As the curtains rise on the third installment of "Malpractice," Dr. James Ford (portrayed by Tom Hughes) confides in Kate McAllister (played by Zoe Telford), recounting the harrowing encounter involving Fizz. James confesses to being overcome with panic, opting to rush her to North Yorkshire instead of QM. He asserts his innocence, clarifying that he hadn't ingested any substances; it was Fizz who had taken the single pill he carried, unbeknownst to her his identity. James elaborates that his nocturnal escapade was fueled by overwhelming stress. He swears, with utmost sincerity, that their encounter remained platonic. Kate, acknowledging his prompt action in securing medical attention, reaches out to a friend at North Yorkshire's A&E. Reassured by the update that Fizz is stable, a tender moment ensues as they share a kiss. However, James voices his frustration with the clandestine affair, to which Kate reminds him of the grave consequences—her job hanging by a thread should their relationship come to light. James, aware of the NHS's dire need for skilled physicians, still concurs with Kate's insistence on secrecy.
Meanwhile, Sophia Hernandez (embodied by Selin Hizli) prepares for her day, her gaze lingering on a drawing adorned on her fridge. She pays a visit to Norma Callahan (Helen Behan) and George Adjei (Jordan Kouame), who seek clarification regarding Rosie Newman's delivery at QM. Upon reviewing the notes, Sophia reveals their concern over a possible infection in Rosie. The conversation delves into Maria Carter's (Katherine Dow Blyton) recommendation for a psychiatric referral, subsequently rescinded by Sophia. Sophia lambasts Maria for her recalcitrant nature, believing she overestimates her judgment. George asserts their determination to uncover the truth, as they receive crucial information from the switchboard and psychiatry department.
Elsewhere, James encounters Deepa, a midwife at Stamford, who hands him Toni's notes, with copies already dispatched to the mother-baby unit. He checks in on Toni Campbell-Brown (played by Seraphina Beh), nestled with her newborn in an ambulance. Deepa informs him of Toni's apprehension about being alone with her baby, haunted by her previous traumatic experience. James learns that Toni's firstborn, Apple, sustained a skull fracture after being accidentally dropped by her on the postnatal ward, accompanied by forceps-induced bruising, all documented by midwife Alison Masters. Deepa expresses confidence in Toni's eventual recovery.
Seeking further clarity, James seeks out Alison Masters to inquire about Toni's first delivery. His probing irritates Alison, who warns against revisiting a scenario that could jeopardize her like it did Maria. Sophia interjects, prompting James to confront her about withholding information on Toni's baby's injuries. As the conversation threatens to steer towards Maria, Sophia curtly ushers him off her ward. Meanwhile, George informs Norma of seven calls placed from obstetrics to psychiatry during Rosie's stay, two of which remain unidentified and occurred on the day of her discharge, hinting that Maria might have initiated and then canceled the referral.
George proposes reaching out to Ava Lawal (played by Charis Agbonlahor), who was on duty during the relevant shift, for insights. Meanwhile, James delves deeper into Maria's circumstances, only to uncover her temporary suspension. George engages with Ava Lawal, who stumbles upon a note intended for a psychiatric evaluation of Rosie prior to her discharge. Intriguingly, the referrer's name was omitted, but someone subsequently called to rescind the request. Ava noted that Rosie was cleared for discharge. Typically, a doctor initiates such referrals, but Ava suggests it could have also been a midwife. George seeks Norma's perspective on this matter, speculating that Maria might have made the referral, with Sophia stepping in to cancel it.
Elsewhere, Precious Danso (portrayed by Naana Agyei-Ampadu) informs James that Aislene (Amy Marston) is complaining of stomach discomfort. Kwame Essiedu (Tobi Bakare) dismisses her complaints as mere attention-seeking, but Precious believes she might actually be in distress this time. When James goes to check on Aislene, she attempts to entice him into touching her intimately while acknowledging the absence of any pain.
Arun Mansoor (Ace Bhatti) discusses a party and the ongoing investigation with Eric Sawers (Rick Warden), mentioning James Ford's aggressive demeanor towards Sophia earlier. Arun suggests this could constitute harassment, prompting Eric to offer his assistance in addressing any underlying issues and speaking with Kate. Arun welcomes this support.
Norma catches Rubi (Imogen Sandhu) in conversation with Ben Munro (Neil Pendleton), embracing him before he departs. Once inside, Rubi reveals to Norma that Ben, one of her tutors, visited because she is contemplating quitting medical school. She confesses her lack of enthusiasm for medicine and insists Ben is not exploiting her. Norma urges her not to abandon her future over Ben's influence.
Sophia confronts Maria, warning her to refrain from communicating with anyone at the Minor Injuries Unit or Queen's Medical Center again. Maria asserts they reached out to her, sensing they are closing in. Sophia threatens dire consequences if Maria doesn't maintain silence.
Will (Joshua Lacey) informs James that Fizz has been absent from work due to illness since their night out. James insists they did not have a physical encounter and that Fizz was well when he last saw her. Will mentions Fizz isn't responding to his calls, prompting James to investigate Maria Carter further. He initiates contact with her online. Sophia is paged and attends to Claire Martin, a 31-year-old first-time mother with alarmingly high blood pressure. Sophia discovers Claire has urinated involuntarily and inquiries about a history of epilepsy, to which Claire responds negatively. Sophia fears Claire might have experienced a seizure and considers pre-eclampsia. She insists on transferring Claire to the labor ward for immediate blood pressure reduction via a C-section, despite Claire's preference for a natural birth. Ellie (Katie Eldred) eventually assists in convincing Claire. Sophia successfully performs the C-section and allows Claire to glimpse her newborn son.
George informs Norma that upon reviewing the notes, infection repeatedly emerges as a key factor.
Blood tests were prescribed, yet oddly absent from the patient records. Kathy (Adei Bundy) revealed that Sophie had conceded their concern over a possible infection. Norma voiced her puzzlement, questioning the rationale behind keeping Rose hospitalized for four days if no infection was present. Kathy was promptly instructed to contact the lab and retrieve the blood test results.
Meanwhile, Sophia engaged with the board, discussing their deliveries, Claire included. Arun inquired of Sophie if she had witnessed any seizures. Sophia admitted she hadn't, but emphasized that there were unmistakable signs of seizure activity. Arun then challenged her decision-making, questioning why she hadn't first opted for a more conservative approach. Sophia responded that she believed it prudent to avoid delay. Arun countered that she should have lowered the blood pressure and initiated a magnesium infusion instead. A nearby woman accused Sophia of panicking, alleging that Sophia had told her the baby would perish without an immediate C-section. Emma (Allison Harding) accused Sophia of coercing a patient into undergoing a major surgery against their will, a costly and unwarranted procedure that had incurred thousands of pounds in expenses for the department. Arun feared that this woman might insist on another cesarean should she opt for another birth at QM, a scenario Sophia had unwittingly precipitated. They continued to berate Sophia, who withdrew into herself. Arun wondered aloud if she still lacked confidence in making crucial after-hours decisions. Sophia maintained that they shouldn't unnecessarily jeopardize patients. Arun reminded her that it was her actions under scrutiny, not the department's, urging her to contact them promptly should a similar situation arise again.
James Ford joined Kate and Eric, learning that Eric would accompany them for his supervision, with a report to the Deanery on his progress. James sought a private conversation with Kate to discuss Toni Campbell-Brown. However, Kate steered the conversation towards Samira Saed. Meanwhile, Norma surreptitiously researched Ben Munro, hastily concealing her findings when George returned with Rosie's blood test results. All markers were normal, indicating no infection, leading Norma to speculate that Rosie's anxiety about an infection had gone unnoticed by everyone except Maria.
Kwame informed James that Kate was searching for him. When he found her outside, Kate suggested they discuss matters in private. She revealed that Sophia Hernandez had lodged a bullying complaint against him. James recounted the events, clarifying that he had merely sought information about Toni and the baby's skull fracture. Kate advised him to complete mandatory bullying training and suggested they refrain from escalating tensions amidst the ongoing investigation. James insisted that he wanted no one else involved.
Elsewhere, Aislene sat alone, tears streaming down her face. James managed to reach Maria regarding Sophia's complaint when an alarm interrupted him, drawing him inside to learn of Aislene's distress.
She has wound tape tightly around her neck, creating a scene of urgency. James, Precious, and the rest of the group scramble to come to her aid, their faces etched with concern. Kwame, searching frantically for something to assist in the dire situation, eventually spots a pair of scissors that James swiftly employs to free Aislene from her perilous predicament. As the tension mounts, James instructs Bernadette to conduct a preliminary physical examination until the ambulance arrives.
Meanwhile, Eric reaches out to George and Norma, who reveal that they have uncovered troubling matters regarding Sophia Hernandez. They recount to Eric their beliefs about an altercation between Rosie and Sophia, their voices tinged with worry. Eric, mindful of the ongoing investigation involving Maria, cautions them that the accusations leveled against her are grave and should not be seen as credible information. He emphasizes that their efforts would be better spent focusing on James's situation unless there is a formal complaint filed against Sophia.
Precious, her anxiety evident, checks on Aislene and inquiries about the impulsive act. Aislene, her eyes filled with sorrow, shows Precious a photograph of Kate and James sharing an intimate moment. Bernadette receives a call, her expression brightening as she confirms an available bed. She informs James that they will soon admit a 33-year-old woman, manic and recovering from an overdose, who prefers to be called Fizz. The atmosphere, though charged with tension, shifts momentarily as they prepare to welcome another patient into their care.
