Ep 3. Down's Syndrome

In the third episode of St. Elsewhere season 1, titled "Down's Syndrome," the staff of St. Eligius is confronted with a difficult ethical decision when a mother gives birth to a baby with Down syndrome.

The episode follows the story of the mother, Mrs. Keating, played by actress Elizabeth Wilson, and her husband, who are struggling to come to grips with the fact that their child has a disability. When Mrs. Keating gives birth, the doctors and nurses at St. Eligius are faced with the question of whether or not to tell the parents the truth about their child's condition.

Dr. Westphall, played by actor Ed Flanders, is the head of the pediatric department at St. Eligius and he is the one who must make the final decision. He is torn between the desire to protect the parents from the emotional distress that comes with having a child with a disability, and his obligation to provide them with all of the information they need to make an informed decision about their child's health.

Meanwhile, other members of the St. Eligius staff are dealing with their own personal issues. Dr. Craig, played by actor William Daniels, is struggling to come to terms with his own mortality and the fact that he may not have much time left to live. Nurse Lizzie, played by actress Ed Begley Jr., is dealing with the emotional fallout from a past relationship that ended badly.

As the episode unfolds, we see the various members of the St. Eligius staff work through their own personal issues while also grappling with the difficult decision of how to handle Mrs. Keating's baby.

Ultimately, Dr. Westphall decides to tell Mrs. Keating the truth about her child's condition, and she must come to grips with the reality that her child will have special needs and require extra care. The episode ends on a somber note as the staff reflects on the difficult decisions they must make every day when it comes to the health and wellbeing of their patients.

"Down's Syndrome" is a poignant and thought-provoking episode that raises important questions about the ethics of medical practice and the emotional toll that caring for patients can take on healthcare professionals. The performances by the cast are excellent, and the writing is both sensitive and insightful. Fans of medical dramas and character-driven stories will find much to enjoy in this episode of St. Elsewhere.