Post by PamA on May 6, 2010 17:29:06 GMT 1
Doctors: The True Story
Monday morning 8th February 2010 8.15 a.m. The Mill
Karen, Michelle and Cherry are talking seemingly oblivious to the shrill ringing of the telephone.
Karen: So I said to Rob `if you’re going to be like that, you needn’t think that I’m going to bend over backwards for you!’
Cherry (smiling): And what did he say to that?
Karen: Nothing really. He just asked what was for dinner!
They all laugh. Julia enters.
Julia: What’s the joke?
Karen: It’s far too long to start telling you now Julia. I’ll tell you over coffee.
Michelle: Speaking of coffee, I could murder a cup. Anyone else want?
Karen, Cherry, Julia (in unison): Yes, please.
Michelle exits to make coffee.
Karen: I suppose I’d better answer that phone. It’s driving me batty.
She picks up the phone.
Karen: Mill Health Centre. Oh Mr. Fisher, what can we do for you? (She pulls a face and looks at the screen of her p.c) Let me see. Dr. Carter can see you at 9.30 on the 19th. Yes, of course I’m talking about February (gives a little laugh). An emergency? Oh why didn’t you say? Just a minute and I’ll see when he can fit you in.
Karen spends a few moments examining her fingernails before returning to Mr. Fisher.
Karen: Right Mr. Fisher, you’re in luck, Dr. Carter can see you this Friday at ten past four.
(Karen pulls a face as she listens to Mr. Fisher). What do you mean `that’s not good enough’? I’m doing my best Mr. Fisher. (she winks at Cherry who smiles back). A home visit? I don’t know about that. Oh, hold on a minute Dr. Carter’s just walked in. I’ll pass you over to him.
She hands the phone to Heston who looks enquiringly at her. Karen mouths `Jeremy fisher’ to him. Heston, grinning, takes the phone.
Heston: Ah, Mr. Fisher and what can I do for you?
Heston listens to Mr. Fisher, frequently nodding his head and muttering “yes, I see, umm”.
Mr. Fisher finishes explaining his problem.
Heston: Can you walk Mr. Fisher? You can? Right, well then I don’t see why you should be in need of a home visit, do you? Oh, you do. Well, I’m very sorry but if you can walk you can get to the surgery. We can’t be visiting people at home all the time – we’re busy people, you know. I’m sorry too Mr. Fisher but our receptionist has given you an appointment. A & E? You’re quite welcome to go there, of course but the chances are they’ll tell you that you’re wasting their time. There’s no need to be like that! Oh, he’s rung off.
Karen: Shall I book him in for Friday or not?
Heston: Better, just in case. Now, Karen, my dear, how many home visits have I got today?
Karen: None.
Heston: Oh good. Right. I shall be in my room.
He picks up his box of notes and leaves reception.
Enter Michelle carrying a tray of coffee.
Michelle: Right, here we go girls. That’s yours Ruth and that’s Cherry’s. Julia yours is in the blue mug.
Karen, Cherry, Julia (in unison): Thanks.
Michelle: What is that coach doing out in the car park? It was there when I came in. Load of old women in it.
Julia: Do you mind, they’re not that old! As a matter of fact they’re some old friends of mine that happen to be in the locality. I thought I’d get them altogether and go out to lunch with them. I daresay one or two of them might be undergoing some kind of crisis in their life which I’ll have to sort out!
Ruth: Well, let me know if I can be of any assistance. I seem to be quite good at sorting out other people’s problems.
Julia: I might just take you up on that. There’s a coach load of my local friends coming tomorrow and I know for a fact that at least three of them are undergoing personal crises at the moment – two are having problems in their marriage and the other one probably has some underlying medical problem that she doesn’t know about but I’ll probably spot straight away. I think I’d better get the driver to move the coach. It is rather blocking up the car park. Perhaps he could take them somewhere for morning coffee.
Julia exits
Ruth: I’d better be off too. I’m meant to be at the Campus this morning.
As Ruth leaves, Jimmi enters. He’s carrying a large bag.
Cherry: Ooh, Jimmi, what’s in the bag?
Jimmi (flustered): The bag? Er, nothing. I’ll be in my room Karen.
He picks up his notes and hastily leaves.
Karen: Well, what was all that about?
Michelle: Think I’ll take him a cup of coffee.
Cherry: No, let me. I, erm, need to talk to him about one of his patients.
Michelle: Oh, yes! Which one would that be then?
Cherry (grinning): I don’t think you know him.
Karen: You’ll tell us what the mystery is, I hope?
Cherry: Of course!
Cherry goes to the staffroom and makes a cup of coffee for Jimmi. As she leaves the staffroom, Julia enters.
Julia: Where are you off to with that?
Cherry: I’m just taking it through to Jimmi.
Julia: Oh, I’ll take it for you. I need to speak to Jimmi.
Cherry (flustered): No, no. It’s alright. I’ll take it in.
Julia (suspicious): Why won’t you let me take it? Is there something going on?
Cherry: No, no. Of course not. It’s fine. You take it. (she reluctantly hands the cup to Julia).
Meanwhile, back in reception.
Karen: So, Michelle, will you be coming to Immie’s 21st on Saturday?
Michelle: 21st? She’ll be 17 surely!
Karen: Oh, come on Michelle, surely you noticed that she looks a bit older than 16!
Michelle: Yes, well, I just thought she looked a bit older – not that much though! And how comes she’s only just done her GCSE’s?
Karen: She’s a bit slow is our Immie. Not the brightest bulb in the factory.
Michelle: She got all A’s Karen, she must be pretty bright to achieve that!
Karen: It was her 5th attempt.
Michelle: Her 5th? How did she manage that?
Karen: I’ve got a cousin works in the Education department. All the paper work about Immie said she was being home tutored, so my cousin was able to move her into different schools without any problem. And all her paper work kept her at the same age. She’s been 16 for 5 years!
Michelle: And Jack? How old is he really?
Jack: Oh no, Jack is 18. He was always the brighter of the two and no way would he have repeated a year over and over. He was adamant about that.
Michelle (laughing): Any other secrets we should know about in the Hollins’ family?
Karen: Well, there is Rob’s brother.
Michelle: Rob’s brother? What about Rob’s brother?
Karen: Well, he’s not so much a brother, more an identical twin.
Michelle: Rob’s a twin? He kept that secret.
Karen: Promise you won’t tell anyone Michelle.
Michelle: Why not? Is there something wrong with him or something?
Karen: Oh no, there’s nothing wrong with him, it’s just, well, he kind of job shares with Rob.
Michelle: Job shares? What are you talking about Karen?
Karen: You know how Rob always seems to be attending every incident in Letherbridge.
Michelle nods.
Karen: It’s not always Rob. Sometimes it’s Bill.
Michelle (puzzled): Let me get this straight. Rob has an identical twin, called.....
Karen: Bill.
Michelle: and he is also a policeman...
Karen: Not exactly. He just has the uniform.
Michelle: The uniform? Right. So he attends any incidence that Rob can’t get to. Right?
Karen: Yes, you got it in one.
Michelle: But why?
Karen: Cos Rob’s the only active policeman at Letherbridge police station.
Michelle: What are you talking about Karen? There are lots of cops there. I’ve seen them.
Karen: Yes, but they don’t actually do anything. They just walk around looking busy and any that do real police work tend to be bent and Rob finds out and they have to leave.
Michelle: Right.
Karen: Promise you won’t say anything Michelle.
Michelle: I promise!
Enter Cherry.
Cherry: What are you two talking about?
Michelle: Nothing really. So, what is Jimmi’s big mystery?
Cherry (shrugs): I don’t know. Julia’s taking his coffee in.
Karen: Maybe she’ll tell us
Michelle: I don’t think that’s very likely Karen. Anyway, excuse me. I’d better get ready for my first patient.
Jimmi’s office. Julia enters carrying a cup of coffee. Jimmi hurriedly pushes back something into the bag he brought in.
Julia: Here’s your coffee Jimmi. (Noticing how flustered he looks she adds) Are you alright?
Jimmi: Yes, I’m fine Julie. Just leave the cup on my desk.
Julia (puts the cup on the desk and notices the bag): What have you got there? Anything nice?
Jimmi sighs: If I tell you it will be our little secret won’t it?
Julia (looks serious): Of course. What’s wrong?
JImmi: Actually, it will be good to get this off my chest. You see, Julia, you remember how my OCD disappeared after the, erm, the business with Cissie and the kidnap and all that?
Julia: Of course. It’s not something we’re likely to forget. But what’s happened? Surely being free of your OCD should have freed you from a great burden?
Jimmi: You’d think so wouldn’t you? But the trouble is, well, I’ve lost one form of OCD just to replace it with another.
Julia looks at him questioningly.
Jimmi: I’ll show you. (He reaches into the bag and pulls out the front of a knitted jumper) I can’t stop knitting. I just have to knit. I hide away in my room at night so Daniel won’t know. I’ve never brought it to work before, but today I couldn’t help myself.
Julia (Searches for something positive to say): It’s very good Jimmi, the jumper I mean. Did you, um, teach yourself?
Jimmi: Yes. I got a book out of the library. You won’t tell anyone will you? (Julia shakes her head). You see, I’m hoping to knit everyone something for Christmas. That will be a real surprise won’t it?
Julia: Yes, it will definitely be a surprise. I can guarantee that! So, erm who’s that for?
Jimmi (excited): This is for Heston. (He holds it up. It is bright red with what looks like a butterfly on the front).
Julia: I’m sure Heston will be overwhelmed. Why a butterfly?
Jimmi (He looks puzzled): A butterfly? It’s meant to be a bow tie.
Julia: Oh, of course! Silly me. Yes, I can see it – it’s definitely a bow tie.
Jimmi: It’s alright isn’t it? I mean, you know I’ve not been doing this for long.
Julia: You’re doing really well Jimmi. Now, if you’ll excuse me I need to get on.
Julia leaves the room. She stops outside Jimmi’s door and puts her hand over her mouth, suppressing a need to laugh.
Back in reception Karen becomes aware of a crowd gathering on the steps.
Karen: I wonder what they all want?
Cherry¨ I think they want to come in. They’re patients Karen – you know, they come here to get better.
Karen: Suppose I’d better let them in. You know Cherry it would be a wonderful life here at the Mill if we didn’t keep getting interrupted by the general public wanting appointments wouldn’t it?
Cherry: Yes, I know what you mean. Like they think we’re actually interested in their bunions and their horrible skin disorders.
Karen comes from behind the reception desk and walks towards the doors.
Karen: Right, let’s get you lot in and as soon as you’re all booked in I think I’ll phone Rob. Should be able to catch him just as he’s about to arrest someone. I just love doing that!
She opens the door.
Karen: Right you lot. Form an orderly queue. It’s another day at the Mill!
The End
Monday morning 8th February 2010 8.15 a.m. The Mill
Karen, Michelle and Cherry are talking seemingly oblivious to the shrill ringing of the telephone.
Karen: So I said to Rob `if you’re going to be like that, you needn’t think that I’m going to bend over backwards for you!’
Cherry (smiling): And what did he say to that?
Karen: Nothing really. He just asked what was for dinner!
They all laugh. Julia enters.
Julia: What’s the joke?
Karen: It’s far too long to start telling you now Julia. I’ll tell you over coffee.
Michelle: Speaking of coffee, I could murder a cup. Anyone else want?
Karen, Cherry, Julia (in unison): Yes, please.
Michelle exits to make coffee.
Karen: I suppose I’d better answer that phone. It’s driving me batty.
She picks up the phone.
Karen: Mill Health Centre. Oh Mr. Fisher, what can we do for you? (She pulls a face and looks at the screen of her p.c) Let me see. Dr. Carter can see you at 9.30 on the 19th. Yes, of course I’m talking about February (gives a little laugh). An emergency? Oh why didn’t you say? Just a minute and I’ll see when he can fit you in.
Karen spends a few moments examining her fingernails before returning to Mr. Fisher.
Karen: Right Mr. Fisher, you’re in luck, Dr. Carter can see you this Friday at ten past four.
(Karen pulls a face as she listens to Mr. Fisher). What do you mean `that’s not good enough’? I’m doing my best Mr. Fisher. (she winks at Cherry who smiles back). A home visit? I don’t know about that. Oh, hold on a minute Dr. Carter’s just walked in. I’ll pass you over to him.
She hands the phone to Heston who looks enquiringly at her. Karen mouths `Jeremy fisher’ to him. Heston, grinning, takes the phone.
Heston: Ah, Mr. Fisher and what can I do for you?
Heston listens to Mr. Fisher, frequently nodding his head and muttering “yes, I see, umm”.
Mr. Fisher finishes explaining his problem.
Heston: Can you walk Mr. Fisher? You can? Right, well then I don’t see why you should be in need of a home visit, do you? Oh, you do. Well, I’m very sorry but if you can walk you can get to the surgery. We can’t be visiting people at home all the time – we’re busy people, you know. I’m sorry too Mr. Fisher but our receptionist has given you an appointment. A & E? You’re quite welcome to go there, of course but the chances are they’ll tell you that you’re wasting their time. There’s no need to be like that! Oh, he’s rung off.
Karen: Shall I book him in for Friday or not?
Heston: Better, just in case. Now, Karen, my dear, how many home visits have I got today?
Karen: None.
Heston: Oh good. Right. I shall be in my room.
He picks up his box of notes and leaves reception.
Enter Michelle carrying a tray of coffee.
Michelle: Right, here we go girls. That’s yours Ruth and that’s Cherry’s. Julia yours is in the blue mug.
Karen, Cherry, Julia (in unison): Thanks.
Michelle: What is that coach doing out in the car park? It was there when I came in. Load of old women in it.
Julia: Do you mind, they’re not that old! As a matter of fact they’re some old friends of mine that happen to be in the locality. I thought I’d get them altogether and go out to lunch with them. I daresay one or two of them might be undergoing some kind of crisis in their life which I’ll have to sort out!
Ruth: Well, let me know if I can be of any assistance. I seem to be quite good at sorting out other people’s problems.
Julia: I might just take you up on that. There’s a coach load of my local friends coming tomorrow and I know for a fact that at least three of them are undergoing personal crises at the moment – two are having problems in their marriage and the other one probably has some underlying medical problem that she doesn’t know about but I’ll probably spot straight away. I think I’d better get the driver to move the coach. It is rather blocking up the car park. Perhaps he could take them somewhere for morning coffee.
Julia exits
Ruth: I’d better be off too. I’m meant to be at the Campus this morning.
As Ruth leaves, Jimmi enters. He’s carrying a large bag.
Cherry: Ooh, Jimmi, what’s in the bag?
Jimmi (flustered): The bag? Er, nothing. I’ll be in my room Karen.
He picks up his notes and hastily leaves.
Karen: Well, what was all that about?
Michelle: Think I’ll take him a cup of coffee.
Cherry: No, let me. I, erm, need to talk to him about one of his patients.
Michelle: Oh, yes! Which one would that be then?
Cherry (grinning): I don’t think you know him.
Karen: You’ll tell us what the mystery is, I hope?
Cherry: Of course!
Cherry goes to the staffroom and makes a cup of coffee for Jimmi. As she leaves the staffroom, Julia enters.
Julia: Where are you off to with that?
Cherry: I’m just taking it through to Jimmi.
Julia: Oh, I’ll take it for you. I need to speak to Jimmi.
Cherry (flustered): No, no. It’s alright. I’ll take it in.
Julia (suspicious): Why won’t you let me take it? Is there something going on?
Cherry: No, no. Of course not. It’s fine. You take it. (she reluctantly hands the cup to Julia).
Meanwhile, back in reception.
Karen: So, Michelle, will you be coming to Immie’s 21st on Saturday?
Michelle: 21st? She’ll be 17 surely!
Karen: Oh, come on Michelle, surely you noticed that she looks a bit older than 16!
Michelle: Yes, well, I just thought she looked a bit older – not that much though! And how comes she’s only just done her GCSE’s?
Karen: She’s a bit slow is our Immie. Not the brightest bulb in the factory.
Michelle: She got all A’s Karen, she must be pretty bright to achieve that!
Karen: It was her 5th attempt.
Michelle: Her 5th? How did she manage that?
Karen: I’ve got a cousin works in the Education department. All the paper work about Immie said she was being home tutored, so my cousin was able to move her into different schools without any problem. And all her paper work kept her at the same age. She’s been 16 for 5 years!
Michelle: And Jack? How old is he really?
Jack: Oh no, Jack is 18. He was always the brighter of the two and no way would he have repeated a year over and over. He was adamant about that.
Michelle (laughing): Any other secrets we should know about in the Hollins’ family?
Karen: Well, there is Rob’s brother.
Michelle: Rob’s brother? What about Rob’s brother?
Karen: Well, he’s not so much a brother, more an identical twin.
Michelle: Rob’s a twin? He kept that secret.
Karen: Promise you won’t tell anyone Michelle.
Michelle: Why not? Is there something wrong with him or something?
Karen: Oh no, there’s nothing wrong with him, it’s just, well, he kind of job shares with Rob.
Michelle: Job shares? What are you talking about Karen?
Karen: You know how Rob always seems to be attending every incident in Letherbridge.
Michelle nods.
Karen: It’s not always Rob. Sometimes it’s Bill.
Michelle (puzzled): Let me get this straight. Rob has an identical twin, called.....
Karen: Bill.
Michelle: and he is also a policeman...
Karen: Not exactly. He just has the uniform.
Michelle: The uniform? Right. So he attends any incidence that Rob can’t get to. Right?
Karen: Yes, you got it in one.
Michelle: But why?
Karen: Cos Rob’s the only active policeman at Letherbridge police station.
Michelle: What are you talking about Karen? There are lots of cops there. I’ve seen them.
Karen: Yes, but they don’t actually do anything. They just walk around looking busy and any that do real police work tend to be bent and Rob finds out and they have to leave.
Michelle: Right.
Karen: Promise you won’t say anything Michelle.
Michelle: I promise!
Enter Cherry.
Cherry: What are you two talking about?
Michelle: Nothing really. So, what is Jimmi’s big mystery?
Cherry (shrugs): I don’t know. Julia’s taking his coffee in.
Karen: Maybe she’ll tell us
Michelle: I don’t think that’s very likely Karen. Anyway, excuse me. I’d better get ready for my first patient.
Jimmi’s office. Julia enters carrying a cup of coffee. Jimmi hurriedly pushes back something into the bag he brought in.
Julia: Here’s your coffee Jimmi. (Noticing how flustered he looks she adds) Are you alright?
Jimmi: Yes, I’m fine Julie. Just leave the cup on my desk.
Julia (puts the cup on the desk and notices the bag): What have you got there? Anything nice?
Jimmi sighs: If I tell you it will be our little secret won’t it?
Julia (looks serious): Of course. What’s wrong?
JImmi: Actually, it will be good to get this off my chest. You see, Julia, you remember how my OCD disappeared after the, erm, the business with Cissie and the kidnap and all that?
Julia: Of course. It’s not something we’re likely to forget. But what’s happened? Surely being free of your OCD should have freed you from a great burden?
Jimmi: You’d think so wouldn’t you? But the trouble is, well, I’ve lost one form of OCD just to replace it with another.
Julia looks at him questioningly.
Jimmi: I’ll show you. (He reaches into the bag and pulls out the front of a knitted jumper) I can’t stop knitting. I just have to knit. I hide away in my room at night so Daniel won’t know. I’ve never brought it to work before, but today I couldn’t help myself.
Julia (Searches for something positive to say): It’s very good Jimmi, the jumper I mean. Did you, um, teach yourself?
Jimmi: Yes. I got a book out of the library. You won’t tell anyone will you? (Julia shakes her head). You see, I’m hoping to knit everyone something for Christmas. That will be a real surprise won’t it?
Julia: Yes, it will definitely be a surprise. I can guarantee that! So, erm who’s that for?
Jimmi (excited): This is for Heston. (He holds it up. It is bright red with what looks like a butterfly on the front).
Julia: I’m sure Heston will be overwhelmed. Why a butterfly?
Jimmi (He looks puzzled): A butterfly? It’s meant to be a bow tie.
Julia: Oh, of course! Silly me. Yes, I can see it – it’s definitely a bow tie.
Jimmi: It’s alright isn’t it? I mean, you know I’ve not been doing this for long.
Julia: You’re doing really well Jimmi. Now, if you’ll excuse me I need to get on.
Julia leaves the room. She stops outside Jimmi’s door and puts her hand over her mouth, suppressing a need to laugh.
Back in reception Karen becomes aware of a crowd gathering on the steps.
Karen: I wonder what they all want?
Cherry¨ I think they want to come in. They’re patients Karen – you know, they come here to get better.
Karen: Suppose I’d better let them in. You know Cherry it would be a wonderful life here at the Mill if we didn’t keep getting interrupted by the general public wanting appointments wouldn’t it?
Cherry: Yes, I know what you mean. Like they think we’re actually interested in their bunions and their horrible skin disorders.
Karen comes from behind the reception desk and walks towards the doors.
Karen: Right, let’s get you lot in and as soon as you’re all booked in I think I’ll phone Rob. Should be able to catch him just as he’s about to arrest someone. I just love doing that!
She opens the door.
Karen: Right you lot. Form an orderly queue. It’s another day at the Mill!
The End