In the midst of a grandson’s birthday my phone rang. “UCLH”. I had to answer – what on earth was going on now?

I had a phone call this afternoon with Matron Adam from WMS, the urology team. He apologised and asked me to clarify a few things.

Here’s the reality:

• Registrar – completely unhelpful. Needs to listen.

• Nurse – must protect patient confidentiality.

• Phlebotomist – kindness and proactivity are essential.

My address : he wanted me to confirm I live in Cornwall. No I do not. Apparently the hospital records say I do. WTF. NO

We discussed blood and MSU results. I need explanations, and I need sensitivity when reporting mixed growth.

Dipstick had emailed in response to my earlier message, saying the MSU showed mixed growth. No lab tests. No sensitivity. Useless. He also said we need to ask the MDT about bloods and endocrinology. But as I explained to Matron Adam, there hasn’t been an MDT.

The appointment itself? Humiliating, embarrassing, patronising – and frankly, a waste of time.

Dipstick claimed he tried to see me, but I’d gone. After spending three hours there, that’s hardly realistic.

So now what? Who knows.

In other news I drove to NEC Birmingham for and on behalf of Bladder Health UK. It was huge. But. Maybe we’ve made a difference. Huge increase in number of subscribers to BHUK. wow. Maybe slowly we have a way to raise awareness.