As she swished past no less than eight injured people, one caught her eye. But with no time to spare, Matron couldn't stop to ponder. Spotting Sister Brigid leaving Milner Ward, she called her over. "Sister, we've had an energency."

"I heard."

"Can you try and find some more beds on Milner and Fawcett please?"

"We have two free on Fawcett already and Mr George is due to be discharged this afternoon."

"Is there any way he can be discharged early?"

"I'll speak to Dr Ellis, Matron."

"Good. We're still going to need more beds though." She paused, a dizzy spell momentarily stunning her.

"Are you alright, Matron?" Sister Brigid looked concerned.

Disappearing as quickly as it had started, Matron informed Sister Brigid that she was perfectly well and told her to get on with finding the beds. Though her dizzy spell might have vanished, the headache hadn't. If anything it was worsening. But, Matron was hardy. A tiny setback like a headache was not going to stop her doing her job.

Heading back to casualty, she found all but two of the patients had been examined. Amazingly, the only serious injury was Mr Sharp's fractured leg, which Mr Rose had already set.

"Coming through!" Dr Ormerod's call could be heard in casualty.

Dr Weatherill looked up, worried.

Dr Ormerod and Carol rushed through to casualty with a young man on a trolley. Jack Thompson, they were told, had been pinned between a car and a wall. Serious crush injuries were sustained and he was the last to be freed from the wreckage. Mr Rose deducted he would need immediate reconstructive surgery to his legs if he were to save them. "It still might not be enough. Prep him for theatre if you would be so kind. Dr Ormerod, I will need you're assistance with the anaesthetic."

"Have his family been informed?" Matron asked of Dr Ormerod.

"I've asked Lizzie to give them a call. I'll talk to them when they arrive."

"Good." Matron winced.

"Matron? Are you feeling okay?" Dr Weatherill looked straight into her eyes.

"Oh I'm fine. You should check on your patients, Doctor."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, go on."