'Here is ur diagnosis': Is this Labour's vision for the NHS?

Sitting in the middle of an office was not how I had ever envisaged being told that I have a long-term health condition, but that’s where I was when I received the following message - original typos included:

- REBECCA THOMAS

“Dear Miss Thomas, Your recent ultrasound examine shows your have endometriosis (a condition where tissue similar to the linking of your uterus) causing certain symptoms). Symptoms can include heavy painful periods, lower abdominal pain, tiredness. Sometimes it can impact your bowel habits as well.

“For this reason I need to refer you to the gynaecology team. The hospital will be in contact with your to inform you of an appointment.”

That is how I was told that I have endometriosis. There was no further information, no option to call the GP, just a text and a referral letter.

As a national health journalist, I've covered the stories of women who went through years of agony and gaslighting to get a diagnosis of endometriosis. I'm incredibly lucky that I haven't faced the same struggles.

Despite having the knowledge I gained through my work, being given a diagnosis in this way, with no information on how bad the condition is, what it means for me and what the next steps might be - and was it even definitive? - was just brutal.