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The Harborne Hospital
Digestive health services in Birmingham
- Leading gastroenterologists
- Highly specialised surgery
- Colorectal expertise
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DIGESTIVE HEALTH CARE AT THE HARBORNE HOSPITAL
Why choose us?
At The Harborne Hospital, Birmingham, you’ll have fast access to state-of-the-art digestive health testing and advanced treatment all under one roof, with fully personalised treatment tailored to your individual needs.
And that extends to even the most complex of cases. We offer specialist treatment, including Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC). We are the only independent hospital in the West Midlands to use the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system, meaning our patients don’t have to travel to benefit from pioneering procedures.
And that extends to even the most complex of cases. We offer specialist treatment, including Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC). We are the only independent hospital in the West Midlands to use the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system, meaning our patients don’t have to travel to benefit from pioneering procedures.
20+leading colorectal and gastroenterology consultants
4state-of-the-art operating theatres
50private en-suite beds
Next-day appointments
See a digestive health specialist within 24 hours*
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours*
Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU)
For one-to-one round-the-clock care for complex conditions
DIGESTIVE HEALTH SERVICES
Expert diagnosis and treatment in the heart of Birmingham
When you come to The Harborne Hospital, you’ll have access to leading gastroenterology and colorectal consultants, the latest diagnostic technology and pioneering treatments.
The screening tests and procedures we offer include:
The screening tests and procedures we offer include:
Anterior resection
A high or lower procedure to treat cancer of the rectum.
Appendicectomy
If you have appendicitis, our general surgeons can carry out an appendicectomy to remove it.
Bowel Cancer Screening
Screening for bowel and colorectal cancer. HCA UK has the facilities and expertise to screen for and diagnose bowel cancer.
Cholecystectomy
If you need to have your gallbladder removed, HCA UK provides open cholecystectomy.
Colonoscopy
A bowel examination, an effective way of diagnosing bowel conditions or removing colon polyps.
Colostomy reversal
If you've had a temporary colostomy, you'll need to have this procedure to restore bowel function.
Virtual colonoscopy
A CT colonoscopy - or virtual colonoscopy - is a minimally-invasive way of checking for colon diseases and colon cancer.
Private Endoscopy
We offer a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedures including gastroscopy, ERCP, colonoscopy, bronchoscopy and more.
Femoral hernia repair
If you have a lump pushing through the top of your inner thigh, it may be a femoral hernia. HCA UK's experts can help.
Hemicolectomy
A procedure to remove a diseased part of the colon.
Hiatus hernia repair
Keyhole or minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques are used during repair surgery.
Incisional hernia repair (recurrent)
If you've a lump pushing a previous surgery scar, it may be a recurrent incisional hernia. HCA UK can help.
Gastrointestinal laparoscopy
A procedure to investigate any problems you're having with your oesophagus, stomach, biliary system, pancreas or bowel.
Gastroscopy
This procedure is used as an investigation to help find out if there's a problem with the upper part of your digestive system.
Surgery for rectal prolapse
Minimally invasive surgery to repair a prolapsed rectum.
Surgery for piles (haemorrhoids)
Piles can be uncomfortable and cause irritation but they can easily be removed with a surgical procedure called a haemorrhoidectomy.
Umbilical hernia repair
Umbilical hernia surgery is a common procedure for infants and young children, particularly in babies born prematurely.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And, to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Personalised care at every stage
From the moment you get in contact, we want you to feel as confident and reassured as possible. One of the ways we can do this is to let you know what to expect while you’re with us.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. We’ll always take the time to explain what’s happening and make sure you’re completely comfortable with your treatment.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. We’ll always take the time to explain what’s happening and make sure you’re completely comfortable with your treatment.
01
Initial consultation
You’ll meet with a digestive health specialist to discuss your symptoms in detail. Whether it’s abdominal pain, reflux, bloating or changes in bowel habits, your consultant will listen carefully and begin planning the most appropriate next steps for you.
02
Tests and scans
Your consultant may recommend performing blood tests, stool samples, imaging or endoscopic procedures such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy. This will help them to build a clear picture of what’s going on, so they can come up with a fully personalised treatment plan.
03
Treatment
We offer a full range of treatments, including lifestyle changes, medication, advanced endoscopic techniques and surgery. Everything is designed around your needs, comfort and long-term health.
04
Follow-up and ongoing care
We’re here to support your digestive health every step of the way. That means we also offer routine check-ups and personalised follow-up plans to monitor your progress after treatment and help you manage any ongoing or long-term needs.
THE HARBORNE HOSPITAL
Everything you need in one place
Experience fully personalised, compassionate care in modern, comfortable and calm surroundings.
- Outpatient chemotherapy and radiotherapy units
- 50 private en-suite beds
- Four operating theatres
- On-site level 3 Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU)
- Walk-in urgent care centre
- On-site pharmacy services
- Free on-site parking
- Free Wi-Fi
Location
See a digestive health specialist at The Harborne Hospital in Birmingham.
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
Digestive health FAQs
We treat a wide range of digestive health conditions, from common concerns to complex issues, with expert care tailored to your needs. These include:
- Achalasia
- Acid reflux
- Anal fissure
- Anal fistula
- Anal pain
- Barrett’s oesophagus
- Bowel cancer
- Chronic constipation
- Coeliac disease
- Complex incisional hernia
- Crohn’s disease
- Diverticular disease
- Dyspepsia
- Epigastric hernia
- Femoral hernia
- Gallstones
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- Haemorrhoids
- Incisional hernia
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Inguinal hernia
- Parastomal hernia
- Inlet patch
- Peptic ulcers
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Peritoneal metastases from bowel and appendix cancer
- Periumbilical hernia
- Pilonidal sinus
- Polyps
- Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
- Rectal bleeding
- Recurrent incisional hernia
- Ulcerative colitis
- Upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers
If you're experiencing ongoing or unexplained symptoms affecting your digestive system, then you may need to see a gastroenterologist. These symptoms might include:
- Blood in your stool
- Changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
- Ongoing nausea or vomiting
- Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
- Persistent bloating, gas or indigestion
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
If your GP suspects you may have a digestive health issue, they can refer you to a gastroenterologist for further investigation and specialist care.
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is divided into two main sections – upper and lower – based on the part of the digestive system they involve:
- Upper GI refers to the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. Conditions typically affecting this area include: acid reflux, ulcers, and swallowing difficulties. Common investigations include gastroscopy.
- Lower GI includes the middle and lower section of the small intestine, the large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. Conditions may include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and bowel cancer. Common investigations include colonoscopy.
Your consultant will start with a detailed consultation and review of your symptoms and medical history. Depending on your condition, they may recommend further tests including:
- Gastroscopy (endoscopy): a thin, flexible tube with a camera is gently passed through your mouth to examine your oesophagus, stomach and the upper part of your small intestine.
- Blood tests: to check for signs of inflammation, infection or organ function.
- Stool tests: to detect infections, bleeding or digestive issues.
- Imaging: diagnostic tests including ultrasound, CT or MRI scans can help us to get a clearer view of your digestive organs, and inform your personalised treatment plan.
You don’t always need a referral to see a specialist – you can also book a private appointment directly if you’d like a faster diagnosis or peace of mind without the wait.
However, if you're using health insurance, most insurers will ask for a referral letter from a GP (NHS or private) before authorising treatment.
If you're unsure whether you need a referral, feel free to get in touch . Our team can advise you and will be happy to help.
Booking an appointment is simple. You can contact us directly by phone or book an appointment with a consultant of your choice. Our team will help match you with a suitable consultant based on your symptoms and preferences.
If you're using health insurance, you’ll need a referral letter from your GP before we can confirm your appointment. If you’re self-funding, you can book directly without a referral in most cases.
We offer flexible appointment times, including next-day availability at many of our locations.
We’ll always do our best to see you as quickly as possible, and can often arrange appointments in as little as 24 hours. If you need urgent care for symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or rectal bleeding, our Urgent Care Centre is open seven days a week. You can be seen without an appointment and most patients are triaged within 15 minutes**.
However – if you think your condition could be life threatening, you should dial 999 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.
However – if you think your condition could be life threatening, you should dial 999 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.
You’ll meet with a gastroenterology specialist to discuss your symptoms in detail. Whether it’s abdominal pain, reflux, bloating or changes in bowel habits, your consultant will listen carefully and begin planning the most appropriate next steps for you.
Yes we do. Our paediatric gastroenterology department is based at the Portland Hospital, London, where our multi-disciplinary team of leading paediatric gastroenterologists, nutritionists and radiologists provide care for children of all ages from newborns to young adults.
Yes. Early detection is key, and our team will help you choose the most appropriate screening based on your age, symptoms and medical history. This may include blood tests, stool tests, imaging, or endoscopic procedures such as a colonoscopy.
A gastroscopy involves gently passing a thin, flexible tube with a camera through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach and upper small intestine. A colonoscopy uses a similar approach via the rectum to examine the large bowel (colon).
These procedures are usually quick and carried out with sedation if needed, to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible. We’ll explain everything beforehand and support you throughout.
Yes. If you're staying with us as an inpatient, you’ll have access to our specialist dietitian, who can provide tailored nutritional advice during your hospital stay. They’ll work closely with your consultant and care team to support post-surgical recovery.
Yes. For certain procedures, we use the da Vinci robotic surgical system, which allows our surgeons to operate with enhanced precision. During your consultation, your consultant will discuss the most suitable option for your condition.
Our patients’ stories
“We offer a full range of surgery, from minor general procedures like hernia repair to complex colorectal surgery, including bowel cancer treatment and advanced cytoreductive surgery with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy.”
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