Bowel health

From digestive discomfort to long-term bowel concerns, our specialists provide clear answers, fast access to testing and expert care – so you can feel like yourself again.

man holding stomach in pain

Free Booking Protection

If the specialist you book isn’t suitable for your needs, we’ll cover a rebooking to someone who is. See our T&Cs for more.

Private bowel care from trusted specialists

Our specialists understand that bowel symptoms can feel worrying or uncomfortable to talk about, but they’re incredibly common and most causes are easily treatable. Whether you’re experiencing changes in your bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding, or bloating, we’re here to listen, investigate, and help you find clarity. From early diagnosis to ongoing management, we make bowel care straightforward, discreet and focused entirely on you.

Common bowel symptoms to look out for

Bowel changes are common, but persistent symptoms are always worth investigating. Knowing what to look out for can help you take action early and get the right support.

Changes in bowel habit

Ongoing diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between the two can be a sign that your bowel isn’t working as it should.

Blood in your stool

Even small amounts of blood should always be checked – it can be minor, but it can also be an early sign of something more sinister.

Abdominal pain or discomfort

Persistent pain, bloating, or cramping can signal inflammation or other bowel issues that benefit from early assessment.

Unexplained weight loss

Losing weight without trying can sometimes be linked to digestive conditions and should always be discussed with a specialist.

Fatigue or anaemia

Low iron or constant tiredness can result from blood loss in the bowel – a sign that further investigation might be needed.

A feeling of incomplete emptying

Feeling like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels can happen with IBS, inflammation or rectal conditions. If it keeps happening, book an assessment so we can check the cause.


Abdominal health

Understanding your bowel symptoms

Changes in your bowel habits – diarrhoea, constipation or a difference in your stool – can have many causes. Our consultants assess your symptoms carefully to identify what’s going on and get you on the right path to treatment.

Blood in your stool (rectal bleeding) should always be checked. It is often caused by common conditions such as haemorrhoids or fissures, but sometimes further investigation is needed. If you notice bleeding, book an assessment so we can advise on the right next steps.

woman flushing toilet
Bowel health

Noticed changes?

If you’ve noticed changes in your bowel habits, persistent bloating, pain, or blood in your stool, it’s worth getting checked – even if your symptoms seem mild. Take our 2 minute bowel symptom checker quiz to understand if you need to see a specialist.

female doctor explaining results to female patient

See what our patients have to say

Quick and efficient

Patient of Stephen Ward

Really pleased with how everything went. Hospital staff were all polite and attentive and procedure seemed to go very well (no discomfort). Sandwich was also very nice!

Patient of Simon Radley

Beyond expectation.

Patient of Simon Radley

Care and attention, seen on time and never rushed.

Patient of Simon Radley

A very efficient , professional and pleasant experience. Service was very friendly and prime. Mr Radley explained my options and answered my questions clearly and listened to my concerns. My visit could not have been bette or improved.

Patient of Simon Radley

Mr Radley was excellent as always. Professional, friendly and made me feel comfortable.

Patient of Simon Radley

A down to earth man who explains complicated conditions in simple language.

Patient of Simon Radley

Very clear as to the procedure, what was involved, risks etc but calm and confident in the proposed route agreed.

Patient of Simon Radley
Bowel experts

Meet our specialisrs

  • SA

    Ms Sarah Addison

    Colorectal Surgeon

    MB ChB ,FRCSEd (Gen Surg)

    Available from 11/27/2025

    Miss Sarah Addison is a consultant colorectal and general surgeon offering private care at The Priory Hospital and HCA The Harborne Hospital, Birmingham. She specialises in colorectal surgery, hernia repairs, and haemorrhoid treatments. With advanced expertise in pelvic floor disorders, she provides personalised, patient-focused care for a wide range of conditions.

    Specialises in 12 procedures

    • Banding of Haemorrhoids
    • Colonoscopy
    • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
    • HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation
    See full profile
    Birmingham
    The Priory Hospital
    The Harborne Hospital
    5.00 • 2 Reviews
    29 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 4291798
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included
  • SR

    Mr Simon Radley

    Colorectal Surgeon

    MB CHB, MD, FRCS

    Available from 12/4/2025

    Mr Simon Radley is a consultant colorectal and general surgeon providing expert care at The Harborne Hospital and The Priory Hospital in Birmingham, and Droitwich Spa Hospital. Specialising in laparoscopic and robotic surgery for hernias and colorectal conditions, he delivers advanced, patient-focused treatments with excellent outcomes and quicker recovery times.

    Specialises in 13 procedures

    • Banding of Haemorrhoids
    • HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation
    • Colonoscopy
    • Incisional Hernia Repair
    See full profile
    Birmingham
    The Priory Hospital
    The Droitwich Spa Hospital
    The Harborne Hospital
    5.00 • 83 Reviews
    40 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 3063565
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included
  • DM

    Mr David McArthur

    Colorectal Surgeon

    MBChB, MRCS (Ed), MD, FRCSEd (Gen Surg)

    Mr David McArthur is a consultant colorectal, general, and laparoscopic surgeon offering private care at Spire Parkway Hospital, Solihull. He specialises in hernia surgery, haemorrhoid treatments, colonoscopy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy. With extensive expertise in minimally invasive techniques, he provides personalised, high-quality care focused on effective treatment and faster recovery.

    Specialises in 9 procedures

    • Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
    • Umbilical Hernia Repair
    • Banding of Haemorrhoids
    • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
    See full profile
    Birmingham
    Spire Parkway Hospital
    5.00 • 21 Reviews
    27 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 4502757
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included
  • SW

    Mr Stephen Ward

    Colorectal Surgeon

    BSc (Hons), MB BS, PhD, FRCS

    Mr Stephen Ward is a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. He specialises in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and hernia repair, combining advanced surgical skill with a strong background in cancer research and clinical leadership.

    5.00 • 3 Reviews
    22 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6075264
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included

Your health, on your terms

Clarity in care

Frequently Asked Questions