Dr. Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes) var en succes som kirurg i London, men da han flytter til den lille søvnige fiskerby Portwenn for at starte en praksis som praktiserende læge, bliver der vendt op og ned på tilværelsen for både ham og byens beboere. Fra det søde liv i storbyen må Martin nu vænne sig til en hverdag med forældet lægeudstyr, håbløse patientjournaler og en stærkt inkompetent lægesekretær, mens den lille by må vænne sig til Martin, der er mildest talt dårlig til at håndtere patienter, som ikke bare ligger stille og lader sig skære i.

Dr Martin Ellingham struggles to deal with Louisa’s news. But Louisa is adamant she does not want Martin involved.

Dr Martin Ellingham is shocked to find Louisa and Aunt Joan knocking at his door before the Surgery has opened. Louisa has had a medical scare and wants Martin’s reassurance that everything is fine.

Dr Martin Ellingham is called to Louisa’s new home after she has a dizzy spell while shifting furniture. Martin urges her to slow down, but is shocked to learn that Louisa has applied to be her school’s headteacher again.

Dr Martin Ellingham is in London to meet with Robert Dashwood, who is leading the selection process for the prestigious London surgeon’s job that Martin has applied for. Robert can tell that Martin is excited to be back in the world of surgery, and is pleased that Martin has finally conquered his debilitating blood phobia. Robert is confident that Martin will get the job.

Dr Martin Ellingham seeks out Louisa to talk about his new surgeon’s job in London, but they are interrupted by Bert, who wants to plan a baby shower for Louisa.

Dr Martin Ellingham and Pauline are surprised by the number of patients coming to see him on the last day before his Surgery closes and he moves to London.