"Referred for further tests, but not told what they were"

I was referred by my GP for further tests after finding some blood in my urine.

I received a letter from the hospital with an appointment time, department and saying I would require local anesthetic in the theatre area. However, it did not say what the procedure actually was.

My GP mentioned nothing about a local anesthetic so when I rang up to confirm the appointment time, I asked them what I would be having done. I was to have a camera in my bladder.

When I arrived for the procedure there was another gentleman there who had not been able to get through in the phone before his appointment so he had not known what he was coming in to hospital.

After the cystoscopy I then was given a leaflet from the nurse about the procedure; how to prepare for it, what happens and information for afterwards. We both agreed this would be better sent with the appointment letter. For me it was fine, but I imagine if patients know what they are going into hospital for before hand it may save them some stress.

I must stress that the procedure was fine and the staff in the hospital were great. My only recommendation is to send out the information leaflet with the appointment letter.