"I am left with a difficult decision to make"

I was on a ward with several elderly and confused patients. Although I got very little sleep, I was struck by the patience shown to a confused elderly lady who took her catheter out several times during the night and also the care shown to another elderly lady who had a serious fall. The nurses, auxiliary staff and doctors who attended these patients were endlessly patient explaining repeatedly that yes, this was a hospital and no the catheter must not be removed.

In general the treatment I got and witnessed in A and E and on the ward was excellent.

The consultant and other staff took time to explain procedures to me.

However, I was referred to the cardiology unit where I had the misfortune to have a certain cardiologist who was flippant and offhand in their attitude and put me forward for an angiography procedure despite my requesting to know why this was necessary as I am low risk of having CAD.

The member of staff replied 'Because you are smoker.' I have not smoked for 21 years! When I pointed this out and asked about alternative treatment the member of staff shrugged and replied 'You don't have to have it done.' I left the consultation thinking that I was to be offered alternative, less invasive tests.

I was therefore upset and confused to receive notification of an appointment for an angiography. My own doctor was mystified as to why I was put forward for this risky procedure in preference to less invasive and less risky investigations. Several staff have sought to explain the procedure itself to me but no-one can tell me why it is necessary in my case. I am informed that if I do not have the procedure I will be discharged from the cardiology unit. So I am left with a very difficult and stressful decision to make.