Life Support

1999•1h

Life Support is a 1999 British medical drama series aired across six episodes on BBC Scotland. Katherine Doone works as a clinical ethicist at Glasgow's Caledonian hospital. Her job is to make the big decisions about what's best for the patient's long-term treatment.

Production

Seasons

6 Episodes • Premiered 1999

1. Where Angels Fear to Tread

Nurse Elaine's boyfriend Billy attempts suicide and left totally paralysed. He's diagnosed a quadriplegic. His mother and girlfriend both believe they know best. Doone is called has to make a final clinical decision.

2. Trust

Dr Scott wants to give 11-year-old Craig a second bone marrow operation in eighteen months. Unfortunately, there's only has a ten percent chance of survival but his parents want it. Doone asks the boy for his input, which puts her up against both doctors and family.

3. The Price of Love

Nurse Elaine's murder trial begins; Doone is a prosecution witness while her father represents Elaine. Lawyer Claire Matheson is determined to have a natural birth but when the baby is breached, the priority changes.

4. Playing God

Nurse Crick seeks Doone's help on Hector Beardsmore. Dr Giordano is giving him painful treatment while his two sons argue; surgeon Mr Alexander's drinking is causing a rise in deaths; and Dr Rankin makes waves and the hospital covers it up.

5. Soul and Conscience

Lisa Carlisle is in casualty after overdosing. Doone is called in when she refuses treatment and the doctors are conflicted over her motives. If the psychiatrist doesn't section her, all they can do is watch Lisa die.

6. The Undiscovered Country

The husband of a woman with motor-neurone disease doesn't want her to be resuscitated. A wife and his mistress both want to see a coma patient. Doone's father suffers a heart attack and is comatose, forcing her to make a big decision.