In the 1950s at the fictional Lancashire village of Ormston, a father and son, both doctors, navigate the challenges of running a cottage hospital under the newly established National Health Service.
The Gilder family head to Ormston for Linda's wedding to Len. After a wild stag do, Len wakes nude in the village. Arthur, local doctor, prepares for his nurse's big day. As the guests' train breaks down, Linda has second thoughts.
Tom and Arthur clash over the hospital's unconventional management. Meanwhile, Deborah encounters Eddie, who asserts himself as the doctor's cleaner despite any objections. Eddie appears to be harbouring a secret.
Tom and Arthur prepare to meet Cornelius Sibbald, the official responsible for approving the new cottage hospital. Meanwhile, the villagers unite in a fundraising effort to support the building work.
Tom puzzles over local carpenter Bert Cartwright's determination to keep him away, despite Bert's wife's illness. Meanwhile, Michael discovers something exciting, prompting the entire village to hunt for buried treasure.
Tom's patience is tested when his father appears to lose focus in their battle to run the village surgery, but unbeknownst to Tom, Arthur is busy brewing his own beer for the christening. Tension develops between Frank and Len.
The people of Ormston face an anxious wait as the cottage hospital's future is decided upon by NHS inspector Neville Manly.
