Chaucer Hospital
Nackington Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 7AR DirectionsPhone
Opening hours
Mon - Sun: Open 24 hrs
Treating patients over the age of 18 years.
Car parking
Yes - 124 spaces.
£2 per hour
Expert assessment and treatment for digestive system concerns
Your digestive system is an amazingly complex combination of organs and processes, responsible for breaking food down so that it can be absorbed into the body. It also expels the waste products of food as faeces.
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract runs from the mouth to the anus and consists of a series of organs joined together into a long, hollow tube:
A problem in any part of the digestive system can have a significant impact on your health, vitality and quality of life.
At Chaucer Hospital, three of the most experienced Consultant Gastroenterologists in East Kent provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of digestive system complaints and concerns. They would be delighted to help you too.
Chaucer Hospital is found in the historic city of Canterbury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the English county of Kent. Our patients come to us from local areas such as Faversham, Thanet, Herne Bay and Whitstable, as well as Deal, Wye, Ashford and Maidstone. Our expert consultants, world-class facilities and truly compassionate team also attract people from further afield, across the UK and even abroad.
People who visit a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Chaucer Hospital will often have certain symptoms, which may include:
If you have any of these symptoms, a Consultant Gastroenterologist will be the most helpful person to see for initial investigation. If anything is found that requires referral to another specialist, they will be able to arrange this for you without delay.
Some of the common conditions that can affect the normal function of the digestive system are:
It could be that your medical history, symptoms and the results of the physical examination are all that is needed to make a diagnosis at this point. Similarly, it may be determined that your symptoms are being caused by something that is not dangerous and does not need treatment.
Some GI conditions and symptoms will need further investigation, and these will be arranged for you at the earliest possible date.
A Consultant Gastroenterologist is highly experienced in endoscopy. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at one end. The camera transmits a live feed to a larger screen.
Depending on your specific symptoms, you may need a Gastroscopy, a Colonoscopy or an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
With any of these investigations, as the endoscope is moved through the GI tract your consultant will be looking for anything unusual or of possible concern, such as a narrowing, swelling or small lump. If anything is seen that needs looking at more carefully, a biopsy (small sample of tissue) can be taken and sent away for analysis under a microscope.
Endoscopic procedures are generally well tolerated, but they can be uncomfortable. A spray is used to reduce coughing and gagging during a gastroscopy. Some patients find this is sufficient, but others prefer to have a sedative injection as well. For a colonoscopy, an injection of a sedative and a pain-killing medication is often used, but some people choose to have it without sedation. You may also choose to have 'gas and air' (nitrous oxide) to ease discomfort. Your gastroenterologist will explain these options to you prior to the procedure, so that you can choose your preference.
Other investigations can also be helpful for, including blood tests, liver function tests, MRI or CT scan and ultrasound. All of these can easily be arranged for you at Chaucer Hospital if required.
Once any results are back, your consultant will discuss them with you and talk about any suitable treatment options. If you have any questions or concerns, your consultant will be happy to talk these through with you.
We see both privately insured and self-funded patients, and you can self-refer.
When you visit Chaucer Hospital, you will benefit from:
For peace of mind and known expert care, why not book your Gastroenterology appointment online now? We look forward to welcoming you to Chaucer Hospital and helping you to get clarity about your symptoms sooner.