What do you do when everything goes to hell? That's a question that Connie Beauchamp knows that answer to, at least when it comes to surgery. Even if there is a complication during the most demanding of operations, chances are she'd be able to fix it in the time it takes a lesser doctor to start babbling to the nearest nurse about calling his or her superior for assistance.

Her surgical skills were almost as fine tuned as her viper tongue, both honed by years of practice. She thought with both of these skills in her arsenal controlling the general day to day running of an ED would be simple, and as far as dealing with mountain upon mountain of paperwork it, so far, had proved to be exactly as she had expected. But her staff, on the other hand, were proving to be somewhat of an issue.

The disapproval of several members of her staff was getting so poignant Connie could almost smell it. Tess didn't like her forcing Charlie into retirement, and they weren't the only ones who had an issue. Most of the nursing staff and possibly a few of the doctors weren't fond of her for the same reason as Tess. It was making Connie's job difficult, but what was worse was that Connie was aware of the fact many of her staff were not performing at their best.

Cal and Ethan's rivalries, Robin and several of the other nurse's punctuality issues, Charlie's age, Lily's inability to empathise with patients and Tess' disapproval of many of Connie's methods were just a few of many reasons she was having issues streamlining and optimising the ED. There was no doubt that the ED was in better hands now that she was in control, but Connie had plans that went far beyond ensuring Holby ED was simply running smoothly and she didn't like the fact that she wasn't achieving all that she set out to do.

In one of the rare moments she had to herself, Connie spent her time looking out at her department from the door of her office. She could see the potential: Tess was one of the best sisters she had ever encountered, and she had encountered more than a few, Robin also had a certain flare for the job. Ethan is methodical, which sometimes makes him a little slower than his peers to come to a diagnosis, but he still had certain something that his speedy brother lacks.

Connie made a small sigh when she saw Charlie with a pile of notes at reception. He was a good nurse when on top form but it had been a while since she had witnessed that. After one last glance at the cubicles she turned and headed back into her office. There were plans to be made, along with a phone call to Guy Self.

Several hours later…

"Ah, Tess. Come in." Connie said, leaning back In her chair and plastering a pleasant, albeit fake, smile on her face.

"Connie there's only ten minutes left of my shift and I need to talk to Lofty before I go-"

"This will only take a moment." Connie said calmly.

Perfect. Exactly as Connie had planned. Tess was almost always at her busiest towards the end of her shift, and this meant that she had less processing time, or rather less time to disagree or refuse Connie's cunning scheme.

"Tess I've noticed that some of our staff haven't been performing as well as expected."

Tess frowned.

"In what way?" She asked after a brief silence.

"In every way. Rita's attendance, Robin's punctuality, Lily's people skills, Ethan's diagnosis speed… Need I go on?"

Tess didn't meet Connie's eyes when she next spoke, "Connie we're all under a lot of pressure, especially since were understaffed and there seems to be no end to the amount of time wasters that come through those doors on a daily basis. We are doing the best that we can given those circumstances."

"I disagree."

"You disagree?" Tess repeated with raised eyebrows.

"Yes. A recent poll suggests that out of the ten hospitals closest to this one, this ED's performance is about the worst. In fact we were second to the bottom in terms of waiting times and several other key areas."

"Like I just said, Connie, that can't be helped. We're under a lot of pressure-"

"Those issues are not unique to this hospital. Every NHS hospital in the country faces exactly the same stresses as us, and yet we are still ranked among the worst in this area. It's not good enough." Connie said bitterly.

"And what do you suggest we do about this?" Tess said in a way that made Connie think she was almost afraid to ask.

"I have arranged for our ED staff and ambulance crew to be sent to some of the most efficient NHS hospitals in the country in small groups. They will work with the staff in the Emergency departments these hospitals for a fortnight and then return here and hopefully put in place all that they have learnt. " Connie stated.

"We're already understaffed and you want to start taking more of my nurses out? Connie the ED won't cope! We're struggling as it is!" Tess exclaimed.

"I have already arranged the entire operation with our CEO, Mr Self. He will provide agency nurses and doctors to cover for those who have left, and we will be making use of neighbouring hospital's ambulance crews also. I will be announcing this to the staff tomorrow morning." Connie said firmly.

Tess nodded stiffly and walked out, shutting the door behind her. As she listened to what Tess mumbled just outside Connie distinctly heard something that sounded like 'come back Zoe, all is forgiven'.

Connie smiled. Tess didn't have to like her plan. She just had to go along with it. She didn't have any choice.

…

Thanks for reading! :)

I'm placing the last story I wrote, Explosions, on hiatus again- at least until I find the motivation to finish it.

I've written the second chapter also, and I'll post it in the next few days.