

Jenny is up against popular Charge Nurse, Adam, for the new post of Matron. But, as she knows, the appointment of an outsider would be greeted with suspicion. Jenny's biggest obstacle will be to forge a strong working relationship with Adam. Jenny's position is potentially a lonely one, but she finds a sympathetic ear with Dr Ormerod.

An experienced A&E nurse, Kieran deals daily with difficult personalities and tricky situations. Sporty and fit, with a good sense of humour, Kieran is well liked among the staff. He is Adam’s best mate and will soon be his best man. The student nurses (Carrie especially) find Kieran quite easy on the eye, a fact that's not lost on him.

A glamorous surgical registrar, Pamela is always immaculate and well-dressed. Her income is supplemented by an allowance from her father, but there are signs that his business empire may be starting to crumble. Being Mr Woods’ registrar is no easy task, and Pamela must be thick-skinned to deal with his high expectations and caustic put-downs.

The resident radiologist, Vijay analyses X-rays and scans and presents his findings to the other doctors. Vijay likes to think he is a ladies' man; a 21st century Casanova. The female staff might disagree. Sarah, Gemma, even bookish Carrie, are all long-suffering objects of his clumsy advances. Surely one day his persistence will win out.

In his early 40s and convinced he has "the x factor", Norman sees himself as an all-round entertainer rather than a hospital porter. Shares portering duties with Kristaps, who must always pick up his work-shy friend's slack. Heather is Norman's little sister and although he takes his brotherly role seriously, it's really Heather who looks after him.

Norman's partner in portering, Kristaps is a young Latvian who has come to Britain to make a better life. Norman has taken him under his wing, bringing him up to speed on British culture. There are rumours that he may have spent time in the military and seen frontline conflict. He's the kind of person you want on your side if things look like turning nasty.