‘Pity you didn’t get here sooner,’ the sister said.

Cat’s car was in the visitors’ car park but Sam had left a note.

Quick catch-up with the porters. Text when you’re good to go x

To [email protected]
Cc [email protected]
From [email protected]

This morning I visited my patient, Mr Lionel Brown, on Fleming Ward. The ward sister had phoned to tell me that Mr Brown had been asking to see me and was in a poor way, so I visited him this morning as his doctor and his friend. He had no family living.

Mr Brown had not been attended to in any way this morning. He was in a very poor state and he died within ten minutes of my arriving. It was my impression that his death might not have been noticed for some time. The entire ward appeared to be in chaos, and every aspect of the daily routine needs attention. A drugs trolley had been left unattended with the key visible. The general level of hygiene and orderliness was below standard.

This is an informal complaint but I would like to meet you to discuss this matter as soon as possible, otherwise I will be obliged to make an official complaint to the hospital board of trustees.

An auto reply pinged in telling her that the CEO was on leave and enquiries should be addressed to his deputy.

She told Sam that she was waiting, and by the time he appeared, four calls were lined up, scattered in four different areas of her patch. Sam turned out onto the road, only saying ‘Fine’ when asked about his reunion with the hospital porters. Work took over until well after four o’clock, they had only a quick stop to pick up drinks, fruit and chocolate, and no time to talk. The final call of the day was out to the Burleigh hotel where a well-known actress was staying while filming nearby, and had been taken ill with what she, the hotel manager and her assistant told Cat was a coronary thrombosis or a heart attack, but which Cat assessed quickly as a panic attack, much to the woman’s displeasure. It took some considerable time to persuade them that the air ambulance was not required and leave her with a mild sedative and some breathing exercises to practise.

She went down the stairs from which she had a view of the bar area, and of Sam, this time sitting in a comfortable chair with a glass of Coke and ice, bowls of crisps and olives. He jumped up when he saw her.

‘You’ll say it’s too early but I say you need a drink, Ma.’

‘I’m not going to argue, a vodka and tonic please, and don’t call me Ma.’