- Bupa Platinum consultant
-
Fee assured
-
Verified account
- Open Referral network
-
Accredited endoscopist
Specialises in
- Endoscopy
- Hepatobiliary
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Bupa specialist
- Accredited endoscopist
Offers
- Face-to-face consultations
- Video and telephone consultations
About me
I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology from King's College London in 1997 before completing my medical degree at the University of Leicester Medical School in 2003. I undertook postgraduate specialist training within the East of England (Cambridge) Deanery, achieving dual accreditation in Gastroenterology and General Internal Medicine. I was awarded Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) in 2011 and completed my Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in 2015. In recognition of my contribution to medicine, I was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP) in 2019.
During my training, I gained extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Barrett's oesophagus, gastrointestinal cancers, pancreaticobiliary disease, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and gastrointestinal dysmotility. I developed a subspecialty interest in advanced endoscopy and completed a Fellowship in Advanced Endoscopy at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, gaining expertise in endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), ERCP, and balloon-assisted enteroscopy.
Since 2015, I have worked as a Consultant Gastroenterologist and General Physician at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (formerly Luton and Dunstable University Hospital). I served as Clinical Director and Endoscopy Clinical Lead for seven years, leading the Endoscopy Unit through JAG (Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) accreditation in 2019. The unit received outstanding feedback and was recognised by the Trust with its 'Team of the Month' award.
Alongside my clinical practice, I am actively involved in improving endoscopy services and training across the UK. I serve as a Medical Assessor for JAG, undertaking peer-review assessments of endoscopy units to ensure they meet national quality and safety standards. I have chaired quarterly Endoscopy Clinical Governance Meetings, am a core member of the Colorectal Multidisciplinary Team, previously led JETS Endoscopy Training, and contribute as faculty on JAG-accredited endoscopy training courses across the UK.
I have performed more than 9,000 endoscopic procedures and maintain excellent quality outcomes, including a 95% unadjusted colonoscopy completion rate and a 66% polyp detection rate (JAG standard >15%), alongside low sedation requirements and consistently high patient comfort scores. I routinely perform complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including gastroscopy, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, ERCP, EMR, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).
I am an accredited National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme colonoscopist and run twice-weekly therapeutic endoscopy lists specialising in EMR and ESD, enabling the removal of large colorectal polyps without the need for surgery. I also introduced and continue to provide deep sedation endoscopy for prolonged therapeutic procedures and for patients unable to tolerate conventional conscious sedation.
My private practice reflects the breadth of my NHS work, providing expert assessment, investigation, and treatment of both common and complex gastrointestinal conditions, including acid reflux, Barrett's oesophagus, abdominal pain, coeliac disease, food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease, pancreaticobiliary disorders, and other digestive health concerns. I am committed to delivering evidence-based, patient-centred care, tailoring investigations and treatment to each individual's needs while ensuring clear communication and a compassionate approach throughout their care.
Areas of interest
General Gastroenterology; Diagnostic and Interventional Endoscopy; Barrett's oesophagus, Dysphagia, dyspepsia (indigestion), Anaemia, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (constipation and/or diarrhoea), Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Cancer; Coeliac disease/Gluten sensitive enteropathy; Abdominal pain
Medical secretaries
- Cheryl Cohen
- 07312 115207
- Clinic@TheGastroConsult.com
Information for healthcare professionals (Bupa patients only, last 12 months)
-
X3510
IV sedation administered by operator - ()
Spire Harpenden Hospital () One Stop Healthcare () Spire Bushey Hospital ()
-
G6500
Diagnostic oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) includes forceps biopsy, biopsy urease test and dye spray - ()
One Stop Healthcare () Spire Harpenden Hospital () Spire Bushey Hospital ()
-
H2002
Diagnostic colonoscopy, includes forceps biopsy of colon and ileum - ()
Spire Harpenden Hospital () Spire Bushey Hospital () One Stop Healthcare ()
-
H2003
Therapeutic colonoscopy with snare loop biopsy or excision of lesion - ()
Spire Harpenden Hospital () Spire Bushey Hospital () One Stop Healthcare ()
-
G8082
Diagnostic oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) and immediate colonoscopy includes forceps biopsies, biopsy test and dye spray (as sole procedure) - ()
Spire Harpenden Hospital () One Stop Healthcare () Spire Bushey Hospital ()
-
G8083
Therapeutic oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) and immediate colonoscopy includes forceps biopsies, biopsy test and dye spray (as sole procedure) - ()
Spire Harpenden Hospital () Spire Bushey Hospital () One Stop Healthcare ()
-
J3900
Therapeutic ERCP with insertion of biliary or pancreatic stent(s), sphincterotomy or stone extraction - ()