Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology
The Gastroenterology team diagnose, treat and work to prevent gastrointestinal (stomach and bowel) and hepatological (liver, gallbladder, biliary tree and pancreas) diseases and disorders.
Our Team of Consultant Gastroenterologists work closely with Colorectal Surgeons, IBD Specialist Nurses, Dietitians, Endoscopists, Pharmacists, Radiologists and Stoma Care Nurses.
Diagnosis of these conditions is made using a variety of investigations to look for changes and/or reasons for gastrointestinal symptoms and may include:
- Blood and stool tests (with Pathology and Phlebotomy)
- Endoscopy (an outpatient procedure during which a small camera is used to look inside) including colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (OGD) and video capsule endoscopy.
- Imaging/Radiology, such as MRI, CT, x-ray, ultrasound, SeHCAT scan.
For more information on clinics, research, and FAQs, visit the Bedford Gastroenterology page.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Service
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) consists of two main conditions – Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease.
These are chronic diseases of the intestinal tract, experienced by as many as 4 million people worldwide.
Bedford Hospital has three IBD Clinical Nurse Specialists: Sister Mary Hill, Sister Claire Shotbolt and Sister Liz Mitchell who work alongside the Gastroenterology Consultants.
View our patient information leaflet.
Useful Links
Crohn’s in Childhood Research Association (CICRA)
Gastroenterology is the medical specialty dealing with diseases of the digestive system.
Our specialist Consultants diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the stomach, duodenum and small and large bowel (colon). The team also includes two Consultant Hepatologists, who specialise in diseases of the liver.
The L&D Gastroenterology team work closely with colleagues in General Surgery in order to provide seamless care for patients with gastrointestinal cancer and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). We also have close links with Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge for patients requiring tertiary care for liver disease.
The Gastroenterology team work closely with the Nutrition and Dietetics department.
You may be interested in viewing our other Gastroenterology pages:
- Hepatology and liver disease
- Barrett’s Oesophagus
- Coeliac disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Patient information and useful links
Outpatient appointment
If you are due to have a video consultation, please read the relevant information.
Our Gastroenterology Consultants
Gastroenterology at the L&D is one of our busiest departments and we have a team of highly-experienced Consultants to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment.