The Royal - Season 4 (2004)

Jill and ambulance driver Frankie are literally in a cliff-hanging situation getting to young Anita, who is injured in a fall and needs to get to the Rose Festival where she is to be crowned queen. Gordon, on the other hand, lands in trouble when his diagnosis of food poisoning turns out to be far more serious.

Jill finds herself in an ethical battle with the Howarths, who are refusing to allow their new-born baby to have vital treatment. A new assistant matron, Thelma, arrives and is unpopular with everybody except Nigel Harper. Samantha receives some bad news.

Jeff finds himself in an unenviable situation, thanks to Chrissy, a friend of Lizzie, who sees herself as a woman scorned by him. Gordon and Frankie fights rescue a young kayaker from a weir, while sadly it is the end of the line for Samantha.

Gordon gets unwittingly involved with a domestic dispute which has got out of hand and Lizzie finds her new scooter is more trouble than it's worth. Nurse Stella Davenport arrives to replace Samantha, but her reputation has already preceded her.

Matron surprises a thief in the office, who attacks her and whose identity comes as a surprise when all is not as it first appears to be. Jeff worries that he is not appreciated and has acquired a bad reputation, but a greater fear grips the hospital when an outbreak of tuberculosis seems likely.

Sister Brigid is deeply concerned for the welfare of Mother Peter, the head of the convent, who is very ill, and is resistant to treatment. Jill hears from Samantha as to the identity of the father of her baby, which caused her to give up her career. Frankie has plans for himself and Meryl, only to see her with another man.

Jeff takes the opportunity to set the record straight about himself and restores his reputation after going to the rescue of two pot-holers in a cave. Meryl's future with Frankie ends up on the rocks but romance re-enters Matron's life when her old flame Johnny Lomax turns up as a patient at the Royal.

Gordon and Frankie are put in a dangerous situation when they go to the aid of an injured trawler-man on board a boat which is gradually sinking. Matron hands in her resignation in order to start a new life as Mrs. Johnny Lomax, but sadly it is not to be.

Matron prepares to return to work, where Harper is putting into effect his cost-cutting schemes. Jeff and Meryl grow close whilst working together and Frankie is not happy about it. Gordon is involved in a serious accident which leaves him unconscious.