Hiding the Truth
In resus, the team were faced with a pregnant woman who had been attacked and was panicking. Zoe, Lily and Tess reached the bed where Fletch was already attempting to calm the woman. 'This is Jayne Thomas, forty-eight, twenty four weeks pregnant with head injuries and substantial bruising. She was reluctant to let the paramedics near her at the scene and she's still very agitated.' Fletch said, bringing them up to speed. 'Have you called maternity?' Zoe asked him.
'Not yet.' he answered. Zoe looked at Tess who approached the phone and dialled the maternity unit. Jayne was crying, her face bloodied as she fought against Fletch. Zoe approached Tess as she hung up the phone. 'Tess, are you sure you're okay to be in here?' she asked quietly.
'I'm fine, Zoe, I-'
'You need to calm down and let us treat you!' Lily shouted through Jayne's hysterics. Zoe turned at the sound of Lily's voice and Tess looked at her in shock as she approached. Fletch moved out of her way, his hand brushing her back as she moved closer to Jayne. 'Dr Chao she's scared enough without having her doctors shouting at her!' Tess said, her anger bubbling.
'And we don't have time for this behaviour. It's not our job to get emotionally involved whatever our personal circumstances-' Lily said. Fletch frowned, looking at Tess.
'That's enough, Lily! Go and help Ash out in cubicles, we'll deal with this.' Zoe said. Lily sighed loudly as she left and Tess focused back on Jayne. 'Okay, Jayne, I'm Tess. I know you're scared, but I need you to calm down for me so that we can treat you and check on your baby.' she said and Jayne stopped resisting at the mention of the baby. 'Okay, that's better. Is there anyone we can call for you? The father?' she asked. Jayne shook her head, her tears pouring as she looked up at Tess through her watery eyes. 'No. I can't.' she said, starting to panic once more.
'Okay, okay.' Tess answered, smiling kindly. Zoe put her stethoscope into her ears and started to check Jayne's breathing. She hung the stethoscope back around her neck and gently pressed her fingers along Jayne's sides. 'I'm pretty sure there are a few cracked ribs. Fletch, full bloods please.' Zoe said and Fletch nodded. Zoe pulled Jayne's top up slightly causing her to become defensive once more. 'Jayne, it's okay. Let Dr Hanna take a look at you.' Tess said kindly and gently took Jayne's hand, frowning as she turned it over to find a number of cuts on her palm whilst Zoe discovered a number of bruises on Jayne's lower abdomen. Zoe covered Jayne back up and silently indicated Tess to follow her. Once out of earshot, Zoe looked intently at Tess; 'Tess, are you sure you can do this?' she asked, concerned. 'Yes, I'm fine. Are you thinking...' she started.
'From her behaviour, the defensive wounds, bruising to her abdomen, thighs and neck...'
'Raped.' Tess answered simply.
'We need to check on that baby.' Zoe stated before re-approaching Jayne as Tess took a deep breath, her hand resting on her own abdomen. Fletch approached her. 'Tess...' he started as she lowered her hand. '...are you feeling sick?' he asked.
'I'm fine.' she said.
'Tess, I need to see you.' he said in a lowered voice.
'Fletch, we can't do this here.' Tess said simply before re-approaching Zoe and Jayne.