Patrick is horrified to learn that a medication prescribed to expectant mothers may be the cause of the recent birth defects in Poplar, while the Nonnatus House residents and the community at large are devastated when tragedy strikes.
Horrified to read in 'The Lancet' that thalidomide is being withdrawn because of its devastating effect Dr Turner needs the nurses' help in identifying the patients to whom he prescribed it and warning them. However he is also called out to an emergency at the convent, which leaves the midwives in despair and the whole area in mourning. The passing does at least provide a positive for a hastily arranged wedding, whose celebrations require a call for the midwife.—don @ minifie-1
Dr. Turner receives his new issue of the Lancet and is horrified to discover that thalidomide, which he has prescribed to scores of patients, is being withdrawn with immediate effect. Meanwhile a pregnant girl tries to hurry to be married before her time, and an emergency at Nonnatus house leaves everyone in low spirits.—Alissa