The fog had still not lifted by the time Jill had completed her own, Ralph's and Gordon's house calls. It was now early afternoon. She had ward rounds to do and then a couple of gynaecological operations. After that, it would be time for evening surgery, final ward rounds and then she would at last be finished for the day. That was the plan anyway, providing there were no emergencies.
It was therefore with a little trepidation that Jill made her way into the hospital. If there was any delay to her day, Lizzie would hold the details. She stepped aside to allow three smartly dressed men to exit the building before her. She smiled politely, yet received only scornful glances in return.
"Who were those men?" She asked the receptionist as soon as she entered.
"From the DHA I think. Ms McAteer's spent ages with them!"
"Oh." She uttered, her facial expression showing her surprise at the news. She shrugged. "Any messages for me?"
"Nope." Lizzie beamed. "And Doctor Ellis has finished in casualty. He said to tell you he'll be able to do his own ward rounds."
"Thank you." Jill smiled and she departed, only to almost collide with the hospital administrator. "Ah Jean. I was just coming to find you. Lizzie informs me some members from the DHA were just here."
"Yes they were just discussing how we're getting along, specifically with the new casualty department."
"Right… And as a partner, you didn't see fit to consult me?"
"I merely thought you had enough to deal with. I didn't want to trouble you." The administrators response was smooth, controlled with what was likely a tone of false concern.
Jill narrowed her eyes and forced a smile. "I can manage."
"Oh I don't doubt it. Besides, they're not keen on female doctors."
"Oh, and I suppose they're thrilled that the hospital is run by a female administrator then, are they?"
"Well, they're not ecstatic." Jean maintained her smile; her mask was likely one of the things that made her so successful in management. "But at least I'm not treating the patients; their words, not mine."
"What?" The younger woman asked with incredulity. "And you let them get away with it?"
"It's for the good of the hospital Jill. We can't jeopardise our future just to protect your finer feelings. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."
Matron passed Jean in the corridor, and paused once she reached Jill, no doubt due to the slightly shocked and barely controlled anger on her colleague's expression. "Everything alright Doctor Weatherill?"
"Everything's fine Matron." She forced a smile and retreated to her consulting room, closing the door a little too forcefully behind her.
Lizzie, who had witnessed the exchange, shrugged at Matron's questioning expression and retreated the answer the ringing telephone. "Good afternoon, The Royal."
