The Heart Guy

When the hospital is forced to close, Hugh decides it may be time to leave Whyhope. But the arrival of new council administrator Sharna changes everything.

While Penny looks to “find herself” at a rival hospital, Hugh puts his all into bringing the new clinic up to speed. Ajax gets an extra set of hands to help at the farm.

Penny rejoins the clinic as a locum, with Hugh still very much in charge. Hugh is drawn to Sharna, while Hayley feels a similar pull to Tom.

Sacked from the council by Sharna on the grounds of her corruption, Meryl is saved by the arrival of Michael, a lawyer and old flame-but not exactly a white knight.

Michael digs up dirt on Sharna, but lines of loyalty are tested as Hugh finds himself falling deeper for her and Hayley tells Ajax something that will shatter his world.

Meryl is found guilty in court. The clinic hits the quotas to secure funding, despite Penny’s sabotage, knowing that if they are successful, Hugh is likely to leave.

Hugh is free to leave Whyhope, so Sharna takes him to Sydney to show him the city life he thought was lost. Charlie takes up Sharna’s offer to become the new temp mayor.

Meryl and Michael find a way through their past, Hayley and Ajax start afresh, Charlie and Matt get re-hitched, and Hugh leaves with Sharna-but Sydney doesn’t have Penny.