Polyoaks

Original version

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Comedy: Satire

Comedy: Sitcoms

NHS satire by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer

BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 FM

Simon Greenall

Nigel Planer

Polly Frame

Monica Dolan

Lewis Hurst

Phil Hammond

David Spicer

Frank Stirling

Polyoaks: Series 5: The Last of the Single-Handers

The Last of the Single-Handers

Series 5

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Polyoaks, Series 5, The Last of the Single-Handers

The surgery struggles with a staff shortage, and Hugh investigates a formal complaint.

Jeremy is seconded to A&E making them a doctor down, while Roy dreams of running a solo practice. Stars Nigel Planer. From 2017.

As Bristol's most challenged NHS surgery reels from one crisis to another, there are questions to be asked about health and safety, funding, complaints procedures, patient numbers, secure record keeping and the sheer number of patients who will insist on getting ill. 

Escaping the chaos of his understaffed surgery, Dr Roy goes for dinner with an old flame, who runs a single-handed practice somewhere on the Downs, and he dreams mistily of life as a solo GP. 

Back at Polyoaks, the patients are spilling out into the car park as increasingly desperate practice manager Nurse Monica struggles to persuade the doctors to cut appointment times. 

Her cause is a forlorn one, as Dr Jeremy has been seconded to A&E, because of the pressure on hospital emergency departments, and Dr Hugh is increasingly preoccupied with NHS politics.

Nigel Planer, Simon Greenall and  Polly Frame star as the staff of Bristol's most dysfunctional General Practice.

Written by Dr Phil Hammond and Mr David Spicer.

Dr Hugh Thornton …… Simon Greenall
Dr Roy Thornton .….. Nigel Planer
Nurse Monica ..…. Polly Frame
Dr Margaret …... Monica Dolan
Rory …… Lewis Hurst

Director: Frank Stirling

A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2017.

Polyoaks: Series 5

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Satire on the NHS by Dr Phil Hammond and David Spicer

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Polyoaks

Series 5

The Last of the Single-Handers

Contributors

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra