Episodes
Series | Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
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01 | 01 | 20110603 | 20140928/29 (BBC7) | First episode of a new Sitcom written by Private Eye medical columnist Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer set in the Bewildering New World of the NHS. As responsibility for the Health Service is stripped from managers and handed to doctors, brothers-in-medicine Roy & Hugh Thornton are struggling to work out what to do with all this sudden money and power. If they can diagnose acute appendicitis surely they can manage an £80 billion health budget. Can't they? But a useless Celebrity TV Doctor, an overly-aggressive South African Nurse and a sinister GP Consortium Chairman don't make their lot any easier. Anyone who wants to know what's really happening to the Nation's Health Service, (but can't wade through the 367 page Health & Social Care Bill) should listen to 30 minutes of Polyoaks, starring Nigel Planer, Tony Gardner, Celia Imrie and David Westhead. Cast: Dr Roy Thornton - Nigel Planer Dr Hugh Thornton - Tony Gardner TV's Dr Jeremy - David Westhead Betty Crossfield - Celia Imrie Vera Du Plessis - Carla Mendonca Mr Devlin/ Patient - Phil Cornwell Mr Ridgewell/ Mr Dawson - David Holt Mrs Briggs - Kate O'Sullivan Written By Phil Hammond and David Spicer Producer/Director: Frank Stirling An Unique production for BBC Radio 4. Doctors Roy and Hugh Thornton wonder what to do with sudden money and power. | |
01 | 02 | 20110610 | 20141005/06 (BBC7) | Nigel Planer, Celia Imrie, David Westhead, Phil Cornwell and Tony Gardner star in a timely satire on the NHS set in the bewildering new world of Coalition healthcare. This new sitcom is written by Private Eye's medical columnist, broadcaster, comedian and practising GP Dr. Phil Hammond and David Spicer ('Double Income, No Kids Yet' and 'Three Off the Tee'.) As responsibility for the Health Service is stripped from managers and handed to doctors, brothers-in-medicine Roy & Hugh Thornton are struggling to work out what to do with all this sudden money and power. If they can diagnose acute appendicitis surely they can manage an £80 billion health budget. Can't they? But a useless Celebrity TV Doctor, an overly-aggressive South African Nurse and a sinister GP Consortium Chairman don't make their lot any easier. In this second episode TV's Dr. Jeremy and the two Dr. Thornton brothers have been persuaded by their Consortium to buy the Polyoaks Walk-In centre and set up a polyclinic. It's now their Practice Manager Betty's unenviable task to show them how manage the money. Well they couldn't do it on their own, could they? Hugh's too busy playing squash with local politicians and Roy has started filming consultations. And if, God forbid, any of their patients is seriously ill, will anybody notice? Cast: Dr Roy Thornton: Nigel Planer Dr Hugh Thornton: Tony Gardner TV's Dr Jeremy: David Westhead Betty Crossfield: Celia Imrie Vera Du Plessis: Carla Mendonca Mr Devlin/Patient: Phil Cornwell Mr Stafford: David Holt Nanny/Mrs Grafton: Kate O'Sullivan Oliver: Hugo Docking Written By Phil Hammond and David Spicer Producer/Director: Frank Stirling An Unique production for BBC Radio 4. How will Dr Jeremy and the two Dr Thorntons cope with buying the NHS Walk-In Centre? | |
01 | 03 | 20110617 | 20141012/13 (BBC7) | Written By Phil Hammond and David Spicer. Nigel Planer, Celia Imrie, David Westhead, Phil Cornwell and Tony Gardner star in a timely satire on the NHS set in the bewildering new world of Coalition healthcare. This new sitcom is written by Private Eye's medical columnist, broadcaster, comedian and practising GP Dr. Phil Hammond and David Spicer ('Double Income No Kids' and 'Three Off the Tee'.) As responsibility for the Health Service is stripped from managers and handed to doctors, brothers-in-medicine Roy & Hugh Thornton are struggling to work out what to do with all this sudden money and power. If they can diagnose acute appendicitis surely they can manage an £80 billion health budget. Can't they? But a useless Celebrity TV Doctor, an overly-aggressive South African Nurse and a sinister GP Consortium Chairman don't make their lot any easier. In this episode Hugh is lumbered with a problem patient, when Roy goes mysteriously AWOL, while cycling for his health. He's worried that Roy's overlooked a possible communicable disease, which could lumber the practice with a disastrous drugs bill and he really needs a second opinion. Trouble is there's only Dr. Jeremy on hand. Which is worse than useless. And anyway it would mean interrupting the STD clinic. Cast: Dr Roy Thornton - Nigel Planer Dr Hugh Thornton - Tony Gardner TV's Dr Jeremy - David Westhead Betty Crossfield - Celia Imrie Vera Du Plessis - Carla Mendonca Mr Devlin/Mr Bourner - Phil Cornwell All Patients played by David Holt and Kate O'Sullivan Producer: Frank Stirling An Unique production for BBC Radio 4. Dr Hugh is worried that Dr Roy has overlooked a possible communicable disease. | |
01 | 04 | 20110624 | 20141019/20 (BBC7) | Written By Phil Hammond and David Spicer. Nigel Planer, Celia Imrie, David Westhead, Phil Cornwell and Tony Gardner star in a timely satire on the NHS set in the bewildering new world of Coalition healthcare. This new sitcom is written by Private Eye's medical columnist, broadcaster, comedian and practising GP Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer ('Double Income No Kids' and 'Three off the Tee'.) As responsibility for the Health Service is stripped from managers and handed to doctors, brothers-in-medicine Roy and Hugh Thornton are struggling to work out what to do with all this sudden money and power. If they can diagnose acute appendicitis surely they can manage an £80 billion health budget. Can't they? But a useless celebrity TV doctor, an overly-aggressive South African nurse and a sinister GP Consortium Chairman don't make their lot any easier. This week, to Practice Manager Betty's horror, Hugh discovers an enormous fiscal hole in the Consortium budget. Polyoaks has no money, even though they're swamped with patients, most of whom are 'frequent flyers.' The worried well may well have not very much wrong with them, but they can prove very expensive to treat. The practice has to come up with a way of getting rid of them. Hugh is advocating swingeing cuts in the treatments on offer and Roy's beloved therapies are under threat. Could the brilliant bedside manner of the incompetent Dr Jeremy provide them with a surprising solution? Cast: Dr Roy Thornton - Nigel Planer Dr Hugh Thornton - Tony Gardner TV's Dr Jeremy - David Westhead Betty Crossfield - Celia Imrie Vera Du Plessis - Carla Mendonca Mr Devlin - Phil Cornwell All Patients played by David Holt and Kate O'Sullivan Producer/Director: Frank Stirling An Unique production for BBC Radio 4. Much to Betty's horror, Hugh discovers a huge hole in the consortium budget. | |
02 | 01 | A Question Of Psychology | 20121109 | Have you ever wondered about the profitability of mental health? Or why your locum looks familiar? Or what's so fascinating on your doctor's computer? Or what that funny rash is? And how long he's had it? These and other questions may well be answered in this brand new series of the Radio 4 satire set in Polyoaks, that flagship of enlightened West Country General Practice at the forefront of a constantly reforming NHS. Nigel Planer stars as Dr. Roy Thornton and Simon Greenall as his brother Dr. Hugh Thornton in a clinic always at odds with itself over diagnoses, funding, clinical commissioning groups, Jeremy Hunt and the ever more dubious commercial activities of their associate, TV's Dr. Jeremy (David Westhead), who's still diagnosing with Google, selling patent remedies and generally teetering on the brink of any number of malpractice suits. If you want to know what it's really like to live and work in the brave new world of modern health care - or why your GP often has that confused expression on their face - visit Polyoaks and ask for a second opinion. CAST: Dr. Roy Thornton .................... Nigel Planer Dr. Hugh Thornton .................. Simon Greenall TV's Dr. Jeremy ...................... David Westhead Betty Crossfield ...................... Jane Whittenshaw Nurse Vera Duplessis .............. Polly Frame Mr. Devlin ............................... Phil Cornwell The Practice's patients and associates were played by Mel Hudson and Duncan Wisbey. ~Polyoaks is written by Dr. Phil Hammond and David Spicer and directed by Frank Stirling. Producer: Frank Stirling A Unique production for BBC Radio 4. The return of the satire on an NHS in terminal reform, starring Nigel Planer. | |
02 | 02 | Distance Healing | 20121116 | 20160630 (BBC7) | ~Polyoaks is just an ordinary Health Clinic somewhere in Bristol, but it lives in extraordinary times. General Practice is facing a revolution in health care, the biggest shake-up to the NHS in a lifetime - the third of those in the last five years or so. Doctors are being asked to manage their own budgets, cut costs and regularly prove their own competence. This tends to present opportunities and crises in equal measure. In this episode, Distance Healing, Hugh is pioneering a new online diagnosis system that will save time, money and any necessity to meet patients face to face. This promises to be a money spinner too, if he can persuade other West Country Clinical Commissioning Groups to buy it. The two flies in the ointment are Mrs. Lewis, their most persistent hypochondriac who will insist on arriving at the surgery unannounced, and of course Roy, who has his own ideas about contact healing. Cast: Dr. Roy Thornton..............................Nigel Planer Dr. Hugh Thornton............................Simon Greenall TV's Dr. Jeremy.............................David Westhead Betty Crossfield................................Jane Whittenshaw Nurse Vera Duplessis........................Polly Frame Mr. Devlin.........................................Phil Cornwell Mrs. Lewis........................................Mel Hudson Mr. Wring..........................................Duncan Wisbey Written by Dr. Phil Hammond and David Spicer Directed by Frank Stirling Producer by David Spicer A Unique production for BBC Radio 4. Dr Hugh Thornton and his brother Roy clash over a new online diagnostic system. |
02 | 03 | Desperately Seeking Susans | 20121123 | 20160707 (BBC7) | In the NHS satire by Dr. Phil Hammond and David Spicer, a general practice somewhere in Bristol is faced with challenges and opportunities in equal measure as they adjust to another 'biggest shake-up of the NHS in a lifetime'. This week, Polyoaks faces rocketing drugs bills as they try to implement 20% cuts. The Practice Manager, Betty, demands an audit in the pharmacy. Unfortunately, it appears drugs are going missing and it looks like an inside job. Brothers Hugh and Roy and celebrity TV doctor Jeremy are all prime suspects and Betty and practice nurse Vera turn detectives. Cast: Dr. Roy Thornton.......Nigel Planer Dr. Hugh Thornton........Simon Greenall TV's Dr. Jeremy........David Westhead Betty Crossfield.........Jane Whittenshaw Nurse Vera Duplessis.......Polly Frame Mr. Devlin...........Phil Cornwell Mrs. Strickland........Claire Vousden Malcolm...........David Holt Written by Dr. Phil Hammond and David Spicer Directed by Frank Stirling Producer: David Spicer. When Betty insists on cuts, Polyoaks faces a crisis over a controversial drugs audit. |
02 | 04 | Strange Dr Love | 20121130 | 20160714 (BBC7) | In the NHS satire by Dr. Phil Hammond and David Spicer, a general practice somewhere in Bristol is faced with challenges and opportunities in equal measure as they adjust to another 'biggest shake-up of the NHS in a lifetime'. This week, Hugh is asked to chair a new government commission, so Polyoaks needs a locum. Practice Manager Betty, ever economic, appoints the cut-price option. Everyone is relieved that curmudgeonly Hugh is out of the way, but Roy is suspicious of the interloper and Hugh's big political opportunity is not turning out quite the way he hoped. Dr. Roy Thornton.....................Nigel Planer Dr. Hugh Thornton..................Simon Greenall TV's Dr. Jeremy........................David Westhead Betty Crossfield.......................Jane Whittenshaw Nurse Vera Duplessis..............Polly Frame Mr. Devlin..................................Phil Cornwell Dr. Derek Love..........................Darren Benedict Mr. Oberman and Mr. Raisey......David Holt ~Polyoaks is written by Dr. Phil Hammond and David Spicer Directed by Frank Stirling Produced by David Spicer A Unique production for BBC Radio 4. |
02 | 05 | The Shaky Shaky Hip | 20121207 | 20160721 (BBC7) | In the NHS satire by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer, a general practice somewhere in Bristol is faced with challenges and opportunities in equal measure as they adjust to another 'biggest shake-up of the NHS in a lifetime'. Of all the doctors at Polyoaks, Hugh is the committed political mover and shaker. To get on politically in the NHS it helps to play squash. And to play squash it helps if your hip is working. Dr Hugh's isn't - and he hates going to see the doctor. Cast: Dr Roy Thornton...........................Nigel Planer Dr Hugh Thornton.........................Simon Greenall TV's Dr. Jeremy............................David Westhead Nurse Vera Duplessis....................Polly Frame Mr. Devlin.....................................Phil Cornwell Robert..........................................Lewis McLeod Written by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer Directed by Frank Stirling Producer: David Spicer A Unique production for BBC Radio 4. Dr Hugh Thornton is horrified when he needs an operation himself. |
02 | 06 LAST | The Age Old Problem | 20121214 | 20160728 (BBC7) | In the NHS satire by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer, a general practice somewhere in Bristol is faced with challenges and opportunities in equal measure as they adjust to another 'biggest shake-up of the NHS in a lifetime'. None of us are getting any younger. And none of us getting any younger for longer and longer. Polyoaks' eldest patient is a sprightly 102. Something must be done to reduce the cost of caring for the elderly, while emphasising NHS clinics like Polyoaks have best practice in mind. Will a training day sponsored by Burgerland help the staff come up with an innovative approach to looking after the crumblies - sorry, older service users? Guest-starring Phyllida Law. Dr Roy Thornton........................................Nigel Planer Dr Hugh Thornton......................................Simon Greenall TV's Dr Jeremy.........................................David Westhead Nurse Vera Duplessis................................Polly Frame Betty Crossfield........................................Jane Whittenshaw Mr Devlin..................................................Phil Cornwell Mary MacLean..........................................Phyllida Law Barry from Burgerland................................Lewis McLeod Written by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer Directed by Frank Stirling Producer: David Spicer A Unique production for BBC Radio 4. ~Polyoaks is struggling to manage the budget for the care of elderly patients. |
03 | 01 | In The Midst Of Life... | 20140606 | 20190113 (BBC7) | Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer's satire on some of the major issues thrown up by NHS reform. Among the many targets in their sights are the Care Quality Commission, patient records, privatisation, whistleblowing, time wasters and patient participation groups. Will the NHS be safe in the hands of Pfizer? Why do doctors often look sicker than their patients? Would an NHS executive go private? How are doctors revalidated? What does that actually mean? And is that piece of dry skin on your heel anything to do with the amount you've been drinking lately? These and other questions may well be answered at Polyoaks - the flagship of enlightened West Country General Practice at the forefront of a constantly reforming NHS. Nigel Planer stars as Dr Roy Thornton and Simon Greenall as his brother Dr Hugh Thornton in a clinic always at odds with itself over diagnoses, funding, clinical commissioning groups, Jeremy Hunt and the ever more dubious commercial activities of their associate TV's Dr. Jeremy (David Westhead), who is still juggling Dictionary Corner, a series of Malpractice suits and forgotten alimony payments. Episode 1: In The Midst of Life In which we look to the health of our health professionals. Cast: Dr. Roy Thornton.....................Nigel Planer Dr. Hugh Thornton..................Simon Greenall TV's Dr. Jeremy........................David Westhead Betty Crossfield.......................Jane Whittenshaw Nurse Vera Duplessis..............Polly Frame Mr. Devlin.................................Phil Cornwell The Practice's patients and associates: Grainne Keenan and Kate O'Sullivan Written by Dr. Phil Hammond and David Spicer Produced and directed by Frank Stirling A Unique production for BBC Radio 4 The return of the satire on an NHS in terminal reform starring Nigel Planer. |
03 | 02 | For The Records | 20140613 | 20190120 (BBC7) | Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer's satire on some of the major issues thrown up by NHS reform. Among the many targets in their sights are the Care Quality Commission, patient records, privatisation, whistleblowing, time wasters and patient participation groups. Will the NHS be safe in the hands of Pfizer? Why do doctors often look sicker than their patients? Would an NHS executive go private? How are doctors revalidated? What does that actually mean? And is that piece of dry skin on your heel anything to do with the amount you've been drinking lately? These and other questions may well be answered at Polyoaks - the flagship of enlightened West Country General Practice at the forefront of a constantly reforming NHS. Nigel Planer stars as Dr Roy Thornton and Simon Greenall as his brother Dr Hugh Thornton in a clinic always at odds with itself over diagnoses, funding, clinical commissioning groups, Jeremy Hunt and the ever more dubious commercial activities of their associate TV's Dr. Jeremy (David Westhead), who is still juggling Dictionary Corner, a series of Malpractice suits and forgotten alimony payments. Episode 2: For the Records. In which nobody can agree on whether sharing patient data is really a good thing. Cast Dr Roy Thornton..................Nigel Planer Dr Hugh Thornton...............Simon Greenall TV's Dr Jeremy....................David Westhead Nurse Vera Duplessis..........Polly Frame Mr Devlin.............................Phil Cornwell Mr Taylor/Social Worker.......David Holt Joshua.................................Daniel Vines-Hurst Susan .................................Sally Orrock Written by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer Directed by Frank Stirling A Unique production for BBC Radio 4 Nigel Planer stars in the satire on GPs in the NHS by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer |
03 | 03 | That Heart Sinky Feeling | 20140620 | 20190127 (BBC7) | Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer's satire on some of the major issues thrown up by NHS reform. Among the many targets in their sights are the Care Quality Commission, patient records, privatisation, whistleblowing, time wasters and patient participation groups. Will the NHS be safe in the hands of Pfizer? Why do doctors often look sicker than their patients? Would an NHS executive go private? How are doctors revalidated? What does that actually mean? And is that piece of dry skin on your heel anything to do with the amount you've been drinking lately? These and other questions may well be answered at Polyoaks - the flagship of enlightened West Country General Practice at the forefront of a constantly reforming NHS. Nigel Planer stars as Dr Roy Thornton and Simon Greenall as his brother Dr Hugh Thornton in a clinic always at odds with itself over diagnoses, funding, clinical commissioning groups, Jeremy Hunt and the ever more dubious commercial activities of their associate TV's Dr. Jeremy (David Westhead), who is still juggling Dictionary Corner, a series of Malpractice suits and forgotten alimony payments. Episode 3: That Heart Sinky Feeling: In which Polyoaks staggers under the weight of the chronically undiagnosed and all the patients who just keep coming back for more. Cast: Dr. Roy Thornton.....................Nigel Planer Dr. Hugh Thornton..................Simon Greenall TV's Dr. Jeremy........................David Westhead Nurse Vera Duplessis..............Polly Frame Mr. Devlin..................................Phil Cornwell All other doctors and patients played by Kate O'Sullivan and Duncan Wisbey Written by Dr. Phil Hammond and David Spicer Directed by Frank Stirling A Unique production for BBC Radio 4 The satire on NHS reforms starring Nigel Planer, David Westhead and Simon Greenall. |
03 | 04 LAST | Who's Afraid Of The Cqc? | 20140627 | 20190203 (BBC7) | Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer's satire on some of the major issues thrown up by NHS reform. Among the many targets in their sights are the Care Quality Commission, patient records, privatisation, whistleblowing, time wasters and patient participation groups. Will the NHS be safe in the hands of Pfizer? Why do doctors often look sicker than their patients? Would an NHS executive go private? How are doctors revalidated? What does that actually mean? And is that piece of dry skin on your heel anything to do with the amount you've been drinking lately? These and other questions may well be answered at Polyoaks - the flagship of enlightened West Country General Practice at the forefront of a constantly reforming NHS. Nigel Planer stars as Dr Roy Thornton and Simon Greenall as his brother Dr Hugh Thornton in a clinic always at odds with itself over diagnoses, funding, clinical commissioning groups, Jeremy Hunt and the ever more dubious commercial activities of their associate TV's Dr. Jeremy (David Westhead), who is still juggling Dictionary Corner, a series of Malpractice suits and forgotten alimony payments. Episode 4: Who's Afraid of the CQC? In which the staff at Polyoaks are being assessed by the Care Quality Commission. Will they survive the experience? Written by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer Directed by Frank Stirling at Unique A Unique production for BBC Radio 4. |
04 | 01 | Losing Patients | 20160504 | 20210321/22 (BBC7) | Nigel Planer returns in the Health Service satire by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer. The Polyoaks surgery is plagued by strikes, endless new management initiatives, staff shortages, militant patients, eight day weeks, privatisation - and all these things are entirely their fault, apparently. The dysfunctional Bristol surgery run by warring doctors, brothers Roy and Hugh Thornton alternates between embracing and collapsing under reforms. They're a nurse down, they've got to slash their budget and there's a new Head of the local Clinical Commissioning Group who eats GPs for breakfast. The practice's calamitous celebrity' Dr Jeremy who doesn't know what a Clinical Commissioning Group is, continues to dodge alimony payments, malpractice suits and the new practice Nurse Monica. Nurse Monica is on exchange from NHS Scotland and is fuelled by a borderline psychotic contempt for patients and colleagues alike. In this opening episode, the staff of Polyoaks are roped into spearheading a new anti-obesity campaign to save lives, self respect and money. Roy............................Nigel Planer Hugh..........................Simon Greenall Jeremy.......................David Westhead Monica.......................Polly Frame Stephanie Simons.......Margaret Cabourn-Smith Patients.....................Kate O'Sullivan and Duncan Wisbey Written by Dr Phil Hammond and Mr David Spicer Director: Frank Stirling A Unique production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2016. Nigel Planer and returns in the Health Service satire by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer. Nigel Planer returns in the Health Service satire by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer. The Polyoaks surgery is plagued by strikes, endless new management initiatives, staff shortages, militant patients, eight day weeks, privatisation – and all these things are entirely their fault, apparently. The practice's calamitous ‘celebrity' Dr Jeremy who doesn't know what a Clinical Commissioning Group is, continues to dodge alimony payments, malpractice suits and the new practice Nurse Monica. Nurse Monica is on exchange from NHS Scotland and is fuelled by a borderline psychotic contempt for patients and colleagues alike. |
04 | 02 | Hello, Goodbye | 20160511 | 20210328/29 (BBC7) | Annette Crosbie guest stars in this episode on end of life care. Polyoaks is to become a vanguard' site as part of the NHS Five Year Forward View'. Best intentions are subverted by one older service user's views on so-called elderly care. The Polyoaks surgery is plagued by strikes, endless new management initiatives, staff shortages, militant patients, eight day weeks, privatisation - and all these things are entirely their fault, apparently. The dysfunctional Bristol surgery run by warring doctors, brothers Roy and Hugh Thornton alternates between embracing and collapsing under reforms. They're a nurse down, they've got to slash their budget and there's a new Head of the local Clinical Commissioning Group who eats GPs for breakfast. The practice's calamitous celebrity' Dr Jeremy who doesn't know what a Clinical Commissioning Group is, continues to dodge alimony payments, malpractice suits and the new scary practice Nurse Monica. Jeremy.......................David Westhead Hugh..........................Simon Greenall Monica.......................Polly Frame Roy............................Nigel Planer Veronica.....................Annette Crosbie Stephanie/Mrs O'Neil..................Margaret Cabourn-Smith Ali Evans....................Caroline Rodgers Written by Dr Phil Hammond and Mr David Spicer Director: Frank Stirling A Unique production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2016. Annette Crosbie guest stars in the biting satire on National Health GPs. Annette Crosbie guest stars in this episode on end of life care. Polyoaks is to become a ‘vanguard' site as part of the NHS ‘Five Year Forward View'. Best intentions are subverted by one older service user's views on so-called elderly care. The Polyoaks surgery is plagued by strikes, endless new management initiatives, staff shortages, militant patients, eight day weeks, privatisation – and all these things are entirely their fault, apparently. The practice's calamitous ‘celebrity' Dr Jeremy who doesn't know what a Clinical Commissioning Group is, continues to dodge alimony payments, malpractice suits and the new scary practice Nurse Monica. |
04 | 03 | Eight Days A Week | 20160518 | 20210404/05 (BBC7) | The staff of the dysfunctional West Country surgery have their work cut out to provide 'a truly 7 day service'. TV's Dr. Jeremy has a possible solution, but it remains to be seen if it's ethical. Nigel Planer and Simon Greenall star in the Health Service satire by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer. The Polyoaks surgery is plagued by strikes, endless new management initiatives, staff shortages, militant patients, eight day weeks, privatisation - and all these things are entirely their fault, apparently. The dysfunctional Bristol surgery run by warring doctors, brothers Roy and Hugh Thornton alternates between embracing and collapsing under reforms. They're a nurse down, they've got to slash their budget and there's a new Head of the local Clinical Commissioning Group who eats GPs for breakfast. The practice's calamitous celebrity' Dr Jeremy who doesn't know what a Clinical Commissioning Group is, continues to dodge alimony payments, malpractice suits and the new scary practice Nurse Monica Jeremy.......................David Westhead Hugh..........................Simon Greenall Monica.......................Polly Frame Roy............................Nigel Planer Stephanie Simons........Margaret Cabourn-Smith Patients......................Duncan Wisbey and Zalie Burrow Director: Frank Stirling A Unique production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2016. The staff struggle to provide 'a truly seven-day service' in the NHS satirical comedy. The Polyoaks surgery is plagued by strikes, endless new management initiatives, staff shortages, militant patients, eight day weeks, privatisation – and all these things are entirely their fault, apparently. The practice's calamitous ‘celebrity' Dr Jeremy who doesn't know what a Clinical Commissioning Group is, continues to dodge alimony payments, malpractice suits and the new scary practice Nurse Monica |
04 | 04 | Back In The Nhss | 20160525 | Care provision in Bristol is restructured in order to liberate the fiscal horizon'. Will the surgery submit to supervision from the private sector or will it go under? Meanwhile one of the patients is sitting on a sensitive problem. Nigel Planer and Simon Greenall star in the Health Service satire by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer. Neil Dudgeon and John Schwab make guest appearances. The Polyoaks surgery is plagued by strikes, endless new management initiatives, staff shortages, militant patients, eight day weeks, privatisation - and all these things are entirely their fault, apparently. The dysfunctional Bristol surgery run by warring doctors, brothers Roy and Hugh Thornton alternates between embracing and collapsing under reforms. They're a nurse down, they've got to slash their budget and there's a new Head of the local Clinical Commissioning Group who eats GPs for breakfast. The practice's calamitous celebrity' Dr Jeremy who doesn't know what a Clinical Commissioning Group is, continues to dodge alimony payments, malpractice suits and the new scary practice Nurse Monica Hugh..........................Simon Greenall Jeremy.......................David Westhead Monica.......................Polly Frame Roy............................Nigel Planer Mr Beckman................Neil Dudgeon Stephanie Simons........Margaret Cabourn-Smith Mr Eisenburger............John Schwab Director: Frank Stirling A Unique production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2016. The staff face supervision from the private sector in a 'care provision shake-up'. | |
04 | 05 | Ladies Strike | 20160601 | 20210418/19/24/7) (BBC7) | Patients are complaining about the lack of female doctors at the surgery. The Polyoaks team want to recruit a woman doctor, but that is easier said than done in the current climate. And when they do find a candidate, she may be about to strike. Nigel Planer and Simon Greenall star in the Health Service satire by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer. The Polyoaks surgery is plagued by strikes, endless new management initiatives, staff shortages, militant patients, eight day weeks, privatisation - and all these things are entirely their fault, apparently. Roy - Nigel Planer Hugh - Simon Greenall Monica - Polly FrameJustice Spicer-Hammond/Ruth - Zalie Burrow Stephanie Simons/Mrs Vinyl - Margaret Cabourn-Smith Mr Justice/Mr Stickler/Mr Toshack - Julian Dutton Director: Frank Stirling A Unique production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2016. The male team at the surgery is desperate to employ a female doctor. Recruits are scarce. The Polyoaks surgery is plagued by strikes, endless new management initiatives, staff shortages, militant patients, eight day weeks, privatisation – and all these things are entirely their fault, apparently. |
04 | 06 LAST | Duty Of Candour | 20160608 | 20210425/26 (BBC7) | Jeremy raises the obligation doctors now have to tell the truth to patients and to apologise for their mistakes. All at Polyoaks set out to be rigorously truthful to service users, a particular problem with one patient who has a really unusual and embarrassing problem. Meanwhile Dr. Roy has problems with patients who insist on being rigorously truthful to him. Nigel Planer and Simon Greenall star in the Health Service satire by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer. The Polyoaks surgery is plagued by strikes, endless new management initiatives, staff shortages, militant patients, eight day weeks, privatisation - and all these things are entirely their fault, apparently. Roy - Nigel Planer Hugh - Simon Greenall Monica - Polly FrameLauren - Zalie Burrow Mrs Shaw/ Mrs Cox - Katie McDaniel Mr Cox/ Mr Todd - Julian Dutton Director: Frank Stirling A Unique Production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2016. The staff at Polyoaks struggle with the concept of telling the truth to patients. The Polyoaks surgery is plagued by strikes, endless new management initiatives, staff shortages, militant patients, eight day weeks, privatisation – and all these things are entirely their fault, apparently. |
05 | 01 | The Ghosts Of Patients Present | 20170616 | 20211012/13 (BBC7) | The staff at Polyoaks continue their struggle to survive, all the while dodging the CQC, the GMC and the many other acronyms the NHS is prone to - as well as keeping their finances, computer systems and patients from collapsing. Doctors Hugh and Roy Thornton continue to argue over who's responsible for the state of the NHS - Lansley or Hunt, Corbyn or May, Blair, Thatcher or Bevan? Dr Jeremy struggles to understand medicine, duty of candour and fungal infections, while Staff Nurse Monica takes on the Herculean task of managing the dysfunctional Polyoaks practice - while wishing she was back in Scotland. Nigel Planer, Simon Greenall, Polly Frame and David Westhead star as the staff of Bristol's most dysfunctional General Practice. Written by Dr Phil Hammond and Mr David Spicer. Dr Roy Thornton - Nigel PlanerTV's Dr Jeremy - David Westhead Nurse Monica - Polly Frame Stephanie Simons - Margaret Cabourn-Smith Mrs Parriss - Sheila Reid Malcolm / Waiter - David Holt Director: Frank Stirling A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2017. The staff at Polyoaks surgery fight on through the bureaucracy. Stars Nigel Planer. |
05 | 02 | The Consultants Cometh | 20170623 | 20211019/20 (BBC7) | Enter the murky world of Management Consultancy and Private Funding Initiatives. ~Polyoaks surgery is broke and the team contemplate taking drastic measures. Should they sell up? Close? Or merge with someone else to become a Super Practice? Nigel Planer, Simon Greenall, Polly Frame and David Westhead star as the staff of Bristol's most dysfunctional General Practice. Written by Dr Phil Hammond and Mr David Spicer. Dr Roy Thornton - Nigel PlanerTV's Dr Jeremy - David Westhead Nurse Monica - Polly Frame Stephanie Simons - Margaret Cabourn-Smith Mrs Parriss - Sheila Reid Seb / Mr. Probert - Duncan Wisbey Director: Frank Stirling A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2017. The surgery considers merging with a super practice. Stars Nigel Planer. |
05 | 03 | The Trials Of Mrs Bundy | 20170630 | 20211026/27 (BBC7) | Dr Jeremy has problems with a patient who can't remember their own name, Mr Twigg has problems getting an appointment, Dr Roy has problems putting together a consortium to bid for local community care services, and Dr Hugh has problems with Dr Roy. Everyone has a problem with call waiting. Nigel Planer, Simon Greenall and David Westhead star as the staff of Bristol's most dysfunctional General Practice. Written by Dr Phil Hammond and Mr David Spicer. Dr Hugh ThorntonDr Roy Thornton . - .. Nigel Planer TV's Dr Jeremy - David Westhead Mrs Bundy .. - . Avril Clark Mr Twigg / Dr Connor - David Holt Voice of Virtual Care / Dr Truscott - ... Kate O'Sullivan Mr Flack / Operator - Duncan Wisbey Dr Philpott - David Spicer Dr Legg - Frank Stirling Director: Frank Stirling A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2017. The NHS comedy takes a satirical look at social care and TV's Dr Jeremy is confused. |
05 | 04 | Easy Gpeasy | 20170707 | 20211102/03 (BBC7) | It's a red letter day for the Polyoaks surgery. Against all the odds, Practice Manager Monica seems actually to have balanced the books. Jeremy is seeing private patients and is building up a nice little client list, Roy has seen the light and is threatening to abandon drugs completely and Hugh is strangely pleased to have been assessed as officially average by the Care Quality Commission. What can possibly go wrong? And how soon? The beleaguered clinic carries on indomitably in its struggle against targets, government initiatives and patients. Nigel Planer, Simon Greenall and David Westhead star as the staff of Bristol's most dysfunctional General Practice. Dr. Phil Hammond and David Spicer continue painting their satirical portrait of a thoroughly modern health service. TV's Dr Jeremy TV's Dr Jeremy - David WestheadDr Roy Thornton . - .. Nigel Planer Nurse Monica .. - . Polly Frame Stephanie Simons / Belinda - Margaret Cabourn-Smith Marion / Receptionist / Sally - ... Kate O'Sullivan Neil - David Holt Director: Frank Stirling A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2017. The dysfunctional GP surgery is threatened with investigation for not being average. |
05 | 05 | The Last Of The Single-handers | 20170714 | 20211109/10 (BBC7) | As Bristol's most challenged NHS surgery reels from one crisis to another, there are questions to be asked about health and safety, funding, complaints procedures, patient numbers, secure record keeping and the sheer number of patients who will insist on getting ill. Escaping the chaos of his understaffed surgery, Dr Roy goes for dinner with an old flame, who runs a single-handed practice somewhere on the Downs, and he dreams mistily of life as a solo GP. Back at Polyoaks, the patients are spilling out into the car park as increasingly desperate practice manager Nurse Monica struggles to persuade the doctors to cut appointment times. Her cause is a forlorn one, as Dr Jeremy has been seconded to A&E, because of the pressure on hospital emergency departments, and Dr Hugh is increasingly preoccupied with NHS politics. Nigel Planer, Simon Greenall and Polly Frame star as the staff of Bristol's most dysfunctional General Practice. Written by Dr Phil Hammond and Mr David Spicer. Dr Hugh ThorntonDr Roy Thornton . - .. Nigel Planer Nurse Monica .. - . Polly Frame Dr Margaret - ... Monica Dolan Rory - Lewis Hurst Director: Frank Stirling A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2017. The surgery struggles with a staff shortage, and Hugh investigates a formal complaint. |
05 | 06 LAST | The Battle Of Bristol | 20170721 | 20211116/17 (BBC7) | An anti-austerity demo vies with new government NHS plans in a battle for hearts and minds. Of all the politically challenged GP's practices, Polyoaks, is possibly the most politically confused. As a summer of NHS discontent simmers away, the atmosphere is charged as Dr Roy Thornton receives a visit from a political activist and his brother Dr Hugh Thornton is being wooed by the organisers of yet another top down, root and branch reorganisation of the NHS. Practice Nurse Monica shows signs of going back to her campaigning roots and TV's Dr Jeremy discovers the potential of arranging the catering at anti-austerity rallies. Meanwhile, the Machiavellian Stephanie Simons has political plans of her own. Nigel Planer, Simon Greenall and David Westhead star as the staff of Bristol's most dysfunctional General Practice. Written by Dr Phil Hammond and Mr David Spicer. Dr Roy Thornton . - .. Nigel Planer Nurse Monica - Polly Frame TV's Dr Jeremy - David WestheadStephanie Simons - Margaret Cabourn-Smith Hickman - Jasper Britton Director: Frank Stirling A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2017. An anti-austerity demo vies with government NHS plans in a battle for hearts and minds. |