The Beardwood Hospital
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Phone
Reception: 01254 507607
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Opening hours
Mon-Sun: 8am-8pm
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Car parking
123 spaces and 4 electric vehicle charging stations
Get fast access to a private gastroscopy with consultant-led investigation, modern endoscopy facilities, and personalised care
A gastroscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the upper part of your digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine.
At The Beardwood Hospital, our private gastroscopy service offers fast access to specialist investigation in a safe, professional, and supportive environment.
You may be referred for a gastroscopy if you are experiencing ongoing digestive symptoms such as persistent indigestion, acid reflux, abdominal pain, nausea, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained bleeding. The procedure can also help monitor existing gastrointestinal conditions or investigate abnormal findings from previous tests.
Your gastroscopy is carried out by experienced consultant gastroenterologists who specialise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the digestive system.
You will have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms in detail before the procedure, understand why it has been recommended, and ask any questions you may have. Throughout your care, the emphasis is on clear communication, reassurance, and making sure you feel comfortable.
Your procedure takes place in a dedicated endoscopy unit using modern equipment that allows for detailed and accurate imaging of the digestive tract.
If further investigation or treatment is needed, your consultant will guide you through the next steps. This coordinated approach ensures your care is efficient, well-managed, and tailored to your individual needs.
The cost of a gastroscopy depends on various factors, including your reasons for having one, the specifics of the procedure, and whether it’s a one-off procedure or part of a wider treatment plan.
You can choose to fund your treatment through self-pay (paying for yourself) or use private health insurance. We work with most major providers, and our friendly advisory team can help guide you through using your cover.
Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR.
A gastroscopy is a type of endoscopy that allows a specialist to examine the lining of the upper digestive tract using a thin, flexible tube with a small camera on the end.
The camera transmits images to a screen, enabling detailed assessment of the oesophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. This helps identify abnormalities such as inflammation, ulcers, or other changes that may be causing your symptoms.
In some cases, small tissue samples can be taken during the procedure to provide further information and support diagnosis.
Endoscopy is a general term used to describe procedures that involve using a camera to examine internal parts of the body. A gastroscopy is a specific type of endoscopy that focuses on the upper digestive tract.
Other types of endoscopies are used to examine different areas, such as colonoscopy for the large bowel. Your consultant will explain why gastroscopy is the most appropriate investigation for your symptoms.
Preparing for a gastroscopy is straightforward but important to ensure accurate examination of your upper digestive system.
Before your procedure, you will usually be asked not to eat or drink for a set period so your stomach is empty during the examination. Your care team will provide detailed instructions before your appointment.
Preparation guidance may include:
It is important to follow all preparation instructions carefully to avoid delays or the need to rearrange your appointment.
Your care team will explain the preparation process clearly and provide support if you have any questions before your gastroscopy.
A gastroscopy can help identify a wide range of conditions affecting your upper digestive tract.
Conditions that may be detected include:
Biopsies taken during your gastroscopy can provide additional information to support diagnosis and guide treatment planning where needed.
Your consultant will explain any findings clearly and discuss whether further investigations or treatments are recommended.
After your gastroscopy, you will spend time in a recovery area while the effects of sedation wear off if sedation has been used. Most people are able to return home the same day.
You may experience mild bloating, throat discomfort, or temporary drowsiness after the procedure, but these symptoms usually settle quickly.
Your consultant will often discuss any initial findings with you before you leave the hospital and explain when biopsy or laboratory results will be available if samples were taken.
Written aftercare guidance will also be provided, including advice about:
Recovery from a gastroscopy is usually straightforward and relatively quick. Most people feel able to return to normal daily activities within 24 hours.
If you have sedation, you should avoid driving, operating machinery, drinking alcohol, or making important decisions for the remainder of the day.
Your care team will provide personalised recovery advice based on your procedure and any treatment carried out during your gastroscopy.
Gastroscopy is a well-established and generally safe procedure when performed by experienced clinicians in a regulated clinical setting. As with all medical procedures, there are potential risks, although serious complications are uncommon.
Possible risks may include:
At The Beardwood Hospital, your safety is prioritised throughout every stage of your care. Thorough pre-procedure assessments are carried out, and procedures follow strict clinical standards and safety protocols.
Your consultant will explain the risks and benefits clearly before your procedure so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Yes, biopsies can often be taken during a gastroscopy if your consultant identifies areas that require closer examination. A biopsy involves removing a very small tissue sample from the lining of your digestive tract for laboratory testing.
Biopsies are commonly taken to help investigate:
Taking a biopsy during gastroscopy is usually painless and does not significantly extend the length of the procedure.
The tissue samples are analysed in a laboratory, and your consultant will explain the results once they become available. Biopsy findings can provide important additional information to support diagnosis and help guide the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:
Going private for healthcare provides faster access to a vast range of treatment options, greater flexibility in choosing specialists, and more personalised care.
To book a consultation to discuss your symptoms with a gastroenterologist near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.
If you would like to book straight in to a gastroscopy, give us a call. If you have a referral from a GP let us know over the phone. If not, our advisors can let you know whether it’s possible to book directly or whether you’ll need a consultation with a specialist first.