"Outpatient in the Urology Dept - amazing..."

After a health scare (blood in my urine) at home last Wednesday I phoned my doctor the next day. Within an hour I had a callback from a doctor and given an appointment for that afternoon.

At the appointment the doctor did a urine test - to check for blood (negative), discussed my problem and told me they'd refer me to hospital for further exploratory tests.

The next day, Friday, the hospital called and gave me a choice of appointments and hospitals. I chose Malton and agreed an appointment the following Wednesday morning.

I discovered, over the internet, that I was going to the new Urology One Stop Clinic - only opened in February.

The website says "The new One Stop Clinic,..., is an enhanced service for all urology patients across the region, which allows fast access to diagnosis and treatment.

In contrast to traditional services, patients will only require one appointment and will leave the clinic with a treatment plan."

It's now the afternoon of my appointment. And although I'm a little sensitive down below I'm a gratefully relieved man of 65.

The parking was free, can't believe it lol, great service by obviously dedicated and professional staff.

I arrived early, and was immediately pointed towards to very swish reception area. I didn't have to wait long before I was courteously asked for a urine specimen. After that I was asked to go back and wait a little more. That wasn't very long as I was soon taken to have a scan of my kidneys. The skilled operator showed me their screen and reassured me, after a few minutes checking, that my kidneys were fine. Phew! So far so good.

Back to the waiting area where my partner was on standby with loads of moral courage and support.

Again I didn't have to wait long. This time however I was asked to read a short booklet that was designed to describe the next "eye watering" inspection - an outpatient flexible cystoscopy. I had previously suspected this might happen. But reading the booklet was strangely reassuring.

I didn't have to wait long. And was soon approached by a staff member who took me to a changing area where I was left alone briefly after being asked to remove my shoes, trousers and underpants and put on a gown.

I was then taken in to the treatment room where I met the senior person, the registrar, who would do the deed. They were accompanied by 3 other staff who seemed quite friendly. The registrar quickly explained to me what they'd do next.

Laying on the bed, a little anaesthetic was applied to my Willy and then they commenced inserting the tiny, tiny camera up it. It was a little bit uncomfortable as it made it's way up to my bladder.

The registrar showed me the screen and the inside of my bladder and quickly reassured me there was no cancer to worry about.

Second phew! Thank you God.

All I can say is thank you Malton, Norton and District Hospital Urology Dept. Thank you York NHS.

From problem to an all clear in just under a week. Quite amazing.