GPs: Behind Closed Doors – Series 4

Episode 2

Episode 2

The Farnham Road GPs turn detective this week, uncovering clues to help them get to the bottom of some potentially life threatening situations.

Dr Jackie Bulger is trying to get to work out why her diabetic patient Sarah's insulin levels are sky high. Delving deeper Dr Bulger learns that Sarah is also suffering with depression and has not eaten properly in 3 months. The GP informs Sarah that patients who have a long term chronic conditions like diabetes often fall prey to depression and self harm (diabetes burnout). Time for Dr Bulger to take steps to help Sarah turn things around.

Also, Baby Amalie has a persistent rash and has been brought in to see Dr Sabina Shaik by her concerned mum. A thorough examination rules out the possibility of Meningitis but the doctor can’t give Amalie a clean bill of health just yet. Whilst listening to Amalie’s heart she detected a faint murmur, so it’s off to hospital with her for more investigations.

Along the corridor, Dr Jas Deooray is trying to work out why her happy-go-lucky patient Kristen White has failed his hearing test at work. Kristen has never noticed a problem with his hearing, his ears are free of wax and they look perfectly healthy. It’s a bit of a mystery - until Kristen reveals his sister, brother and father all suffer with hearing problems. Could it be hereditary? Or could Kristen’s noisy job as a bin man having a damaging effect on his hearing?

Also this week, stoical OAP Dorothy has come to see Health Care Assistant Claudette Gumbs for a routine blood test. What Dorothy doesn’t mention is the enormous bruise covering half her face and neck. A shocked Claudette asks Dorothy what happened. Turns out Dorothy fell down an escalator in the shopping center but neglected to mention it to anyone. Claudette takes action and sends Dorothy off to see one of the GPs for an immediate check up.

Baby Hussain returns to the surgery this week. Hussain was brought in last week by his parents who were concerned about a white spot on his left eye. A scan has since revealed that Hussain has a cataract - leaving his parents facing a heart-wrenching dilemma. The eye specialist they saw has advised against surgery, believing that the risk of damage to the eye, outweigh the chances of success. But doing nothing will leave Hussain with impared vision for life. They want a second opinion – and option that their GP, Dr. Nithy Nanda, is happy to help them obtain

Also this week Dr. David Ward gets out his needles and administers acupuncture to patient Peggy Chilton to relieve her painful back. And patient Leslie has an emergency appointment with Dr. Ameet Tailor after suffering with severe chest pains all morning. An urgent ECG is enough to convince Dr Tailor that Leslie needs to get to A&E immediately.

Episode 3

Episode 3

Anger, and how best to manage it, takes up much of the busy GPs time this week.

Daniel is self-confessed cannabis addict. Although still in his early twenties, he’s been smoking cannabis for at least 6 years, often sparking up as many as many as 15 joints a day. Daniel, and his concerned mother Anna, have come in to see Dr Ameet Tailor and whether it’s as a result of his long-term smoking; his frustration at not being able to kick his habit; or his mother’s comments, Daniel is angry. Over to Dr Tailor to see if he can calm the waters and get Daniel into a rehab program.

Meanwhile, Dr David Ward’s patient is also seeing red. Irishman David has hobbled in on crutches - but it’s his hand that’s really giving him gyp. He injured it during an altercation; is also ranting about the trouble he’s having with the council (a complaint about his dog) and is pretty furious with mankind in general. He’s certainly a handful, but thanks to some skillful handling by his GP (who suggests they tackle David’s problems one at a time) he leaves the consultation room a much happier man than when he arrived.

Butter wouldn’t melt in the mouth of Dr Ameet Tailor’s next patient - but appearances can be deceiving. Paul has come to see his GP about a painful knee but further enquiry reveal he has been left depressed by the recent death of his father. Paul’s wife has also noticed that he has become quick to anger, something that he’s keen to get under control.

Also tonight, Dr Jas Deooray meets Diamantino, a confident and articulate young schoolboy who’s worried he might be loosing his hair. Could this be the early onset of the dreaded male pattern baldness? A thorough investigation reveals that although Diamantino’s hair is thinning, this is probably due to either stress or his choice of hair products.

Mary Field is one of Dr David Ward’s long-term patients. A cancer survivor, she is in for steroid injections in her hand to combat her arthritis. Sadly, things aren’t going well in Mary’s life at the moment, so badly in fact that she’s begun to question the existence of God. For a staunch believer this is a big announcement that rattles her GP.

One patient who remains upbeat when others might not is Mario. He was trying to do some DIY on a door at home but ended up modifying himself. When his circular power saw slipped, it almost cut off the end of his finger. It falls to Nurse Manager Sheila Wellavise to piece a mysteriously cheerful Mario back together again.

Episode 4

Episode 4

The effects of stress and anxiety loom large in the surgery this week.

This week Dr Jas Deooray is visited by 24 year old Samantha who has been her mother’s carer since she was 16. The emotional burden has taken its toll: her heart is racing, she’s racked with anxiety and self-doubt; and now depression has taken a severe grip on her. Dr Deooray must use her training and experience to assess whether or not Samantha’s suicidal thoughts are likely to manifest themselves. She must also try to convince Samantha that there is light at the end of the tunnel -because her depression can be successfully treated given enough time.

Along the corridor, Practice Nurse Julie Swinburne is treating Michael for his worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But Michael isn’t playing ball. He’s still smoking cigarettes and puffing on marijuana every night to help him sleep. Nurse Swinburne recommends he start a pulmonary course at the local hospital to help him combat his addictions, but with each session lasting 4 hours, Michael isn’t that keen.

Meanwhile Dr Lalitha Iyer treats Louise, a 91-year-old lady who has a prolapsed uterus. Louise is stoical with a capital ‘S’ about her condition. Her only concern is whether or not she can fly to Canada to see her sister with a prolapsed uterus. The answer is she can.

Dr Sarah Marshall also has a tricky case on his hands. Thecla is a depressed young woman who is also suffering from regular vaginal bleeding. Originally from Nigeria, Thecla is a long way from home and without family support or a social network.
In a mere ten minute consultation, Dr Marshall, must try to prioritize Thecla’s problems.

Meanwhile Dr Shaik tries to consul a patient who has recently lost her best friend and is struggling to sleep, Dr Tailor tries to help a young schoolgirl who hasn’t spoken in seven weeks because of laryngitis and Nurse Esther Mwaura patches up a lady who has been bitten by her cat!

Episode 5

Episode 5

Patients with mysterious symptoms have the GPs and Nurses at Farnham Road Surgery scratching their heads in this week’s episode.

First, Dr Shazia Javed meets Mohammed - a young boy with a temperature that is sky high. Normally it’s possible to identify the cause of a fever but, after examining Mohammed thoroughly, Dr Javed can find no identifiable source for his high temperature. It’s a mystery and Dr Javed is so concerned, she contacts the local hospital and puts Mohammed’s father on standby to take his son to A&E.
Later, in a surprising twist to this story, the cause of Mohammed’s fever is revealed...

Meanwhile, the reception team are shocked to be confronted with a patient who has driven himself to the surgery – even though he is presenting with the symptoms of stroke! Anthony, a regular at the surgery, is experiencing numbness and pins and needles but otherwise feels surprisingly normal. Nevertheless the paramedics are called and whisk Anthony off to hospital, just in case….

Genital Gangrene (Fournier Gangrene) isn’t something you come across every day – even if you’re a GP. Christopher has recently undergone an operation for the condition but is starting to suffer complications – pain and skin discoloration around the groin area. Dr Nithy Nanda doesn’t like what he sees and decides to take decisive action.

Also tonight, we meet John and Joan Stroud. John suffers from a raft of serious health conditions – including heart failure – for which he has to take a dizzying cocktail of drugs. His GP, Dr Mustafa Jiwanji, is concerned that the side effects of the drugs may be doing John more harm than good and, when John leaves the room, confides in Joan that they are running out of options when it comes to treating her husband…

Along the corridor, in Dr Zareena Hyder’s room, a 15 year old schoolgirl is describing how bullying at school has driven her towards depression and self-harm. It’s a frank and moving consultation that will resonate with many young people.

And veteran GP, Dr Jim O’Donnell, treats two female patients – neither of whom seem in a great rush to heed his advice. Natalie is having severe difficulty breathing and Dr O’Donnell is shocked when she reveals she is a heavy smoker – who is showing no signs of quitting.
Later he meets Susannah who is complaining of pain in her back passage. The doctor wants to conduct a routine intimate examination – but Susannah isn’t playing ball and opts for some ointment instead.

Episode 6

Episode 6

As part as Channel 5’s ‘Mental Health Week’ this special episode focuses on patients with mental health problems who have come to the Farnham Road Surgery in Slough for help. The issues they face include: schizophrenia; ADHD; depression during pregnancy; anger management; loneliness; bipolar; anxiety and psychosis.

Dr Ameet Taylor’s first patient is Mum-to-be Myrsini, who is 21 weeks pregnant with twins and worried she’s slipping into a depression. When Dr Taylor asks if she’s had thoughts of harming herself or others Myrsini admits “sometimes I wish I wasn’t pregnant, maybe things would be better”. Concerned, Dr Taylor refers her for urgent help and support from the local mental health crisis team who can be on hand in as little as one hour.

Myrsini’s not alone, 10-15% of women experience some form of depression during pregnancy, and as Myrsini also has a history of drug and alcohol abuse, Dr Taylor makes sure she is under the care of a specialist team of midwives called the ‘Crystal Team’, who support vulnerable Mums-to-be throughout their pregnancy and after the birth.

Elsewhere in the surgery, Dr Georgia Allen’s reviewing the medication of another patient, Nigel. He’s recently been diagnosed with Schizophrenia - a long term mental health condition, characterized by hallucinations; hearing voices and muddled thinking. Nigel’s experiencing joint pain and a locked jaw, which Dr Allen suspects could be a side effect of the antipsychotic medication he’s been prescribed

Further down the corridor, Dr David Ward is seeing one of his long term patients; Kristian who suffers with a form of psychosis with features of paranoia. Things came to a head for Kristian just over a year ago, when he was watching a lot of horror films and struggled to separate fiction from reality. To reduce or minimize future episodes Dr Ward regularly reviews Kristian’s lifestyle and encourages him to exercise as a health body begets a healthy mind.

The team at Farnham Road know mental illness can affect a whole family and welcome joint appointments with parents, partners and siblings. In consultation room 2, Dr Nithy Nanda is seeing young adult, Amy and her Mum Jayne. Amy has Aspergers - a mild form of autism and struggles to socialize. Amy’s worried about her low energy and her Mum is more concerned about Amy’s lack of social life. Dr Nithy believes Amy’s low energy may be caused by depression as a result of her social isolation and encourages Amy to continue with talking therapies she has been prescribed and also sends her for blood tests to rule out other medical conditions.

Another concerned Mum is Sarah. She tells Dr Phillip Lee her young son Damien has been behaving badly both at home and at school and gets so angry he scrapes chunks out of his scalp. She wants her son to be tested for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Dr Lee explains that, because diagnosing ADHD is a complex and lengthy process, Damien will need to be seen by educational psychologists for detailed testing.

Over on the front desk, Reception manager, Alison has been battling with the faulty automatic check in machine and has given it one last chance before she throws it out the window. Can the surgery’s IT whizz fix it?

Episode 7

Episode 7

Some incredibly rare health problems keep the GPs on their toes at the Farnham Road surgery this week.

Baby Franke has an extremely rare variant of an already rare genetic disorder known as Chromosome 3p Deletion. Missing genetic code leads to a variety of developmental problems in affected babies and Aaron requires open-heart surgery to repair a defect with his heart. The operation is in a few days’ time and Franke’s father Aaron has brought him in to see his GP, Dr Ameet Tailor for a pre-operation check up. If all goes well, Franke should be out of hospital in time for his christening.

Also tonight: bladder cancer is very uncommon in young people but when 20 something Joseph spotted blood in his urine, he did the right thing and got himself checked out. To everyone’s surprise, Joseph’s urologist discovered a tumor in his bladder which was immediately removed. Joseph is still feeling pretty beaten up following the operation and is in to see Dr Mio Kwan to see if he can get written off work while he recuperates. Given the circumstances, Dr Kwan is happy to oblige.

Meanwhile, Dr Manj Tawana is faced with another unusual presentation. His patient Susan is complaining of headaches and numbness in her face - that she thinks may have been caused by a stroke. Dr Tawana thinks differently and diagnoses Horners’ Syndrome, a rare combination of symptoms that include a drooping eyelid and constricted pupil. Horner’s is often an indicator of a serious underlying health condition so Dr Tawana refers Susan for further tests.

Along the corridor, Dr Muki Sri attempts to treat the worst case of shingles he has ever encountered during a consultation with his patient Kevin. The agonizing skin lesions have been keeping Kevin awake at night and could be related to the fact that he also has leukemia. Kevin recently had a bone marrow transplant but is now suffering with a hacking cough. Dr Sri diagnoses a chest infection and prescribes Kevin antibiotics to add to his ever-growing list of medicines.

Meanwhile Dr Phillip Lee is in his consulting room with a patient called Duane who suffers from another chronic condition – Crohn’s Disease. Duane is extremely well informed about his illness and interrogates Dr Phillip Lee at length as to why he’s having so many bowel movements: so many in fact that it’s been keeping him up at night and stopping him from going to work. Over to Dr Lee to figure out what’s triggered the flair up.

Also tonight, Dr Peter James treats a baby with a badly scalded leg. The injury occurred when the child tipped over a pot of tea that was on the floor.

And Dr Shazia Javed tries to help a young man who’s suffering with insomnia. Conor’s frustration at not being able to get a good night’s sleep has led him to experiment with valium – something Dr Javed wants to put a stop to straight away. She prescribes a non-addictive drug and advises Conor to practice good “sleep hygiene”.

Episode 8

Episode 8

The GPs at the Farnham Road Surgery, Slough are kept busy by patients who have issues with their medications this week.

Recently engaged (and very loved up) couple Michael and Sarah are in to see Dr Ameet Tailor. Despite support and encouragement from his fiancée, Michael is understandably concerned about his ongoing erectile dysfunction - for which he is currently taking medication. Michael also suffers from a mental health issue – and although this has improved in recent weeks – his confidence and self-esteem are still at a low end. Dr Tailor and Sarah are quick to reassure Michael that his lack of confidence is the root cause of his erectile problems and that when that returns, his lower half will follow suit and he will be able to quit the medication he’s taking.

Meanwhile Dr Jim O’Donnell is treating 8-year-old Logan who has epilepsy. Logan recently started on new type of medication and his mum is worried about potential side effects – in particular the mouth ulcers which Logan has started to develop. After a thorough examination and a perfect “aaah” from his young patient, Dr O’Donnell happily confirms the ulcers are just a virus unrelated to the drugs, but commends vigilant mum Gemma for being on red alert.

Later, Dr Ameet Tailor meets Jacqueline who has a long history of cancer. Her bowel, breasts and lymph nodes have all been affected and she has undergone extensive surgery as a result. The hospital surgeons are concerned that her cancer may have returned and want to give Jaqueline a colonoscopy to check her bowel. However, the hospital anesthetist won’t risk the operation until Jacqueline’s dangerously high blood pressure is brought under control. It’s down to Dr Tailor to administer Jacqueline with the correct medications. If he fails then her potentially life saving operation will be dangerously delayed.

Also tonight – Dr David Ward meets Rameen, a young girl with a black eye. After giving her the once over, Dr Ward discovers she suffered the injury when she fell off a fence she was attempting to climb over. He advises Rameen to take more care in future.

Meanwhile, Dr Jim O’Donnell meets a lady who is in agony with a severe ear infection. Antibiotics are required to get the infection under control.

And Dr Mustafa Jiwanji treats Alan who has had a hernia for years but who has so far avoided having an operation to have it fixed. It’s now grown larger and is beginning to cause Alan some embarrassment. Is it finally time for him to go under the knife?

Episode 9

Episode 9

Patients suffering with chronic pain feature large in this weeks show.

Joseph is a former heroin user who has been confined to wheelchair since he seriously injured his back many years ago. He still suffers chronic pain for which he requires a daunting cocktail of pain relieving medication – but is reluctant to take any opiate based drugs due to his historic drug problems. To make things even more complicated, Joseph is trying to wean himself off methadone (a heroin substitute) because he is about to become a father.
It’s over to Dr Manj Tawana, to figure out which combination of drugs is safe for Joseph to take….

Meanwhile, Dr Jackie Bulger has an emergency situation on her hands with her patient Sean, who is also in chronic pain. Sean has a history of blood clots in his legs for which he takes the blood-thinning drug warfarin. However, too much warfarin can lead to internal bleeding – a potentially fatal occurrence - and Dr Bulger is concerned that the pain Sean is suffering could indicate something is seriously wrong.

Later, Dr Mustafa Jiwanji meets Ricky, a man who suffers with a debilitating and painful knee problem that surgeons have advised require surgery. Ricky however has, up to know, avoided having the procedure because he is terrified of going under the knife. Dr Jiwanji must do what he can to calm Ricky’s fears…

Also tonight, Dr Peter James meets Colleen, a woman with an odd lump on the back of her hand that she’s taken to filing down with a nail file.

Down the corridor, Dr Sarah Marshall sees Youssef who banged his head after falling at home recently. Youssef checked himself out of hospital early because he was keen to get back to work (he’s a carer in an old people’s home) but is still suffering from headaches. Dr Marshall checks him out, concerned he may have a concussion.

Later, Dr Shazia Javed sits down with bird enthusiast Leslie who is struggling to breathe because of his winged friends. Long term exposure to the animals has left Leslie suffering from a debilitating condition known as ‘bird fanciers lung’ that means he now finds it difficult to breathe. Dr Shazia dishes out some tough love.

Meanwhile, its laughs all the way in Dr David Ward’s consulting room as he and regular Beryl discuss the surgery’s heartthrob and Dr Ward’s surprising lookalike.

Episode 10

Episode 10

It’s “action stations” inside the Farnham Road Practice this week when patient Karen walks into reception complaining of pins needles in her face and numbness in her left side and tongue. Concerned Karen may be having a stroke, the fast acting receptionists rush her through for an emergency ECG and an immediate consultation with Dr Nithy Nanda – who remains ice cool and 100% professional throughout what is an extremely stressful consultation.

Meanwhile Dr Zareena Hyder is treating a patient who was recently injured in a horrific industrial accident. Matthew was working near a conveyer belt when his leg was crushed by a 4-ton pallet. The limb could easily have been cut clean off – but miraculously Matthew suffered only severe bruising. Clearly traumatized by the event Matthew hopes his GP can do something to improve his mental state.

Meanwhile, Dr Jim O’Donnell confronts a patient who he suspects of trying to obtain a prescription for diazepam from two different surgeries at the same time. The patient is quick to explain that it is all one big misunderstanding and promises it won’t happen again - but for Dr Jim promises just don’t cut it. It’s down to the patient to rebuild the all important trust that must exist between patient and GP.

The careful monitoring of prescription drugs is also on Dr Shazia Javed’s mind when she is visited by a 24-year-old patient who suffers from chronic pain in her abdomen. Experts are struggling to find a cause for Samantha’s agonising condition and she is having to take a huge cocktail of drugs just to stay on top of the pain.

This week Dr Phillip Lee and Dr Ranj Kochhar are also visited by patients with stomach complaints. Dr Lee’s patient Sunny has been suffering with diarrhea for the last 4 weeks and wants to get to the bottom of his discomfort, whilst Ranj’s patient - seven year old Charlie - is suffering with pains and a growly tummy. The culprit? Trapped wind!

Episode 11

Episode 11

Shocking scenes in the Farnham Road Surgery this week when Dr David Ward treats a man who was recently the victim of a savage assault.

When Damien was set upon by a gang of men outside a pub, the attack was so violent his fibia and tibia were completely snapped and left poking out through his skin. The foot was left hanging on by flesh alone, and his lower leg now looks as though, “a shark has bitten a chunk out of it”. Over to Dr Ward to help heal Damien’s physical and emotional scars.

Dr Amit Bajwala is also confronted with an alarming sight when his patient Sylvia whips off her sunglasses in his consultation room. The skin around her right eye has ballooned to an enormous size. The cause? A bee sting that has become infected and will require a course of antibiotics to remedy.

Also tonight, Dr Manj Tawana treats a young man who thinks he may be having a heart attack. Syed is complaining of chronic pains in his chest but, after carrying out a series of tests, his GP concludes the discomfort is actually down to Pericarditis - a relatively harmless viral inflammation of the muscles that support the rib cage.

Meanwhile, Dr Jackie Bulger is treating a patient who is also concerned she may have a life threatening illness. Tracy has a history of blood clots and is concerned that a new clot may have formed in her leg. If a big clot were to break free and reach her heart or lungs, the result could be catastrophic for Tracy. An accurate and swift diagnosis for Dr Bulger is crucial.

And Dr Jas Deeoray is talking to Lawrence – an older patient who is sick and tired of eating cherries. Why cherries? Because Lawrence has heard that eating cherries is an effective way to treat the gout from which he suffers. The jury’s out on that one.

Episode 12

Episode 12

Watching helpless while your child falls over, stops breathing and turns blue is every parent’s worst nightmare - but that is exactly what the lady sitting in Dr Ranj Kochar’s consulting room is describing to her GP. Simah’s daughter Safaa seems fine now, but has stopped breathing and turned rigid on two occasions - and mum is justifiably concerned she may have suffered long term damage. Fortunately Dr Kochar is able to put Simah’s mind at rest. Strange as it may sound, ‘breath-holding spells’ are common, effecting around 1 in 20 children. They are involuntary and, although upsetting to witness, do not harm the child.

Meanwhile, Dr Zareena Hyder is meeting Jaswinder, a distraught mother-to-be who has just been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. This little publicized form of diabetes is developed by some women during pregnancy and can cause problems with a babies birth weight. Jaswinder is clearly upset about the diagnosis but Dr Hyder is able to give her encouraging news.

Also tonight, Dr Jas Deooray is visited by a young woman who is about to go on holiday to Greece and doesn’t want her period to spoil her fun. Contraception isn’t a concern because her patient is gay, so the GP is able to offer a period delay pill that will prevent her patient coming on until she returns from her vacation.

Down the corridor, Dr Chris Morris is talking to a young man who is struggling to cope with Crohn’s disease. Some inbuilt compunction is causing Michael to throw up every time he attempts to swallow his pills (even when he crushes them up) and it’s playing havoc with his condition. Dr Morris attempts to come up with a solution.

Later, Dr Muki Sri treats a worried patient who has discovered a lump under his tongue. Gar has previously been treated for a benign tumour on his neck and is worried this new lump could be a sign of something more sinister.

Also tonight, COPD patient John is on form with both his breathing abilities and his comedic skills as he tries out a new joke on Nurse Julie Swinburne. It’s a cracker:
"A cab driver pulls up outside a night club and is approached by a woman covered in blood. 'Where you bleeding from?' he asks. 'From Romford', she replies."

Episode 13

Episode 13

Channel 5’s hit series "GPs: Behind Closed Doors" makes a welcome return with the perfect kick-start to 2017 - a New Years Resolution Special!

Is your belt buckle buckling because you demolished a mountain of mince pies this Christmas? Were you making so merry this holiday season that your liver needs a vacation of its own? Are you really determined to quit the fags this year? 

Well, the GPs at the Farnham Road Surgery in Slough are on hand to help. Squeezing into their consulting rooms will be patients of all shapes and plus-sizes who are looking to mend their ways and make a fresh start in 2017.

Losing weight is top of many people’s new years resolution list. Dr Nithy Nanda’s patient Thelma’s weight has spiraled out of control in recent years, leaving her unable to carry out many of the day-to-day tasks that most of us take for granted. Even doing the washing up is an ordeal that requires regular rest stops. Drastic measures are called for and so Dr Nanda prescribes bariatric surgery – also known as gastric banding. Bariatric surgery is a controversial topic because obesity is often regarded as a ‘self-inflicted’ condition, and a single bariatric procedure costs the NHS many thousands of pounds.

Cutting down on alcohol is another popular new years resolution, but for some it’s a matter of life and death. Dr Amit Bajwala’s patient Marek is a long term alcoholic who is currently drinking five liters of strong cider a day. And that’s not to get drunk. That’s just to feel normal. If Marek goes cold turkey he risks suffering seizures and even death. Dr Bajwala offers up a safer withdrawal program.

Quitting smoking also tops many a new years resolution list. Everyone knows how damaging smoking is to their own health, but the dangers of passive smoking are not always so well understood. This week Dr Jim O’Donnell treats a young baby who is suffering with a chest infection. When questioned, the child’s mother explains that her husband is smoker. Dr O’Donnell is unequivocal in his response. “He’s got to stop smoking. You must make him stop”. Passive smoking can impair lung development in children; increase the risk of respiratory disease; cause middle ear disease and increases the risk of cot death. We go on to learn that even smoking outside does not protect young children from the injurious effects of cigarette smoke as many of the harmful chemicals are carried back indoors on the smoker’s clothes.

Episode 14

Episode 14

Tonight’s episode of GPs: Behind Closed is not for the squeamish, as the doctors and nurses at the Farnham Road Surgery in Slough tackle some particularly gory procedures.

Dr Mustafa Jiwanji is the practice’s minor ops expert and this week he carries out surgery on a patient’s ingrowing toenail in his consulting room. His patient Nicholas is a stout-hearted fellow who barely flinches when Dr Jiwanji sets to work on his troublesome big toe with needle, scalpel and pliers. Viewers of a nervous disposition may wish to look away when the extraction of the nail itself begins!

Dr Jiwanji is also called upon to help Ashley, a young man who lacerated his hand when a glass broke in the sink while he was doing the washing up. Ashley is no longer able to move of his fingers and is starting to panic because the injury means he can no longer work as a shop fitter. Over to the GP to determine whether the lack of movement is due to swelling or, much worse, a severed tendon.

Meanwhile, Dr Jim O’Donnell is in the process of explaining to a patient that they should desist from puncturing the blisters that have started to appear on his arms. Misbah has been using a sewing needle for his home surgery – an inadvisable strategy that carries the risk of infection.

Along the corridor, Dr Peter James is talking to Leanne, a woman who has recently been undergoing trauma therapy to help her come to terms with an incident from her past. The therapy has stirred up long hidden emotions that have led Leanne to start self-harming. Leanne is desperate to stop her self-destructive behavior and Dr James is able to offer a sympathetic ear and practical measures to put her back on track.

Later Dr Ranj Kochhar is carrying out a routine consultation with a patient who has injured her foot, when she drops a health scare bombshell. His patient Janet reveals in passing that she has not been taking insulin for her diabetes for over a year – because she ran out and didn’t want to cause the GPs any trouble. Dr Ranj is understandably alarmed - not taking insulin can lead to heart attacks, strokes and death!

Episode 15

Episode 15

The GPs at the Farnham Road Surgery in Slough are all hugely experienced but even they, on occasion, encounter medical situations that shock them.

This week Dr David Ward meets Ryan, a young man who suffers from arthritis and extremely severe psoriasis. When Ryan rolls up his trouser leg so the doctor can examine him, huge chunks of dry skin slough off his legs and cascade onto the floor of the consultation room. The normally unflappable GP is visibly taken aback but immediately gets down to the business of trying to improve Ryan’s quality of life. That includes taking the controversial step of recommending Ryan start using sunbeds.

Dr Sabina Shaikh, also has an unfamiliar case on her hands this week. Her patient Sandeep, who has been trying for a baby, is planning a holiday in Mexico with her partner. However, Sandeep is very concerned about the spread of the Zika Virus (which causes birth defects) in Mexico. Before she leaves she wants to be absolutely sure that she is not pregnant. Dr Shaik orders a blood test and advises Sandeep not to have unprotected sex for at least 8 weeks after returning from her vacation.

Kevin is currently undergoing treatment for a tumour on his left tonsil. That, combined with his huge dislike for taking tablets, means he is struggling to swallow the concoction of pills that he’s been prescribed to tackle his illness. Fortunately, his GP Dr Muki Sri is on hand to lend psychological support and to remind Kevin what he has to fight for: namely a loving family, not to mention the possibility of winning a sizeable bet he has placed on Slough Town FC to win the league.

When newlyweds Amanda and Gary Prince pop into the surgery for their flu vaccinations things rapidly descend into chaos. It transpires that Gary has a phobia of needles and, when Nurse Wellavise whips out her syringe, much wailing and gnashing of teeth ensues.

Meanwhile Dr Nithy Nanda is treating his patient Kevin for emphysema – a progressive disease of the lungs that causes shortness of breath. During the consultation Kevin reveals that he has been self medicating to alleviate his symptoms – by smoking cannabis. Dr Nanda in non-plussed.

Also tonight, Dr Manj Tawana treats Patrick, a gentleman who has been suffering with swollen testicles for the past 5 weeks. The excruciating condition has left Patrick unable to work and he’s getting very concerned that if he doesn’t recover soon, he’ll be left unable to provide for his family.

Episode 16

Episode 16

The busy GPs at the Farnham Road Surgery in Slough offer a master class in how to sensitively care for patients with mental health issues this week.

Marcus is an 8-year old boy who suffers with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). ADHD that is very difficult to diagnose and treat; and it places an enormous strain on the sufferer and their loved ones. Dr Jim O’Donnell is Marcus’ family doctor and during this consultation he learns from Marcus’ mum that he has been trying to self-harm with a BBQ fork and is refusing to go to school. What follows is an intensely moving and inspiring consultation, during which Dr O’Donnell offers much needed advice and comfort to Marcus and his mum.

Next door, Dr Ranj Kochhar is treating Adam, a young man whose life is beginning to spiral out of control due to a crack cocaine addiction. Dr Kochhar realises that clinical depression lies behind Adam’s problems and is able to offer practical and compassionate advice to his desperate patient.

Later, NHS mental health worker and lone carer Sue visits Dr Jackie Bulger for her blood test results and a sick note extension. Not only caring for, but living in with her 91 year old aunt is pushing Sue to her physical and mental limits and just the thought of returning to her other job is proving too much.

Patients in chronic pain also keep the GPs on their toes this week.
Taxi driver Ariel has somehow managed to make it into the surgery despite being literally bent over double with a lower back issue that’s been causing him grief for nine days. Dr Muki Sri prescribes muscle-relaxing painkillers and delivers strict instructions that Ariel must not get back behind the wheel until his symptoms have subsided.
Along the corridor, patient Patricia is in agony when she visits Dr David Ward for a steroid injection in her arthritic hand. Unfortunately for Patricia, things go from bad to worse when Dr Ward grabs his syringe and begins administering the drugs with a writhing Patricia declares this injection is the “worst one ever”.

Later, Dr Chris Morris meets nurse Denise who suffers from a disabling pain in the arch of her foot known as plantar faciitis, and Dr Zareena Hyder meets a patient seeking treatment for a painful hip.

Also, returning patient Alan sees Dr Mustafa Jiwanji about his hernia which, while painless, has been increasing in size for several years to the point of visible embarrassment. Alan went under general anaesthetic to have the hernia treated but faced complications during the operation so things came to a drastic halt. Can the doctor help Alan make an informed decision about going under the knife again?

Episode 17

Episode 17

They may be have years of training and experience under their belts, but GPs find it as tough as the rest of us when it come to breaking bad news to people.

This week Dr Manj Tawana meets Michael, a young man who has been feeling unwell for a long time. He’s been vomiting, losing weight and has now developed a rash on his body. Michael’s blood tests have revealed a rise in his white blood cell count, and that, coupled with a family history of leukaemia in Michael’s family has rung alarm bells in Dr Tawana’s head. With great compassion, delicacy and skill he informs Michael that leukaemia is a possible cause behind his continued ill health.

Meanwhile, Dr Nithy Nanda is talking to Shaun, a patient who is registered blind and who has concerns about his heart. Dr Nanda is worried too. Heart disease runs in Shaun’s family and a 72 hour heart monitor has revealed some irregularities in Shaun’s heart activity. Until further tests are carried out the GP advises his patient to avoid strenuous activity and, in case he loses consciousness, avoid hazards like fire and water.

Also tonight, Dr Jim O’Donnell treats baby Arun for an ear nose and throat infection. During the consultation that Arun (who enjoys his food) is overweight for his age. He advises Arun’s mum to start reducing portion sizes when she feeds her baby as obesity in young children can lead to serious health issues in later life.

Along the corridor, Aussie GP Dr David Ward is treating a man whose middle finger has developed a life of his own. The wayward digit on Peter’s left hand keeps springing forward into a ‘cocked’ position seemingly of its own accord. Thankfully Dr Ward has an answer for this strange phenomenon – a medical condition known as ‘trigger finger’!

Later, Dr Zareena Hyder is able to offer comfort to Lorraine who has started developing embarrassing spots on her face. Lorraine is surprised to learn she is suffering from a form of acne that can affect people of all ages: and is relieved when the GP is able to offer her a proven course of treatment.

Episode 18

Episode 18

GPs don’t only look after sick people. GP surgeries are often where people go when they’ve fallen through the cracks of society. A port of call for people at their lowest ebb.

This week at the Farnham Road Surgery, Dr Muki Sri meets a man who has been discharged from prison only hours earlier. Dean - who has a history of heart problems, depression and cocaine addiction - has just finished a three-month stretch. With no accommodation to go to, a doctor’s letter offers Dean his only hope of finding emergency accommodation.

Meanwhile, Dr Zareena Hyder meets a young woman who is suffering from an extremely rare condition – Still’s Disease – that is causing her dry skin to dry out amongst other symptoms.

Along the corridor, regular patient Leslie is back in, struggling to breathe and in some distress as a result of his ‘Bird Fancier’s Lung’ condition. Leslie is in a bad way and his debilitating illness, combined with his anxiety leads him to break down in the consultation room. Fortunately Dr Jackie Bulger is on hand to offer support.

Dr David Ward’s patient Thomas is an older gentleman who is recently worried about his inability to remember important information – such as the names of his grandchildren. Dr Ward carries out a memory test to ascertain the severity of Thomas’ memory not and whether or not it could signify the onset of dementia.

Later, baby Remy comes in with a rash all over his body. His father is concerned that Remy might be allergic to him. Can Dr Jas Deooray shed any light?

Also tonight, surgery regular Thelma is back in with her swollen feet. Dr Nithy Nanda seizes the opportunity to discuss Thelma’s weight problem, suggesting that she might benefit from bariatric surgery (gastric band). Thelma leaps at the opportunity.

And Dr Sarah Marshall meets Narinder whose recurrent thrush is driving her mad.

Episode 19

Episode 19

The GPs and medical staff at the Farnham Road Practice in Slough need to take urgent action on behalf of their patients this week.

First into Nurse Julie Swinburne’s consulting room is Karan, an 11-year old boy who has just returned from a holiday in Thailand. What should have been a dream vacation took a nightmarish turn when Karan was attacked and bitten by a monkey whilst playing on a beach. Now Karan is back, it’s vital that he begin treatment for Rabies – a disease that is nearly always fatal once it develops. Fortunately, Nurse Swinburne has the life saving vaccine in stock.

Meanwhile, Dr Peter James is doing his best to treat Serena, a woman who suffers from severe epilepsy and who recently injured herself during a seizure. Her appointment is only supposed to be ten minutes long but Serena, incensed that another doctor has changed her medication without telling her why, has a lot to get off her chest. Dr James will need to call upon his many years of medical experience if he’s to untangle the complexities of Serena’s case whilst keeping her from blowing her top. 

Meanwhile, Dr Mustafa Jiwanji meets Scott, who mysteriously blacked out in a Manchester street and woke up later surrounded by paramedics. Scott used to suffer with epilepsy but he would always feel it coming and usually vomit. This time he had no symptoms and lost consciousness for nearly 20 minutes. Can Dr Jiwanji shed any light about what happened?
Also tonight Dr Zareena Hyder meets Katen - a man suffering severe pain from an inflamed pancreas. Hospitals and specialists are keeping a close eye on him and as a result of his condition, but he’s still worried about weight loss. When Dr Hyder weighs him and compares history, she too is eager to investigate further and rule out a more sinister cause. 

Regular face-around-the-place Thelma visits Health Care Assistant Julie Roche for some blood checks and a chin wag. Despite trying to maintain a buoyant and bubbly outlook on life, Thelma can’t shake off the blues, complaining about her “heavy and embarrassing legs” and the mobility issues her obesity causes her. Reflecting on how slim she used to be years ago, Thelma shocks Julie with an unexpected revelation about her youth…

Episode 20

Episode 20

Matters of the mind keep the Farnham Road clinicians on their toes this week.

17 year-old Star Wars fan Emily visits Dr Mio Kwan with her mum. Emily has a long history of depression and some degree of psychosis - which can cause he to hear ‘voices’ in her head. Her anti-psychotic medication has been “zombifying” her, so she has taken it upon herself to stop taking it. To make matters worse, Emily is on the brink of adulthood and about to make the transition between child and adult mental health services. Keen to avoid her getting lost in the system, a thorough Dr Kwan ensures the right referrals and appointments are put in place.

Meanwhile, Dr Manj Tawana is visited by pensioner Patrick and his wife Margaret who’s become concerned by her husband’s recent behavioral changes and memory loss. Dr Tawana investigates by using the ‘GP Cognition Test’. The test should help Dr Tawana determine whether Patrick’s memory loss is being caused by the onset of dementia or by another cause such as depression.

Also tonight, Dr Sarah Marshall is shocked by the results of a patient’s blood test and is spurred into taking immediate action. Chourouk has been complaining of tiredness the test has revealed she has extremely low haemoglobin levels. The cause is unclear but it could indicate internal bleeding. Dr Marshall wastes no time in dispatching Chourouk to A&E for a blood transfusion and further tests.

Also tonight, Dr David Ward treats Marzena who has just become a mum for the first time at the ripe old age of 43. Dr Jim O’Donnell is able to reassure his patient Michael that he has not broken a rib whilst doing the gardening.

And Dr Chris Morris treats one of his regular elderly patients – David – who has hurt his leg falling down the stairs. Although in reality, what David really needs is someone to talk to.

Episode 21

Episode 21

Two patients with two very different attitudes towards alcohol take center stage at the Farnham Road Surgery this week…

Gary is a desperate man. Alcohol is ruining his life. It’s cost him his marriage, his job and his health. But he simply can’t stop himself drinking – downing up to 24 cans of lager a day! He’s come in to seek help from Dr Amit Bajwala – a wise decision. The GP assures Gary that there is hope and starts him on a course of immediate treatment.

Meanwhile, Dr Ranj Kochhar is dealing with a patient who insists his alcohol use is doing him good. Timothy is convinced the only thing preventing his long standing Thiamine deficiency from making him unwell, is the fact that he drinks two pints of Guinness a day - one at breakfast and one in the evening - a regime he has stuck rigidly to for the last 20 years. It’s up to Dr Kochhar to persuade him that safer Thiamin replacement treatments are available – but Timothy’s having none of it.

Also tonight, Dr Ameet Tailor treats a young man who suffers from severe acne. Connor has tried all sorts of treatments but unfortunately none have had much effect and he wants to give a more powerful drug – Roaccutane – a go. Dr Ameet is in favor of the idea but Accutane can cause nasty side effects – including severe depression – which it’s important Connor is aware of.

Returning patient Samantha is at the end of her tether and in desperate need of help. She suffers from chronic pain – for which she takes a cocktail of strong pain killers - but the drugs are making her so nauseous, she can’t keep them down. It’s a vicious circle that Dr Jackie Bulger must attempt to break - either that or it’ll be back to A&E for Samantha.

Meanwhile, Dr Mustafa Jiwanji has rolled up his sleeves, donned his protective apron and is getting ready to remove a large cyst from the top of his patient David’s head. As the minor surgery gets underway, and the blood starts flowing, David has the presence of mind to ask Dr Jiwanji not to cut off the few hairs that remain on his thinning scalp!

Also this week, Nurse Julie Swinburne's ability to multi task is put to the test when she’s visited by a young patient having an asthma attack. Not only must the Nurse try to calm John's breathing, she must also ensure that his two young, and very curious brothers, don’t reduce her consultation room to rubble.

Episode 22

Episode 22

This week’s episode focuses on how cancer affects patients at different stages stages of their lives, from toddler to teenager and pensioner.

George is only 4 and has already had an eventful life having been diagnosed aged 3 with a medulloblastoma – a cancerous tumour that affects balance and coordination. Visiting Dr Muki Sri with his father, George has some ear pain and his symptoms point to an infection - a common occurrence in patients who have a weaker immune system after chemotherapy.

Across the corridor, Dr Ameet Tailor’s 19-year-old patient Holly was just a teenager when she had a complicated pregnancy that lead the foetus to form into a rare cancer which then spread to her lung. Although she recovered, similar symptoms have begun to reoccur and she’s worried the cancer has returned.

Meanwhile, both 72-year-old smoker Michael and his GP Dr Jim O’Donnell are concerned that Michael’s ongoing back and chest pain has not been relieved by strong painkillers and physiotherapy. The signals point to a possible cancer, but until scans and tests give a definitive diagnosis, Michael must endure an agonising wait.

Meanwhile, Dr Muki Sri meets Mudassar who came to the surgery just 24 hours earlier and was given antibiotics by a different doctor for a throat infection. Still in agony and with a troublesome child in tow, Mudassar is desperate for a quick fix but his GP can only advise plenty of rest and patience, so Mudassar must sit this one out.

Later on, regular Farnham Road Surgery patients John and Joan pay Nurse Julie a visit, but instead of weeping wounds and the familiar sound of discontent, John is proud as punch that some of Julie’s magic cream has worked wonders and his leg is well on its way to recovery.

Episode 23

Episode 23

In the first of tonight’s consultations, Dr Jackie Bulger meets David, who is suffering from the high blood pressure as a result of stress. The cause of David’s stress is two fold: his 17-year old dog seems to be dying and the antisocial behavior of his party-loving neighbors is driving him to distraction. Fortunately, his GP is able to set him on a course of action that should allow him to reclaim control of his life.

In a surprising consultation, Dr David Ward meets Ned, a patient suffering from pins and needles in his hand and a stiff little finger. Ned has consulted Dr Google and come up with his own unorthodox diagnosis – gangrene! Will Dr Ward agree with his patient’s assessment of the condition or offer an alternative second opinion.

And Dr Mio Kwan treats a young lady who is concerned about the unwanted hair that has started sprouting under her chin.

Along the corridor, Dr Jas Deooray is examining her patient Silwia who has discovered a worrying lump in her breast. Silwia is especially worried due to the prevalence of cancer in her family.

Also tonight, Dr Nithy Nanda meets a lady in her 50’s whose heart is beating rapidly and irregularly – atrial fibrillation. During their consultation, Dr Nanda learns that his patient is still smoking heavily, despite the fact that she is at high risk of suffering a heart attack or a stroke. Will his patient heed his advice and quit the fags before it’s too late?

Episode 24

Episode 24

Younger patients take centre stage at the Farnham Road Surgery this week.

Wiktoria has been brought in by her concerned mother because she’s noticed a small lump in her nine-year-old daughter’s chest. After examining Wiktoria Dr Mio Kwan decides to refer her for further tests. She suspects the lump is only a benign cyst (breast cancer is very rare in nine year olds) but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Schoolboy Reece recently underwent a circumcision because he was having difficulty passing water. Unfortunately the operation does not seem to have improved the situation.
Time for Dr Jackie Bulger to see if she can rectify matters. After examining Reece she finds nothing that greatly concerns her, suspecting instead that Reece has a mild infection which a course of antibiotics should fix.

Along the corridor Dr Manj Tawana is treating Graham’s ingrowing toenails, which have started oozing an evil smelling, viscous yellow fluid. Antibiotics and a minor operation will sort those out. Less straightforward to cure is Graham’s other problem. His bosses have started to worry about his attendance at work and general lack of enthusiasm. Graham thinks he knows the cause – depression – and after quizzing his patient, Dr Tawana is inclined to agree with him. Fortunately there is much that can be done to help Graham through this difficult time, starting with talking therapy.

Medicine is not always an exact science, a fact that Nithy Nanda has to deal with while treating Gabrielle, a young woman who suffers from epilepsy, blackouts and anxiety.
Gabrielle takes a cocktail of drugs to manage her condition but their various side effects have sometimes made things worse. It’s Dr Nanda’s job to fine tune Gabrielle’s medications, a task which involves a certain amount of informed trial and error.
Along the corridor, Dr Jas Deooray treats a young baby Arneev who is having difficulty breathing. She suspects the infant may have bronchiolitis and sends him off to hospital straight away.

Also tonight, Dr Muki Sri treats John, a keen body builder who is suffering from chest pains that have left him unable to pump iron. And Dr Zareena Hyder tries to help James, a twenty something man who is suffering from severe, debilitating migraines.

Episode 25

Episode 25

We learn that a serious illness has affected a member of staff at the Farnham Road Surgery this week. Receptionist Glenda Purdie recently received a cancer diagnosis and is now undergoing chemotherapy. In a show of support, her colleagues organise a charity event – reception manager Alison has agreed to ‘brave the shave’ and will have all her hair shaved off in the surgery waiting room.

A cancer diagnosis is also a possibility for one of the patients at Farnham Road this week. Christine has been experiencing pains in her stomach, her bowel movements have been unsettled for the past 6 months and she has been experiencing unexplained weight loss. Following a thorough examination, Dr Hyder is concerned about a possible stomach cancer and refers Christine for further tests under the ‘two week rule’.

Also tonight, Dr Ameet Tailor must call upon all his medical training when he meets a patient who has an extremely rare genetic disorder. David suffers from ‘atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome’ or aHUS, a progressive, auto-immune disease that causes blood clots to form in the small blood vessels throughout the body, and which can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and death.

Meanwhile, Dr Jim O’Donnell is treating Karina, a young mum who has developed large abscesses in the creases of fat below her stomach. The open wounds have been caused by the skin chaffing together and are at risk of becoming infected. The consultation is complicated by the fact that Karina’s two toddlers are vying for their mum’s attention by screaming the consulting room down. Fortunately, Dr O’Donnell’s medical expertise extends to knowing how to get young children to calm down.

Also tonight, Dr Chris Morris treats Terence, a middle aged man who is suffering with heart failure. During the consultation the GP gives us an explanation as to the difference between heart failure and a heart attack.

And we welcome Leslie back to the surgery. In previous episodes, Leslie has had great difficulty breathing due to a condition called ‘bird fancier’s lung’ – caused by the fact that he used to keep 500 domestic birds. Fortunately, thanks to GPs like Dr Jackie Bulger, Leslie’s condition has improved of late and he is feeling much better about life.

Episode 26

Episode 26

Mums to be and new mums keep the Farnham Road Surgery GPs on their toes this week.

Tania is 24 weeks pregnant and has come to see Dr Mustafa Jiwanji complaining of severe abdominal pain. More worryingly her unborn baby, which up to now has been a vigorous kicker and puncher, has stopped moving for the last 24 hours. It’s down to the GP to work out whether Tania’s pain is being caused by a muscular strain or whether her baby is in danger.

Across the corridor, Dr Sarah Marshall is seeing new mum Rachel who is in for her 6-8 week ’postnatal check-up. Rachel’s pregnancy and birth went smoothly and newborn is healthy but for some reason she can’t understand why she is not feeling herself. Sensitive questioning from her GP reveals that Rachel is probably suffering from a touch of postnatal depression. The doctor recommends some “Healthy Minds” talking therapy and reassures Rachel that, when it comes to being a mum, no one is expecting you to be the greatest mum in the world.

Also tonight, Dr Sabina Shaik meets David who has a painfully infected finger, swollen with puss. The GP learns that David had been attempting a bit of self-surgery at home (trying to release the pressure by poking the livid digit with an unsterilized needle) an activity of which she takes a dim view. So, she enlists the help of her colleagues to help remove the offending puss in a more hygienic manner.

Later, epilepsy sufferer Serena returns to the surgery and, once again, is in a great deal of distress. She has severe stomach pain; has been suffering from seizures and is physically and emotionally exhausted. It’s down to Serena’s regular GP, Dr Phillip Lee, to talk her down.

Also tonight Dr David Ward meets Walter, a patient who suffers with chronic back pain as a result of being in a train crash decades ago. Walter’s condition is being exacerbated by the fact that he spends his working days bending over a low sink. Dr Ward makes it clear that something’s got to give. Either Walter switches jobs or he’s going to end up unable to work at all.

In an unconventional consultation, Dr Nithy Nanda treats Farnham Road regular Giuseppe, who bounds into the consulting room bearing gifts of wine and cake. His GP suspects that Giuseppe’s taste for the finer things in life could be the reason why he recently collapsed on the floor in Italy. That and his ongoing heart condition.

Episode 27

Episode 27

Patients suffering from broken bones and open wounds take center stage at the Farnham Road Surgery this week.

Dr Ameet Tailor gets the ball rolling and he’s surprised to see his patient, Eurico, walking into his consulting room unaided. Three days earlier Eurico was involved in a 50mph motorcycle accident that left him with 11 broken ribs and (wait for it) a severely bruised penis! Since then Eurico has (unsurprisingly) been suffering from some restricted mobility. Dr Tailor wants to make sure Eurico has not suffered any damage to the nerves in his spine, and prescribes a rectal examination. Eurico’s having none of it. He’ll make do with some liquid morphine and be on his way if it’s all the same to you.

Meanwhile, Nurse Julie Swinburne is changing a dressing for a patient with an unusual wound. Gary recently underwent facial surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his jaw. In order to rebuild his mouth and chin, surgeons used a bone graft from his leg. Unfortunately the bone they used has continued to grow and has started to protrude out of a wound underneath Gary’s chin. To avoid infection he needs to have it cleaned and dressed regularly – which is where nurse Julie comes in.

Meanwhile, Dr Siddiqui is attempting to treat his patient Karina for the agonizing abscesses on her upper legs and groin. He is concerned that they are at risk of becoming infected and wants to refer Karina to hospital, but his patient does not think a trip to casualty is necessary. A battle of wills ensues.

Also tonight, Dr Georgia Allen treats Max, a young teenager who suffers from lots of bruises and scrapes. The reason Max keeps injuring himself is because his sight is deteriorating. He suffers from a rare, progressive condition that has left him with increasingly narrow tunnel vision.

Dr David Ward’s patient, Chris, has spent the last 13 years in and out of prison. He’s now determined to avoid another stretch, but the straight and narrow path is a difficult one to tread when you are a recovering drug addict. To complicate matters Chris is struggling to cope with extreme anxiety, a mental health condition that affects many ex-prisoners.

Episode 28

Episode 28

Patients who were injured at work keep the GPs at the Farnham Road Surgery busy this week.

Dr Peter James’ patient Shahid used to work as a policeman until a road traffic accident left him severely disabled and confined to an electric wheelchair. Since his accident Shahid has been cared for by his wife. Sadly, she has just suffered a debilitating stroke and their care rolls have been reversed. Despite all his problems (which also include severe shoulder pain for which Dr James is administering acupuncture this week) a smiling Shahid remains remarkably upbeat and positive about his life.

Meanwhile, Dr Shazia Javed is treating Bartosz for the “massive shoulder pain” he’s been experiencing. Bartosz initially injured the shoulder whilst paintballing but the pain has been exacerbated by the heavy lifting he has to do at work in a warehouse.

Also tonight, Dr Peter James treats a young mum who has been waking up every morning to find blood on her pillow. But that’s just the start of Nikkisha’s problems. Her mood is constantly up and down, she’s incredibly stressed and she’s concerned she may have cancer. It’s a lot for her GP to tackle but he starts by trying to reassure Nikkisha. There’s no reason to suspect she has cancer; the blood on her pillow is probably due to a dental issue and there's plenty that can be done to help improve her mood.

Across the corridor, Dr Muki Sri meets Sian who is 22 weeks pregnant and has recently been experiencing severe back pain and nausea. Dr Sri is concerned when he detects blood in Sian’s urine sample and begins a series of tests to ensure mother and unborn baby are not in any danger.

Later Dr Ameet Tailor is on hand to help Ashley who has been experiencing blackouts and falls in recent weeks and as a result has badly bruised his ribs. It’s a tricky case for the doctor as Ashley is somewhat reluctant to take pain medication.

Also tonight, Dr Peter James meets Peter and his impressive hernia. Plagued by chronic constipation, Peter is in great discomfort and looking to Dr James for an effective remedy.

Episode 29

Episode 29

Tonight’s show underlines how well the staff at the Farnham Road Surgery work together as a team.

When Nurse Julie Swinburne carries out a routine dressing change on an elderly patient, she immediately realises something is wrong and calls for back up. Her patient Colin grazed the top of his scalp on a doorframe a few weeks ago and now, rather than healing up nicely, a huge scab has spread all across the top of his head.
Nurse Julie calls her colleague Dr Ameet Tailor into the room for a second opinion and he shares her concerns. Suspecting a possible skin cancer, he immediately refers Colin for screening under the NHS’ ‘two week rule’.

Meanwhile Dr Chris Morris is picking up where his colleague Dr James left off a couple of weeks ago in treating Leanne, a former paramedic who suffers from severe depression. Following sensitive questioning from the GP, Leanne reveals that she has lapsed back into self-harming as a means of releasing the intense emotions she feels. She’s also having suicidal thoughts and has a stockpile of pills at home. It’s down to Dr Morris to assess whether or not Leanne is at imminent risk of suicide and if an intervention is required.

Also tonight, Dr Manj Tawana meets John. He’s worried because he has started to notice blood in his urine and in his semen. Just in case the GP might doubt this, John has gone to the trouble of bringing in a sample of his semen in a test tube for Manj’s benefit.
Upstairs, Dr David Ward, custodian of the surgery’s steroid injections, is trying to help Shaun, who is suffering from tennis elbow. Shaun, who is accompanied by his guide dog, performs sports massage for a living, and the painful condition is jeopardizing his livelihood.

Baby Leon has been vomiting and suffering from diarrhea. His parents are understandably concerned but Dr Ward is able to put their minds at rest. Leon has a touch of gastroenteritis, a common condition that will soon pass. He goes on to warn Leon’s parents that they are at risk of catching the bug themselves – advice, it turns out, that comes too late.

Also tonight, Dr Peter James treats another young patient for oral thrush and Dr Jim O’Donnell meets an older lady with breathing difficulties.

Episode 30

Episode 30

Consultations take a surprise turn for the GPs at the Farnham Road surgery this week.

David is a young man in his 20’s who comes in to see Dr Mustafa Jiwanji because he’s been coughing up blood. The GP suspects David may have a chest infection and seeks to find out a possible cause. That’s when David reveals he is a regular cannabis smoker, a habit he developed to help deal with his loneliness and depression. It turns out that since moving to the area from his native Ireland, David has struggled to make friends and has been sleeping on a sofa at a relative’s house. Dr Jiwanji advises his patient that smoking weed will only worsen his mood, much better to start attending ‘talking therapies’…

Meanwhile, Dr Ranj Kochhar is talking to Carol, an older lady who has been suffering with headaches. Once again though, there’s more to the case than meets the eye. Following some delicate questioning by Dr Kochhar, Carol breaks down in tears and explains that she’s been under great stress recently. Her friend’s husband passed away a few weeks ago; Carol has been looking after her and neglecting her own physical and mental health as a result. Again, talking therapies are the way forward as far as the GP is concerned.

Also tonight, Dr Muki Sri meets surgery regular Carole – a tough customer but one who is bedeviled by incredibly itch skin on her feet. The itching is driving her crazy, to the extent that she’s tempted to start “tearing her own skin off”.

And Carole’s mood hasn’t been improved by the fact that the local council have altered the bus routes recently, meaning it no longer stops on her street. “How dare they” she rails.

In another consultation this week, Dr Kochhar treats Denise for her painful feet. He ascertains that Denise is suffering from plantar faciitis – an inflammation of a tendon that runs under the heel of the foot. The GP has suffered from it himself in the past and knows first hand just how debilitating it can be.

Also tonight the GPs treat a lady who has experienced dizziness while breastfeeding her baby; an older gentleman who has noticed blood in his stools and child with chickenpox.

Episode 31

Episode 31

Patients who have suffered falls keep the Farnham Road GPs busy this week.

Dr Jas Deooray’s patient Chelsea recently fell down the stairs at work but has no recollection of the event. After piecing things together it transpires that Chelsea must have suffered a fit that caused her to black out – and as bad luck would have, she was standing at the top of the stairs when it happened. Miraculously Chelsea did not suffer serious injury but her GP is still keen to get to the bottom of why she had a fit in the first place.

Meanwhile her colleague Dr Siddiqui has a difficult case on his hands. His teenage patient Mariam recently fell and injured her back. The GP wants to carry out a physical examination but Mariam’s mother objects. They are a strict Muslim family and Mariam’s mother cannot sanction a male doctor examining her daughter. The GP wants to treat the patient properly but is stuck between a rock and a hard place.

It doesn’t pay to be squeamish if you want to work at a GP surgery. This week, medical student Simon is called upon to assist Nurse Esther as she removes dozens of surgical staples from a patient’s knee. Fortunately the patient has a high tolerance to pain and is full of encouragement for the young trainee.

Meanwhile Dr Jim O’Donnell is treating a young boy for a throat infection. Alessio’s throat infection is relatively mild and easily treated but, when Dr Jim learns that the boy’s father is a smoker, he makes a point of telling Dad he should quit the fags as soon as possible. Even if he only smokes outside, the toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke stick to clothes and hair and can damage the health of youngsters like Alessio.

Also tonight, Dr Phillip Lee treats a young woman, Ifrah, for sinusitis. Fingers crossed the painful condition will clear up in time for Ifrah’s wedding and honeymoon in less than a week’s time.

Dr Jackie Bulger treats June, a cancer survivor who has started experiencing pain in her side and is concerned the cancer may have returned.

And nurse Julie Swinburne offers advise to a mother whose two young kids are suffering from the scourge of parents everywhere – the dreaded head lice.

Episode 32

Episode 32

The GPs at the Farnham Road Surgery are called upon to calm the nerves of worried patients this week.

Dr Shazia Javed’s patient Caroline has had trouble with her voice for some time. She can’t sing any more and it’s been getting her down. For her GP this looks like a relatively straightforward case of nodules in Caroline’s throat, but when she tries to explain this, her patient breaks down in floods of tears. It transpires that Caroline is convinced she has cancer. Over to Dr Javed to talk a hysterical Caroline off the ledge.

Meanwhile Dr Muki Sri is treating Thelma, a lady who has been suffering from a variety of symptoms – headache, blurred vision and numbness in her hands. When Dr Sri asks her what she thinks might be wrong, Thelma reveals she’s worried she may have suffered a mini stroke. Thelma is a supply teacher who spends a lot of time driving for work – but she’s understandably reluctant to get back behind the wheel until her GP gets to the bottom of what’s wrong with her.

Also tonight, Dr Mustafa Jiwanji meets Jamie who has been coughing up blood and is concerned he may have something very wrong with him. Are Jamie’s fears justified, or could his symptoms be related to his heavy smoking habit?

Later Dr Jiwanji, the practice’s resident minor surgery specialist, gets his scalpels out. His patient Izabela has an appointment to have a large mole removed from her back. Upon closer inspection, Dr Jiwanji concludes that particular mole can’t be tackled at this time – but Izabela does not leave the surgery disappointed. Instead of the mole on her back, Dr Jiwanji decides to tackle the large mole on Izabela’s top lip instead.

Upstairs, Dr Jim O’Donnell is consulting two surgery regulars John and Bernie. John’s persistent dizziness has cleared up since Dr O’Donnell performed the ‘Epley maneuver’ on him, but his obesity is now a big concern. John currently tips the scales at 149 kilos – a new personal record. John thinks getting a puppy will help him lose weight, but wife Bernie has different ideas.

Along the corridor, Dr Ameet Tailor is looking after Amanda who’s hearing has started to deteriorate. Amanda, who works as a theater usher, is surprised to learn that there are several different types of hearing loss.

Also tonight: Dr Ranj Kochhar meets Nirmaan, a young boy who is suffering with swollen eyes. And Dr O’Donnell treats another youngster – Daniela – for her persistently sore lips.

Episode 33

Episode 33

Disgruntled and inattentive patients test the GPs’ patience at the Farnham Road Practice this week.

First up, Dr Shazia Javed treats Andrew, an older gentleman who is complaining of persistent diarrhea. Until recently, Andrew was homeless and his general health seems quite poor. His GP is concerned and also suspects that Andrew may have a urine infection. However, Andrew seems reluctant to receive the doctor’s help and becomes agitated during the consultation – urging the GP to hurry up. The consummate professional, Shazia keeps her cool, completes the consultation and sends Andrew on his way a happy customer.

Meanwhile Dr Jim O’Donnell is treating Joan – a woman of a certain age who has been experiencing pain when opening her bowels. An examination of the back passage is called for but what should be a routine procedure quickly turns into a painful ordeal for the patient and a test of resolve for the doctor.

Stern words are required by Nurse Sheila Wellavise this week when her patient Mohammad comes in for his asthma review. Whilst instructing her patient in how best to take his medication, Nurse Sheila spots that Mohammad’s inhaler is over a year out of date and therefore completely useless.

And Dr Nithy Nanda also has to have words with his patient, Giuseppe, an older Italian gentleman who has heart and breathing problems. Giuseppe’s supposed to be losing weight but the GP’s scales don’t lie and he has actually put on 2kg – a unwelcome gain that the quick-thinking patient tries to attribute to the fact he’s wearing his shoes. But Dr Nanda is having none of it.

Later Dr Peter James treats his longstanding patient Shahid for shoulder pain using acupuncture.

And Dr Sarah Marshall meets Coein, a young boy who recently suffered severe cuts to his hand when his sister slammed a glass door on it. Coein’s injury is healing well but the scar tissue is still very sensitive. Over to the GP to reassure Coein and his mum that the wound will soon heal completely with no long-term damage.

Episode 34

Episode 34

The GPs at the Farnham Road Surgery quickly discover that things are not as they first appear with their patients this week.

Laurence is a young man who has come in to see Dr Muki Sri about a cyst on his ear. It’s a straightforward consultation in which the GP prescribes a course of antibiotics. However, once the matter is dealt with, Dr Sri senses his patient is keeping something from him and, following some gentle questioning, Laurence opens the flood gates and reveals that he is struggling with his mental health. It transpires that his best friend – who also suffered with depression – took his own life ten years ago, a devastating event that has left Laurence feeing angry and desperate ever since. Fortunately, there’s plenty that his doctor can do to help him.

Across the corridor, Dr Mustafa Jiwanji is treating a young boy called Vishvas for what, at first glance, appears to be a simple case of tummy ache. Following a thorough examination however, the GP becomes concerned that Vishvas may in fact be exhibiting symptoms of appendicitis – a potentially life threatening condition. The GP doesn’t hesitate in sending Vishvas and his worried mum off to A&E without delay.

And Dr Jiwanji has another interesting case on his hands when he meets Leslie – a man whose legs have become covered in mysterious bruises. Leslie can’t recall injuring his legs at all and is at a complete loss as to where the marks have come from. Fortunately his GP has an answer for him – a condition called venous insufficiency where the veins and valves in the legs fail to pump blood back up towards the heart.

Also tonight, Dr Mio Kwan meets Kylie, a young woman who has recently returned from a holiday abroad with severe sunburn. And this isn’t just a case of some tender, peeling skin. The over exposure has caused Kylie’s legs to swell up alarmingly.

Meanwhile, Dr Jiwanji meets Gavin, a gentleman who has injured his knee playing football. Gavin is keen to get it sorted quickly as it’s effecting his work – he’s a school PE teacher.

And later, Dr David Ward has an amusing encounter with regular patient Francesca who is in a bit of a huff because the local pharmacy won’t provide her with her regular prescription of painkillers. Without them she thinks life is hardly worth living but her GP saves the day when he sorts out the administrative error for her and Francesca departs a happy camper.

Episode 35

Episode 35

All good things must come to an end. This is the last program in the current series of GPs Behind Closed Doors! But fear not, “GP’s” will return soon from a new GPs surgery.

And before we bid goodbye to the staff and patients at the Farnham Road Surgery, there is still a waiting room full of patients to be treated.

First into the consulting rooms is Lauren, a young mum who has come in to see Dr Zareena Hyder. Lauren is being bothered by numbness in her hands and some blurriness in her vision. These symptoms could be attributed to migraine, but Dr Hyder is keen to rule out a much more serious condition – MS – and she decides to refer Lauren on to a neurologist for further tests.

Meanwhile Dr Shazia Javed is treating her patient Clothilde for her high blood pressure and cholesterol. During the consultation we learn why Clothilde is so stressed. In the last five months, no fewer than seven members of her extended family have died. She is also a carer for three people at home – her son who has epilepsy and two grandchildren, one of whom is autistic and one of whom is diabetic. She’s a woman with a lot on her plate right now and Dr Javed is going to do everything she can to help her.

Regular patient Thelma makes a return visit to the surgery this week, this time to see Dr Manj Tawana. Thelma has discovered a mysterious gash on her leg – which are extremely swollen - and is at a loss as to where it has come from. Thelma worries that the skin may simply have given way and split apart, but Dr Tawana reassures her that it’s nothing to worry about and she probably just knocked it.

Later Dr Georgia Allen treats Barry, an older gentleman who has started to bleed out of his ears. It’s an alarming symptom and Barry is a little concerned that “the end is nigh”.

Nurse Julie Swinburne is called upon to remove 25 surgical staples from the neck of her patient Joan – an elderly lady who recently underwent major, life-saving surgery to unclog an artery.

And in the final consultation of the series, Julie’s colleague Nurse Babara gives a master class in how to keep a nervous patient calm and relaxed. Kathy is in for a smear test – a procedure she has been dreading for months – but thanks to Babara’s skill and kind words, she leaves extremely happy and singing the NHS’ praises.