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Gastroenterology care
FIT to colonoscopy service
- Direct access for patients with a positive qFIT test
- JAG-accredited* endoscopy centres
- Accurate screening for a quick diagnosis
- GP referral required
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FIT to colonoscopy service at HCA UK
Why choose us for your colonoscopy?
At HCA UK, our JAG-accredited, state-of-the-art endoscopy centres offer a fast diagnosis for asymptomatic patients with a positive qFiT result, without the need for a consultation.
Our expert endoscopists use the latest endoscopic techniques to detect polyps and tumours, with biopsy results in as little as 48 hours.
A colonoscopy is a bowel examination that uses an endoscope (a narrow, flexible tube with a light and camera on one end) to look at the large bowel in detail. If you’ve had a positive FIT test, a colonoscopy is likely to find the cause. It allows our experts to take a closer look at your colon and rectum and diagnose conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticular disease and haemorrhoids.
It’s also one of the most accurate screening methods for bowel cancer – one of the most common types of cancer and, if diagnosed early, very treatable. If your consultant notices anything of concern, they can take a tissue sample or remove precancerous polyps by passing another instrument through the endoscope. Colonoscopic removal of most polyps prevents cancers from occurring.
FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) is a test that looks for blood in a stool sample. It can detect tiny traces of blood that you might not be able to see.
Traces of blood in your stools can be caused by a number of medical conditions and doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cancer. However, if it is cancer, we'll get you straight to one of our leading cancer experts so your treatment can be started as quickly as possible. Finding it at an early stage means treatment is more likely to be successful.
If you’d like to have a FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) test, which checks for bleeding in your gastrointestinal tract, you can access this through our private GP services.
Like all cancers, early detection means a better chance of successful treatment. Don’t wait for symptoms to act: Early-stage bowel cancer has a five-year survival rate of over 90%, compared to less than 10% for advanced stages of the disease*.
*Source: Cancer Research UK
If you have no bowel cancer symptoms and your FIT test result is 10 or more, your GP can refer you to this service. They will need to fill out the form here.
No, there’s no need for a consultation first – our bowel cancer access pathway offers a direct colonoscopy for patients with a positive qFiT result and no symptoms. If you have a family history of early colon cancer or a complex medical condition, we can arrange for you to see one of our consultants before your procedure to discuss any concerns you may have in more detail.
Expert care
More than 5,000 colonoscopies performed in the last year
No consultation needed
Get quick access to a colonoscopy for a fast diagnosis
Accessible and convenient screening
Fast-track colonoscopies available at two central London hospitals, the Princess Grace and the Wellington Hospitals.
Where can I go for my FIT to colonoscopy service?
We have two JAG-accredited, state-of-the-art endoscopy centres in central London for you to choose from. Your procedure will be carried out by our specialists in our state-of-the-art facilities.
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Your patient journey
Your FIT to colonoscopy with HCA UK
When you choose our FIT to colonoscopy service, it means exactly that. You won’t need to have to have a consultation first. You’ll be given direct access to an immediate colonoscopy under our bowel cancer pathway.
We understand that you’re likely to be feeling anxious before your procedure. Our specialist endoscopy nurses will be on hand to guide and support you before your colonoscopy, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
We like patients to have as much information as possible before a procedure, so the following should give you a good idea of what to expect.
01
Before your colonoscopy
Once we receive the referral from your GP, we’ll be in touch to book your procedure appointment and your initial assessment with one of our specialist endoscopy nurses.
You’ll also be sent a medical questionnaire to complete and return. The nurse will go through your questionnaire with you at a time that suits to determine whether you’re eligible to go straight to test.
Don’t worry if you’re not eligible for any reason, it just means we’ll book you in for an initial consultation with one of our consultants instead. If you are eligible, the nurse will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your colonoscopy. This will include dietary changes, and medication management.
02
During your colonoscopy
You'll be offered a sedative injection to help you relax. Your consultant will ask you to lie on your left side. When you're comfortable, they'll pass a narrow, flexible tube with a camera on one end (endoscope) carefully through your anus to your bowel. They'll examine the images from the camera, as it moves through your body, on a large screen.
To help your consultant see your bowel more clearly, a small amount of carbon dioxide will be pumped through the tube to your bowel. If they notice any problems, your consultant will take a tissue sample using an instrument that is passed through the endoscope. They may also remove any polyps to prevent them from becoming cancerous.
The procedure takes around 30 minutes.
03
After your colonoscopy
If you were given a sedative, we'll ask you to wait with us until it wears off. You won't be able to drive that day, so please arrange for someone to take you home.
You’ll get your results before you leave, along with a written report. If a biopsy was taken, or a polyp removed, these results will be available within 48 hours, if an urgent answer is required. A histology report will be sent within two weeks. If no polyps were found, we recommend that you take another FIT test in two years.
You should be fine to get back to your usual routine the next day. It's normal to feel bloated and windy immediately after your colonoscopy, but these symptoms shouldn't last too long. You might also have some stomach cramps. If you start to bleed heavily or experience pain, let your consultant know straight away. You should avoid flying for two weeks, particularly long-haul, if you’ve had a polypectomy. Very rarely (1:1,000), there’s a risk of bleeding or perforation (tearing) of the bowel lining during a colonoscopy.
04
Onwards referral (if necessary)
If you’re diagnosed with bowel cancer following your colonoscopy, you’ll be referred to our leading team of cancer experts, who’ll recommend a personalised treatment and care plan based on your individual needs, after discussion at one of our multidisciplinary meetings, which includes expert consultant surgeons, radiologists, oncologists and gastroenterologists.
Accessing private healthcare
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 procedure, 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.
Please ask your GP to book you in to our FIT to colonoscopy service if you’ve had a positive qFIT test following bowel screening.
If you’d like to have a qFIT test, you can book to see one of our private GPs.
FIT to colonoscopy service FAQs
Our FIT to colonoscopy service is suitable for both insured patients and those who are self-pay. Please get in touch with colonoscopy@hcahealthcare.co.uk to get a self-pay package quote.
Our FIT to colonoscopy service is for patients with no symptoms. The main indications of serious bowel disease are rectal bleeding and a change in bowel habit. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s very important to have them investigated by a specialist.
At HCA UK, you’ll have quick access to world-leading gastroenterologists and the latest diagnostic technologies and techniques to provide you with a quick diagnosis.
The most common symptoms of bowel cancer are:
- An unexplained and persistent change in your bowel habits
- Blood in your stool or bleeding from your bottom
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain in your stomach or a noticeable lump in your stomach
- Fatigue (extreme and unexplained tiredness)
If you have any new, persistent, or unusual symptoms, or you feel something is wrong, even if it’s not covered in the list above, you should get checked by a gastroenterologist.
If you have close relatives who’ve had bowel cancer, you might be at a higher risk of developing the disease and should consider screening.
Age is also a factor. More than nine out of 10 cases of bowel cancer (94%) are diagnosed in people over the age of 50*, so we’d advise patients to begin regular screening around this age.
Lifestyle factors, such as obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and a diet high in red or processed meat can also increase your risk of bowel cancer.
*Source: Bowel Cancer UK
“Dr Sean Preston is an exceptional consultant; clinically excellent with an attentive and reassuring manner. He listens carefully and explains things clearly.”
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*JAG accreditation is awarded to high-quality gastrointestinal endoscopy services.