Expert gastroenterologists in Swindon, with fast access to appointments and the care you need
Digestive health plays a vital role in your overall wellbeing, yet symptoms affecting the stomach, bowel, liver or digestive system are often uncomfortable to discuss and easy to ignore. At The Ridgeway Hospital, we provide private gastroenterology services in Swindon, offering fast access to specialist assessment, diagnosis, and treatment in a discreet and supportive environment.
We’re here to help you understand the cause of your symptoms quickly and clearly. Whether your concerns are new, ongoing or worsening, our experienced consultants and modern diagnostic facilities ensure you receive accurate answers and a tailored treatment plan without unnecessary delay.
At The Ridgeway Hospital, your gastroenterology care is delivered by experienced consultant gastroenterologists who focus on diagnosing and treating a wide range of digestive conditions.
You will benefit from longer, more detailed consultations, allowing time to explore your symptoms fully and understand how they are affecting your daily life. From your initial appointment through to diagnosis and follow-up, your care is designed to be clear, supportive and personalised.
Our hospital environment provides privacy and reassurance, helping you feel comfortable discussing sensitive symptoms while receiving high-quality care.
Gastroenterology is the medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the digestive system.
This includes the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder and pancreas. Gastroenterologists are trained to assess a wide range of symptoms and identify underlying causes that may not always be immediately obvious.
Common symptoms investigated include abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss and rectal bleeding. Gastroenterology also covers long-term conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), coeliac disease and acid reflux.
By combining clinical expertise with advanced diagnostics, gastroenterology helps ensure accurate diagnosis and effective, tailored treatment.
The cost of gastroenterology will depend on various factors, including the type of treatment you are having and which surgeon you choose.
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.
You may be referred to a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing symptoms that are persistent, worsening or affecting your quality of life.
Common reasons for referral include:
Some patients also seek private care for reassurance or a second opinion, particularly if symptoms have not improved with previous treatment. Early assessment can help identify underlying causes and reduce uncertainty.
Your first appointment is a detailed consultation designed to build a clear understanding of your symptoms and overall health.
Your consultant will ask about when your symptoms began, how often they occur and whether anything triggers or relieves them. You may also be asked about your diet, lifestyle, medications, stress levels and family history of digestive conditions.
A physical examination of your abdomen may be carried out, and your consultant will explain whether further tests are recommended. These may include blood tests, imaging, or endoscopic procedures.
Importantly, your consultant will explain each step clearly and ensure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.
Accurate diagnosis is a key part of effective gastroenterology care. At The Ridgeway Hospital, you have access to a wide range of diagnostic tests.
These may include:
Endoscopic procedures are also commonly used to investigate your bowel.
Gastroscopy allows examination of the upper digestive tract, while colonoscopy assesses the large bowel. These procedures can identify inflammation, ulcers or other abnormalities and may allow biopsies to be taken.
During a gastroscopy, your consultant will insert a small, flexible tube with a camera and light attached to it, called an endoscope, into your intestine through your mouth. This endoscope is connected to a monitor that your consultant can refer to as they perform the procedure. A gastroscopy can help diagnose many conditions that affect your stomach, including stomach ulcers, a blockage in your oesophagus, or non-cancerous growths.
A colonoscopy is used to investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss, and it can also be used as a screening tool for bowel cancer. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal polyps, and bowel cancer.
Your consultant will explain each test clearly, including what it involves and what information it will provide.
Treatment within gastroenterology varies depending on your diagnosis, the severity of your symptoms and your individual health needs. Your care plan will be personalised and may involve a combination of medication, dietary guidance, lifestyle adjustments and, where necessary, procedures to investigate or manage your condition.
Many digestive conditions can be managed effectively with the right approach. The aim of treatment is to relieve symptoms, improve day-to-day comfort and support your long-term digestive health.
Medication is often used to manage a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may help reduce inflammation, control acid levels, regulate bowel function or treat underlying infection.
Your consultant will recommend medication based on your specific needs and monitor how you respond. Adjustments can be made over time to improve effectiveness and reduce the risk of side effects.
What you eat can have a significant impact on your digestive health. In some cases, making targeted dietary changes can help reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
You may be advised to identify trigger foods, adjust portion sizes or follow a structured eating plan tailored to your condition. If additional support is needed, you may be referred to a specialist dietitian for personalised advice and ongoing guidance.
Lifestyle factors can influence many digestive conditions. Your consultant may suggest practical changes such as managing stress levels, improving sleep quality, increasing physical activity or adapting your daily routine.
These adjustments can help support your treatment, reduce symptom frequency and improve your overall wellbeing.
In some situations, procedures may be recommended to support diagnosis or treatment. This can include endoscopic investigations, which allow your consultant to examine the digestive tract in detail and, in some cases, carry out treatment at the same time.
Surgical intervention is less common but may be considered for certain conditions or if other treatments have not been successful. If a procedure is advised, your consultant will explain the reasons, what it involves and what you can expect at each stage.
For some conditions, particularly those that are long-term or prone to recurrence, regular follow-up may be recommended. This allows your care team to monitor your progress and ensure your treatment remains effective.
Ongoing review helps identify any changes in your symptoms early and allows adjustments to be made where needed, supporting better long-term management of 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.
Reception: 01793 814848
Hospital: 8am-8pm
Pharmacy: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Phlebotomy: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
122 spaces
