"Urology - failure to run basic cancer tests"

My GP referred me to York District hospital for a fast track haematuria clinic appointment in May 2015. I received a kidney ultrasound and a cystoscope into the bladder. I was discharged despite being in my 40s and experiencing heavy bleeding in the urine.

I returned to my GP in July 2015 who referred me back again as an urgent case. I didn't hear from York Hospital for three weeks and when I called I was told I'd likely have a telephone consultation booked in a few weeks time with the possibility of another cystoscopy.

I don't believe this fits in with NICE guidance for a normally fit and healthy person in their early 40s.

Being extremely concerned I thankfully was able to visit a urologist at a private hospital in August 2015 who carried out a CT scan and a Ureteroscopy and diagnosed cancer of the renal pelvis.

I subsequently had a kidney and the ureter removed (nepherureterectomy) at York Hospital, however still paid for by the private health insurance.

I still believe in the NHS, and believe it deserves better funding, but I was failed by York Hospital and dread to think what might of happened had I not had private healthcare funded by my employer.