The lives of staff at the fictional Kings Cross Hospital and the wild streets of Darlinghurst in the 1960s. Joan Miller is a smart and sophisticated midwife who returns home from London to take a job at the Kings Cross Hospital. Dr Patrick McNaughton is a charismatic head of obstetrics at Kings Cross Hospital. Frances Bolton is the tough matron who also controls the running of Stanton House, a home for unwed pregnant young women.
When Joan goes into early labour, the unorthodox new head of obstetrics is the only one who can help her. Matron has her hands full with three new pregnant girls in Stanton House.
Filled with grief after the death of her best friend Patty, Martha is determined to uncover the truth of Patty's final hours, and drags Viv along with her on a wild goose chase that ends in the last place Martha expected.
Joan must compete for a permanent doctor's position against her friend Bowditch as well as a sexist rival with wandering hands. Meanwhile, the Stanton House girls steal Martha's car in an attempt to learn more about Elena's betrothed.
Viv and Martha fight for their rights at the International Women's Day march. When Joan's baby falls ill, Matron is wracked with guilt over the possible baby swap. Debbie defies Matron by visiting her older, married lover.
Joan attempts to bury her grief by throwing herself back into work, but is it too soon? Meanwhile, Elena is torn between love and duty when the father of her child proposes marriage. Martha's first dinner party could end her marriage.
Rita refuses medical assistance that could save her and her baby's life. Simon confesses his role in the hit and run accident to Martha. Elena is shocked to discover her lover Ed is in critical condition in the hospital.
Joan's world is upended when her ex-fiance arrives from London. Bowditch and Martha are blackmailed over the hit-and-run accident. Rita has second thoughts about returning to the convent following the birth of her baby.
Joan makes a fateful decision about her future with Lawrence. Debbie's world is rocked when she discovers Matron has made a secret deal to adopt out her baby. Vic gives Matron a does of her own medicine
Joan finds proof her baby was swapped at birth, while Matron embarks on a cover-up. Elena's wedding plans are ruined by Debbie's jealousy.
Joan risks everything to be reunited with her missing child. Matron makes a shock announcement when she is accused of unethical behavior. Debbie takes extreme action to locate Ed and reunite him with Elena.
