible.
If she doesn't pass the Prom Stim
test, she can't have the implant.
They'll be devastated.
What do the notes
say about the test?
Why wait until the day before she's
due to have the operation to do it?
She had an ear infection.
We couldn't test her earlier.
What if she can't have the implant?
She'll go home.
So no other chance
of getting her hearing?
For the moment, yeah.
Oh, they really love each other.
You know, it's a bit rude
to eavesdrop.
He's asking if she wants a tissue.
Oh!
I've been practising
since our last deaf patient.
Hey, good on you.
Keep at it.
It's a whole language,
and it takes ages to learn.
Thanks.
Oh, Bron. Michael McGrath
is ready in Recovery.
So, you're driving me to the ward.
Yeah. And I'm going to
be looking after you again today.
How's the pain?
It's there.
We'll get you an injection
when we get back.
We'll keep you comfortable.
I'm sort of floating at the moment.
That's the peth.
Makes you look all warm and fuzzy.
I am warm and fuzzy.
Bron?
What break are you on?
Early.
Great. See you there.
Yeah.
Great suit.
Just squashed into the bag.
No respect for the fabric.
In this suit,
I'm going to be buried.
You're not that sick.
Hmmph! I'm here five minutes,
you already know that?
You should be a doctor.
Don't give him ideas.
We'll sort out the foot infection.
Then stabilise your blood sugar.
Make your mother proud.
That's a big ask.
Or your wife. Are you married?
No. But I got close once.
Ah, you should be.
I'm married 47 years.
My Eva, such a beauty.
Right up until the day she died, the
most beautiful eyes, and her figure.
She was a real woman.
Just like you, Sister.
Since she died
I don't know why I'm here.
Your foot's infected.
We'll clean it up.
You'll be okay, Mr Zuckerman.
Baby's kicking.
I think we have an acrobat in here.
I love you, too.
I know I don't have to do it.
But it's okay.
I hope for their sake
she's eligible.
The lab is down the hall -
second door on your right.
Good luck.
I'm trying to put some sound
into the ear electronically
to see what might be heard
with the implant.
Do you want to
turn your head, Laura?
This way.
First we'll try
and establish a level
of how much electrical impulse
is needed for you to hear.
Are you okay?
Can't get a response from that ear.
BITTERSWEET MUSIC
Take your time, relax.
We'll try the other ear.
Can I have this thing out?
It's driving me nuts.
Yeah, okay.
But if you start throwing up,
it has to go straight back in.
Thank God for that.
I think guys look kind of cute with
tubes sticking out of their noses.
Take a few deep breaths.
When can I have a drink?
Not yet, mate.
Your bowel's been traumatised.
What's wrong?
I'll come back when you're not
so groggy, and we'll have a chat.
Okey-dokey.
Keep those deep breaths happening.
Sorry.
Okay, coming
A bit messy there.
Well done.
(sighs)
Want to rinse?
Yeah.
Desert mouth.
Here we go.
Easy does it.
That's it.
I wish he'd told me more
about the op.
He's busy at the moment,
but he'll be back as soon as he can.
I just want to know.
Yeah, I know.
How's your bum? Bit numb?
(chuckles) Do you want a cushion?
I'm glad you're looking after me,
Sister.
Call me Bron.
It's not unusual for the damage
to be worse on one side.
When you hear the first sound,
raise your hand.
Can you hear or feel anything?
Can you try and make this sound?
Can you hear the sound, Laura?
Try and make the sound
with your voice.
Breep. Breep.
Excellent.
We have a level.
We can continue with the implant.
Good news, huh?
You will need to do this again?!
No wonder it's so high already.
160 over 100.
Have you been taking your tablets?
I don't know. Leave me alone.
This suit's three or four stitches
away from finished.
It's vital you remember.
They lower your blood pressure.
They make me cold.
Well, yes. That is one
of the side effects.
I prefer the blood pressure.
Look, how about
these cholesterol tablets?
Such a large tablet!
You should give that to a horse.
A horse you don't like very much.
Come on, Mr Zuckerman.
When is the doctor coming?
Soon.
You already said that.
Vaiting, vaiting - that's all
I've done since I got here.
And questions
for I don't know why.
You know, you remind me
of my grandmother.
You're Jewish?
Sort of.
Sort of.
Like my son.
You don't throw away
your heritage that easy.
Or your family.
Well, I've sort of
moved away from my family.
That doesn't change a thing.
Are you excited?
Nervous.
Don't be. Dr Wagstaff
is the best in the field.
We need you to sign the consent form
and you're first up tomorrow.
Brett, it's alright.
Can we have some time?
Brett and I
need to talk this through.
Why would he do that?
Exactly. There's no reason.
He's just being selfish.
Who's this?
Deaf guy.
Hearing impaired.
Sorry.
He won't let his wife
sign the consent form.
It's not his decision.
It's so frustrating.
There's obviously more to it.
What more could there be?
She wants to hear,
he doesn't want her to.
At this stage,
all we can do is be supportive.
We give them the information and
hope they make the right choice.
Thanks, Jaz.
Mike. Feeling better?
What's the story, doc?
Well, the good news is we only had
to remove a small part of the colon.
And the bad news?
You've got Crohn's Disease.
You knew that.
We've removed
the worst affected area.
But, if things don't improve,
you're looking at a colostomy.
The bag on my stomach?
Yeah.
That's the absolute worst case.
We've done all we can,
the rest is up to you.
Modify your diet,
reduce your stress
My job is stressful,
but it's what I do.
It's all about balance.
What do you do outside of work?
Play squash.
Competitive?
I like to win.
Mike, I suggest you have a rethink.
We'll start with a referral
to another dietician
and I'll get someone
to talk to you about lifestyle.
But you have to
make these changes yourself.
I'm sorry.
It's the way it is.
I'll be back later.
Luke, is it really that bad?
Yeah. I'd say he's looking
at a colostomy in the future.
Poor guy.
It's not my idea of fun either.
Can you try to get through to him?
Sure. Yeah.
Are you coming to Cougars?
I'd love to but I've got
a gastroplasty at six.
Uh-uh-uh. Not without a nurse.
I don't understand.
Why didn't you say something before?
I wouldn't be here
if I didn't want to do it!
You don't have to read sign
to know what they're talking about.
I've never had anyone wash me.
Lie back and enjoy it.
You've had an operation,
you deserve it.
Dr Forlano didn't pull any punches.
He was telling the truth.
I can't give up my job.
I can't even cut back.
I'll be made an associate next
Did you hear Luke?
Instead of fighting your corporate
battles on the squash court,
pick up a book or go to a movie.
I don't go to the movies much.
Pop your hand in there.
Movies are great.
Just go in, the lights go out.
Forget about everything for a while.
That feels nice.
Exuse me. Mrs Jeffries is nauseous.
I'm giving her some Maxolon, okay?
Thanks.
And Mr Ng's meds are due soon.
Yes, I know.
She's pretty.
Yes, she is.
Okay, turning over a bit.
I'll wash your back.
I could get used to this.
Mr McGrath spiked a temp?
No.
Oh, I just thought with the wash.
He looks pretty fit to me.
Meaning?
He could've done
most of that wash himself.
He needs extra care at the moment.
He's stressed out.
So is Mrs Jeffries.
Are you telling me how to do my job?
No.
I'm just saying it's not
a good idea to play favourites,
especially when he's a cute guy.
Oh!
So it's only okay for you?
What do you mean?
Forget it.
Will you ever let up about Luke?
I was talking about the deaf couple.
If I think a patient
needs extra care, they'll get it.
Hey.
I've got a couple of free Saturdays
coming up. Want to go to a game?
No, rugby does nothing for me.
Stephanie can be such a pain.
You liked rugby
till you defected to AFL.
It's a game of skill.
She's checking my nursing care.
It's skinny men in tight shorts.
Well toned. Rugby players
look like brick walls.
Putting her nose in where
it is not needed, not wanted.
The boys have to be big
in the scrum.
It's suss, guys hugging each other.
For just once
I'd like her to be wrong.
Who?
Steph.
Oh.
Something going on between you two?
You call that food?
Looks like something
you should give a rabbit.
A rabbit you don't like very much.
It's a salad.
There's no dressing.
It's a special diet.
Why not give me some shredded
cardboard? Bird seed, maybe?
Mr Zuckerman, just try a bit.
Phhtt! That, I'm not eating.
You need any help, Jared?
No, it's fine.
Mr Zuckerman, as part
of your diabetes training,
how many portions do we have here?
I don't know.
Come on, we've been over this.
How many portions?
Vun! Vun serve of rubbish.
How are you?
This baby's so active.
But I never get tired of it.
Can I feel?
Amazing.
Nice and strong.
Mmm.
I can remember what babies
sound like when they laugh.
Yeah, it's a special sound.
Seeing them laugh, feeling
their happiness is magical, too.
So, no closer to a decision?
I don't know.
We just seem to be
going around in circles.
I hate seeing Brett so distressed.
He should be happy for you.
Why? He doesn't think
I'm missing out on anything.
The way I am now.
Brett showed me
this whole other world.
A language that's beautiful
and eloquent.
He learned to speak when
he was little but refuses to now.
He has a language
he's passionate about.
He's very proud of his culture.
Very committed, too.
And that's why I love him.
You having the implant
won't change that.
Won't it?
How do I know
how it will affect him?
This is about you, not him.
YOU have the chance to hear again.
I know, it's just
I'm scared I'll lose him.
A small amount of blood
from your finger
and we can tell your sugar level.
You tested my vater already.
But this is much more accurate.
We want you to do this now.
I don't vant it.
Why is everything
such a battle with you?
I'm trying to help you
and you fight me all the way.
Go on.
Argh!
I haven't touched you yet.
It's just the thought.
I hate needles.
Surely in your line of work
you would've got the odd pinprick.
That's different.
This vun's a veapon.
Something you use to spear a fish.
A fish you don't like
..very much.
At least your foot looks cleaner.
With luck, you'll be out tomorrow.
Trying to get rid of me?
No!
I know I make a fuss.
You'd like me in a coma,
something less trouble.
I'd just like you to cooperate.
Okay.
I do something for you,
you do something for me.
(breathes deeply) Fresh air.
This is what I miss.
When I am in the prison camp,
I am in vun room for six months.
Longer.
No vindows, no light.
Only other men, friends, strangers,
vaiting to die.
Vhen I come to Australia
I can't believe I am so lucky.
The sky is huge, enormous,
goes on forever.
Every day, Eva, she brings lunch and
we sit in the park outside my shop.
We enjoy the never-ending blue.
She's up there.
She's up there
looking down at me and
..and if I close my eyes,
sometimes I can see her.
Like she's so close.
Excuse me, dear.
TOTAL SILENCE
URGENT TALKING
What happened?
She fell.
I tried to call out to you
It's not your fault.
I'm alright, dear.
I'm alright.
I couldn't help her
because I couldn't hear her.
Laura, she's not
your responsibility.
But the baby will be
my responsibility.
I want to hear when its crying,
to know when it needs me.
I do accept who you are, Brett.
Now I need you to accept who I am.
I want to go ahead with the implant.
(shouts) Brett, come back!!
Brett. Um, my sign - Auslan
- is a little rusty.
Are you okay?
Okay, okay.
Um, I know it's hard for you.
So, he just split, end of story?
Not a great way to go to surgery,
knowing your husband left you.
Maybe he's just letting off steam.
I wish you were right,
but I doubt it.
I've seen smaller things
drive a wedge between people.
Probably better off
on her own, anyway.
With a kid on the way, Jaz,
I don't think so.
I hate leaving when she's so upset.
Steph, she'll be okay.
Go home.
Did you mean it when you said
you weren't coming?
I've got surgery with Fitzer.
I'll be elbow-deep in bowel.
Spare me the details.
Quiet night
in front of the tv for you?
No, I might drop in on Mike
before I go out.
Why?
He's really stressed out.
Especially after you hit him with
the colostomy.
Well, why tonight?
Why not when you're on shift?
I just had a million things to do.
Miss Bossy Boots
was on my back all day.
Who?
Steph. She hates me.
She does not.
Does so.
See you.
Hey, hey, hey, hey.
First in the carpark,
now in the tea room.
Mr Forlano,
you're getting rather game.
No-one calls me conservative.
See you.
Giddyup.
(both laugh)
SIREN WAILS
FORLORN MUSIC
Hi.
Hi.
I just had a chat to Brett.
I have no idea
whether I helped or not.
He left her. She's alone up there.
I just don't get why
he doesn't want her to hear again.
It's her quality of life
we're talking about.
He thinks their life
is perfect as it is.
It's no excuse
for emotional blackmail.
Steph, I KNOW he's afraid.
Come on, Terri.
Don't you think he feels
threatened by this?
You're trying to find a way
to excuse unacceptable behaviour.
He's downright selfish.
All he cares about is himself.
Okay.
Alright.
See you tomorrow.
I didn't tell anyone
I was coming in.
I didn't want anyone
to know at work.
Give us one.
What about your girlfriend?
I've got one or two I go out with,
no-one special.
I bet three.
They'll bash down my door
when I get this colostomy thing.
I'll raise you three.
Now, that's a positive attitude.
Don't sell yourself short.
You're a good looking guy,
in good shape.
I mean it.
You have to give us girls a chance.
I fold.
Read 'em and weep.
Ouch! That's the second game.
You right?
Here, I'll fix your pillows for you.
You're nice.
Oh, thanks.
What are you doing?
What you wanted.
No.
No
Oh, a little hung over, Bron?
Don't ask.
Have you ever had a problem with
a patient getting too close to you?
Sometimes, yeah.
An occupational hazard, really.
Ever had one try to kiss you?
No.
But I try not to take it personally.
It's called transference.
Someone's taking care of you,
a doctor or nurse,
and they're interested
in everything you have to say.
They listen, they help,
but the best bit is,
well, they're not part
of the problem.
It's easy to confuse that
with something else.
Does that help?
It wasn't me, it was one of
the girls at the nursing home.
She told me last night.
Oh, right.
So, you don't reckon
it'd be her fault?
No.
Not unless she encouraged it.
No, don't think so.
He hasn't been in at all?
No. I'm sorry.
I thought he'd send a message
or something.
Just relax now.
Everything is going to be okay.
Just one moment.
I didn't want to do this alone.
You're not alone.
This little person
will be in there with you.
And I'll be here when you come back.
I just thought he'd be here.
He still might be.
Bye, dear.
Hey, good luck.
You'll be alright.
Poor thing.
I can't believe
her husband didn't show.
It stinks.
I'd like to wring his neck.
Look, I don't think any of us
can appreciate his situation.
It's a bit rough, don't you think,
deserting her like that?
Can't trust men.
Hello, the voice of experience.
Do you mind if you take the
single room and I'll do room six?
I thought Mike was your special guy.
He kissed me.
What?
What did you do?
Nothing. I didn't do anything!
No, what did you do
when he kissed you?
I just left. I got such a shock.
Anyway, from now on
I'm going to avoid him.
Oh, that'll be easy.
What am I going to do?
I screw up all the time.
I didn't want to
get it wrong this time.
He said he was stressed,
so I put in the extra work.
With the smiles and the eyes.
What do you mean?!
Bron, you're open, you're gorgeous
and you're friendly.
Us guys like that.
Add that to fluffing his pillows
and rubbing his back.
It's called transference.
It's called lust.
I didn't do anything wrong.
I believe you.
Thanks.
How am I going to tell Stephanie?
She warned me.
Don't you hate it
when she's always right?
Mr McGrath's been asking after you.
I'll go.
What?
I asked Bron to swap with me.
Is that okay, Von?
Whatever you reckon.
Alright, how many portions?
Vun vegetable, vun protein,
vun dairy and vun onion bagel!
Which is?
Grains and cereals.
Low fat, high carbohydrate.
But, is it kosher?
Of course!
That's vhat I call a piece of bread.
(clears throat)
I made a deal with him.
You think you've got time to make
special meals for all the patients?
No, this is a one-off.
Yeah, till the next time.
Told him about the injections yet?
Vhat injections?!
Dr Finn explained yesterday.
You don't produce your own insulin
so you have to inject some each day.
Starting from tomorrow.
It's a small injection
at breakfast each day.
No. No, no, no, no.
I do food, take care of my foot,
but give myself a needle?
I'm not a doctor.
People with diabetes self-administer
every day. Even little kids.
They don't know any better.
If you don't have regular injections
your glucose levels will be shot.
You could go into a coma.
You could die.
Good.
I prefer that to sticking myself
with a needle.
We were making progress,
but he doesn't want the needles.
He's set in his ways.
It's a lot for him to take on.
If he won't take insulin,
how will he cope at home?
There's other options.
I could do it myself.
It wouldn't take long.
That's a lovely idea,
but not practical.
Yeah, I know.
I want him to be able
to cope on his own.
The diabetic educator will organise
a district nurse to give his shot.
She'll help him sort it out.
Why didn't I think of that?
You can't pick it up in one year.
Give yourself some time.
Don't be afraid
to ask Von for advice.
With all her experience
I know.
But Von and I have
a different approach to nursing.
That's why you're a good team.
Why do you think
I roster you together?
I thought it was
so she could keep an eye on me.
So, I'm doing okay?
You're doing better than okay.
Any word from theatre on Laura?
No, I'm waiting.
Have you heard from her husband?
No.
Bron.
I'm a bit busy.
What was that about?
Yes.
Thank you.
Laura's just gone to Recovery.
Thanks.
The district nurse will visit
once a day to give you injections.
You are a good boy.
I knew you'd find a vay.
He's a real saint.
She's good looking,
this district nurse?
I wouldn't have a clue.
If I don't like her
maybe I pay you to do it instead.
You come vork for me.
Thanks, but I like it here.
Think you might stick around
for a bit, do you?
Yeah.
Vun day soon
you make a vonderful doctor.
What's wrong with him being a nurse?
A doctor is better.
Who's looked after you
while you've been in here?
The smarmy guy in the smart suit
or the nurses?
You make a good point, Sister.
You're smart as well as beautiful.
My Eva, she vould vant someone
like you to take care of me.
You are definitely
well enough to go home.
I'll organise the discharge.
She likes me, yes?
About as much as she likes anyone.
Everything's fine.
If you feel the pain
start up again, just buzz.
Steph, how is she?
Dr Wagstaff is a magician.
He did an amazing job.
The surgery went without a hitch.
She got her wish,
but may have lost her husband.
Brett?
I'm sorry
I'm sure you did
the right thing, Laura.
This really is a great suit.
Look at the detail.
This fabric is very expensive.
But, for you, I do a special deal.
Well, you'd have to. Us nurses
are overworked and underpaid.
Vhen I came here, I didn't think
I vas ever going to leave.
But, you, you gave me
a new lease on life.
I'm glad.
A small gift to say thank you.
I couldn't.
Don't insult me.
I von't take no for an answer.
This is the only thing
I bring with me to this country.
Kept in my shoe for such a long time
vhen I vas in Poland.
No vonder I have trouble
with the foot.
It's really beautiful.
I'd love to accept, but I can't.
It's against hospital policy.
I'd get into trouble.
You are good, honest boy.
Now, ring for me a taxi
and then I can get avay from here.
Tell them not to keep me vaiting.
I don't like vaiting.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
(talks aloud) I love you.
You don't have to speak.
CLASSICAL MUSIC FILLS THE AIR
Okay, Mr Zuckerman.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Is he still here?
Come on, mate, I need this bed.
Mr Zuckerman?
Mr Zuckerman?
I wanted to talk
About
No, you first.
Okay, me first.
As a nurse, I have a lot of
physical contact with my patients.
I care for them and want to
help them as best I can.
Now, sometimes those feelings
can be confused.
You were coming on to me.
No, I wasn't.
What about the cards?
You do that for all patients?
I don't think so.
You were stressed out
Oh, pull the other one!
Everyone knows about nurses.
(disbelieving laugh)
I just wonder why you backed off.
I'm sorry if I crossed the line,
playing cards with you.
I'm sorry about that,
but you just made a giant leap.
We work bloody hard
for guys like you.
Next time you come in here,
you remember that.
CONNOR: Everything okay?
Fine.
Adon ha-olam,
z'chor et nish-mato.
O Lord, remember the soul
of Mr Solomon Zuckerman.
May his rest be with fullness of joy
in your presence.
And may his memory be a blessing.
Say hello to Eva for me.
Hello, Gran.
Yeah, it's me - Jared.
No, everything's fine.
I was just wondering, do you want me
to come over Friday night?
Take you to the synagogue?
Good. Okay. See you then.
Bye.
Come on, Jared. Come to Cougars.
Nah, I might just go home.
We want you to come
and have a drink.
Are you trying to lead me astray?
Oh, well, you know what they say
about us nurses.
Hey, Steph.
We're going to Cougars.
Want to come?
LIFT BELL RINGS
Oh, I don't know.
Come on. Live dangerously.
Yeah, okay.