How politics never ever change.

Although it's an 80's show, those dialogues never go out of date.

HACKER: Couldn't we get the independent inquiry to exonerate the department?

HUMPHREY: Do you mean rigged?

HACKER: No no no no no....... well..... yes!

PERMANENT SECRETARY TO THE HEALTH SECRETARY:

So why is your minister interested in Saint-Edwards Hospital?

HUMPHREY: Well, he's apparently greatly concerned that it has no patients.

PERMANENT SECRETARY TO THE HEALTH SECRETARY:

It takes all sorts....

We found, at the DHSS that it takes time to get things going.

First of all you have to sort out the smooth running of the hospital.

Having patients around would be no help at all.

They'd just be in the way.

HUMPHREY:

But we are going to get some patients into Saint-Edwards.... eventually.... aren't we?

PERMANENT SECRETARY TO THE HEALTH SECRETARY:

It's possible. … Certainly our present intention. … In a year or two. … Probably.

HACKER: A brand new hospital with over 500 non-medical staff and no patients? ….

HUMPHREY: Of course, at the end of the day one of the prime functions of a hospital is patient care.

But until we have the money for nursing and medical staff it is a function we are not able to pursue.

Perhaps in 18 months or so, we could open a couple of wards.

HACKER: No, it has to be now.

HUMPHREY: Well I suppose we could form an interdepartmental committee to examine the feasibility of monitoring a proposal for admitting patients at an earlier date.

HACKER: How long would that take to report?

HUMPHREY: Oh … not long….

HACKER: How long?

HUMPHREY: Well… about 18 months

HUMPHREY: You talk as if the staff have nothing to do simply because there are no patients.

There are a large number of extremely busy departments…

First there is the contingency department. … Then there is the data and research department.

Then thirdly there’s finance of course. Then there’s the purchasing department.

HACKER: Purchasing what?

HUMPHREY: Everything, Minister.

… Then there is he technical department. …. The building department. ….

Maintenance. Cleaning and catering. … Personnel in charge of leave, social security and salaries.

As well as staff wealth fare officers to look after the over 500 employees. And finally administration.

HACKER: But there are NO patients!?

HUMPHREY: All these vital tasks must be carried out with or without patients.

Those 500 people are seriously overworked. The full establishment should be 650.