Call the Midwife s14e04 Episode Script

1
MATURE JENNIFER: How do we begin
when we take our first breath?
When we shape our first word?
We don't know,
because we can't remember!
JENNIFER CHUCKLES
But throughout our lives,
for others, we begin when we arrive,
when our face is the new face
..when our past is untold to them,
our shared future still unknown.
One day we'll look back
and say, "Do you remember when?"
But we're always beginning somewhere,
in somebody's eyes.
I'm going to have to grease
this desk to get it through,
it's that big. Can't she make
do with something smaller?
No! She cannot.
Sister Catherine is a postulant,
simultaneously studying for first vows
and her part-two midwifery exams.
She's going to need the biggest
desk you can find her.
No grease required.
Sheets, blankets
and a choice of two bedspreads.
Two? Isn't that rather luxurious?
The weather's been changeable,
and she needs to sleep well,
with all the work she has to do.
We're ready for the mattress.
HE SIGHS
No rest for the wicked.
HE GROANS
Did you find that copy of
the London A-Z, Nurse Clifford?
She isn't coming till tomorrow, is she?
No,
but perhaps you could go and find it,
- now you've finished the curtains.
- Of course.
FRED: Sister Julienne!
Greetings, Sister.
I'm Catherine Cantwell -
Sister Catherine.
I think you were expecting me.
Yes, of course we were expecting you.
Just not until tomorrow!
Oh!
Morning rounds completed.
One ambulance sent for
and one urine sample.
Dr Turner, whatever is this?
Twin-tub's broken.
I went home to collect the laundry.
Shelagh is going to drop by, pick it up
and take it to Mrs Wallace
for a service wash.
That all seems
exceptionally convoluted.
Why didn't you take it
straight to the launderette?
I wouldn't have known what to ask for.
Shall I put it in here?
Um once you've turned
your mind to medical matters,
I would like to draw
your attention to the measles
vaccination clinic.
We thought it best I came today
because of the strikes
that are going on.
Nice of you to bring us
chocolates, though.
Oh!
CATHERINE LAUGHS
I was on my way to the station
when a patient's father spotted me
and ran into a shop to get them.
I don't think I'm supposed to
accept presents, though, am I?
We shall put them
in the comestibles section
of our charity b
We shall be leaving for
our Tuesday clinic shortly.
You can take the afternoon
to settle in.
It's a very disappointing response.
These are the lowest numbers
I've ever seen booked
into a vaccination clinic.
It's so often the case
with voluntary procedures.
Women remain reluctant to
sign up for cervical cytology,
and mothers are slow to arrange
the measles vaccine.
This is worse than slow.
They've almost stopped booking
altogether.
It's the case in almost every practice,
even though some GPs have accepted
the financial incentive
from the Board of Health.
I am not going down that route.
If you ask me,
it's not the GPs who need
the incentive, it's the parents.
In the meanwhile, we shall
simply redouble our efforts.
DOOR OPENS
Good afternoon.
My name's Peggy Wrigley.
- I've an appointment to see Dr Turner.
- Oh, yes.
Of course.
We were just able to fit you in
before Doctor leaves for St Oswald's.
Will we see you at clinic with
Gail this afternoon, Mrs Wrigley?
Not half! She's having
me first grandchild.
We haven't missed an appointment yet.
CYCLIST: Whoa!
Ooh!
Oh, dear.
Mrs Turner! Good afternoon.
Let me take that from you.
Thank you, Mrs Wallace.
Could I have a service wash?
My machine is broken.
Of course.
BANGING
It's a bit loud, darling. Mum!
HE BANGS MACHINE DOOR
I'm so sorry, I really am.
He's not been right today.
Andrew, be quiet, darling.
The lady's trying to work.
BANGING CONTINUES
Hello, Mrs Trottwood.
Hello, Andrew.
Let me give you a hand.
If you're good, I'll take you
to the rec after,
so you can watch the swings.
LOUD BANG
Andrew!
ANDREW WAILS
Oh, he's caught his hand.
So, Mrs Wrigley, what can I do for you?
I'm
..about to say something out loud
I haven't said out loud
to anyone else yet.
You can take your time.
I'm 46
..and I think
I'm in the family way again.
I've got seven kids already.
And what you can do for me
is get me an abortion.
SHELAGH: Just let me
take a little look, Andrew.
Come on, darling.
Mrs Turner's trying to help.
Just show her your hand.
Andrew, you want a banana?
Something sweet
always cheers up a child
when they've hurt themselves.
Banana, Andrew, your favourite.
Thank you, Mrs Wallace.
Oh, it's a nasty little cut.
It doesn't need stitches,
but it will need cleaning
and a dressing.
I've got my first-aid box,
and as we've got a nurse
on the premises,
we'll soon have
the little fella sorted out.
I would say that you are
slightly less than three months along.
Is that good, though
if I want an abortion?
Peggy, abortion may be legal now,
but it's not simple.
Having another baby isn't simple!
I've got seven beautiful,
healthy children,
but I feel like I'm working
every hour of every day
just to feed them
and keep them clothed.
I can't have another one,
not with Jimmy and the dockers' strike.
I can't. It'll kill me!
It won't kill you,
but it could cause you
a lot of distress.
Can I have an abortion because of that?
It isn't up to me.
The law makes sure that every
termination is thought about
really carefully.
And by more than one doctor.
Oh
I don't want to put you
on the spot, Doctor
..but please
please tell me where to go,
who I need to talk to. Please!
Come along, Peggy, lass.
We can't put it all right on the spot.
But it isn't the end of the world.
I am going to send you
to Mr Wilkins at St Cuthbert's.
What I am also going to suggest is
that he discusses the prospect
of sterilisation with you.
Sterilisation?
If you do have the termination,
you can then have an operation
which means that you would
never conceive again.
I think that might be good.
MRS WALLACE: You take your time
with this cuppa.
You work hard
looking after the little fella.
I try.
It's best not to get this dressing wet.
I'll pop in to check up on it.
And I second Mrs Wallace's
advice about the tea.
You need to take breaks where you can.
I suppose I'm out of the habit.
The last time you were in the surgery,
it was because Andrew was
starting to have more seizures.
Are they getting worse?
Not worse, but not better.
I lie awake sometimes,
just listening out for a fit starting.
I can't believe he was
just like any other baby,
any other child till he was two.
And then what happened?
He caught measles and that
turned into a brain infection.
And that made him the Andrew he is now.
I don't love him any less.
In fact, I think I love him more.
I tell you I love you
all the time, don't I, cherub?
DOOR OPENS
Mum, you're late! Where have you been?
What did your last slave die of?
- Gail Mason?
- Yeah.
Nurse Crane's taking over from me.
She'll call you in in a minute.
PEGGY WINCES
Good. I can finish me fag.
Life can be very unkind sometimes.
BABIES CRY
Trotting along like a little pony.
That's what we like to hear.
You're a bit dark
under the eyes, Mrs Mason.
Are you getting enough sleep?
Oh, I've been tossing
and turning all night, every night.
I don't know if it's nerves
or the heartburn.
That's because you're all on your own,
with your husband 1,500 miles away.
I can look after meself, Mum.
My Jeff's in Cyprus with the RAF.
She's on at me to move back
home till I've had the baby.
You'd think she'd be glad
to have one less on her hands!
Is anything wrong?
Your blood pressure's
a touch too high for my liking.
You've no swollen ankles,
but I'd like to test your urine
for protein.
Meanwhile,
you're just going to have to calm down
and let us keep an eye on you.
That does it. You're coming home.
I've made my mind up.
- No, I
- No arguments! Not a word.
You'll find nothing of interest
or merit in there.
It was just a few sewing things.
I expect it's something
to do with recreation.
Well, I am not
an admirer of embroidery,
unless for an explicitly
..ecclesiastical purpose.
I have to say, I've struggled
slightly with recreation.
My hobby was always trampolining
and there's nothing
ecclesiastical about that.
- No. There is not.
- There was also golf,
because my parents both played,
and it was assumed that we would, too.
Parents assume much, in my experience.
Yes. They do.
And you can't stop them.
I tried crochet
in the Mother House, but in the end
I settled on origami.
Doctor's content
that Gail's showing
no signs of pre-eclampsia.
But I'm to call in regularly
and take her blood pressure.
Oh, that's good.
I'm asking you now,
please don't you say
anything to her about
what I'm seeing the doctor for.
Understood. You will need
to confide in someone.
- Maybe your husband.
- No. No point in that.
He wouldn't get any of it.
Oh! Why the long face?
I thought you'd be grinning
from ear to ear,
now you've got your own way.
Come on. I'm going to buy us
a quarter of pineapple chunks
to celebrate.
Mm! She pretends they're for me,
but she loves them just as much.
THEY ALL CHUCKLE
Come on.
Sister Catherine comes to us
from St Aiden's Children's Hospital.
I was lucky enough
to have spent two years there.
Children are a gift from the Lord.
They are a reward from him.
Though you must admit,
some of them could try
anyone's patience!
THEY ALL LAUGH
That is because
your patience is fragile,
whereas mine has been tempered
by years of service
to the Lord.
We're just down the corridor
if you need anything -
a chat or a cup of tea.
Thank you,
but I'm afraid I'm going to be
a very boring neighbour.
I have a lot of studying to do.
You know what they say -
the brain is a muscle.
It needs breaks,
just like the other ones.
It does. Thank you.
No, I can't spare anything
out of the housekeeping
for the dockers' distress fund, Jimmy.
I've had to put cardboard
in Carole's shoes
to get her to the end of term.
You're a docker.
We're as distressed
as anyone that fund is helping.
We don't accept charity in this house.
PEGGY SIGHS
You're tired, Mum.
Well, you know what I always say -
can't afford mink,
can't afford champagne,
and I can't afford to be tired.
All right, tea's ready.
And if you eat it all up,
there's tinned syrup sponge.
The lies they print! "Most dockers
"are, however, being offered
substantial increases
"coupled with measures
"to improve productivity."
What measures?
We don't even get bleedin' sick pay.
I offered Mum housekeeping
while I'm staying,
but she won't accept it.
I'll accept it.
Why don't you jack in the docks, Dad?
Get a job down the toy factory
or sugar works.
Wrigleys have been dockers
for four generations.
What kind of man would
your dad be if he ditched that?
I don't know where I'd be
without your mother.
Hmm!
Well, you'd be starving
and covered in fleas.
TV: Wretched weather for
- Morning!
- Morning.
ALL: I will sing and give praise,
even with my glory.
Awake, psaltery and harp.
I myself will awake early.
I will praise thee, O Lord,
among the people
..and will sing praises
unto thee among the nations.
MRS TROTTWOOD STRAINS
Mrs Trottwood!
I've come to change Andrew's dressing.
Well, you're lucky you caught me.
I had to go out and collect
a catalogue delivery.
They delivered to the wrong address.
Can you give me a hand with those bags?
Of course.
It's a bit of a performance
today. The lift's not working.
BICYCLE BELL RINGS
Once Fred has sorted you
with a bicycle, you will soon
familiarise yourself
with every nook and cranny
in Poplar,
and keep fit at the same time.
So, it's our first study
session. Shall we?
The lift maintenance
in these flats is disgraceful.
I'd call it nonexistent.
Anyway, it's a good job you came today.
Andrew's torn the bandage right off.
We'll soon put that to rights.
I've brought my bag of tricks.
I'm afraid I never get quite straight.
I'm a rep for Gifford's catalogue.
I thought it was a job
I could do from home -
I didn't factor in all the parcels.
I imagine it can be
quite sociable, though,
when customers drop by.
Sometimes they stay for a cup of tea.
They never bring their kids.
Now, let's have a little look
at your hand, sweetheart.
Oh, dear. It's looking a bit raw
and possibly infected.
The doctor will need to prescribe
some antibiotic cream for it.
I can drop it in later.
He kept sucking the bandage.
I can't be standing over him
every minute of every day.
I wasn't criticising, Jill.
I can only imagine
how hard it is looking after
Andrew. And on your own, too.
You know his dad left us, don't you?
Even though I've never said.
I guessed.
And I also guessed
you didn't want to discuss it.
People feel sorry enough for me
already. Because of my boy.
I loved my husband
..but he couldn't love Andrew.
So it was quite easy to
let him go because of that,
even though it's so hard on my own.
We'd hoped the place
at the special school in Essex
would help.
He was on that bus for hours every day.
He was exhausted,
but he was learning
or getting the chance to.
And then the council stopped
paying for him to go there,
said he had to go to a special
school nearer to Poplar.
- There isn't one, is there?
- No.
There isn't.
And my child deserves better.
He does.
And so do you.
Midwife calling.
Oh! Hello, Nurse.
Thought I'd have a go
at cleaning while me mum's out.
Your blood pressure's not going
to thank you for that!
Get inside and get rid of that mop.
Oh
SHE WINCES
"Ye have not chosen me,
but I have chosen you
"and ordained you,
"that you should go
and bring forth fruit
"and that your fruit should remain,
"that whatsoever ye shall ask
of the Father in my name,
"he may give it you."
So far as this verse applies
to the disciples,
it doesn't seem controversial
..and yet there is controversy in it.
Where would you say that lies?
In the thought that Jesus is
the one who chooses you,
not the other way round.
Quite. It seems to pose the question
about how or if our own
free will comes into play.
But, er, I'm curious about
your own interpretation.
I-I'm not sure
what my interpretation is.
In fact, the only thing
I am sure of at the moment
is that I'm thinking
and learning and
wondering all the time without
managing to be very sure
about anything very much.
Is that permitted?
We journey in faith.
We must permit all doubt
..for it is only through doubt
that we can find its opposite.
Me and Jeff are both reading the
same book about having a baby.
He's away and I'm over here,
but it means we can share it all.
Young fathers these days
seem to take quite an interest.
My mum said she wasn't sure my
dad even knew how we came out.
He headed straight for the Black Sail
as soon as she went into labour,
and he'd stay there
till the all clear sounded.
That was the usual routine.
But many's the man made up
for it once Baby arrived.
He never did.
Not only never even changed a nappy,
he never even stayed in the room
when a nappy was being changed.
Said it wasn't a spectator sport.
SHE CHUCKLES
Are you planning a hospital
delivery or the maternity home?
The maternity home.
I can have me mum with me, then.
FRONT DOOR OPENS
Is that you, Mum?
I'm in here with Nurse Crane.
Mrs Wrigley?
Mum! You're bleeding!
I don't feel too good.
I think I might be having
a miscarriage.
Come on. Let's go to the bathroom.
PEGGY GROANS
Mum?
Here we are. Andrew Trottwood.
The last I knew, he was offered
a place at special school
and started attending.
But then the place was withdrawn.
I wonder what happened there.
The cost should be covered
by the council.
I am very concerned
for both Mrs Trottwood's
welfare and his.
He's missing out on so much,
being at home. They both are.
I'm going to look into this
as a matter of urgency.
We'll get to the bottom of it.
Er, you said something like Tupperware,
but we've only got this.
It's the one she uses
when she makes jelly.
Thank you.
It does seem as though nature
is going to take its course.
Just to be on the safe side,
could you telephone Dr Turner
at the surgery?
PEGGY GROANS
Wait. She never even said
she was having a baby!
BANGING
I'll get you a drink in a minute.
B586 and B587.
LOUD BANGING CONTINUES
Medium.
That's large.
Oh, crumbs!
Yeah, I'm coming.
Just give me a second.
Andrew, I said stop!
SHOUTS: Stop!
Now, Andrew, look what you made me do!
You naughty, naughty boy!
Can you not just stop
just for one minute?!
Just stop!
MRS TROTTWOOD SOBS
SISTER VERONICA: Andrew Trottwood,
20th of September, 1963.
Found him.
Everything seems to be
present and correct.
Except a little boy who already has
quite enough to contend with
isn't attending school,
as he has no access to transport.
I'm not seeing any evidence
of proof of need.
What evidence does there have to be?
There are forms to fill in.
I am a health visitor.
Forms are meat and drink to me.
The trouble with having a child
like Andrew
is you don't know anyone else like you.
And soon you don't know anyone
who isn't like you. He can't join in.
And it breaks my heart.
It's broken my heart from the word go.
But after years and years
of this, it's like
..I can't join in, either
..with anything
..that normal mothers do.
MRS TROTTWOOD SOBS
It's broken my spirit.
Oh, Jill!
You shouldn't have to feel alone.
But I do. I feel
..so alone
..even though I'm not,
because I've got Andrew.
And I love him.
I love him more than I can
ever express in words.
I understand.
I know you want to,
Mrs Turner, cos you're kind.
But I don't think anyone can understand
who's never stood in my shoes.
I'm sorry, Peggy.
It's a miscarriage.
Sadly common in women of your age.
I feel there's a bit more blood
than we'd like to see, Doctor.
You need to go to hospital
straight away
and have a procedure
to make sure that your womb is clear.
I do need to talk to you
about the referral, though.
I wonder, Gail, would you
step outside for a moment?
No, I'm not leaving her.
Doctor may need to discuss
confidential matters
with your mother, Gail.
Is this about me getting me tubes tied?
Yes.
- As we previously discussed.
- What?
When did you discuss
getting your tubes tied?
When I went to him
and asked for an abortion.
There. I've said it now.
An abortion?
- Mum, well, what did Dad say?
- He would never have known.
And I doubt it would have bothered him.
There we go, darling.
I'm sorry I got cross.
It's not your fault.
Mummy's just tired.
And we both
get tired, don't we, soldier?
You know I love you, don't you?
You be a good boy. I'm going
to get on with my work.
In Dr Turner's referral letter,
he suggests we discuss sterilisation.
That was when I was thinking of
..going down a different route.
Indeed.
But we could do it
at the same time as your D&C.
My what?
It's when we remove
any parts of your pregnancy
that remain in your womb.
Unless, of course, you need
more time to make up your mind.
What do you think, love?
I think I don't ever want
to see you go through
anything like this again.
You put yourself first, for a change.
Yeah, I'd like it done, please.
Very well.
PEGGY EXHALES
- Hey, have you got me handbag?
- Yeah, here, on me knee.
I got you some pineapple chunks.
They should still be in there.
Sister Catherine?
Perhaps you would like
to join us for recreation.
I have quite a lot of studying
to do this evening.
I thought I might bring this
up to my room.
With your permission, of course.
I admire your dedication
to your studies.
However, rest is equally important.
It would do you good
to have quiet time for yourself
before compline.
Thank you, Sister.
I'm afraid there's something wrong
with the aerial, Sister Monica Joan.
Oh!
If there is, you really need
an engineer for that.
Oh, yes. If events keep
unfolding as they are,
I might have to resort
to such measures.
Could prove difficult, as
the strikes are affecting everyone.
Until then,
I must endure.
MR WILKINS: All straightforward so far.
This shouldn't take us very long.
- A retractor.
- Yes, Mr Wilkins.
Retractor.
Pack.
Pack in.
- One pack, Sister.
- Noted, one pack.
Is our next patient
in the anaesthetic room?
Patient's turning blue.
Can we stop?
I was just thinking
what a long day you'd had
when I heard your car. Is that
going to be a cheese sandwich?
I'm that ravenous,
it was all I could do
not to eat dry bread.
If you can bear to sit down
and wait five minutes,
I could turn these
rather ordinary ingredients
into cheese on toast
with a dash of mustard.
Oh, go on, then.
ROSALIND GIGGLES
We vegetarians have to stick together.
ROSALIND GIGGLES
SIREN WAILS
What's happened, Gail?
I need more than a note
on a table saying, "Me and Mum
have gone to St Cuthbert's."
I left that note there hours ago.
I take it you've been
down the Black Sail.
Union business. Where is she?
Which one of the kids has
come off their bike this time?
None of them, Dad.
It's Mum.
She's in the operating theatre now.
She's been in
ages longer than they said.
Why? She never said she was ill.
Yeah, she never said
she was pregnant either.
Again?
Well, you say that like
it's nothing to do with you!
Anyway, she's she's lost it now.
- Oh, Gail No
- Yeah.
That's why she's in here.
They're tidying her up
and making sure it never happens again,
seeing as you can't.
Mrs Mason?
I've been with your mother
in the operating theatre.
She's my wife.
Would you like to come with me, please?
Please, take a seat.
- Sit down.
- Can we go and see her?
I-I'm afraid not.
There were complications.
And I'm afraid to say that,
despite everything we tried to do,
she did not survive the procedure.
SWEETS HIT FLOOR
HE SOBS
I'm sure I speak for everyone
when I say
our thoughts are
with Mrs Wrigley's family.
I prayed for them this morning.
It really is absolutely heartbreaking.
Seven children are left
without a mother.
Do we know the cause of death?
Pulmonary embolism has been suggested,
but speculation serves no-one.
Gail Mason is already
on my house-call list.
Her blood pressure was
enough of a cause for concern
as it was.
I've just spoken
to the Coroner's Office
and arranged to send
Peggy Wrigley's case notes.
Ah, the postmortem should tell
them all they need to know.
Indeed. I'd put money on an embolism.
Doctor, with regard
to a different concern,
I'm afraid we still have
only a handful of bookings
for the measles vaccination clinic.
- Still?
- May I use some petty cash
to fund some posters and leaflets?
Please do.
People just don't seem to understand
how dangerous measles can be.
Right, I don't want any grease
on these. They aren't ours.
Been all up and down the street
borrowing funeral clothes.
You're making me ashamed
that I can't buy new.
Putting yourself first, as usual.
No wonder Mum couldn't cope
with the thought of any more.
You were the one that told her
to go through with the sterilisation.
And that's why the operation
took so long!
If it wasn't for you,
she'd still be alive!
BOY SOBS
If you could read my mind, love
What a tale my thoughts could tell
Just like an old time movie
'Bout a ghost from a wishing well
In a castle dark or a fortress strong
With chains upon my feet
You know that ghost is me
And I will never be set free
As long as I'm a ghost, you can't see
When you reach the part
where the heartaches come
The hero would be me
But heroes often fail
I never thought I could feel
this way ♪
HAPPY CHATTER AND LAUGHTER
And I've got to say that
I just don't get it
I don't know where we went wrong
But the feeling's gone
and I just can't get it back. ♪
Nurse Crane is visiting
Gail Mason today,
and I shall be popping in
on the young children.
And how has Sister Catherine
been settling in?
She's bright, diligent,
very professional,
and eager to learn
..although I have noticed
she's particularly inclined
to spend time with the children
of the families we look after.
And she's certainly a natural
with them,
but she must remember, mother first.
Indeed.
I wonder if there's some way of
combining her natural
affinity with children
with the ongoing care of
Gail Mason and the Wrigley family.
Mrs Trottwood! I was just on my way
to see you. Hello, Andrew.
How's your hand?
It's coming on all right now, isn't it?
He likes watching the children.
You planted sunflowers when you were
at the special school.
Do you remember, Andrew?
They stopped his bus before they grew.
Is there any news? About the bus?
Sister Veronica is trying
very hard, I know that,
but I'm afraid I've not heard any news.
Oh, Andrew, love!
Oh, his nappy's leaking!
I switched to disposables
cos they're easier,
but they're not as good.
- And I don't have a spare one.
- Come with me over to Mrs Buckle's.
She might sell them.
- Give it back!
- Will you two give it a rest?
I don't know what's got into you!
Dad! They've just lost their mother.
I'll see you later. Excuse me.
Just ignore him, girls.
I wonder, would you take
Mrs Mason upstairs
and make a start on her checks for me?
Now, Carole and Cheryl
..do you know how to make
bread and jam?
I want you to make some for each other.
I fetched her a nice soapy flannel
as well as the packet of pads.
Thank you, Violet.
The way poor Andrew
looked at the other children
broke my heart.
At least when he had his place
on the bus
he could go to school.
But what happened
to his place on the bus?
I mean, the council don't send
many children to that school -
it's out of our area.
But we do pay for travel
and for the place itself.
People seem to think so.
Even you seem to think so.
But I can assure you
that that is not the case.
Perhaps Andrew
has fallen foul of the fact
that handicapped children have
no legal right to education.
Well, that is going to change,
Mrs Turner.
There's a bill already
going through Parliament.
But until then, it's all discretionary.
But how long do these families
have to wait?
Shouldn't we all be doing better?
Yes.
We know those like Andrew
and Reggie deserve so much more.
Nothing a nice slice of bread
and jam won't settle.
How are we doing here?
A little slowly but surely.
Listen, lass, you're grieving.
You're doing your best
in very difficult circumstances.
Yeah. Everywhere I look, I see her.
I see her shouting at me
for the mess the house is in,
shouting at my dad
for the mess the family's in.
Then, in my head,
I start shouting at her.
She could sort it all out
if she was here.
I think it's time to pack a bag.
You're coming with me
to the maternity home.
Miss Higgins? I need a favour.
What is it, Mrs Trottwood?
I've got to be quick,
cos Andrew's outside.
How many measles leaflets
can you spare me?
Where's Gail?
Oh, she's gone to the maternity
home with Nurse Crane.
She needs bed rest
to prepare her for the birth.
Don't know about
any of that sort of thing.
You don't have to.
It's the stork that delivers
babies, after all.
When I was a nipper,
we were told that the sisters
brought them in their bicycle bags.
I like that!
There are two tinned pies
ready to go in the oven,
and I took the liberty
of peeling some potatoes.
That's good of you.
It'll get you started.
THEY ALL CHUCKLE
I love my son.
I love my son as much as
..any one of you loves your children.
And and loving your child
means protecting your child.
Now, Andrew caught measles
before the vaccine
was invented.
And I can't turn back the clock.
But I can say to you today
..vaccinate.
Vaccinate.
You and your child
have a chance
that me and Andrew never had.
So don't waste it.
Vaccinate.
Vaccinate!
Vaccinate.
It'll be teatime soon.
I hear it's custard slice for pudding.
In better news, there's no protein
- in her urine.
- Excellent.
How would you proceed?
Regular observations?
Maybe some chloral hydrate?
Good idea.
You'll sleep well tonight, lass.
Shall we try and get news
to your husband in Cyprus?
No he'll only worry. I'll be fine.
You just tell us
if you change your mind.
Lo and behold, the measles
vaccination list is filling up.
What's brought this on?
Sudden interest
since Jill Trottwood's efforts.
Well, it just goes to show,
every effort counts.
She's a trouper!
It's high time this world paid her
the respect she deserves.
It cannot come soon enough.
KNOCK ON DOOR
Come in!
I offer you the solace of my company
..and some chocolate digestives.
I am grateful, Sister,
but it's been drummed into me
that we never eat between meals.
Well, there are
quite a number of digestives.
I think we may consider them
a meal entire.
THEY BOTH CHUCKLE
Well, maybe just one!
Or two!
I must have cycled 15 miles today.
Is this the life that you imagined?
Well
..it is the life I was called to.
I-I didn't dare imagine much.
I just listened to God's voice.
And God is a persuasive
speaker, is he not?
Well, he persuaded me.
But
..what did he ask you to surrender?
Everything!
Isn't that the pact we make?
"Everything" is merely a word
..a single suitcase into which
we bundle all we are.
What did your everything consist of?
Indeed
..what does it consist of now?
Erm
Tights.
Pear drops.
My cat, Maude.
THEY BOTH CHUCKLE
Mascara.
Trampolining
..or driving my Mini
..or waking up in the flat
I shared with my friend
near the hospital
..and putting coffee
in the percolator
..or my brothers and sisters
..or choosing what to wear
..choosing what to eat
..choosing what to do.
Sometimes I think
I miss choosing most of all.
Because the choice is made.
And that's my everything now.
Isn't it?
Sister
..it is so much more.
SHE BREATHES HEAVILY
Mrs Mason?
I think I'm having twinges.
Thank you.
Patrick?
There's another rail strike
..meaning that the measles vaccines
won't be delivered until tomorrow.
Tomorrow? That's too late!
I know it's too late!
We're meant to be vaccinating
dozens of children today.
Interest at last,
and now we have to cancel.
Or at least postpone.
I don't like letting patients down.
We'd be letting Andrew
and his mother down, too.
And after all she's done,
that would be too unkind.
I'll speak to the factory.
I have got just enough time
to go there myself
and collect another batch
if I get my skates on.
Chop chop, Nurse Clifford.
It'll be all hands on deck
at the vaccination clinic.
That's why I'm having more toast.
I need plenty of carbohydrates
if I've got to keep Mrs Buckle
under control,
as well as protect 40 children
against measles.
We are lucky to have engaged
the interest of the mayor.
It might even lead to attention
from the newspapers.
Will you be joining us, Sister?
I had better remain here
..in case a television
engineer makes an appearance.
That was Nurse Highland
on the telephone.
It seems Gail Mason is in early labour.
More toast for you too, lass.
It's going to be a long day.
DOOR OPENS
Good morning. I wondered
if you and Andrew
would be interested in
..a little excursion.
It's a nice day, but where
are you thinking of going?
Look at this.
See how many mothers were encouraged
to vaccinate their children
after listening to you?
Well, I just said what I felt
and and what I know to be true.
Miss Higgins tells me they need
help with refreshments.
Shall we go in and lend a hand, Andrew?
The vaccines haven't arrived.
They are on their way.
Dr Turner is collecting them himself.
That's it, lass,
just breathe through it.
I don't remember
Mum being in this much pain.
Oh, I feel dizzy.
Perhaps we should give this
a break for a little bit.
GAIL GASPS
Ohh, does the pain get worse now?
It says in the book it gets
worse once your waters go.
I'd like to know who writes
these books sometimes!
Gail? Gail, look at me.
It's not going to get worse
if you stay calm and in control
and let me and Nurse Crane
look after you.
My mum was going to be with me.
We can't be your mum.
But we are your midwives.
We'll get you through this.
And that's a promise.
Why are we waiting?
We are suffocating ♪
We appreciate your patience,
every single one of you.
There's been a
..a very minor delay in
the delivery of the vaccines.
MOTHERS GROAN
How much longer do you think
Dr Turner will be?
They're losing interest.
If they lose interest, we'll lose them!
Are you suggesting
that I deploy cheap tactics?
Yes.
Ladies,
you will be pleased to hear
that we have made a fortuitous purchase
of foil-wrapped chocolate biscuits
from the cash-and-carry.
They will be handed out at intervals.
That's it. Lean on me.
One breath, one step at a time.
What are you doing here?
You should be with the kids.
I found some knitted things
for the littl'un.
Your mum must have been
getting them ready.
Shouldn't you be in bed
if you're having a baby?
We find that a bit of gentle ambulation
can help things along.
GAIL EXHALES HEAVILY
Oh! Good girl.
Oh!
- This will pass.
- Blimey!
Mum did this seven times, Dad.
Can I go back to bed now?
This way.
There we go.
Thank you.
She's fully dilated,
but I think I can feel
the posterior fontanelle.
Baby's head seems to be
occipital transverse.
What? What's that?
Just that, right now,
Baby could be in a slightly
better position for delivery. But
..they can be monkeys sometimes.
But things often put themselves right.
Well, when?
- When?
- Soon.
You're doing everything
exactly as you ought.
My mum should be telling me that.
GAIL EXHALES HEAVILY
FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
Your daughter is in excellent hands
- and the tea is well sugared.
- Thanks.
- Has she had it?
- No.
Everything is proceeding
perfectly normally,
but I don't think young sir or madam
is especially notable
for their turn of speed.
I wonder
..would you consider
..doing your daughter a kindness?
Under normal circumstances,
I'm chary of men in the delivery suite.
I feel their presence doesn't
always ease the situation.
But Gail has just lost her mother,
and I think she would benefit
from seeing a familiar face.
My face?
You're each other's flesh
and blood. That always matters.
And right now,
it matters more than anything.
HORN TOOTS
This will blow over in a moment, Gail.
Try to breathe through the discomfort.
Discomfort? Discomfort?!
It's ruddy agony!
DOOR OPENS
Dad!
You can stand here, Mr Wrigley.
It's all right. Go on.
- Give it some welly.
- I'm tired, Dad.
What did your mum used to say?
"I can't afford mink,
"I can't afford champagne"
BOTH: "And I can't afford to be tired."
I often give mothers
a barley sugar to suck on
when they get to this stage,
but I'm clean out.
I've got some pineapple chunks
in my pocket.
- Can she have one of those?
- She most certainly can!
You might have to
rub a bit of fluff off.
They've been on the floor.
At least it was
the hospital floor, wasn't it?
Mrs Trottwood?
A little bird told me
that I might find you here.
I thought you might like
to read this.
It's addressed to you, Mrs Buckle.
But it's about Andrew,
so it concerns us both.
I took up the cudgels
with the Education Committee,
who agree that the situation
is not acceptable.
"We will be reviewing the arrangements
"for this child as a matter of urgency
"and hope to report
a favourable outcome
"before the commencement
of the new school year."
That's really quite encouraging.
Yeah.
Well, it's
It's got the word "hope" in it.
It looks so small,
typed out like that, but
..it means so much.
Hope was the thing I lost.
We did it!
Baby's head's delivered.
Don't push for the moment.
You're there, girl, at the finish line.
- Now give it all you got.
- I'm trying, I'm trying!
Now, when you feel
the next contraction,
one big push,
right down to your core.
GAIL EXHALES HEAVILY
BABY CRIES
A beautiful baby girl!
Listen to the lungs on her.
She sounds just like you.
Although I never heard you.
It's a beautiful sound, isn't it?
I reckon Mum can hear it up in Heaven.
I can hear her laughing at me.
Well done, girl.
And well done, Grandad.
It seems that Mrs Trottwood and Andrew
have provided better health education
than a thousand posters.
But look at the difference
today has made to Jill.
Children need to be
with other children.
It's so nice seeing him play
with other boys and girls his own age.
In you go. Come on.
There she is, over there.
Come on, boys.
Come on.
Hello, love.
Oh, from Jeff. I sent him a telegram.
Right. I guess you'll soon be moving
back into your own place, won't you?
Yeah, when he comes home. Not before.
We can pull together
until then, can't we?
It's what family's all about.
We'll find a way.
We're finding one.
What do you reckon, girls? Eh?
Oh, my, how handsome you look!
SHELAGH CLAPS
I must say, it fits perfectly.
You're as pleased as Punch,
aren't you, hey?
I knew a word in Miss
Higgins' ear would do the trick.
Thank you. This
Well, it makes all the difference.
JIMMY: Come on, kids, outside.
Come and see your sister.
MATURE JENNIFER: Sometimes
a new beginning
is unlooked for.
Seldom are things entirely pure
and flawless.
Yet seldom are we left
without any hope at all.
We say there's always tomorrow
..but tomorrow can start today,
when we choose change,
when we choose connection,
when we choose a different path,
for that is how we meet each other
and the things we long for.
That is how we learn and move ahead.
We watch, we listen, we look,
we share.
But nothing is of consequence
apart from this -
simply begin and begin
and begin.
Ooh!
TV: What do you think
of my new face, by the way?
Pretty flexible, you know.
SISTER MONICA CHUCKLES
MATURE JENNIFER: And then
the story will unfold
exactly as it should.
You seem disquieted.
Something is awry.
Good morning, Mr Desmond.
Dad, please, don't hang up.
I will decide what is best
for her and her infant.
Is there something going on
with you and Cyril Robinson?
I haven't been outside
this lung for 17 years.
Will the baby die? Will I die?
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