Call the Midwife

Each new morning commences with a still point,

that moment when sleep ends,

when we become alert and pause,

poised on the edge of everything the day will bring.

So much is unknown,

but we start with the familiar...

"This is where I am.

"This is what I do.

"This is the life I am given and will love."

Every day, we strive to make the best of what we have.

They say a smile costs nothing,

a kind word likewise.

Leave it.

The sun when it shines on our face is free.

But what of the courage it can take to simply live?

Busy day today.

Doctor Turner is holding his monthly cytology clinic.

There's quite a few ladies to be screened.

Attendance has been steadily growing since it started,

so I think Sister Frances and Nurse Franklin will be very busy.

Nurse Corrigan will stay at the maternity home,

Sister Hilda is on district duty,

and Nurse Anderson...

Nurse ROBINSON and I will cover home visits.

Vivien Thomson, have I seen her before?

No-one's seen her, not this time.

She's failed to attend any of her ante-natal appointments.

Hey, behave!

Hello, nurse. Hello.

Fuss over nothing, if you ask me.

I've done it three times before.

Good job you was quick.

I've only just come off me shift and still haven't had breakfast.

It's important not to skip meals,

especially when your body is running for two.

Where do you work?

I'm a cleaner at St Wilbur's.

Erm, is Mr Thomson not around to help?

No, he's...

He's very busy.

I can't see a cot or a pram, and Baby could arrive any day now.

Would you like to borrow anything?

I've got a drawer and a few blankets,

and I've always had plenty of breast milk.

It's all I need. Your blood pressure's a little high.

Nothing to worry about, but I'd like to pop back later in the week

to keep an eye on it. Suit yourself.

But you needn't bother. I know what I'm doing.

Once you've done it once, it's like falling off a log.

And I'm good with babies.

I'd do it all again, if I could.

Let's just focus on this one for the time being, shall we?

Mrs Amala Mohammed?

Oh, hello, Mrs Mohammed.

How are the little ones? Very well, thank you, Sister.

The children can wait in the toy area.

Go on through.

Date of birth is March 2, 19397

That is correct.

So, I'm going to take a small sample of cells from your cervix.

Yes, I understand.

Well, that's a very good start. You'd be amazed the number of women

who don't know where their cervix is.

We even had one gentleman who came in to have his checked,

which was a slightly awkward conversation.

Oh, don't worry.

It's not painful and it won't take too long, I promise.

Mrs Janis Cowper?

Follow me, please.

Special day today. I bought a new pair of hip huggers

especially for the occasion. Mint green.

Oh.

It's not often our patients are quite so enthusiastic

about this procedure.

Oh, no.

I just mean, it's my one-year wedding anniversary today.

Oh!

Well, in that case, I believe a congratulations are in order.

Paper, isn't it?

Well, yes, but I shouldn't think paper knickers would have

quite the same appeal.

Talking of topping and tailing, my next appointment's

at the hairdressers.

We're going up west this evening. Fancy hotel.

Might even see you in the ante-natal clinic before the year's out.

Just relax your knees out to the side.

I was thinking of getting a fringe, like Jean Shrimpton.

Do you think it would suit me?

I'm probably not the best person to ask.

Deep breath in.

Ouch...! Sorry.

There you are, you're all done.

Have you had that rash for long?

A few days only.

I think it is my new washing detergent.

Thank you, Mrs Cowper, you can get dressed now.

Is something wrong?

Well, hopefully, it's nothing to worry about,

but your cervix is a little inflamed.

So, if you don't mind, I'd like to refer you to St Cuthbert's.

Just goes to show how important these tests are.

Better to sort things now, before I start a family.

Doctor, do you have a minute?

Mrs Mohammed, I'm afraid you and your children have scabies.

It's an infection caused by tiny mites which lay their eggs under

the surface of the skin.

That's what's causing this rash,

which can become quite itchy and sore.

Please don't upset yourself.

I know it sounds unpleasant, but it is completely curable.

And if you don't have adequate bathing facilities, you can take

your children, and anyone else who you live with, to be treated

at the cleansing station.

You take a hot bath and a nurse will cover your body in a lotion

that you leave on the skin to dry.

If you wait here, I'll speak to the receptionist

and write the address down.

Do we know which school her children attend?

I'll find out and ask Miss Higgins to give them a precautionary call.

Well, let's hope it's an isolated incident and we've caught it early.

You should probably be in bed.

Brush your teeth.

If you do suspect any new cases, you're to let Miss Higgins know

straight away, so that she can identify close contacts

and refer them for treatment as quickly as possible.

Those who are pregnant or new mothers

will be treated by a midwife.

Volunteers will be needed to work at the cleansing station if there's

a serious scabies outbreak.

Every inch of the body needs painting in benzyl benzoate,

and it takes time.

Good morning. Doctor Turner's surgery.

Miss Higgins?

I don't think she's arrived yet.

Well, that's odd. You can set your watch by her, normally.

Sister Frances, has Miss Higgins called in at all? No.

No, I did think it was a bit unusual.

She's usually the first one here.

Baby's heartbeat sounds nice and strong.

What will happen to the little one when you go back to work?

I won't have to for a while.

Landlord's suspended the rent.

On account of the hole in the roof? Yep.

I knew he wouldn't have the money to fix it, so I figured

it was worth getting a bit chilly. You made the hole?

Well, it was going to come down sooner or later,

so I gave it a helping hand with a broom handle.

I'll answer it? Yeah. Thanks.

Good morning, Nurse.

May I speak with Mrs Thomson please?

Yes, come in.

I'm afraid your son was caught shoplifting

earlier this morning, madam.

Antony?

No, there must be some kind of mistake.

I'm sorry, Mum.

What were you thinking?

I've begged and pleaded with you, Antony! You numbskull!

You...!

Sit down, Mrs Thomson.

What did the boy take? Nappies and some baby clothes.

Clearly, these are the actions of a concerned child, not a petty thief.

I'll pay for whatever he took.

There will be a referral to the Juvenile Liaison Department

and an officer will be in touch.

In the meantime, try and stay out of trouble.

I thought it might be that time of day.

Oh, you are kind, Sister.

Two biscuits!

I only ever get one off Miss Higgins.

Have we heard from her yet?

Not so far.

Also, I wondered if you'd managed to book in a referral

for Mrs Cowper yet?

I believe she's actually at St Cuthbert"s today, having tests.

We'll know more when the results come in next week.

She put a brave face on it, but I could tell she was worried.

I'm worried.

But let's see how she gets on.

You've not been itching at all?

Well, run along and have your lunch, then, dears.

How many are we referring for treatment?

Nine, so far, along with their families, of course,

which will bring the number much higher. Next, please!

Scabies is so contagious. We need to print out posters

and information leaflets as soon as possible.

I'll speak to the local medical officer this afternoon.

If we don't act quickly, a full-scale

scabies outbreak feels inevitable.

Still no answer, I'm afraid.

I'm going to drive round to her house en route to my rounds.

Miss Higgins!

Well, where have you been?

We were starting to worry about you.

I...| was just manning the phone.

Everything all right, Miss Higgins?

I would have thought it was perfectly obvious

that everything is not.

I was burgled last night.

Oh, Miss Hig...