Ward 17 is notified it is being closed down in favour of more specialised wards. Understandably the staff, and Terri in particular, are horrified to learn the team is to be split up. Claudia MacKenzie takes over from Stan Ridgeway as hospital CEO and despite all pleas to reconsider, keeps her eyes firmly on the bottom line — hospitals are a business like any other.

In the late stages of a terminal disease and 38 weeks pregnant, Sarah wants to go home to organise her daughter's fifth birthday party. When she goes into labour in the ambulance, a battle ensues to keep mother and baby alive. Jared is forced to make a decision about his career. Connor, Bron and Kylie prepare to celebrate Jared's birthday.