As the curtain rises on the climactic episode of "Malpractice," Lucinda Edwards (portrayed by Niamh Algar) steps into her home, only to receive an enigmatic package containing a phone. She is soon inundated with messages from clients eager to schedule appointments with her. Perplexed, Lucinda dials George Adjei's (played by Jordan Kouame) number, and within moments, he is at her doorstep. Upon listening to an audio clip through the phone, George rushes back to Norma Callahan (Helen Behan), urging her to heed Lucinda's words. Together, they play a recording of Jubair Singh (Ash Tandon), leaving Lucinda desperate for them to confront Eva Tait. However, Norma asserts that it isn't the right moment.
Tragedy strikes as Lucinda learns of Rob's untimely demise from the previous night. She emphasizes the urgency of their mission now that Rob is gone, fearing Jubair might discover her conversations. Despite her tribunal hearing looming ahead as scheduled, George offers Lucinda solace as she prepares to depart. In a moment of vulnerability, Lucinda confesses that she was with Rob when he was struck by a vehicle.
Seeking clarity, Lucinda ventures to Dr. Eva Tait (Georgina Rich), hoping to discuss Rob and the illicit drugs. Seated together, Lucinda urges Eva to confess her involvement, hinting that their connection will soon come to light. Eva refuses, explaining that they were a minor cog in Jubair's vast operation, and he made it clear they were expendable. She reveals Rob's brother's struggle with addiction and his routine methadone pickups, noting that Jubair capitalized on his vulnerabilities by paying him to prescribe drugs to affluent clients. Lucinda counters that these clients sought treatment at Guelder Clinic, but Eva replies that addiction treatment in their country is a never-ending cycle, pointing out Lucinda's own struggle as proof.
Initially, overdoses were rare, but a shift occurred, prompting Rob's concern. He confronted Jubair, only to be threatened and coerced into continuing his role. This led Rob to involve Lucinda. Lucinda is startled to learn that this saga stretches far beyond Jubair Singh.
Determined, Lucinda reaches out to Oscar Beattie (Scott Chambers), attempting to procure information on Milo Hanbury. Meanwhile, Norma informs George that the Wellspring Pharmacy will undergo a GPhC audit the following morning. Seeking answers, Lucinda visits Milo (Darryl Dale), discovering that he obtained fentanyl from Wellspring with a prescription and cooked the exact quantity without consuming any extra. Convinced by Lucinda, Milo surrenders the remaining patches. As she exits, Lucinda contacts the manufacturer, suspecting a flaw in the batch.
Tom Edwards (portrayed by Lorne MacFadyen) returns to his abode, confronting the chaotic aftermath left by Lucinda. Lucinda, meanwhile, heads to the hospital, intent on revealing the truth about the drugs to Oscar. Together, they scrutinize his audit for the batch number, uncovering a startling revelation: the drugs had been flagged as waste. Oscar delves into the process, explaining how these medications undergo testing before being dispatched to developing nations.
Lucinda confronts Dr. Mike Willett (Tristan Sturrock), demanding answers regarding the discarded drugs. In response, Oscar enlists Leo Harris (James Purefoy), who vows to reason with her. However, the situation escalates when Mike summons security to escort Lucinda from the hospital premises. Lucinda, passionate and defiant, claims that Edith would still be alive if the discarded drugs hadn't been sold. Willett dismisses her assertions as the ravings of a drug addict, but Lucinda counters, wondering about his sudden eagerness to disbelieve her. She even suspects his involvement, prompting Willett to remind her of her addiction, using it as a reason to doubt her. Security arrives promptly and forces Lucinda to leave the building.
Later, Lucinda receives a frantic call from Camilla Woodham (Lucy Martin), informing her that a friend is experiencing an overdose. Lucinda rushes to Camilla's aid, but upon arrival, she finds herself trapped. Jubair Singh (Ash Tandon) and two accomplices seize her, restraining her while Jubair administers a lethal overdose. Camilla helplessly watches as her attackers flee the scene.
Norma urges George to expedite the retrieval of Lucinda's drug screening results from the lab. Their surprise deepens when Eva unexpectedly arrives to visit them. At the hospital, Matron Beth Relph (Hannah Walters) receives an urgent call about an incoming overdose victim. Oscar, devastated to learn it's Lucinda, is unable to assist and seeks help elsewhere. Ramya Morgan (Priyanka Patel) steps in, heroically saving Lucinda's life. Willett enters the scene later, learning that Lucinda allegedly locked herself in and intentionally overdosed.
As Lucinda recovers in the hospital, Tom visits her bedside. Norma learns of the overdose from a call and informs George. They rush to her side, where Norma reveals that Oscar doesn't believe it was a suicide attempt. Lucinda firmly denies any intention of taking her own life, instead blaming Jubair and his accomplices. Norma shares that Oscar has been informed about Lucinda's discoveries regarding the hospital's drug disposal practices. Lucinda attributes her near-fatal ordeal to Jubair's attempt on her life. Norma inquiries if anyone else knows about this, and Lucinda admits to having told Mike Willett. Norma assures Lucinda that she believes her story, as Eva has corroborated it and confessed to planting the drugs in Edith's apartment.
George and Norma meticulously compared the data sourced from RH against Oscar Beattie's records, uncovering several discrepancies. Alarmingly, RH had over-ordered medications over the past half-decade, leading to a surplus that was subsequently wasted or donated to the Developing Aid charity. Intrigued, they inquired about the charity with Leo. With a hopeful glint in his eye, Leo mentioned Lucinda and her need for care. Norma swiftly clarified that their visit was unrelated to Lucinda's wellbeing. Leo reassured them that Lucinda's accusations were unfounded. George chimed in, noting Lucinda's mention of Leo's time in Ghana. Leo clarified that he had been employed at a hospital there.
Leo then delved into the origins of Developing Aid, recounting how he, alongside three other doctors, initiated the charity. He recounted how an audit of wasted medications had inspired him to persuade hospitals to donate excess medication to Ghana. The following year, Developing Aid was born. Leo vehemently denied any involvement in illegally selling hospital waste drugs to affluent addicts. Norma countered by revealing they possessed evidence implicating Developing Aid in diverting drugs for illicit resale through the Wellspring Pharmacy Chain. Willett's suggestion to switch to Developing Aid for drug waste collection was also brought up.
Leo conceded that he might have submitted inaccurate audit data but insisted that all accusations were mere conjectures. They agreed to reconvene once he had legal representation. Norma informed him that the police wished to interrogate him about payments into an offshore account. As Leo stepped outside, he was apprehended on charges of charity fraud, NHS fraud, and profiting from the sale of illegal drugs. Lucinda attempted to engage him in conversation, but he remained silent until he was whisked away in a police car. Eva was also arrested, and in a separate incident, Jubair was fatally stabbed by Yussef.
Lucinda visited the hospital to express her gratitude to Ramya for saving her life and to assure her that she would become an exceptional doctor. Prior to the tribunal, Lucinda conferred with Norma. Realizing she was in a precarious position due to her inclusion on a list of doctors who prescribed drugs to Jubair, Norma offered to provide a statement to the police explaining her actions if Lucinda admitted to her diazepam addiction. Tom approached Lucinda next, and she revealed the terms of the deal and the promise of treatment. Tom sensed a deeper issue and urged her to confess and seek help, warning that her stakes were higher than just her job. Lucinda conceded that the drugs helped her manage workplace pressures but acknowledged Tom's point that her usage extended beyond work. He implored her to tell the truth and seek assistance. Lucinda, acknowledging her need for help and her inability to confront her problems alone, entered the tribunal as the episode drew to a close, with Tom watching her intently.
