In a gripping turn of events on Casualty, Patrick Onley (Jamie Glover) bid farewell to Holby ED in the episode released early on iPlayer (June 8). The character’s exit followed a tense series of events that left his reputation in tatters and his career on shaky ground.

The drama began after Patrick jeopardized a patient’s life in a previous episode, leading to an investigation into his actions. Speculation ran high that Patrick had stepped down from his position as Clinical Lead, a development that brought relief to Dylan. The ever-candid Dylan even quipped to Siobhan that Patrick’s departure felt like “lancing a boil.”

However, Patrick shocked his colleagues, Dylan and Stevie, when he returned to the ED, asserting that he was still part of the team while the investigation unfolded. Although barred from clinical duties, Patrick’s presence stirred tension within the department.

Amidst the upheaval, Patrick wrongly believed his search for the whistle-blower had ended when Rash took responsibility. But in a twist, the real whistle-blower, Rida, courageously admitted the truth, earning solidarity from the rest of the team. Patrick’s authority continued to erode when Dylan revealed he had advised the executive team to place Patrick on gardening leave due to his diminishing credibility among staff.

The final blow came when Patrick confided in Dylan about a new opportunity—a role to develop a major trauma center in Edinburgh. It seemed like an escape route for Patrick, offering him a chance to salvage his career. Yet, his departure was far from triumphant.

A harrowing incident involving Rash took center stage when Patrick learned that Rash had attempted to take his own life. Witnessing Rash’s condition in the ED visibly shook Patrick, who appeared genuinely remorseful for the first time. In a candid conversation with Dylan, Patrick admitted he never intended for such consequences, but Dylan reassured him that Rash’s decision wasn’t solely his responsibility.

Acknowledging that staying in the ED wasn’t viable, Patrick resolved to leave earlier than planned to take up his new position. Yet, the episode ended with a sense of foreboding as Dylan was seen making a phone call, presumably to the trauma center in Edinburgh. It appeared Dylan intended to inform them of Patrick’s controversial history, putting his new job in jeopardy.

While Patrick’s exit from Holby seems permanent, Casualty has left the door ajar for a potential return in the future. His departure not only marks a significant shift for the team but also raises questions about redemption, accountability, and second chances.