Georgie Parker stars as Terri Sullivan, the Nursing Unit Manager at All Saints Western General Hospital. She manages the general medical ward, affectionately known as the "Garbage Ward" because it takes the overflow of patients from all the other wards.

Terri cares for a terminal cancer patient and reminds the elderly woman she can refuse treatment but her doctor, Harry Williams, has no intention of withdrawing treatment and accuses Terri of advocating euthanasia. The nursing staff clash with an incompetent medical intern who walks off the ward in the middle of a procedure. Connor thinks a patient is going through alcoholic withdrawal, Von gives Jared lessons on nursing, and Ward 17 plays host to a nervous bikie's wedding.

Ben saves the life of a drug dealer who is then admitted to Ward 17 where he antagonises Luke whose imprisoned brother he knows. Connor's social life risks affecting his job performance as he challenges Dr Wu on his treatment for a patient. Sophie returns to nursing following her husband's death and is assigned to Ward 17 but Terri has concerns about her wellbeing. Connor agrees to let Jared move in.

Bron's favourite patient Bob Parkin is back in the ward with pneumonia. He is stunned and disbelieving when told his illness is probably HIV related, and he refuses to have an HIV test. Nor is he forthcoming on the possible source of the infection, and Bron suspects he genuinely doesn't know. Bron makes it her personal mission to convince Bob to have the test, so he can take advantage of the latest therapies and treatments. However, her job is not an easy one as he has adopted an ostrich approach. Bron learns about Bob's long lost ex-lover and sensing she might be able to shed some light on his illness, tries to track her down.

Meanwhile, Luke assists in performing a laparotomy on Margaret Quinell. She has several tumours and the consultant is convinced it is terminal cancer. Luke is ordered to break the news to Margaret, even before the results of the biopsy come through. He's surprised however, when Margaret is philosophical about dying, as it means she can join her late husband. Margaret's estranged son David turns up at the hospital unexpectedly, after having lost touch with his mother. Connor finds himself treading a difficult path as he cares for Margaret and tries to help David reconcile with his mother before she dies.

Jared is dismayed and angry to find out that Angie is back in the ward. She fell over following an overdose and has a cut to her head. Dr. Wu tells her that he has contracted Hepatitis B and C. In addition to his normal duties, Jared takes care of Angie. However, he takes things too far when he invites her to stay with him and Connor upon her discharge from hospital.

An English tourist and his wife are admitted after a serious car accident. She is in a coma and he is desperate to see her — in spite of his severe chest injuries, which mean that he cannot be moved. When the woman dies of her injuries, Richard Craig instructs Stephanie not to inform the husband which proves to be a difficult task given her close involvement with him. Terri's faith is tested when a convicted rapist is brought onto the ward. Jared fears he may have contracted HIV while giving First Aid to a Angie. Bron helps Bob to confront his prejudices during a visit to Outpatients while Jaz is courted by a cute young radiologist.

Terri fills in as Assistant Director of Nursing for the day, leaving Steph responsible for Ward 17. Steph is emotionally tested when a young woman is admitted after a botched backstreet abortion. While nursing the young woman who undergoes a hysterectomy, Steph questions the importance of children in her own marriage following the loss of her pregnancy. After turning down Bob Parkin as a surgical candidate, Professor Craig forces Bron into making a huge sacrifice. Von suspects there is more to an elderly man's health than meets the eye and Jared literally saves a patient's life.

Bob Parkin is in for a lung resection and Bron has developed a soft spot for him. She faces crisis upon crises as she hands in her resignation and her dear friend's life-saving operation goes terribly wrong. Connor doubts his ability as a nurse when a deranged patient takes a dislike to him. Von finds anger and compassion when a streetkid takes an unorthodox path to find help. Jared bears the brunt of Amanda's prejudices when she finds out that he could be HIV positive.