- 8 hours ago
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00There are challenges that are eternal.
00:04How do we stand and face our fears, and how do we let go?
00:09We forge on because we must, with weapons as fragile as courage,
00:17as simple as work, or as precious as compassion for our fellow human beings.
00:24These are the threads that bind the very warp and weft of days.
00:31The things we think we will remember, then move on from, and forget.
00:40You poor child.
00:42I'm pretty sure that's it for now.
00:45Go and get ready. I'll cover for ya.
00:51Mum, what's going to happen when we close the maternity home?
00:54I wish there was a simple answer, May.
00:57The truth is, nobody knows.
01:00Will we have to move house?
01:02No. This is our home, and that's not going to change,
01:06because Daddy will still have his surgery.
01:09I promise you, sweetheart, everything will be alright.
01:14Angela needs to do everything together.
01:17Now, we don't even get the same baths.
01:19She'll be home tonight, just as she always is.
01:22And Timothy's back in London, living at St Cuthbert's.
01:26So that's good, isn't it?
01:28I know. New things are always hard.
01:36Now, this crane's been held up at the maternity home.
01:38She's asked me to give out morning orders.
01:40Sister Catherine, are you happy to be on first call this afternoon?
01:43Of course.
01:44I was top of the call board myself,
01:46but I know how I'm meeting halfway across London.
01:48Good morning, all.
01:50Rosalind Ladadetais.
01:51She's just sorting out a fresh beer.
01:53Well, I hope she's eaten a hearty breakfast.
01:55She's going to be cycling all over Poplar today.
02:04See you later.
02:05Six o'clock! And don't be late!
02:12Come in.
02:20And it is wakey, wakey, rise and shine for my favourite slugger bed.
02:28I bring grapefruit tea and a French toast chaser.
02:33Oh, I overslept again.
02:35You're keeping not dissimilar hours to Princess Margaret.
02:38Although, I am told, her cooling tray has nothing on it but black coffee and an orange juice.
02:42She probably wakes up with a hangover.
02:44I've never had a hangover.
02:47Are you getting a bad back sleeping on the sofa?
02:50I did think of sending for an osteopath.
02:53Then I remembered I am one.
02:55Well, I've slept like a log every night since I came here.
02:58It's like I'm getting over an illness.
03:00You look to me as though you are recuperating nicely.
03:04Apart from the faintest suggestion of a few split ends,
03:07dare I make you a little appointmentette at the salon on the corner?
03:10The hairdressers.
03:11Oh, no, I really don't think I can go up to the hairdressers.
03:14Not with my hair in this state.
03:19In a moment, we'll be inviting the ladies and gentlemen of the press inside
03:23to view the magnificent Ground Four extension funded by the bathroom grand scheme.
03:29But first, I'd like to ask Mrs. Rhoda Mullocks, who's here today with her daughter Susan and son Paddy,
03:36to say a few words about how she and her family have benefited from this council initiative.
03:43This has been a really fortunate development for us.
03:47As many of you know, Susan was affected by thalidomide.
03:51And we were struggling a bit more than most with the old outside toilet and tin bath.
03:56Hello, Mum.
03:57For those of you who don't know, this is my second eldest, Perry.
04:01He's at Technical College.
04:04My grandma was actually born in this house.
04:08And the addition of the bathroom has brought us bang into the middle of the 20th century.
04:13What do you have to say, Susan?
04:15It's fantastic.
04:18In you go, members of the press, straight through to the back of the house.
04:22Oh, and Mrs. Mullick's sanitary wear is in a new colour called Pampers Beige.
04:27So you might want to caption your photographs accordingly.
04:31Oh!
04:34Come on, love.
04:36Let's bump you up.
04:44I can't believe we're under notice of closure, yet we've still got a cohort of junior doctors coming in for
04:50district obstetrics.
04:52And all the more unsettling, because my own son's one of the doctors.
04:56Oh, he was such a little boy when he came into my life.
04:59You were younger than he is now, when your path first crossed with mine.
05:04And look at us now. Shutting up shop, to all intents and purposes.
05:08Where do you think we'll be, this time next year?
05:11Possibly in a better place than this. Possibly in a worse one.
05:17But not here?
05:20Sheila, the council are not going to give Nunata's house any more money.
05:26We'll have to see what God thinks.
05:28And what the order proposes.
05:32Hurry up, please, gentlemen.
05:34The mother is feeling the urge to push.
05:36And Mr. Parry wants all junior doctors to be in guns.
05:42I'm sorry, Dr. Turner, but I have begged for an extraordinary meeting of the Board of Health.
05:47And Dr. Threatwood says we have to wait until the next one's scheduled on Friday.
05:52They might announce more closures at that one.
05:55There are half a dozen other maternity homes just waiting for the axe to fork.
05:59Which doesn't give the Board the right to treat you or Nunata's house like a canary down the mine.
06:05Meanwhile, I fear the fact that our GP practice is remaining open has confused matters.
06:11I had expected some degree of local uproar, but no one has so much as started a petition.
06:15The system we're heading into is going to be so big it dwarfs people's comprehension.
06:21Then, by the time they realise what's afoot, their voices will seem too tiny to be heard.
06:28Well, my voice isn't too tiny to be heard.
06:37Now, Mother, let's concentrate on the task in hand.
06:41Less noise equals more effective bearing down.
06:44I'd do better without a ruddy audience!
06:47Come, come. Just keep reminding yourself you're making very satisfactory progress.
06:52Now, once this contraction ends and Mother has ceased her exertions,
06:56would one of the gentlemen present like to step up and describe what he can see?
07:01Ah, Dr. Turner, Jr.
07:05Rule one of obstetrics. There is often something liquid on the floor.
07:14The fetal scalp is not visible at the endroitus during the post-between contractions, sir.
07:20The presenting part is the vertex in a cephalic presentation.
07:24The head is beginning to distend the perineum.
07:27The crowning has not yet occurred.
07:30And?
07:32Boy or girl?
07:35It's reassuring to know your expertise knows its limits.
07:47Now, Lady Aylwood.
07:50Matron of the Lady Emily Clinic for Women and Babies does have rather a ring to it.
07:54Yes, it does. And I'd like to accept. With caveats.
07:59You know I'll grant you any caveat you desire.
08:02I can't commence until the New Year.
08:05I have to give him my notice to Nonata's house.
08:08They're not in the best shape at the present time.
08:17Had I to feel dispelled much longer, I would have been in need of embrogation from my elbow, as well
08:25as assistance to the laboratory.
08:26This means the diuretics are working.
08:32And helping to cleanse your body of all the excess fluid.
08:37I am not in want of a biology lesson.
08:41Merely your aid.
08:43It might be more convenient if your setup comes out for you.
08:45I have always pried dignity above convenience.
08:54I've spent the whole of my career in the East End.
08:58Which equates to almost all of my adult life.
09:01You would have served less time for murder.
09:03I didn't see it that way, Mr. Skarsbrick.
09:06It wasn't a sentence.
09:08It was, and still is, a privilege.
09:12And now our maternity home is closing down.
09:15And the domestic delivery of babies could end up virtually outlawed.
09:20Thank you, Peel Report.
09:21I don't want to work in hospitals.
09:24I want to get to know the women I'm caring for.
09:27I want them to feel safe.
09:29As their birth is a miraculous but normal part of life.
09:33Soon I won't be able to provide that, and...
09:36In my view, that's a...
09:38...terrible loss.
09:40I'm simply grateful we're able to offer an alternative.
09:44To those who can afford to pay.
09:47Nevertheless, we have new adventures to look forward to.
09:51In due course, I'll have something else to put to you, but...
09:54Not today.
09:55We have quite enough to celebrate.
09:57Perhaps you'll allow me to take you out to dinner.
10:00Perhaps.
10:01In a week or two.
10:05Oh, good evening. Is that the Gazette?
10:08Oh, Miss Leverett. Glad I caught you.
10:11Could you put me through to Mr. Reynolds on features?
10:15Paddy, what noise?
10:17Uh...
10:17Sheep, mate.
10:21I'm going to have to take Susan to the surgeries tomorrow, Bernie.
10:24That blister looks like it's become infected.
10:27You can't have that, eh?
10:29What's the matter?
10:30I'm beautiful, mate.
10:32It hurts when I put the legs on.
10:34Doesn't it?
10:35If I take her first thing, can you drop Paddy at nursery?
10:38Oh, no, I can't. I've got a funeral.
10:40At ten o'clock, out in east town, Mr. Albion wants us lined up at the hearse by nine.
10:45Sometime through the day you took that undertaking job.
10:48Oh, it's a steady line of work.
10:50You're drinking more of that milk and magnesia than you ever did when you were pregnant.
10:54You're not trying to tell me we got some news, are ya?
10:56John's a big fine thing.
10:59God, our almighty Father, we ask today for a blessing to add to all the blessings you have given us.
11:06And as we thank you for leading us to one another, and for letting us love one another,
11:12and fold us as my hands, and fold hers, and protect us as our body protects our child.
11:17Amen.
11:19Amen.
11:27Oh, gosh.
11:29It is beautiful, isn't it?
11:33I've always loved pearls.
11:35The idea that inside all that sheen there's a tiny speck of sand.
11:45The heart of a pearl is so much stronger than we think.
11:51I didn't even know we kept Sherry on the premises.
11:53When a house is a home to a lot of young women, it's always wise to be prepared for a
11:58celebration.
11:59I managed to grab some twiglets and smokey bacon crisps.
12:03Well, Fred sends his congratulations.
12:05This is turning into quite a shindig.
12:09Have you given any consideration to a date yet?
12:12I went to the register office this morning and filled in all the forms.
12:16It's going to be in three weeks' time.
12:20Three weeks?
12:25And what of your parents?
12:27Are they as delighted as we?
12:29They don't know yet.
12:31They've been away on the school trip to Bruges, so...
12:33I'm going to call them tomorrow night.
12:37They are educated.
12:39And they are inhabitants of the modern world.
12:44Congratulations.
12:45Congratulations.
12:53I've stopped short of going the full bit else as soon.
12:57I'm giving you a geometric bob, but...
13:00I think that's taken the curse off.
13:02Farewell, Splitten.
13:05I've never had eggs rubbed in my hair before. It felt quite nice.
13:08Trixie put me onto the protein rinse when I decided to go long.
13:12But, Beryl, now that you've had a rest, we need to talk about the future.
13:18The Order won my answer in three weeks.
13:21And what are you going to do with those three weeks?
13:24Are you just going to sit them out indoors in the hope that clarity will come floating through the window?
13:29Or are you going to try to live a little?
13:32I think I'm living quite a lot just being here.
13:36Beryl, you know that's not true.
13:42Today, whilst I'm out manipulating the vertebrae of London's jet set,
13:49I want you to make a list of every single thing you wish to do before you tell the sisters
13:54whether you're going to leave or stay.
13:56To what end, Geoffrey?
13:59It may help you decide which sacrifice is bearable.
14:07What do you mean, Mayor turns midwife?
14:11You can't deliver babies, Mrs. Knockall. You're not qualified.
14:15I'm not intending to deliver them.
14:18The idea is that I follow you and the other ladies round Poplar as you go about your work.
14:24Lending a hand, you know, as and when appropriate.
14:27And getting photographed by the Gazette?
14:29The Gazette feels that it will draw attention to the destruction of midwifery services as we know it.
14:37That I can't deny.
14:40But so far we've left the news to seep out slowly so we don't cause alarm.
14:46Nurse Craig, in my opinion, we need to cause alarm to save the maternity home.
14:53If people protest, it might make a difference.
15:02How often do you wear the artificial legs?
15:04Every day. They make them wear them at school.
15:06There's three other thalidomide kids and the teacher says they all have to set an example to each other.
15:11What do you think about it all, Susan?
15:13I don't really like them very much.
15:15The other kids?
15:17The legs. They're heavy and they hurt and they don't look like proper legs.
15:22You're probably ready for a bigger set.
15:24She's growing like a weed.
15:27While I'm here, Dr. Turner, I want mine some more milk of magnesium.
15:32Rhoda, you really need to get that gallbladder removed.
15:35You've been at the top of the waiting list twice and cancelled the operation both times.
15:39I'm too busy, Doctor.
15:41Belinda's away at university and I'm busier than ever with Paddy and Susan to look after.
15:48I can look after myself.
15:49Susan, you know that's not true.
15:51The campaign for compensation has had so many ups and downs.
15:55I'll write you a prescription.
15:56It's cheaper than buying it over the counter but promise me, the next time your name comes up you'll get
16:02the operation done.
16:05They don't complain like this in male surgical.
16:11He's hungry.
16:13Sorry mate, we don't run to bar snacks.
16:18The infant stomach is a small fusiform organ situated in the upper abdomen.
16:25The capacity of approximately 30 milliliters.
16:32Anatomically, it's comprised of the cardia, the fundus, the body, and the pilaris.
16:41And the gastrum aguso is capable of suggesting hydrochloric acid.
16:45What do you think you are doing with that infant?
16:48I was comforting him.
16:49His cry was quite high-pitched so we might have colic.
16:53And he stopped the moment you picked him up?
16:56Yes, sister.
16:58He just didn't seem very happy.
17:00A well-managed baby is a contented baby.
17:04Doctors do not care for babies.
17:07They diagnose them and they treat them.
17:09And junior doctors are on this ward to learn.
17:15Sorry, sister.
17:18Ooh!
17:19I don't know what's gone on here.
17:20This one's covered in lipstick and there's a whiff of whiskey.
17:23Ooh!
17:28Now, you don't get a belt or badges because you're not a nurse.
17:31Your hair must be off your collar.
17:33There's to be no coloured eyeshadow.
17:35And I shall be inspecting your fingernails.
17:38Not that we'd let you too near the business end.
17:42I'm just so used to seeing you do everything.
17:45The caring and the medicine are mixed up.
17:48In a perfect world, the caring and the medicine would always be mixed up.
17:53And in obstetrics most of all.
17:56Obstetrics in hospital just seems like another branch of surgery.
17:59There's so many rules and protocols.
18:01You'll be doing your rotation on the district soon enough.
18:04You'll probably wish there were more rules then.
18:07I just wish the maternity home wasn't closing.
18:09The maternity home was an innovation once.
18:13Practice evolves all the time.
18:14And as a doctor, you have to lean into it or medicine won't grow.
18:21Sometimes change is for the better.
18:24I mean, look at us tonight.
18:26Putting on fireworks for the children just like we always have.
18:29But timing them so Angela and May don't miss their pop music programme.
18:34If you're talking about the Partridge family, that is not change for the better.
18:43Looks like the Sunday Times has come out on our side again.
18:47About the manufacturer's latest compensation offer.
18:50The manufacturer's thing on the book throwing at them.
18:53Three million quid for four hundred children.
18:55Arms missing, legs missing, some deaf client.
18:58I've heard the campaign leaders say the kids deserve twenty.
19:01A million.
19:02I've never seen numbers that big until we started this campaign.
19:06And they'll never be big enough.
19:07And they can't buy what that girl will never have.
19:12Susan, what's the matter?
19:14She's screaming at David Cassidy.
19:17He's a pop star. You have to scream when you see his picture.
19:30It's better than their T-Rex fella Belinda likes.
19:38Susan's going to grow up soon.
19:40Isn't she?
19:42I think it's happening already.
19:49Right, Nurse Clifford, I'm assigning you to juice and milk tokens.
19:53That way you can show off your engagement ring.
19:55Thank you, Nurse Crane.
19:56Are you ready with the petitions, Miss Higgins?
19:59I have personally typed up four copies to be presented to the board
20:04and they will be circulated while clinic is in progress.
20:09Mrs. Buckle, and a gentleman of the press.
20:13Unless I'm mistaken, you are most welcome.
20:17Oh!
20:21I've drawn up a list of suitable poses,
20:24but first you'll need to help me with a hat.
20:29I'm telling you now, you'll not last long in a sling-back culture.
20:39You may enter.
20:42I bought you some crescent, sister.
20:45They're still coming up lovely on the allotment.
20:51There was an earwig in the last bouquet.
20:55I watched him climb from petal to petal for an hour.
20:59It was so like being out in nature that I almost fancied I felt sunlight on my face.
21:07Would you like us to get you into the garden, sister?
21:09I could light the brazier, you could have a blanket on your knees.
21:12I think you mistake me for one elderly and frail.
21:17Never.
21:22I'm sorry to confess it.
21:27But I do not think my feet will carry me.
21:34Sit with me for a while.
21:40That's right. Give me the joy.
21:43Give me the excitement.
21:47Trouble with this, if we do our most important work when people aren't smiling.
22:01Do you reckon Sister Monica turns fading, sister?
22:05She's certainly weakening.
22:07And the worst thing is, she knows it.
22:11She must be getting scared.
22:13Not of death, but letting go of life.
22:20And life means so much more than breath and a heartbeat.
22:26It's independence and company and joy.
22:34Even nuns take pleasure in things.
22:37And with every day that passes, she's denied a little more.
22:45Maybe it's time to move the telly to her bedroom.
22:48That said, I don't even think the TV will perk her up.
22:53It's only the test card after time.
22:57We need to get her outside.
23:01Why aren't you and Sarah making this call together?
23:04Because, in case you've forgotten, my parents haven't spoken to him since the day I introduced them.
23:10Which was also the day they said he wasn't the man for me.
23:13I think I need to break the ice.
23:16Honey, you're going to need a pickaxe.
23:19My mother and father aren't bad people, Joyce.
23:22They're just very blinkered.
23:24And my marriage is their chance to see things a different way.
23:28You're a good child, child.
23:41My name's Bernie. I'm an alcoholic.
23:44I used to be a warehouse man.
23:47Before they closed the docks.
23:49I was good at it.
23:52Things on shelves, things in boxes.
23:56Lists to tick.
23:59I was in control.
24:00And then I lost my job.
24:03And I have to have a reason to get up every morning to get dressed, go out.
24:08Or else the drink comes creeping in.
24:11So when Mr Albion offered me a job, I thought, yeah, things in boxes.
24:19That feels familiar.
24:21I didn't know that I would find my calling.
24:25That it would make me more human.
24:27That it could make me feel so much.
24:29And you don't feel much of anything at all.
24:32Apart from safe.
24:34In a warehouse.
24:45A little while back, we had to take care of a family who had come to grief in their own
24:52home.
24:54Carbon monoxide.
24:58It took a mum, it took a dad, it took a little girl.
25:03And the little girl was the same age as my youngest daughter.
25:09Even their names were nearly the same.
25:11Suzanne instead of Susan.
25:16And her hair.
25:20I had to wash and brush.
25:24Her hair.
25:30But it was when I was washing her feet.
25:32That I thought these.
25:37Perfect.
25:39Little feet.
25:41Will never go dancing.
25:47We all found out when hard.
25:50It was a hard job.
25:53But I can't put those feelings on the shelf.
25:59That keeps things safe.
26:03Because my Susan's feet.
26:06They'll never go dancing either.
26:11Her hands.
26:12Never wear a wedding ring.
26:14Never hold a child.
26:20And I love her so much.
26:24Every imperfection she has is beautiful to me.
26:28There are days I think I just live to see her laughing.
26:33And sometimes.
26:37Sometimes.
26:37Sometimes.
26:38When.
26:39When I stop.
26:41To look at her.
26:45I'll stop.
26:54But I know.
26:55I am not.
26:56At ease.
27:01With.
27:03With what was done.
27:06To her.
27:10Because sometimes.
27:13I.
27:16Sometimes I compare her.
27:18To the dead.
27:21The dead.
27:22And the dead.
27:25Rosalind.
27:26Yeah.
27:27A telephone call.
27:28We could have made together.
27:30Telling you we could have delivered.
27:31A person was never going to end in happiness.
27:34That anyone involved.
27:36I suppose I just.
27:37The niceness.
27:40I'd always seen in them.
27:41The general decency they'd always shown would somehow come out on top.
27:50But it didn't.
27:52What did they say about the baby?
27:55Nothing.
27:57Because I didn't tell them.
28:01Wrestling, the baby is more important than the wedding.
28:04I know that.
28:05I just...
28:07It's agony enough having them reject the man I love.
28:11I'm not going to give them the chance to reject our child.
28:20One.
28:21Buy a new dress.
28:22Oh, Beryl.
28:24That's a bit basic.
28:26I have put not in navy blue in brackets.
28:30Our lad mustn't go with a wimpole and lace-ups.
28:34I could see you in tiger print chiffon.
28:37No, I don't think animal print ever really works if you're bigger than the actual animal.
28:41The only member of the feline species you outrank in the size department is tabby cat.
28:47The door is wide open for tiger print.
28:50And, indeed, leopard.
28:52Two.
28:54Drink wine.
28:55But while making crepes, we do better.
28:58Like the galloping gourmet.
28:59Well, I can put a line through that one after tonight.
29:01And we'll get the scorch marks off the frying pan eventually.
29:04Three.
29:05Oh.
29:06Earn some money.
29:09How am I going to earn money?
29:11Sing hymns in the street and put a hat down?
29:14I need a secretary.
29:16You could be the Miss Higgins of Harley Street.
29:19I don't have a felt hat.
29:21Or a petrifying man.
29:22No, no, no.
29:23It makes perfect sense.
29:24I hire space in three sets of consulting rooms.
29:26And I'm always missing calls.
29:28But do say yes.
29:30Only if you forgive me for the frying pan.
29:32I'll do more than forgive you.
29:33I will buy you a felt hat.
29:35And an ocelot two-piece.
29:42Oh, hell, spells, Ruda.
29:53What's your snutter?
29:55The pain.
29:56What?
29:56The pain.
29:58I can't stop being sick.
30:00Are you fucking up Paddy now?
30:02He's got nursery in the morning.
30:04I'm going to call 991.
30:09Thank you for attending this seminar today, gentlemen.
30:13This practice was established in 1947
30:16under the auspices of the then new National Health Service.
30:21And the maternity home was opened in 1958.
30:25Is it true that it's due to close down?
30:28Yes.
30:29In a word.
30:31Do you have any questions relating to your training?
30:34Do we have to ride bikes?
30:36Proficiency in cycling is considered an advantage.
30:43Evolution gave you two hands, Dr Drinkwater.
30:46Can we see one on each handlebar, please?
30:49Now, gentlemen, if you would all oblige me by signalling
30:54as if you were turning left.
30:58That's the other left, Dr Turner, Jr.
31:04Sorry.
31:05He was like that as a little lad.
31:07I had him in cubs.
31:11I had him in cubs.
31:12Any oil left in that can, Fred?
31:17They're going to operate tomorrow.
31:19Take the whole thing out.
31:20No.
31:21And the nurse says that it's worse because it's an emergency.
31:25Dr Turner's not getting on at you for the good of his health.
31:27It's for yours.
31:29And you ignored him.
31:29I've got too much to do.
31:32Yeah, you've got too much to do.
31:34I'll come.
31:36Your sister's going to come and pick up Paddy.
31:38Are you this?
31:40I'll have to give her a list.
31:42What about Susan?
31:50It's not the most luxurious mode of transport,
31:53but with a couple of cushions,
31:55it'll be just the job for taking you out in the fresh air.
32:00By fresh air, do you mean in public?
32:06Sister, you need stimulation,
32:08and you're capable of embracing it.
32:11Why, then, did you bring that infernal television into my chamber?
32:16It is the equivalent of putting straw down in the street
32:21so a moribund patient will not be disturbed by the carriage wheels.
32:25You make all these gestures
32:27because you think I am not long for this world.
32:31Can you not see that all of these gestures are because we love you?
32:37I have neither the time or the temper to engage in violent sentiment.
32:43Love is not violent, sister.
32:46Love is patient, and love is kind,
32:50and sometimes love pushes us to places where we do not wish to go.
32:54I thereby refer you to my feelings regarding that conveyance.
33:04She was as mule-ish as I have ever seen her,
33:07and I came as close to losing patience as I ever have.
33:11When I was in formation,
33:12Mother Albert used to say that our greatest trials
33:16would always come from within our family circle.
33:19I've had flesh-and-blood sisters,
33:21as well as sisters in Christ.
33:23The thing is, you don't have to forgive the flesh-and-blood ones.
33:26You can just roll around on the floor and smack each other and forget.
33:31That sounds quite appealing.
33:37Sister Catherine, I'm afraid I have to increase your nursing duties.
33:42Mother Mildred has asked me to go to the Mother House
33:45to discuss plans for our missionary work.
33:48You've always said we are missionaries here.
33:51And there's a whole world in need of healing.
33:54Let us see what is proposed.
34:05Belinda.
34:06Hello, love.
34:08Yeah, we need you to come home.
34:10Help look after Susan.
34:12Did Mum say that's what she wants?
34:14No.
34:15She wants you to prioritise your studies.
34:17It's me, I'm asking you.
34:18Then I'm doing what Mum wants.
34:19I wouldn't be at university if she hadn't worked so hard to help me.
34:23I owe it to her.
34:23To work hard and make the most of the opportunity.
34:26But what about Susan?
34:27I can't, Dad.
34:29I just can't.
34:32You don't have to stay here for this, Rosalind.
34:36From now on, we share all the hard things.
34:42So, Pastor Robinson, Rosalind, what's all this?
34:48We wanted to talk to you about the engagement and the wedding.
34:52This is the wedding that's taking place in three weeks' time?
34:55Less than three weeks now.
34:58And you think I don't have eyes in my head?
35:00There's a look to young mothers, even before their bodies tell the tale.
35:07Have you guessed, Mrs. Willis?
35:09I have.
35:10I must have said some terrifying things in your imagination.
35:16Yes.
35:18Then let that be your punishment.
35:20Now make me a cup of tea.
35:28I beg your pardon.
35:32I never promised you a rose garden.
35:36Along with the sunshine.
35:39There's got to be a little rain sometimes.
35:43When you take your God to give, so live, not live, or let go.
35:48Oh, oh, oh, oh, I beg your pardon.
35:52I never promised you a rose garden.
35:57I could promise you things like big diamond rings.
36:01But you don't find roses growing on stocks to close.
36:06So you better think it over.
36:10Well, it's sweet talk and you could make it come true.
36:14Oh, I will give you the world right now on a silver platter.
36:20And Bob, what would it make?
36:23I thought it'd be a little rain sometimes.
36:25This newspaper story certainly made a splash.
36:28Will it make any difference, do you suppose?
36:30My dad went along with it, but I don't think he's very optimistic.
36:36I keep feeling as though I should be helping you.
36:38You're a junior doctor now, not a student.
36:41No donkey work allowed.
36:46There's some sort of spring sticking out of this saddle and into my backside, Joyce.
36:51District work is all about determination in the face of challenge.
36:55And if you can't get on board with that, you're not getting your red card again.
37:02I think for the pair of them, Mrs. Wallace, nothing takes the shine of a wedding.
37:07Not parental disapproval.
37:09It was always going to be under our shadow because of Pastor Robinson's divorce.
37:13But he deserves as much happiness as any other man.
37:16Now his mistakes are behind him.
37:18I don't think his marriage to Lucille was a mistake, Mrs. Wallace.
37:22It was never a union without love.
37:25What it was, was a union without luck.
37:28Perhaps matters would have turned out differently if they'd been able to have a child.
37:32A baby is always a blessing.
37:36And now we must look to the future.
37:40Let us say nothing further.
37:45Meanwhile, it's still arranged though it may be.
37:49This is Rosalind's first wedding.
37:51How do we make it special for them?
37:54How do we make up for the fact that her parents have treated them so coldly?
37:59It's simple enough, Nurse Crean.
38:01You show them love.
38:04Nurse.
38:06Nurse, my wife is on the second floor.
38:09I will take you to her.
38:10That's okay, honey.
38:11Let us park these bicycles and we'll head straight out.
38:14This is young Dr. Turner, by the way.
38:17Uh, doctor, yes?
38:18He'll be working under my supervision.
38:30Do you have running water, Mr. Das?
38:32We have only one room.
38:34We use this stack.
38:36Okay.
38:42Oh, that's Ireland.
38:44It's Mrs. O'Day, isn't it?
38:46Yeah.
38:46I remember you're from the clinic.
38:47You couldn't come and look at my little Barry, could you?
38:49He don't seem right.
38:51I'm on my way to a lady in labour.
38:53What's the matter with him?
38:54It's like a cold and a bit of a cough.
38:56Please.
38:57I can hear crying out.
38:59Have you taken him to the surgery?
39:01I haven't got the bus fare.
39:03I don't get my money till tomorrow.
39:04Please.
39:06I'll pop down later, honey, when I get the chance.
39:13I'll have to run or the chippy will be closed.
39:16Now, don't cod or haddock.
39:17Cod?
39:18And get haddock for Dad.
39:19He's hungry when he comes in from picking up dead bodies.
39:22I'll be back in ten.
39:27Perry!
39:28My Jackie magazine's still in the bedroom!
39:31I don't know.
39:56My husband cannot touch me now, even though he wishes to.
40:02Are you Hindu, Mrs. Sass?
40:04Yes.
40:05And we are Bengali.
40:07We could not stay in our own country anymore.
40:10Don't worry about where you've come from.
40:12The only thing that matters tonight is what's going to happen in this room.
40:15I should not be here.
40:17No man should be here.
40:19Unless he is a doctor.
40:21But I have nowhere else to go and I do not want to leave her.
40:25We could break up a screen.
40:27I can go out onto the landing and requisition a bit of washing line.
40:30You'll get cracking.
40:31But I need you back quickly.
40:33Or this won't come towards your rotation.
40:35Shut up.
41:19Now, with this next pain, I'm going to need a really long, strong push from you, Anjani.
41:24I am too tired.
41:26You're stronger than you know, and you've gone further than you think already.
41:30This one talks a good talk.
41:32Let's see if we can prove him right.
41:41It's excellent, Anjani.
41:43It's excellent.
41:44I'll check for it to send her to the head.
41:51It's curling.
41:56Baby's head has been born, Anjani.
41:59It's resting right here in my hand.
42:03Help!
42:03We need the nurse!
42:09Do you mind?
42:10A lady is having a baby in here.
42:11The kid's not breathing.
42:25Just rest, Anjani.
42:27Just rest, Anjani.
42:30I'll talk you through the next bit.
42:32Help!
42:34I'm sorry!
42:37What's all this, young man?
42:40What happened?
42:42Did he choke on something?
42:43It was just like he was just choking on the air and then he just stopped.
42:48Look, why has he gone blue?
42:51Somebody call an ambulance.
43:02This is just your baby turning, Anjani.
43:05Everything's okay.
43:11Larry, Larry, please.
43:13Larry, is he breathing?
43:15Is he breathing?
43:16Is he breathing?
43:16Is he breathing?
43:19Is he breathing?
43:20Is he breathing?
43:21Is he breathing?
43:21He's not working.
43:22Is he getting blood on him?
43:24Is he breathing?
43:25Is he breathing?
43:25Did somebody call an ambulance?
43:29We're almost there.
43:31This is it, Anjani.
43:41And you have a little girl.
43:57I'm not going to stop until the ambulance gets here.
44:11Where is the midwife?
44:29Ranjani, I'm going to have to give you an injection.
44:53It's going to get out of bed.
44:55He has to come to the hospital and he checks.
44:56He needs to go to a hospital and he checks.
44:58Oh my gosh.
45:02He needs to go to the hospital and he checks.
45:17I don't suppose many health schools end up with two ambulances arriving.
45:21No.
45:22The baby seems to have that crew, and they do bounce back from that.
45:27And Manjani will be all right after a blood transfusion.
45:30I froze for a moment.
45:32But then it was like my heart rate shot up, and my brain kicked in.
45:37That would be the adrenaline.
45:40I wonder if anyone's ever done blood tests on doctors immediately after a crisis situation.
45:44That might make an interesting research paper.
45:47Yes.
45:53Belinda, I can't show you the bruises your sister has all down her back, but I'm telling you, you have
45:58to come home.
46:00You said I was to throw everything I've got at university.
46:03You said it was something you never had.
46:04This isn't about you, and it isn't about me.
46:07This is about Susan.
46:09Rola, it's really necessary.
46:11Everything is always about Susan.
46:14And I know you love her as much as us.
46:18There are essentially two ways of approaching make-up.
46:21One can purely use it to disguise nature's shortcomings, or push things a little further and deploy it as a
46:26sort of costume.
46:27You mean like a disguise?
46:29No.
46:30People hide behind disguises.
46:32Bold lips and defined eyes can bring out our inner confidence.
46:37Try putting this on, by yourself this time.
46:41And then I'll show you how to blot.
46:53Do you ever have to bring out your inner confidence?
46:56More frequently than you might imagine.
47:02It's jolly hot in here.
47:04Bear with me a moment.
47:05It's the excitement of seeing yourself transformed, perhaps.
47:08No, I suspect it's something else.
47:12It's past now.
47:14Let's get on with your nails.
47:19And before we turn our attention to the riveting recent investigation into unlicensed butchery operations,
47:27we have item five on the agenda, the closure of Kenilworth Row Maternity Home.
47:32Which counts as unlicensed butchery all on its own.
47:36Thank you, Turner.
47:38Any comments from the wider committee?
47:40Yes, from me, Dr. Threadfield.
47:47This is what midwifery looks like in your district.
47:51And this is what local people think about your proposal.
47:55The women of Poplar know how vital and how valuable the sisters are.
48:01And you're closing them down, too.
48:03This is the direction of travel dictated by the National Health.
48:08Meanwhile, Turner, rest assured that even as you progress to this next phase, we continue to learn from you.
48:15Will you be watching to see what goes wrong?
48:18Because there'll be plenty.
48:21May we move on now to item six?
48:29I will pray for you when I say the offices.
48:32You will not be as alone in the chapel as you imagine.
48:36Oh, keep the home fires burning and all that.
48:40I will telephone from the mother house if there is anything to report.
49:09Are you happy to take your diuretics with just water?
49:12Or would you like me to make some hot blackcurrant?
49:17I require no beverages.
49:19For I will take no pills.
49:27But the treatment is working.
49:29It is not treatment.
49:32It is merely postponing all that is to come.
49:36You would have me out in nature.
49:40But I would sooner admit nature into this room and let it take its course.
49:52Sister, I'm speaking to you nurse to nurse now.
49:56If you refuse your medication, you will progress from chronic kidney disease to end-stage renal failure very rapidly.
50:08And what if that is what the Lord intends?
50:27Sister Catherine, what's this?
50:33I chose this life because I wanted certainty.
50:38There was work and a rule of life.
50:43And there was faith to knit all together.
50:48And now nobody is where they ought to be.
50:50And we don't know what's coming next.
50:56Sister, are you doubting your vocation?
50:59No.
51:00I have made my vows.
51:02And those vows are indivisible from my soul.
51:07But if I felt I could leave, I would leave.
51:13Because right now it would be easier.
51:16It would not.
51:17I can promise you that.
51:21I'm sorry.
51:24Just now.
51:26Just today.
51:29I feel so alone.
51:34I'm almost at the end of Harry's new jumper.
51:36I suppose I'll be casting on for Rosalind's baby after this.
51:40There is going to be a baby, isn't there?
51:42Of course there is.
51:44The girl's been locked in the bathroom every morning.
51:52There is so much change afoot.
51:59Phyllis.
52:00I often find people speak of change.
52:03As if they are speaking about rats.
52:06As if change is something hiding underneath the house.
52:11Attempting to get in and gnaw at all that we hold precious.
52:15Perhaps we would be better to compare change to the birds.
52:22Enlighten me.
52:23Well, birds do what birds will.
52:26They carry twigs in their beaks and seeds.
52:30So they build nests and sow flowers.
52:34However accidentally.
52:37Maybe you should put that in a poem.
52:45Good things can come from birds.
52:48And it's the same with change.
52:53Oh.
52:54It's Mrs. Turner.
53:00Is that Belinda?
53:01Oh, hello darling.
53:03Hello.
53:05Hi.
53:06Oh, come home love.
53:13Is that what I think it is?
53:17I'm eight months gone.
53:19I managed to hide it over the summer holidays.
53:22And then once I went back I thought I'd be safe.
53:24I thought I wouldn't have to tell you.
53:26And then I had to come home because of Susan.
53:37Swann.
53:53often a fear faced up to is a fear outgunned and love expressed becomes love doubled and ignited
54:04whether we light the fire through words or deeds there is always a way ahead
54:13a route through the woods a path that leads us to the place we need to be
54:24we listen always for the voice that calls us
54:31but sometimes love speaks loudest as we let it go
54:39i have news to impart would you consider entering into partnership with me i'll never finish with
54:44god thank you for your patience ladies may i present the bra i would like you to summon
54:48someone from this establishment albion and sons is an undertaker and every bed kidney bowl and set
54:54of clamps is staying on these premises until the last mother and baby go out of those doors
54:58schools
Comments