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Kerr Avon
  • 5/17/2025
This is a Jo Longhurst and Shirley Brent tale.Jo is doing her District Nurse duties and becomes concerned for a older Woman she visits and her state of mind.

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Fun
Transcript
00:00and I'm so proud of all of you.
00:02Thank you so much.
00:04¶¶
00:12¶¶
00:23¶¶
00:38¶¶
00:51Hello.
00:53What are you doing over this part?
00:55Checking up on you.
00:57No.
00:58No, I'm on my way to the health centre.
01:00I want to find out the social worker for a patient of mine.
01:03Yours?
01:04Well, I was wondering if she wouldn't be better off at home.
01:07Making more work for me.
01:09See you tonight.
01:10Oh, yes.
01:11Bye.
01:12Bye.
01:20¶¶
01:30¶¶
01:40¶¶
01:50¶¶
02:00Hello, Mrs Dutton.
02:25Oh, it's not me, love, up top.
02:27Oh, sorry to bother you.
02:28I did ring her bell.
02:29I know.
02:30I always answer for her.
02:31That's kind.
02:32Oh, doesn't worry me.
02:33It's a long way down to answer the bell.
02:34A long way up.
02:35Takes a while.
02:36Terribly to hear one of her falls.
02:38Must be.
02:39It doesn't happen very often, though, does it?
02:40Just as well.
02:41I can't get up there too quick myself.
02:42How do you know when she's fallen?
02:44Well, she knocks on the floor,
02:45and if I don't hear her, I'll give her a call.
02:47Well done.
02:48Isn't there anyone on the middle floor?
02:50Mr and Mrs Bayliss.
02:51They're both deaf.
02:52Oh, they've got nasty coughs.
02:54Does anyone come to see them?
02:56Of course.
02:57No need, love.
02:58They're always around the surgery,
02:59practically live there.
03:00Now me, I had a toenail out in coronation year,
03:03and that's the last time I saw a doctor.
03:05Glad someone's healthy.
03:06Well, I'm not,
03:07but I'm not going bothering people like some.
03:09Wish they were more like you.
03:11I'm Card.
03:12Sorry?
03:13Card, Mrs Card.
03:14I'm always in there if I'm wanted.
03:16Oh, good.
03:17Who's that nice girl?
03:19Sister Newman.
03:20She trot on a nail.
03:22Oh, nasty.
03:23Yeah, afraid it was.
03:24I'll be calling in to see Mrs Dutton
03:25until Sister Newman can get about again.
03:27This paper's a disgrace.
03:29It just makes you cringe asking people, you know.
03:32You know, I bet you girls see a thing or two.
03:36It's the people we come to see, Mrs Card.
03:38They're the important ones.
03:55Alice looks a bit down this morning.
03:57Down? Could be.
03:59She's usually so cheerful.
04:04She's nice.
04:05Alice?
04:06Yes, nice and normal.
04:09Aren't we all?
04:10They all slept well,
04:11except Debbie wanted a leak every few hours.
04:13Well, that's part of her condition, isn't it?
04:15Yes, but you should have seen her when she first came here.
04:18She has improved, then.
04:19That's what she's here for.
04:21Hello, patients. What can we do for you?
04:23She's got my toothbrush.
04:25What's she doing with your toothbrush at this time of day?
04:27Teeth are all brushed long before this.
04:29She likes the colour of it.
04:31This is Beryl, is it?
04:32Yes.
04:33I want my toothbrush back.
04:35Have you asked her?
04:36Yes.
04:37She's very rude.
04:39All right, then. I'll see to it.
04:41That's all right, Shirley. I shall need to talk to her anyway.
04:43As you wish.
04:44You wouldn't understand her like Heather does.
04:46You're wrong there, patients.
04:48Shirley knows you all a lot better than you think.
04:50Off you go.
04:51You won't forget, will you?
04:53No chance of that.
04:54Yes.
04:55Well, as long as you don't.
05:05Poor old patient.
05:07She's not so old.
05:09She doesn't like me.
05:10What?
05:11She's all over you over that toothbrush.
05:13That's because she knows I'll give Beryl a rocket,
05:15and that's just what she wants.
05:17Why?
05:18She doesn't like Beryl either.
05:20Oh, that's sad.
05:21Mm.
05:22But she gets some sort of satisfaction out of it,
05:24and so does Beryl.
05:25I'm glad someone does.
05:27Well, I'll go and charm that toothbrush away from Beryl.
05:30You go and see how Alice is.
05:31She'll be on ECT later.
05:33Again?
05:34Early days yet.
05:35And cheer up.
05:37For me?
05:38Yes, we don't want you wandering around
05:39looking like the patients.
05:43Morning, Cynthia.
05:44Sunshine.
05:45Morning.
05:46Come on, ladies.
05:51How did she come to step on a nail?
05:54I'm not really sure.
05:55I think it was sticking up through a piece of wood.
05:57Terrible.
06:00How long will she be?
06:01A week at least.
06:02Maybe a fortnight.
06:04So it'll be you coming to visit me then?
06:06Looks like it.
06:07Sorry about that, Mrs. Dutton.
06:08Oh, don't apologize.
06:09I'm sure you're as nice as Sister Newman.
06:12Let's have a look at this specimen, shall we?
06:21Mrs. Card seems to like her.
06:23It's been nice and blue.
06:26She's a very probing woman.
06:28Who?
06:29Mrs. Card.
06:31She gets to the bottom of you.
06:33Oh, that's looking quite good.
06:35About half a percent sugar.
06:37Are you eating well?
06:39Well enough.
06:42I hadn't been in here a week before she knew all about me
06:44and my Robert.
06:45And him.
06:47Oh, I'm sorry.
06:48I'm sorry.
06:49I'm sorry.
06:50I'm sorry.
06:51I'm sorry.
06:52I'm sorry.
06:53I'm sorry.
06:54I'm sorry.
06:55I'm sorry.
06:56I'm sorry.
06:57I'm sorry.
06:58I'm sorry.
06:59I'm sorry.
07:00I'm sorry.
07:02Robert's my boy.
07:04He's 30 now.
07:06You wouldn't credit it.
07:08No.
07:09Have you been perspiring at all?
07:10Felt clammy or anything like that?
07:12That's Robert.
07:13Oh, he looks nice.
07:14Haven't you got a more recent one of him?
07:16I'll look and see.
07:17Oh, don't put yourself out.
07:18Show me next time.
07:19I've got one of him on holiday in Ibiza or somewhere like that.
07:24Do you see much of him?
07:26No.
07:29She works very hard.
07:32About this perspiring.
07:34What perspiring?
07:35That's what I'm asking.
07:36Have you been perspiring at all?
07:38Sometimes.
07:40Well, I mean, I get that fire going full blast in here often.
07:44It's like an engine room in here.
07:46I got used to the heat, you know, with him.
07:48Robert?
07:49No, him.
07:50Arthur, my husband.
07:53He was a sergeant in the signals.
07:55That's how we got about so much.
07:58Oh, with some lovely postings, I got quite spoiled.
08:01That's fortunate.
08:02I miss going abroad.
08:03I'm sure.
08:04But I don't miss him.
08:06Popped off before he was due for his pension.
08:09Do you ever find yourself perspiring when you haven't got the fire on?
08:12I suppose so.
08:14Not much, though.
08:15Why?
08:16Well, I have to check, make sure we're looking after you.
08:18And make sure you're looking after yourself.
08:20I'm all right, aren't I?
08:21Yes, you look fine to me.
08:23I'm doing all the right things.
08:25I mean, it's been four years since I started those injections.
08:27I know all about it by now.
08:29You certainly should.
08:30Mind you, the conditions here aren't what they might be.
08:34I'm used to better things.
08:36I was thinking what a nice room it was.
08:38Yes, it is in a way.
08:40But it's not really hygienic.
08:42Oh?
08:43But it can't be, can it?
08:44Not if it breeds things.
08:46What sort of things?
08:48Nothing for you to worry about, dear.
08:50I've got it in hand.
08:52One thing about being part of the Army,
08:54it teaches you to sort things out.
08:56What in particular?
08:59Dealing with that, for a start.
09:01And what to finish?
09:03Oh, I was just talking generally.
09:05Will it be you I see in the morning, dear?
09:08That's better.
09:25I thought you looked a bit down earlier.
09:27No.
09:28I was just thinking, I expect.
09:30Well, then think cheerful.
09:32But I am.
09:33Better than I have done for months.
09:35The treatment is having some effect, then?
09:37I suppose it must be.
09:38I could well do without it, though.
09:40Well, there are worse things.
09:41I can't think of any.
09:42I shall never feel the same about electricity again.
09:45Oh, come on, Alice.
09:47You'll be popping bread into the toaster
09:49and going round with the vacuum again in no time.
09:51I'm not complaining.
09:53If I feel like this after two sessions...
09:55Good.
09:57I'm ready when you are.
09:58Well, it's not till 11 o'clock.
10:00I'll meet you in the day room, all right?
10:05At this rate, they'll be taking you off it, won't they?
10:08And discharging me.
10:09Well, that's the general idea.
10:11Is it?
10:12I shall miss the place.
10:13The hospital?
10:14Yes.
10:15No, you won't.
10:16I always wanted to come here.
10:20That's unusual.
10:22When I told my friends I was going in an asylum,
10:25they were shocked and they wanted to change the subject.
10:28I didn't mind the idea.
10:31I don't mind it now.
10:36Where is she?
10:37Oh, very well, thank you, Mrs Carr.
10:39Do you ever go up and see her?
10:40I told you she falls.
10:42Apart from when she falls?
10:43Sometimes, if there's a letter or something.
10:45So you don't see all that much of her?
10:47Oh, not much.
10:48And there's nothing else you can tell me about her?
10:50Oh, and that's the way she wants it.
11:35Hello, Alice.
11:40Thanks.
11:45Well, that wasn't too bad, was it?
11:48The nurse is supposed to say that.
11:53I can't pop bread into the toaster or go around with a vacuum.
11:58go around with a vacuum. electricity. so I'm going to sit here quietly and listen
12:04to the radio. fine. I think we will have two beds by the end of the week.
12:15dr. York has said that the sooner mrs. Poynter and Alice Gooch and miss Tate go
12:20home the better he'll be pleased. they need people outside. okay fine thanks.
12:25she's coming on fine. who is? Alice. a few hours back you said she was down. well
12:31that was then. she has these spells occasionally. we all do. but I've been
12:37talking to her since and she's really doing well. nice to know we're achieving
12:40something. mrs. Poynter and miss Tate will almost certainly go by the end of the
12:43week. you you think they'll manage? they've got good homes to go to. she's
12:51the main thing. what about Alice? she hasn't. well she's got her own house.
12:57more precisely mrs. Poynter and miss Tate have homes with relatives. they're
13:00not alone. nevertheless she is as well as they are. is she? yes. there are certain
13:07indications. like what? well she's working up quite an appetite. can't be bad. what's
13:14she after? steak and chips? twice. that is something. dr. York will be pleased. he
13:19believes in healthy appetites. sounds like my mother. really? old-fashioned.
13:25I'll tell him that. he'll be round to see Tate and Poynter. well you tell him to
13:30have a good look at Alice Gooch before she eats us out of house and home. what
13:35are you trying to do? empty the wards? why not? no there must be plenty of
13:39people outside needing treatment more than some in here.
13:49I
14:19don't know
14:49yes? yes. you all right dear? yes. I heard you shatter. oh? I was in the hall.
15:16they wouldn't hear you downstairs. not them? no. not me? or is it that little
15:23thing again? it's here somewhere. you ought to catch it. it's very fast. I did try.
15:34you're all sweaty. I don't know why I feel quite cold.
15:39let's get back into bed.
15:46I was putting the milk bottles in. do you want milk tomorrow? no I'll try to cut down a bit.
15:50maybe putting on too much weight. never. you're all right. I have to be careful.
15:56well we all do. I'll get on downstairs. thanks for coming up.
16:05I heard you screaming. I thought I'd best go and look. I don't mind it you know.
16:12mind? I don't mind it. not really. I'm getting quite used to it. I don't mind
16:19sharing. so you won't say anything to anybody? not anybody? no. you do understand
16:28don't you? yes dear I do.
16:42there you go Ben. that's a little bit of the Los Unidos area and believe me there's one heck of a lot of coffee in Brazil.
17:10my name's Walt Damon and this is the AJ L band.
17:14it's time to get it on with a classical salsa. feels good. let's do it.
17:40let's see AJ L band. let's go back. way back. back.
18:05you tired or something? she is. I've been on my feet all day. so have we. he hasn't.
18:23I suppose you've been wearing your size lines down to the ground. this afternoon? this evening?
18:29this evening he's been wearing down his jaw. very witty Shirley.
18:33do you know he reckons they get more excitement than we do. messier too. I wouldn't say that.
18:39now now you two. you mustn't try and outdo each other. when it comes down to it I have more adventures and see more horrors than the pair of you together.
18:46rubbish. it's a soft number yours is. and I have to be a bit of a detective. I do. I mean this morning we had a patient. she's a diabetic and she was a bit funny.
18:56I didn't leave it there. I turned it over and well there's a possibility of insulin unbalance. well that means it could lead to arteriosclerosis or brain damage.
19:04call that detective work? if we in the CID thought that was detective work all the villains would be laughing.
19:10excuse me is this a disco or isn't it? hey you're talking shop all the time. me? yes. come on Shirley let's show him how it's done.
19:20don't ever do it.
19:24I'm gonna be like a wet rag tomorrow.
19:49I'm gonna be like a wet rag.
20:49I never go to bed early. there's too much going on. that's good.
21:17it's amazing you came to see her. I suppose so. I had a scream you see. who? mrs. Dutton. what was wrong?
21:25because she'd seen something.
21:32the first time she started on about it she said it was a mouse. you won't tell her I said will you? what else did she say?
21:40well she didn't want me to tell you. did you ever tell sister Newman? no. well why tell me?
21:47it can't go on can it? I mean there's me knocking on and those two stone deaf in the middle. can't ever going on without saying something.
21:55well why are you telling me now? well it was that walk up the stairs to her and then seeing her on the bed all sweating and scared.
22:02sweating you're sure? yes all beady on the forehead but there was no firing up there.
22:08I'm very glad you did tell me for all our sakes. I think she ought to be in somewhere don't you? in?
22:17well you know. not quite. you won't tell her I said will you? I won't.
22:25I want her! I want her! I want her! patience Heather has other things to do. they chase round.
22:31patience? who's that you want? well it's you I'm afraid. it's the toothbrush saga. all right patience I'll talk to Beryl in a minute.
22:40thank you.
22:44thank you.
22:47I like you.
22:50oh dear. oh dear is right. we'll have to watch that one like a hawk now. she says she likes you. she'll do her best to make life a misery for you.
23:04what was patience shouting for? oh well I offered to help instead of you. not a hope. same with Beryl. they've established a pattern.
23:11can't we try and break it? well I did. I got another toothbrush. I let Baron have it. they both went for me.
23:17oh well there's not much use in my poking my nose in then. no you stick to someone like Alice. you'll find her more rewarding.
23:25she tried to interfere. who? that Shirley. she tried to interfere and it's Heather's job to sort it out.
23:33but Shirley works with Heather and they're both here to help us. I know but it's not Shirley's place.
23:39but they're both so busy and it's only a toothbrush.
23:44eh? it's only a toothbrush.
23:48you can't say that.
23:50you can't say that to me. it's my toothbrush and Beryl takes it. that's most important. that's most important!
23:58what is patience?
24:00you know.
24:02well Heather's seeing to it. you just relax and let her see to it.
24:06is she?
24:08oh good. I must go and watch.
24:10well there's no need to go dashing off like that. take your time. well I might miss it.
24:15let me see you slow down and be sensible. oh I can! I know you can.
24:23all right.
24:25you watch.
24:27oh
24:35poor Patience.
24:37yes. and how are you?
24:40I was frightened.
24:42but then I realized what it was all about and I'm not frightened now. well there's no need to be frightened.
24:48Patience is really very gentle. she's very fond of people.
24:52I know. and I'm fond of her too. of everyone here.
24:56good.
24:58it's different here. people have time for you.
25:02well I should hope so.
25:04there'd be no point in being here otherwise would there?
25:07I don't feel so alone.
25:09I don't feel so worried.
25:13it's all a matter of getting things into perspective.
25:17Patience.
25:23when my mother died
25:25after all those years of doing everything for her
25:31it was like the ground opening under me.
25:35yes it must have been.
25:37I really thought I was going to fall. I could actually feel it.
25:42and when the money started going wrong I could feel it.
25:46I've tried to tell people and I don't think they believe me.
25:50but I could feel myself going.
25:54it wasn't only me. I was letting other people down.
25:58mr. Forrester that was my boss. he tried to help.
26:02I had to have someone to guarantee things and he came forward every time.
26:07I let him down.
26:09I let things go wrong.
26:12do you still feel badly about it?
26:16yes.
26:18and I'm beginning to think I need to get out of here and to put things right.
26:22that sounds healthy Alice.
26:24I've got to face up to things haven't I?
26:29mum's gone.
26:32and there's so much I need to do. I ought to change the house around.
26:36that sort of thing. is it you I have to speak to about going home?
26:39well I can mention it to the doctor yes.
26:46it's the best place.
26:49home.
26:51come on Beryl. it's all right.
26:54you were going to look out a photo for me.
26:56I didn't!
27:00that's Robert. abroad.
27:03of course he was used to being abroad with the services but there's nothing like a holiday.
27:07when did you last have a holiday mrs. Dutton?
27:10no not long back.
27:12how long?
27:14years.
27:15you need a break. you don't get out of this room much do you?
27:18well that doesn't worry me dear. it's a nice enough room.
27:21yes but you just sit up here as the assistant human or myself maybe the doctor and that's it.
27:25oh other people come up here to visit me.
27:28mrs. Card?
27:29sometimes.
27:30she's very chatty.
27:32that's the trouble.
27:33does she chat to you?
27:35yes when I feel like it.
27:37don't you like her?
27:39very kind.
27:41but probing.
27:43I'm sure I like that.
27:45I'm probing.
27:46ah that's your job. true.
27:48I want to tell you something.
27:50yes?
27:52I'm not worried about anything.
27:54no?
27:56no.
27:57oh good.
27:58having been about a bit one gets used to all sorts of things.
28:01things people over here wouldn't dream of.
28:03what sort of things?
28:05oh animals.
28:07they're a much bigger variety abroad you know.
28:09so I believe.
28:11fantastic some of them.
28:13by our standards of course.
28:15of course.
28:16it's all your creepy crawly things.
28:20get used to them they're just a nuisance.
28:22some of the big things. have you ever seen an elephant?
28:25only in a zoo.
28:26wait till you stand next to one of them over there.
28:28that'll make you think.
28:30sure it would.
28:32on the other hand some of your creepy crawlies must be interesting.
28:35oh yes.
28:37like mice that sort of thing.
28:39like that over here.
28:41yes.
28:42what was it when you were abroad?
28:44depends.
28:46lizards mostly.
28:48lizards?
28:50tell me about the lizards.
28:54mind you I was always a parrot woman myself.
28:59ha ha ha
29:01ha ha ha
29:07ah clock watcher.
29:11synchronizer.
29:13a scientist no less.
29:15how are things?
29:17well it's all set for mrs. Poynter and ms. Tate to go.
29:21Helen wants to talk to you about mrs. Richards.
29:23you. how are things with you?
29:25me? yeah.
29:27we take a special interest in our trainee nurses.
29:30have you settled in? are you happy? do your feet hurt? are you worried about anything?
29:33speak.
29:35I'm fine. thank you doctor.
29:37great.
29:39don't look so surprised. you're just as important as the patients.
29:43well thank you.
29:45I'm not used to it.
29:48two things.
29:50one. sentimental.
29:53I want to know how you're getting on and fitting in. I'm glad things are going well.
29:57two.
29:59in a medical ward you might contract measles say but you won't catch a broken leg from anybody.
30:04in here you might just feel a wee bit depressed now and again.
30:09you reckon I could be influenced by the patient's conditions?
30:12it's possible. very possible.
30:15you seem to know what you're about so I expect you'll manage all right. get on with Heather.
30:19yes very well. good.
30:21I sometimes think she should study further and become a qualified therapist.
30:25don't know whether the consultants would agree with me.
30:28I'm only a scaly ward doctor and my opinion doesn't count.
30:31how about you? are you a budding therapist or are you gonna behave yourself?
30:36I think I'm a nurse start to finish.
30:39good girl. you know what you want.
30:41go to the top with my blessing.
30:45good.
30:47all we want now is more staff, more wards, more facilities and we're in cloud cuckoo land.
30:51what you were saying about the patient's condition.
30:54one patient could affect another.
30:56there's always that danger.
30:58have you noticed anything?
31:00well yes just a bit.
31:02could be the odd ounce in the balance.
31:04Alice Gooch.
31:06now she's been making great progress but patients frightened her a bit today.
31:10you're taking a risk with miss Tate. why not with Alice?
31:14I know what you mean Shirley.
31:16but no. if we let her out now she'd be dead within 24 hours.
31:22I'm not very happy about mrs. Dutton.
31:24I'm never very happy about mrs. Dutton.
31:27she's never come to terms with being a diabetic.
31:30she will not keep to a regular diet for one thing.
31:32possibly she's not eating enough at the moment.
31:35sugar's around about half a percent mark and she's had a lot of blue tests lately.
31:38have you noticed anything else about her?
31:40we don't want her slipping into an insulin coma.
31:42I asked her if she'd been sweating at all and she said no.
31:45but the woman downstairs says she's seen her look sweaty and clammy.
31:48card. little witch.
31:50I wouldn't go too much of what she has to say.
31:52you've met her?
31:54no all. I see.
31:56well apart from the sweating mrs. Card says she's heard her screaming
31:59and saying there's a little thing in her room.
32:01what sort of little thing? she didn't say.
32:04has mrs. Dutton said anything to you?
32:06no I questioned her not too closely.
32:08but apart from one remark about the room breeding things
32:11she hasn't really said anything out of the ordinary.
32:13good.
32:15there was something about a lizard.
32:17a lizard?
32:19there's nothing specific but it was the way it cropped up.
32:22and?
32:25I'm beginning to wonder about her mental condition.
32:27a bit anxious are you?
32:29yes. you'll soon get used to that.
32:32well it did seem a bit odd.
32:34anything else?
32:36no. good.
32:39thought I ought to tell you.
32:41of course.
32:43we'll keep a close check on her physical condition and try and get the sugar up slightly.
32:46but I don't think we need set much store by the mental aspect.
32:49as I say when I've spoken to her she seemed quite sensible.
32:52she is. and cunning with it.
32:54she seems to use sister Newman as a home help by the sound of it.
32:57don't let her put up on you.
32:59I won't.
33:00how is the work suiting you?
33:02fine. I like treating people at home. I'm sure they're more relaxed.
33:05to the point of apathy my dear.
33:08I used to regard medicine as a war against disease.
33:11now sometimes I see it as a guerrilla action against my patients.
33:15I used to smile too.
33:18🎵
33:46that was us taking part in a hash chase.
33:48and setting off 10,000 bats.
33:50patients I can't see.
33:52you can find out what happened a bit later on.
33:54patients move that chair.
33:58you're in our way. please move it.
34:03patients move that chair.
34:05move it. go on. move it.
34:12let me go.
34:14let me go.
34:19what's going on here?
34:23alright. calm down.
34:34Shirley get her out of here.
34:36now come on. put her down there.
34:38come on. patient.
34:41I don't like it here.
34:44alright. come on.
34:46okay Shirley.
34:48alright. shh.
34:50come on. come on.
34:58it's been a great experience for him.
35:00and he's learned a lot.
35:02and he's had a lot of publicity as well.
35:04was he nervous before the performance?
35:06a little bit.
35:08well it was always a tremendous honor.
35:14I think we should send her home and treat her from there.
35:18no Shirley. we can't do it.
35:20why not?
35:22the electric treatments improved her audible recognition.
35:25if she stays here she's going to give up hope.
35:28she'll just become another long-stay patient.
35:31it's up to us to make sure she doesn't.
35:33I know that.
35:36but I think she'll be better off at home
35:39than with people like Patience and Helen around her.
35:41possibly.
35:43there you are then.
35:45I said possibly and I mean possibly.
35:47there is no certainty.
35:49and there's more certainty that she'll regress if she stays here.
35:52I don't agree.
35:54you've seen the improvement she's made.
35:56you can't rely on the ECT.
35:58there's much more to it than that believe me.
36:00I wish I could.
36:02I'm not convinced.
36:04I'm worried for her.
36:06if you're that worried see dr. York in the morning.
36:08but I warn you I'll fight you all the way.
36:20I'm going to lower the insulin level this morning.
36:23will that be all right?
36:25yes well they're up to 28 units of lentin.
36:27I'll write it here so you won't forget.
36:29you want to get your sugar up a bit more.
36:31up?
36:32yes it's a matter of getting a better balance between the insulin and the sugar.
36:38mrs. Dutton when you mentioned this room breeding things the other day what did you mean?
36:50sometimes in there.
36:53what is?
36:54a lizard.
36:58that's an unusual thing to find in a room like this.
37:01you're quite sure.
37:03I know all about lizards. I got used to them in the east.
37:06but not around here mrs. Dutton.
37:08are you saying I didn't see one?
37:10no.
37:12where exactly is he?
37:14now for instance.
37:16this here.
37:18where?
37:20he sleeps in with me you know.
37:23sometimes when it's cold he gets under my hair and curls up against my ear.
37:30otherwise he just crawls into the pillow.
37:33is he there now?
37:35no.
37:37he has his own little places.
37:40up the chimney.
37:42comes down behind the fire.
37:44down there?
37:48we'll have to get rid of him won't we?
37:50I don't know about that. I'm getting quite used to him.
37:55well if he's not causing you any bother that's all right.
37:59I don't know what to think.
38:02he could turn poisonous couldn't he?
38:05no idea.
38:07he could.
38:09or he could crawl into my ear and into my brain by making himself very very small.
38:15he couldn't possibly do that.
38:17I think he could.
38:20I shall have to deal with him.
38:22how?
38:24I think if I lit a fire that would fix him.
38:30down there you mean behind the grate?
38:32if you like.
38:34anywhere would do.
38:36they don't like fire.
38:40mrs. Dutton you must be sensible.
38:44you can't go lighting fires all over the place.
38:48there are other people in the house.
38:50hmm
38:52other people.
38:57listen I'm just going down to my car for a minute.
39:00it's all right dear.
39:02I'd like to have a talk to you. send mrs. Card up for a chat.
39:04what for?
39:06you just relax and I'll send her up.
39:10first of all don't think I'm not sympathetic in this case.
39:14I wouldn't think that doctor.
39:16but she is under a section because she's a danger to herself.
39:19section orders can be revoked.
39:24you're saying that ECT has transformed her
39:28and she's in danger of being put back by her mere presence in the ward.
39:32yes
39:34that's roughly it.
39:36I expect Heather's told you.
39:38the old electrical treatment isn't the be-all and end-all. it is possible to jump to conclusions.
39:41I know that.
39:43and she's only had three sessions.
39:45and it seems to have improved her. I'll go along with that.
39:47well that's my point. there has been a basic improvement.
39:50it might look like one Shirley.
39:52but we don't risk it.
39:54three sessions might appear to bring about a radical change
39:57but it's only on the surface.
39:59I expect dr. Fraser will get her in for reassessment next week.
40:02then we might have a clearer picture.
40:04meanwhile Alice stays.
40:08even when we're reasonably sure
40:10there's always the danger of a deeper depression.
40:12a suicidal depression even.
40:14just stay with her mrs. Card.
40:16talk to her about anything but don't let her do anything stupid.
40:18where are you going? to dr. Hubbard. I'll get her to drop round.
40:21you'll be lucky she'll only come if you're on your last legs.
40:23we'll see about that.
40:25but how safe should we be with our patients?
40:27good question.
40:29I mean there must be people outside
40:31struggling on who ought to be in here.
40:33but they're not.
40:35somewhere surely you must take a chance.
40:37well you are taking one with the other two.
40:39why not with Alice?
40:41the danger of a relapse is serious.
40:43she's gonna need anything up to seven or eight sessions
40:45of electrical treatment until we can be sure.
40:47that many? I'm afraid so.
40:49she'll never make it.
40:51you'd be surprised.
40:53but for every session
40:55she's going to spend more time in the ward
40:57more time in the day room
40:59listening to fights over toothbrushes.
41:01yes I know.
41:03and in a way you're always sentencing someone to that
41:05the minute you admit them.
41:07and the ECT won't get in the way of other treatment.
41:09well then send her home and bring her in for treatment.
41:11well
41:13again there's the danger we stated.
41:15deeper depression. suicide attempt.
41:17have you imagined
41:19what it would be like for her to go home?
41:21home is neat and tidy and clean
41:23and everything you could wish.
41:25but it's all mrs. Gooch. Alice's late mother.
41:27too many reminders there Shirley.
41:29well then couldn't we change it?
41:31with her if we can.
41:33according to the social workers report it would take a bulldozer.
41:35it's the wallpaper
41:37furniture even the smell.
41:39it's no good Shirley.
41:41she might be back there just one day
41:43and in danger of breakdown again.
41:48I know you're right.
41:50both of you.
41:52it's just her the one I see
41:54out there on the ward.
41:56she's the one making me dig my heels in.
41:58she's lucky to have somebody digging her heels in for her.
42:03the answer is no.
42:05reluctantly.
42:07of course I would concede
42:09that an insulin imbalance could lead to arteriosclerosis
42:11and the possibility of brain damage.
42:13it's more than a possibility dr. Habbard.
42:15why Shirley? we don't know.
42:17whatever it is I don't think there's any doubt
42:19that she's likely to do some stupid irresponsible act in the near future.
42:21you would say that the mental condition
42:23is now worse than the physical.
42:25on what grounds? from what I've seen and heard
42:27it's far more likely that she'll set fire to the place
42:29than go into an insulin coma.
42:31I see.
42:33what you've seen and heard from
42:35are not mrs. Carr. from her.
42:37her hospitals are packed with people
42:39who have no reason to be there.
42:41I wouldn't want to rush mrs. Dutton into a psychiatric hospital
42:43just because she's got into a tizzy
42:45about some unlikely fauna.
42:47that's why I may seem negative.
42:49she is mentally ill doctor.
42:53all right.
42:55I'm prepared to take your word for it.
42:57but I still question the need for hurry.
42:59at least at the pace you're going.
43:01you must see her. naturally.
43:03now! I'll see her as soon as I'm able.
43:05in the meantime I suggest you decrease
43:07the amount of insulin. I have.
43:09good no doubt you're very sound medically
43:11but mental health is a great deal more elusive.
43:13I have been told that doctor.
43:15it's becoming altogether too easy to find mental illness everywhere.
43:17when will you see her?
43:19when I am able I said.
43:21that might be too late.
43:23I have been in general practice
43:25for over 25 years.
43:27I'm not accustomed to being rushed into decisions of this nature.
43:29well I think there's a need to start rushing.
43:31in your opinion? yes in my opinion.
43:35well thank you for letting me know.
43:37I'll be right back.
43:39Mrs. Dutton's. I'll wait there for 20 minutes
43:41then I'll contact my field instructor
43:43and if necessary the area officer.
44:05are you feeling better? a bit.
44:07some more treatment soon.
44:09well I know it's not much
44:11to look forward to but it does make you feel better.
44:13so they say.
44:15it's true.
44:17I know.
44:19so you will keep on with it.
44:23you really care Shirley don't you?
44:25I hope so.
44:29I think I do too.
44:31so I'm really going to
44:33give the treatment a chance.
44:35but I think I shouldn't go home
44:37just yet after all.
44:39no.
44:41perhaps not.
44:47I'll be taking Alice to ECT this morning.
44:49oh?
44:51you don't want to make yourself too much of a prop for her.
44:53if you're run down by a bus
44:55we've got to cope.
44:57thanks.
45:01tell me about this lizard.
45:03no.
45:05why not?
45:07don't want everybody knowing about him.
45:09he's mine.
45:11couldn't we have a look?
45:13he's asleep. where?
45:15in here.
45:17oh I see.
45:19he must have crawled in when I wasn't thinking.
45:21is he going to come out again?
45:23he'd better.
45:25and what will you do then?
45:29can't go on can it?
45:31what inconveniences you?
45:33I said I'd burn him didn't I?
45:35yes.
45:37I can't think of any other way.
45:39but a bit drastic maybe.
45:41drastic?
45:43here's me with this thing crawling all over me and you worry about that?
45:45what about the other people in the house?
45:47they breed them.
45:51you'll burn the lot
45:53shall we?
45:55yes if you like.
45:57now you just lie down and rest first.
45:59there you are.
46:01comfortable? good.
46:03if you hang on here I'll go through.
46:07thank you.
46:09thank you.
46:13somebody will have to let Robert know won't they?
46:15what?
46:17about my going in.
46:19in where?
46:21in hospital.
46:23yes.
46:26will they let me take him with me?
46:29will they?
46:31I expect so.
46:36yes we could take her.
46:38I see.
46:40no that'll be fine.
46:42what's the patient's name please?
46:44Dutton. D-U-T-T-O-N.
46:46initials?
46:48M.
46:55oh
47:19that's my Robert.
47:21oh is it?
47:23when he was on holiday in Ibiza.
47:25and this is when he was at school.
47:27oh that's nice.
47:37my doctor thought I'd be better off in here.
47:39I think you'll like it here.
47:43can I help you?
47:45what's it like at night?
47:47I'm always busy.
47:49thinking, dreaming.
47:51dreaming?
47:53I get frightened.
47:55oh that's no good. we'll have to stop all that.
47:57I think about when I was in Singapore.
47:59parrots and that.
48:01that sounds nice.
48:03reassuring.
48:13you'll look after my patient won't you?
48:15your patient?
48:17right. of course.
48:19why always?
48:21I had enough trouble getting her in.
48:23I won in the end.
48:33I spent most of the last couple of days
48:35trying to get a patient out.
48:37I lost in the end.
48:39can't win them all.
48:41come on.
48:43let's see what we can win ourselves tonight then.
48:45right then.
48:49right then.
48:51right then.
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