Call the Midwife s11e07 Episode Script

1 Human beings thrive on the known, and the predictable.
We like our routines Morning.
the calendar and the clock.
We like the familiar, and the expected.
Human beings are foolish.
Life is full of other plans.
Oh Morning, Nurse.
- Good morning.
- Morning.
Have you seen this? In a free vote, the House of Commons passed the Abortion Act.
Does that mean it's legal now? Well, only as far as the statute book is concerned.
There's still a great deal to put in place before any woman will be able to, well, legally have a termination.
But that will be next year? At least? And until then, shall we get on? - Oh, sorry.
- It's always worth sharing good news.
And if it means we're any closer to the last backstreet abortion - It is good news indeed.
- To the business of the day.
Nurse Robinson, Mrs Jenner is out of hospital.
Would you check in on her? Sister Frances, you are required at the maternity home.
Nurse Corrigan, you've a number of new mothers to visit, I believe.
Nurse Corrigan? Yes, I got all that.
As for me Ah, yes, Mrs Corbett.
She can't have long to go now.
Another few weeks, but she's struggling with her symphysis pubis.
That can be very painful.
It's easy to take for granted how the joints of the pelvis work together in perfect unison until they don't.
I hope you can help her.
I'll do my very best.
Shall we? Oh.
Hm A high temperature, swollen glands, sore throat and extreme fatigue.
- Your diagnosis, Dr Turner? - Glandular fever.
But I already knew that.
I'm not the only one in halls to come down with it.
Don't they call it the kissing disease? It does raise the question.
Which I'm not prepared to answer at this time.
Well, the only known cure for glandular fever is rest, and plenty of it.
We were right to bring you home.
Come on, let's give your brother some peace and quiet.
I'm concerned.
Nurse Corrigan may have been left to her own devices a little too often.
Her progress has never been unequivocal.
Are you worried that she might be slipping? I think she sometimes loses her concentration.
Would you like me to speak with her? Can I suggest that, instead of running the risk of undermining her confidence, we show her what she IS capable of? The poor boy looked as though he hadn't slept for a month when he arrived.
And I didn't say anything, but his hair is a disgrace.
He looks like a Shetland pony! I always thought long hair and late nights were rather typical for students.
I had a short back and sides, and I was virtually nocturnal for my first three years.
Ooh, is that so? Because I was spending so much time in the library and not the pub.
Well, Timothy will be getting his full eight hours while he's home.
Whilst I have your attention, Doctor, the travel arrangements for the Midwifery and Obstetrics Conference in Chelmsford, how many train tickets will you be requiring? Three myself, Mrs Turner and Sister Julienne - will be attending.
- Very good.
Ooh, and in other tidings pertinent to movement, I have today received a postcard from our Nurse Crane.
Ooh, and where is she now? Marrakech? Coastal Kent.
Ah.
Back on the British landmass, for the last week of her leave.
Go on.
Don't be shy.
I've got an appointment.
For the baby.
Name? Carole Reece.
Carole.
It's nice to see you again.
Oh, hello! Sister Frances helped deliver Dean.
Hello, I'm Norma.
Carole's foster mum.
And how's this little fella doing? Oh, dear.
It's his skin.
It's ever so dry.
I'm sure we can do something about that.
Come through.
Go with the Doctor.
It's all right, I'll just be out here.
Will you come with me? Of course.
I know they get younger every day.
It does look very sore.
Do you use soap in his bath? Yeah, baby soap.
I thought that'd be all right.
In normal circumstances, it would be, but Dean has a condition called eczema, which means his skin is very sensitive.
I didn't know.
Well, you can dress him now.
I'm going to prescribe some lotion and some emollient to go in his bath.
That should clear things up.
But you need to remember, it will make Dean very slippery when he comes out of the bath.
Like an eel.
Especially if he's a wriggler.
He really is.
So, that's it? He'll get better? It will ease his symptoms, but you'll have to keep an eye on him.
If you like, I could pop round, check everything's all right? I'm at Norma's for now.
But when I turn 16, the council are giving us a place of our own.
Oh, good morning, Roberta.
I believe your mother's expecting me.
Yeah.
She's in the kitchen.
You can just go in.
Ah, lovely.
Mrs Corbett? It's only me.
Oh, I was hoping it would be.
SHE GROANS Please don't feel you have to stand on my account.
I see the pain in your hips has got worse.
In the last couple of weeks, I've been finding it difficult to get up the stairs.
Oh, we can't be having that.
Let me speak to Dr Turner.
Oh, you don't need to bother him.
I respectfully disagree.
Edina hates making a fuss.
Whilst I rather enjoy it.
In fact, it's a favourite pastime of mine.
I've only two or three more weeks to go.
And there is absolutely no reason why we can't try to ease your pain.
Thank you.
And you complain about me? I'm going to make you that appointment at the optician's.
How do you expect to drive a train? His glasses are wrong.
They're giving him headaches.
That's her polite way of saying I'm getting old.
Not at all.
You look the same as the day I married you.
Maybe with a few more grey hairs.
I knew it! It comes to us all, Mr Corbett.
In you go.
Let's get changed out of our uniforms.
Mummy, look! Carole might have a little boy, but she's no more than a child herself.
Where is she to live? I think the council are just going to put her in a flat and hope for the best.
She is able to bring up her own child.
Some of us might have liked the chance.
She does seem very excited about having a place of her own.
If it's OK with you, I would like to keep an eye on her until she's settled.
- Did you hear that, Nurse Corrigan? - I did.
From tomorrow, Nurse Corrigan, you will be in charge of the morning orders.
We think it will help you get a better idea of how things work.
Of course if, if you don't feel ready I didn't say that.
I'll give it a go.
.
.
with early morning sunshine giving way to the And what delaying tactic did they employ tonight? Oh, I'm sure you can guess.
"I need the light on.
" "I need a glass of water.
" Oh, and not forgetting, "I'm not even tired.
" Usually said with closing eyes and nodding head.
Although, I heard that one from our eldest this afternoon.
Even though he'd got through a whole percolator of black coffee trying to stay awake.
Well, you have to admire his work ethic.
Not if it's making him ill.
The glandular fever is making him ill.
And he's not going to get any better unless he rests.
But there's no point me telling him that.
He has to hear it from you.
I don't see why.
Well, where do you think he learnt to burn the candle at both ends? I'll have to go in a minute.
Well, best make the most of the time we've got then.
Carole? What you doing out here? Like I need ask.
Go see to your baby.
Go on.
Off you go.
There's nothing here for you tonight.
No! I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
It was my alarm.
And and, yes, I know how that sounds.
But I am ready to do the orders.
I have them all prepared.
Then, I'm afraid you've wasted your time, Nurse Corrigan.
I have taken care of it.
But I-1-I was ready.
The alarm What have you been told about your attention to detail? The smallest oversight can undo all your hard work.
If you didn't know that before, you know it now.
Hello, love.
Carole said you might be coming.
She's had a bad night.
Sorry to hear that.
I suppose that means you've had one, too.
Oh, we're used to it, me and my Brian.
We normally foster the little ones.
But not the mums? No, it's something new they're trying.
Not sure we'd do it again, though.
Carole might be a mum, but she's still a bloody teenager.
You never know what mood she's gonna be in, and she can turn on a sixpence.
And if you want her to do anything, you have to tell her three times.
At least! Go easy, Carole! He's not a sack of potatoes.
He won't stop.
How's his skin? As bad as ever.
Right, then let's start there.
Good morning.
Mr Corbett? Oh, I'm sorry, Sister.
Good morning to you.
Away with the fairies? Just a lot to think about.
And if I'm not careful, it'll make me late.
- Please.
- Thank you.
Mrs Corbett? Ah, that was you talking to Lionel.
Well, I needed to make sure he was safely out of the house before I showed you.
.
this.
Now, I'm not going to pretend this will be gracing the catwalks of Paris next season, but this girdle should give you some relief.
I do hope so.
That's it, nice and gentle.
Face and body first.
And then? Bottom and bits last.
Shall I take him out now? Well, remember what I said.
Slippery like an eel.
So, a good firm grip under both arms.
And lift.
There we go.
Snug as a bug.
Little bugger.
He's always on his best behaviour for other people.
Well, you're not the first mum to say that.
He just cries all the time when he's with me.
He doesn't like me.
Hey, that's not true.
When Dean cries, he's communicating with you.
It's the only way he can.
So, he's telling you that he's hungry, or wet, cold, bored.
Itchy.
Or that he just needs a cuddle.
I promise you, he will never be crying because he doesn't want you.
You're his whole world.
Look.
Let's put his lotion on.
Ooh How's that? Much more comfortable.
Hopefully, that will give you some relief until baby comes along.
Things should resolve themselves after that.
And I can still have the baby at home? Hm, I can't see why not.
Lionel and I had always wanted another child after Roberta, but we were apart for a long time.
Lionel came to England first, to work on the railway and to get things ready for us.
But when we got here, it wasn't as easy as we expected.
How so? Lionel and I are Anglo-Indian.
We speak English, we went to English-speaking schools, we go to church We thought that coming to England would feel like coming home.
It wasn't as simple as that.
But you feel at home now? We do.
Now.
And when this little one comes along, even more so.
Caught me.
I don't smoke round the kids.
Some of them have enough bad influences in their lives without me being one.
How do you get on? Good.
If she keeps up the baths, she should have Dean's eczema under control by the end of the week.
Oh, that's good.
She's very sensitive, isn't she? Insecure, you mean.
It's not unusual for kids who've been in and out of care.
We've had some right clingy little ones, following you around from room to room in case you disappear.
Because that's what their parents did.
It sounds as though Carole's mum would vanish every time she got a new fella.
No wonder she's crying out for affection.
We've had lads calling for her at all hours.
Really? Oh, don't you worry.
We soon see them off.
Who's gonna do that for her when she's on her own in that flat? I hate to say it, but she's easy pickings.
I can't help thinking that a pinch of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
I could speak to Carole about going on the pill.
She'll have enough to cope with when she moves into her flat.
I don't think she'd be disciplined about taking it.
The local authority do have funding for vulnerable girls to be fitted with an IUD.
The coil is very reliable, and the family planning clinic can do the procedure.
That sounds perfect.
You would need to talk Carole through the implications.
The coil offers no protection for venereal disease.
I'll discuss that with her.
You sound like you're in a rush.
I am.
She's on her own at the end of the week.
You know I love you, baby I just can't help myself And even if you turn your back on me I wouldn't want nobody else Now you got me all hung up And there ain't nothin' I can do Because you're too much a part of me, baby I said You're too much a part of me, boy Yeah You're too much a part of me, baby Cos you're you Mm-mm Cos you're you, now Al right, now, now, now Too much a part of me, baby Just because you're Just because, just because Just because you're You ah, huh Ain't no other reason whoo, whoo, whoo Ah, how you doing, Reggie? You home for Bonfire Night? Well, welcome home.
Are they for Colette? Liquorice allsorts, her absolute favourite.
What are you two up to today, then? Oh, whatever she likes.
The world's our oyster on a Saturday - no school, no homework, no bedtime.
- Have a lovely day.
- We will! Ain't it great? It's got everything I need.
I don't know about that.
You need somewhere to dry wet nappies.
And where's Dean gonna sleep once he grows out of his cot? It's all right, I'll sort something out.
Carole while you're getting your life organised, there is something else I think you should consider.
I've spoken to Dr Turner, and he's suggested that you have a coil fitted.
Do you know what that is? So, it's a form of contraception.
But you'd have to go into the clinic to have it put in.
Put in? Well, where does it go? In your uterus.
Inside me? Yeah.
You won't know it's there.
And if you ever want to have another baby I don't even want to do what it takes to get pregnant again.
Well, you might not always feel like that.
I'm done with boys - honest.
While you wait, help yourself to a cup of tea.
Thank you.
I wonder, is it too late to change the arrangements for the midwifery conference on Saturday? - I need you to cancel my tickets.
- May I ask why? Timothy is still not well.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Every time I think he's on the road to recovery, he wears himself out and ends up back in bed.
Well, doctors are not known for making good patients.
It seems it's also true of student doctors.
And Timothy is very much his father's son.
But it seems a shame to let my place go to waste.
Would anyone else from Nonnatus House like to go? Carole thinks it's a palace.
I think it's a dump.
Well, it'll be the first place she's been able to call her own.
When you grow up in a home, everything feels temporary.
You're just passing through.
It takes a long time for that feeling to go away.
So is that how you feel at Nonnatus House? Oh, a little less every day.
And when she said she's finished with men Ah, sure, haven't we all said that? Well Yes.
I doubt Carole is considering taking holy orders.
Nurse Corrigan, when Sister Hilda suggested to me that you take on morning orders, I was sceptical.
And yet, you have risen to the occasion admirably.
Thank you so much for saying that.
In recognition of that, you will be accompanying me to the Midwifery and Obstetrics Conference in Chelmsford.
Me? It will be an opportunity to see the future of our profession.
Oh, I should warn you, it will be quite an early start on Saturday morning.
Saturday? Is that a problem? I like to spend my Saturdays with Colette.
But she knows I have to work sometimes.
Oh, come in.
You're my first visitor.
Well, that's good, cos I have brought you a house-warming gift! They're from the allotment.
I've also come to check how you're managing with Dean's eczema.
Oh, I'm just trying to get him to sleep.
I'll try not to disturb him.
I've been keeping up with his baths, and the cream is really helping.
It doesn't seem to be helping you.
Show me your hands.
No spots or anything? You've scratched yourself red raw.
Hm.
I just itch all the time.
Do you mind if I check your sheets? - They're clean on.
- I'm sure they are.
But I need to make sure only you and Dean are living here.
Oh, no, I can't bear creepy crawlies.
Don't worry if we find any, we'll be giving them their marching orders.
Nonnatus House, midwife speaking.
This is Mr Corbett at 9 Blaire Street.
- Hello, Mr Corbett.
- My wife is having terrible pain.
- How long? - For at least an hour.
- I'm on my way.
- Thank you.
Well, the good news is that I haven't found any unwelcome visitors.
The bad news is that I still don't know what's causing you to itch.
I'm trying not to.
Well, we'll try a bit of calamine lotion, but I think you might need to see Dr Turner.
Maybe while you're there, he could talk to you about getting the coil fitted? I already told you I don't need it! I don't even bloody know anyone for a start! Carole? I just got so used to being with other people the children's homes and foster places.
I didn't realise it would be so odd, being all on my own.
Oh, no, that's awful, innit? I'm not alone.
No, but you don't get much in the way of a conversation out of him.
No, you need to get out and start making friends.
And I'll help with Dean.
Do you really mean that? Oof! Midwife calling.
Hello, Mrs Corbett.
I'm Nurse Robinson.
I hear you're having contractions.
I think so.
It's hard to tell.
With the other pains Of course.
Well, let's find out, one way or the other.
Mr Corbett, perhaps you'd like to give us some privacy? Oh.
Let's get you up on the bed and see what's going on.
I hear you'll be visiting Chelmsford on Saturday.
- How exciting! - I suppose.
Try not to sound too enthusiastic.
Everyone else is quite green with envy.
If you want to go instead of me Well, I'm not sure that's within your gift.
Sister Julienne offered the place to you.
- And you accepted, Nurse Corrigan.
- I know.
It's just the conference is on Saturday, and that's my day off.
So? You'll miss out on a lie-in? No, I'll miss out on time with my daughter.
You'll see her in the week.
I shouldn't have expected you to understand.
Well, I certainly won't if you don't explain yourself.
Saturdays are special for me and Colette.
It's our time.
There's no school, no work.
I don't want to miss one.
Then, perhaps I should go in your place.
But I also don't want to miss the conference.
Then I'm at a loss.
I'm trying to understand So, I have to choose between what's good for my daughter and what's good for me.
And to be honest, I don't think I should have to choose at all.
I'm sorry, Mrs Corbett, but I don't think you'll be meeting your baby tonight.
I think you've had some Braxton Hicks contractions, which is a sign your body is getting ready for the delivery, but not this evening.
Oh, Mrs Corbett I can see how disappointed you are.
I'm sorry.
I just thought I hoped The last few weeks are the hardest.
And I know you've had it harder than most.
You can come in now, Lionel.
I was wondering if I should start boiling water? Sister, what I said I'm just feeling sorry for myself.
I'll make sure to get out the right side of the bed in the morning.
Glad to hear it.
However And you were right - there'll be other Saturdays.
I'm going to the conference.
And I will try to remember that whatever is good for my future is good for Colette's.
Actually, I think YOU were right.
It's not at all fair that you have to choose between your duties as a mother and a midwife.
And they're both equally important roles in your life.
And it's not right that they're in conflict.
Hm, but I think they always will be.
But on this occasion, would it help if I were to be on call instead of you on Sunday? You and Colette could still have your special day.
I I can't let you do that.
- Why on earth not? - Because Sunday is your special day to spend with someone important.
Um, I think He'll understand.
It's for a good cause.
She's got no support.
No-one to do a bit of baby-sitting or pop round for a cup of tea.
She is cast adrift.
But there's a dance at the youth club.
- I thought it might be good for her.
- And when does the dance finish? She'll be back before the Great Silence.
She promised.
I believe the young man is replete.
Whilst I have the utmost sympathy for Carole, we are midwives, not baby-sitters.
Do not make a habit of this.
I got the paper.
I think it's the right pattern, but you'd better check before I get it on the wall - I'm sure it's perfect.
- Well, I don't want to hear any complaints once it's up there.
Sit.
Sit.
Sit.
You need to keep an eye on the rice! I know.
So, do you think you'll sleep at all tonight? Don't worry.
It's not the first sleepless night I've had.
And it won't be the last when the baby finally gets here! Roberta was a good baby.
Yeah, and we were ten years younger.
So, is that what's been bothering you? You think I'm too old? Oh, my love, no! I think I am.
Every day, something reminds me that I am no longer a young man A new pain, a new creak.
I walk into rooms and I forget why I'm there.
You've been that way since you were a boy.
You have a terrible memory and you're always daydreaming.
It's one of the reasons I love you.
But I do wish we hadn't had to wait so long to have this baby, but I'm so grateful that the wait is nearly over and our family will finally be complete.
The rice! BABY FUSSES Sh-sh-sh Sh-sh-sh I'm sorry! I know it's not what you want to hear, but please just listen Just get out! You can't just leave me here.
I'm really sorry! Oh, watch it! Please don't be angry.
I'm not.
I'm worried.
Youth club finished hours ago.
Where have you been? Carole? Were you with a boy? So what if I was? Anyway, we were only talking.
And he didn't like what I had to say.
So I won't be seeing him again.
Are you bloody happy now?! Carole, what have you done to yourself? I think you should let me take a look at that.
Thanks for baby-sitting.
Don't worry, I won't ask again.
I know you want to help her.
I don't think I'm doing a very good job of it.
Perhaps she needs to take some responsibility for herself? But she's so young and so isolated and It's still important to maintain a professional distance.
I know, but - Goodnight, Sister Julienne.
- Goodnight, Sister Frances.
Oh, hello.
You have to come.
My mother can't get out of bed.
I'm sorry to hear that.
I tried to help her, but I couldn't.
You've done the most helpful thing possible by coming here.
Now, you go to school.
I'll look after your mummy.
Go on, off you go.
What's all this, Mrs Corbett? I tried to get up, but I could not.
The pain was too much.
Well, we cannot be having that.
First things first, let's get you up and into some fresh clothes and I'll change those sheets for you.
- Thank you.
- After which, we will telephone the maternity home.
You're going to need nursing care until this baby makes its debut.
She'd scratched herself until she was bleeding.
But there's no underlying rash.
It doesn't mean there's no underlying cause.
Carole? I wonder if we could have a chat? I know I'm not your favourite person at the moment, but I am worried about you.
Carole? It's Dr Turner, Carole.
You're not in any trouble.
We've just come to help.
Carole Dean? Are you crying? Don't worry about Dean.
Let's look after you.
Carole, can you remember what happened? I went to pick up Dean, but the floor just went out from under me.
Carole, can you look at me? Pupils reacting normally, but the sclera is yellow.
Is jaundice what's been causing her itching? It's very possible.
Carole, the best place for you is hospital.
You need a few tests, to try and work out what's wrong.
I can't leave Dean.
No, don't worry.
I'll come with you in the ambulance and we'll take him with us.
Now, we need to get you onto the bed.
Do you think you can stand? Good.
You keep her warm, while I go to the phone box.
Come on.
One concerned father All present and correct.
What are you doing here, Lionel? I'm perfectly all right.
The baby is perfectly all right.
Then why have you brought her here? So that we can make her more comfortable, and she has a chance to rest before the little one puts in an appearance.
Then this is good news.
You've barely slept for nights.
I knew I was keeping you awake at night.
You do look a little tired, Mr Corbett, which further convinces me that this is the perfect course of action.
You'll both feel better after a few days' bedrest.
Lionel, I need you to talk to someone about Roberta.
The ladies from the church will help.
And Roberta can have a key on a string inside the door.
Like a proper Poplar child.
See? Everything and everyone is being looked after.
Now it is time for you to relax.
Well, there's no sign of concussion or anything else untoward, neurologically speaking.
So why did she faint? It could be any number of reasons.
I don't need to tell you that it's quite common for expectant mothers to experience nausea and dizziness.
Expectant mothers? No, no, she isn't pregnant.
On the contrary.
I'd say she's heading for her third trimester.
Can I see her? If you wish.
She's been asking for you.
Erm, Dr Turner was worried that she might be jaundiced.
Well, there's certainly a tinge of something.
It's all a bit of a puzzle, really.
But we've taken blood for testing.
I see.
Thank you.
Did they tell you? Yes.
It's not the end of the world.
I tried to just ignore it.
I thought it would just go away.
That's not usually the case, Carole.
Dare I ask about the father? He doesn't wanna know.
Was he the boy you were with the other night? Why do you think he don't want to see me any more? It's just like Dean's dad all over again.
I didn't want a baby any more than either of them did.
I'm not a bloke, so I can't just walk away.
All I want is someone to love me.
You can test me on the limbic system, if you'd like.
Go on.
Give me the major three.
Amygdala, hippocampus and cingulate gyrus.
Good.
Now list me the complications of glandular fever.
Enlargement of the spleen, hepatitis, jaundice, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, myocarditis, meningitis and encephalitis.
But that's only in acute cases.
And the recommended treatment? Fluids.
And rest.
Complete rest.
I can't afford to fall behind because of some stupid virus.
It's not a competition, Tim.
And if it was, it would be a marathon, not a 100-yard dash.
- Well, when I was in training - Oh, please, no.
What? Just not another rose-tinted story of your adventures at medical school.
Things have changed since your day.
I'm sorry.
I didn't realise I was boring you.
You've obviously forgotten just how hard it really is.
I'll never forget.
But that's why I worry about you.
I know this is hard for you and Mum to accept, but I'm an adult now.
Orange squash, for God's sakes! What would you prefer? Dry martini? I'd prefer to not be spoken to like a child.
But in case you hadn't realised, I'm 20 years old.
This is my career.
My life! It's mine if I make the wrong decisions, mine if I make the right ones too.
And this is my degree, to make a bloody mess of if I want to.
We aren't going to let that happen.
You can't stop me from failing, Dad.
And if you don't let go, I will fail! All you do is interfere.
Dad? Do you think Mum will like it? I think she will love it very much.
- I used all her favourite colours.
- Oh? Pink and blue and green.
Now it's time for bed.
Go and get ready I'm going to read you a story, just like your mother does.
Mm! Can I smell bacon? You aren't going anywhere without a decent breakfast.
I'm sorry you aren't coming.
You can tell me all about it when you get back.
I've plenty of chores to keep me busy, including cleaning out both your bags.
You don't usually go out without it, so I'm seizing the chance with both hands.
You will keep an eye on Timothy, won't you? I shall do more than keep an eye, I will have words.
Starting with his hair.
His hair isn't his worst of fence.
No.
His worst of fence is the way he spoke to you.
I shouldn't have said anything.
I wish you safe travel and an illuminating day.
Drink in all the wisdom that is offered.
Every last drop! I hope we're getting a cup of tea as well.
Oh The ventouse seminar will commence in five minutes.
I put some biscuits on the saucer, but the drink slopped onto them a bit.
You'll just have to pretend you've dipped them in your brew.
Oh, thank you, Nurse Corrigan.
Did you manage to get me a coffee? Yes, I put the spoon in so you can tell.
What do you reckon about these epidural things? Do they sound too good to be true? Well, the one thing that has changed childbirth beyond all else in recent years has been the power of pain relief.
But how is a woman supposed to bear down, or change position for delivery, if she can't feel anything below the waist? I can see forceps being used more often, for a start.
And yet I'll never forget the difference I saw when we first got hold of gas and air.
It was like a miracle.
- What year was that? - 1958.
1958?! No.
I'm sorry.
That's a joke, isn't it? Less than ten years ago.
Epidural anaesthesia in hospital is probably another five years off.
And it's not something we'll ever use on the district.
But we'll get to do the ventouse thingamajig, though, won't we? Oh, come on, I want a ringside seat for this.
Carole? They're saying the baby's coming, but it's too early, I know it's too early.
Tell 'em.
Her waters broke over an hour ago.
Contractions are now regular.
Carole, listen to me.
I know this is frightening and I wish we had more time to get you ready, but you are having the baby.
I can't, not yet.
I don't think you've got a lot of choice in the matter.
Will you stay with me? That's not permitted, I'm afraid.
She's 16 years old, she's in premature labour, she's had no antenatal care whatsoever for this pregnancy.
If she's going to stay calm and co-operate with you, she is going need moral and emotional support.
And in a medically complicated case like this, I worry that you're gonna be too busy to give her that.
There is to be no clinical interference whatsoever.
That's fair.
I'd ask the same if you were in my delivery room.
Very well.
The machine uses suction along with the natural force of the contraction in a way that is less invasive and traumatic than a forceps delivery.
Any questions? The train alongside platform three is leaving.
I mean, who thinks of these things? What sort of mind do you have to have to look at a vacuum cleaner and think, "I know where I can best put this to use"? Amazing! You're glad you came? Oh, I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Ah, these are ours.
So glad I didn't drive.
Much easier by train.
We may be in for an interesting journey.
I've had a lovely day, but, oh, I'd kill for a cup of tea.
Easy, does it? Ooh! You just hang on here whilst I sort the bed clothes out.
Thank you.
Ooh! Oh Oh, dear.
Is that a bit of a twinge? Actually, I think it is something else.
My dear Mrs Corbett, was that a contraction? I think so.
Well, that's excellent news! There were a couple earlier, but I didn't want to say anything in case it was another false alarm.
Are they coming regularly? - Not yet.
- In which case, we'll pop you back to bed and keep an eye on you.
Keep it going.
Good girl.
Remember, short breaths.
And rest back.
I don't think I can do this any more.
Yes, you can.
You've done it before.
Not long to go now.
No wonder he shoved this to the bottom of the bag.
I have firm opinions about that pie shop.
You have firm opinions about a lot of things.
Yes, as it happens.
You don't like my hair like this, do you? No, as it happens.
But if that's the way you want to wear it, that's your prerogative and I shall keep my opinion to myself.
However, I can't let the way you spoke to your father go unchallenged.
You weren't there.
I was there to see the hurt he felt afterwards.
And I was there this morning, when I was vexed and he spoke up for you.
Did he? Of course, he did.
He'd die for you.
And that doesn't mean you don't need to apologise.
It means you need to apologise more.
There we go.
Keep it going.
You're doing so well.
The head is almost out.
And here we go.
Good girl.
You've done it.
Baby needs oxygen.
What is it? Is it a girl? Yes.
Sister, stay with mother, please.
Shouldn't it be crying? Why isn't it crying? It's time, it's time! Ooh! I tell you what, if this goes our way, this time next week, you, me and your mum will be on the Riviera, sipping French champagne.
- And now sport - And if it doesn't go our way? Well, it'll be Clapham Ponds with a bottle of dandelion and burdock.
Manchester City: 1.
Sheffield United: 1, Leeds United: 0.
- Good evening, brothers and sisters.
- Good evening.
- Good evening.
- Good evening, Pastor Robinson.
- Good evening.
- Mrs Robinson.
- Good evening, Pastor.
- Good evening.
Good evening, Pastor.
Grazie mile.
Oh! Mr Aylward, didn't see you there.
I just popped in to get a couple of iced buns for Reggie and have a quick cup of coffee.
Are you catching up on your post? I do have a postcard from Nurse Franklin.
She writes quite often, actually.
Sometimes on the back of a view of the Bay of Naples.
Oh! And sometimes in a sealed envelope.
And I write back.
Well, I am very glad to hear it, Mr Aylward.
I think I might go brave the toilet, Sister.
Be right back.
Evening, Sister.
I bet you don't remember me.
Mrs Carnie? Of course I remember you! You passed through our care many times.
Nine, all told.
Six boys, three girls.
And I had you and your forceps out for me last.
Oh, yes! He was what we in the trade call a bit of a whopper.
10lb 9.
He's over 15st now, boxing heavyweight.
I'll tell you something, of all the things I've done in my life, and I've done plenty, there ain't been nothing to beat being a mother and a grandmum.
My babies have been my world.
Teas are on me.
Oh! How are we doing? We'll move you to the delivery room before too long.
And with a little bit of luck and a prevailing wind, we might have a baby before the night is out.
Oh, you have no idea how happy that makes me.
I telephoned the Station Master, and Lionel's train is on time and should be at Liverpool Street shortly.
Praise my soul The King of Heaven To His feet thy tribute bring Ransomed, healed Restored, forgiven Sunderland: 1, Everton: 3.
.
.
Praise Him, praise Him Praise Him, praise Him Warwick can't win 'em all, Reg.
Maybe next week.
Oh! Uh! Reg.
Come on.
Dr Turner? Sister Julienne! This way, love.
Come on.
Everybody out.
- Nice and calm.
Please.
- After you, Mrs Wallace.
I'm fine, go on.
Go on.
- Reggie? - Vi, under the bridge.
Here.
- Reggie! - Vi! Mum! Oh, it's all right, my love, I'm here.
- What's happened? - I don't know.
Some sort of explosion near the bridge.
I'll have to round up the Civil Defence Corps.
We need to move these people on now, before anything else comes loose.
All right, leave it to me.
We also need to establish a first-aid station, with medical supplies.
The clinical room at Nonnatus House is the best place for that.
I'll report back.
No.
Reggie, Fred's got work to do.
You stay and you you look after me.
Cyril, I can't see Mrs Wallace.
She must be still inside.
Wait here, I'll go and fetch her.
All right, everybody, listen.
We need to evacuate this area now.
Follow me towards Nonnatus House and, please, give priority to the injured.
Mrs Wallace, what you doing sitting here? We need you outside, organising everybody.
I wanted to be the last one out, to lock up the church safely, but I can't see the steps.
I think there's something in my eye.
It's a piece of glass.
You can take it out? Come with me.
We'll get you help.
Oh.
What disaster has befallen us? There's been some sort of collision overhead.
It's put windows out and we have a number of walking wounded.
I have to set up a first-aid post, while we wait for the ambulances.
Er, there is sanctuary and comfort here.
Use me as you will.
This way.
We'll get you help.
Officer, what information do you have? There's been a train crash and derailment, just coming up to the bridge.
Do you know where the train was coming from? Chelmsford.
I fear our colleagues are on that train.
We must hold fast to hope and seek to help the wounded now before us.
Sister? Sister.
Excuse me Can you help? Dr Turner? Sister Julienne, can you hear me? Come on, love.
It's not safe.
No.
I know people in that carriage.
- Sister Julienne! - No, no, come, come, come.
Someone needs to go to them.
Sometimes, the sky rips open and the earth erupts beneath our feet.
We stand, if we can stand at all, exposed and vulnerable, pathetic in our frailty.
Bruised and bleeding, we are rendered merely human - never more fragile, never more at risk, never more in need of all the strength that we can find.
I don't know where they are, Fred.
Mum - Dad and I weren't speaking.
- That can't be helped now.
I want to see my baby.
Please can I see my baby? Make way, mate.
Embankment's on fire, there's people trapped.
Let's see if we can make this your very last push.
Nonnatus House will sink and we will drown.
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