Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer's satire on some of the major issues thrown up by NHS reform. Among the many targets in their sights are the Care Quality Commission, patient records, privatisation, whistleblowing, time wasters and patient participation groups.

Will the NHS be safe in the hands of Pfizer? Why do doctors often look sicker than their patients? Would an NHS executive go private? How are doctors revalidated? What does that actually mean? And is that piece of dry skin on your heel anything to do with the amount you've been drinking lately? These and other questions may well be answered at Polyoaks - the flagship of enlightened West Country General Practice at the forefront of a constantly reforming NHS.

Nigel Planer stars as Dr Roy Thornton and Simon Greenall as his brother Dr Hugh Thornton in a clinic always at odds with itself over diagnoses, funding, clinical commissioning groups, Jeremy Hunt and the ever more dubious commercial activities of their associate TV's Dr. Jeremy (David Westhead), who is still juggling Dictionary Corner, a series of Malpractice suits and forgotten alimony payments.

Episode 1: In The Midst of Life
In which we look to the health of our health professionals.

Cast:
Dr. Roy Thornton.....................Nigel Planer
Dr. Hugh Thornton..................Simon Greenall
TV's Dr. Jeremy........................David Westhead
Betty Crossfield.......................Jane Whittenshaw
Nurse Vera Duplessis..............Polly Frame
Mr. Devlin.................................Phil Cornwell
The Practice's patients and associates: Grainne Keenan and Kate O'Sullivan

Written by Dr. Phil Hammond and David Spicer
Produced and directed by Frank Stirling
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4 Show less