Chapter 27

Monday morning Martin was in hospital by half ten ready to meet with the IT team to discuss the completion of their first simulation. They had set up the hardware, and as he went through the procedure, he identified two areas that needed minor tweaks to make the entire experience completely realistic. Otherwise, he was completely satisfied with the final product. At one, they took a break with a catered lunch, which left Martin a few minutes to contact Chris about the vascular position at Truro.

Unfortunately, Chris wasn't in his office so Martin had to leave a message with his assistant, Ms. Newman who immediately told him she would have Dr. Parsons return his call as soon as he returned.

"No, that won't work. I will be in a meeting the rest of the afternoon. I will try to call him around six this evening."

"Certainly, Dr. Ellingham. I will give him the message."

Martin was a bit miffed that Chris wasn't available. He wanted to have this conversation over with. It had been difficult, but he thought he had come to the right decision; and, if Chris accepted his terms for coming on board, he wanted to get Chris started on the necessary arrangements as soon as possible. After discussing his options with Louisa and Ruth and weighing their differing viewpoints and opinions, he had come to a decision that felt right. He knew the hospital might balk at some of his conditions, but he would rely on Chris to make it work.

They broke up at 5:30 which left him two hours to check into his hotel, to call Chris and Louisa, and to freshen up for the team dinner scheduled at half seven. He called Chris shortly after six right after he had settled into his room.

"Mart. So sorry I missed you earlier today. We had an emergency board meeting to discuss a malpractice claim that we had to deal with right away."

Martin thought to himself how stressful Chris' job could be dealing with all the ego-driven self-important doctors on his staff as well as these types of things. A malpractice case could be brought by anyone whether it was valid or not, and the hospital had to respond right away. Whether there had actually been mistakes made or not, the cloud of a lawsuit hung heavy over the reputation of any medical institution. He responded, "Serious?"

"Doesn't appear to be any substance to the claim, but we have to investigate nonetheless, and the sooner the better for all concerned."

Chris took a breath, "So … my friend, have you given our offer any thought?"

"Yes."

"And … are you coming on board?"

Martin cleared his throat, "I would like to offer my services on a temporary part-time basis to help you recruit a few solid practitioners and establish a department that has the potential to become a national centre of excellence. I would, of course, perform whatever procedures necessary to provide the best of care to your patients whilst I was there."

"That's not exactly the response we were hoping for. When you say temporary and part-time, what time frame do you have in mind?"

"It would be for the next three months before the baby is born. And I must add that I would only be available on-site three days per week. My role on this simulation development takes two of my days nearly every week. After that I would prefer to return to the Portwenn GP practice."

Chris' mind raced ahead, "I'm sure the GMC could find another vascular surgeon to take over the simulation project. Are you sure you can't join us permanently? We could make it very much worth your while."

"I enjoy my role on the simulation project and have no desire to remove myself from the project."

He paused for a moment to measure his words carefully, "Chris, you know that the idea of returning to surgery is intriguing, but I can't promise any more than the three days per week at the moment. And Louisa will be needing me nearby for at least the first month after she gives birth. After that …" Martin left that thought hanging.

"Yes, yes, I see." Chris couldn't hide the disappointment in his voice, but he heard the wistfulness in Martin's two last words.

"Would your board consider my proposal, and do you think you could arrange for a locum for the next three months? Someone competent."

"Someone to start right away?"

"That would be preferable. We are moving house next week, and I was planning to set up a second examination room in the current surgery, where the lounge is, to make the surgery operate more efficiently. It won't be ready until the end of November, but I'm sure the locum and Mr. Marshall could manage until then."

"We can have the living area upstairs ready for the locum to occupy if that is desirable. Otherwise, there are a number of holiday cottages available for hire at reasonable rates in the winter."

"Yes. I will check our list and see who is available that would best meet your exacting criteria. Experienced practitioners are difficult to locate for temporary postings, but I will do my best."

"Thank you, Chris. One other thing. Whilst I am here in London, I will put out the word that we are trying to build up the Truro vascular department. Perhaps I will find one or two promising candidates."

"That would be great." Enthusiasm returned to Chris' voice from the dejected tone he had previously had. If Martin were serious about recruiting practitioners, that meant he had already committed to the job, a very good sign from Chris' perspective. "I understand you will be in London all this week. When would you be available to meet with the board and discuss the terms of your employment … such as it is? I suppose Monday or Tuesday would be out of the question."

"Right. The removal people will be moving our things all day Tuesday and we will be packing up all weekend and on Monday. I have a previous commitment Wednesday, so Thursday would be better … or Friday."

"I will try to schedule a meeting on Thursday. In the meantime, I'll run your conditions by the board. You do realise, I hope, that it will be a hard sell."

"I do, but it's the best I can offer at the moment."

"Yes ... well ... if they are in agreement, I will draw up a preliminary contract for you to review before next week."

"Good. Don't hesitate to call if you need to discuss anything."

"Will do. Hope all goes well in London, and let me know if you find any good candidates."

"Yes. Good-bye."

Martin rang off with some time left to finish freshening up for dinner and to make a call to Louisa. James was likely to be up still and he hoped to talk with him as well. He punched the number in his speed-dial for their home phone, and after three rings Louisa picked up, "Martin."

"Louisa."

"How did it go today?"

"Good. I think we are nearly finished with the first procedure. The programmers will work on the changes I requested whilst we start on the second procedure tomorrow. The surgery that we will observe will be early Wednesday morning."

"Good." She paused for a moment and she almost dropped the phone as James was tugging on her skirt wanting to talk with his daddy. "James is anxious to talk with you. Do you have a minute?"

"Of course. Put him on."

"Daddy! Mummy and I were reading Chicka chicka boom boom."*

"Hmm … I don't remember that book."

"It's new. We went to the libary and found it there."

"Can you tell me what it is about?"

"Yes."

"Yes?"

"Yes. All the letters climb the tree and then they fall down, 'Chicka chicka BOOM BOOM!"

James shouted the last two words and then laughed uproariously. Martin had to pull the phone away from his ear, "Well it sounds very funny."

"It is. Can you read it to me now?"

"I can't James. I don't have the book in my room here. I will read it to you when I am back home this weekend."

"'kay … Chick chicka boom BOOM!"

James was obviously excited about his new book, and again Martin had to pull the phone away from his ear to protect his hearing when James yelled the last word. "Can you put mummy back on the phone?

"'kay. Bye."

"Good night James."

"James is already back to reading his book." She put her hand over the mouthpiece and whispered to James, "Daddy says good night James."

James shouted back, "'kay. Good night Daddy."

Back on the phone, Louisa spoke, "Do you have time to tell me how it went with Chris?"

"A moment. I offered to take a part-time temporary position like that which we discussed last night."

"You would be in Truro three days a week?"

"Yes."

"And he agreed to that?"

"He wasn't pleased, but yes. Of course, the hospital board has to agree, but Chris expects them to go along with my conditions."

"That's good."

"Yes. It is. I have to go now. I'll call you tomorrow and we can talk more."

"I'll be out all day – special tutorial. Call early so James can talk with you."

"Yes."

*Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a board book for young children in which the letters of the alphabet climb a coconut tree and then all fall down. There is a rhythmic cadence to the words that is catchy, especially if you are under age four. My grandchildren all loved it.