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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
See what our patients have to say
Mr ward - Excellent manner, professionalism and advice with clear next steps and options to review. Very reassuring from an obvious leading consultant in their field and excellent response to questions.
— Patient of Stephen WardI was. seen for a bowel surgery. I was very happy with the whole experience. A very personal, caring surgeon. Thank you so much
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisSimon is always there for support if I have any questions. Since my bowel resection surgery I have reached out to him when I have had any questions, he’s always available to help me. I feel very supported and extremely lucky to have Simon supporting, I always feel he is rooting for me to get well
— Patient of Simon RadleyHe was absolutely a gentleman . He had a lot of knowledge, listened to me, showed sympathy and explained everything
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonDr Radley was kind, informative and professional,. He took the time to listen to my concerns and put my mind at rest with a plan going forward. Couldn't recommend him highly enough. Such a lovely man.
— Patient of Simon RadleyDr Richardson was professional from the beginning. Informed me of all the details of procedures. Very supportive and would definitely recommend him.
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonAll fine thanks - very helpful and reassuring.
— Patient of Simon RadleyVery informative and professional
— Patient of Stephen WardFor me Personally Mr Radley has given me a life, maybe to some a "strong statement" I had symptoms back in August of 2022 and ended up with an emergency admission to Worcester Royal with Euro Sepsis, fortunately it was caught just in time, a CT scan revealed holes in by bowel and bladder, the hospital performed a Colonoscopy and i was told "some things are better off left alone" over the following years i had numerous UTI's and hospital stays, the last in June 2025 when i have to say it frightened my children to the point they were expecting to loose me, even the hospital talked DNR. Mr Radley was recommended by another surgeon as "the best in his field" I cannot put into words how this unbelievably talented and compassionate human being has changed my life, i now feel like i am emerging from the dark, everything is brighter ( i mean that literally) I had surgery on a Tuesday left The Harborne on Friday, stopped painkillers on Saturday with an upward trajectory for 2 weeks, plateau for 5 days and after 4 weeks feel like a new person with a life worth living. The Man is a Genius.
— Patient of Simon RadleyMr Radley was very professional and caring on the day of my hospital visit. Always nice to see him and thank you. It was a very swift and well organised procedure. All staff kind and caring.
— Patient of Simon RadleyMr ward - Excellent manner, professionalism and advice with clear next steps and options to review. Very reassuring from an obvious leading consultant in their field and excellent response to questions.
— Patient of Stephen WardI was. seen for a bowel surgery. I was very happy with the whole experience. A very personal, caring surgeon. Thank you so much
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisSimon is always there for support if I have any questions. Since my bowel resection surgery I have reached out to him when I have had any questions, he’s always available to help me. I feel very supported and extremely lucky to have Simon supporting, I always feel he is rooting for me to get well
— Patient of Simon RadleyHe was absolutely a gentleman . He had a lot of knowledge, listened to me, showed sympathy and explained everything
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonDr Radley was kind, informative and professional,. He took the time to listen to my concerns and put my mind at rest with a plan going forward. Couldn't recommend him highly enough. Such a lovely man.
— Patient of Simon RadleyDr Richardson was professional from the beginning. Informed me of all the details of procedures. Very supportive and would definitely recommend him.
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonAll fine thanks - very helpful and reassuring.
— Patient of Simon RadleyVery informative and professional
— Patient of Stephen WardFor me Personally Mr Radley has given me a life, maybe to some a "strong statement" I had symptoms back in August of 2022 and ended up with an emergency admission to Worcester Royal with Euro Sepsis, fortunately it was caught just in time, a CT scan revealed holes in by bowel and bladder, the hospital performed a Colonoscopy and i was told "some things are better off left alone" over the following years i had numerous UTI's and hospital stays, the last in June 2025 when i have to say it frightened my children to the point they were expecting to loose me, even the hospital talked DNR. Mr Radley was recommended by another surgeon as "the best in his field" I cannot put into words how this unbelievably talented and compassionate human being has changed my life, i now feel like i am emerging from the dark, everything is brighter ( i mean that literally) I had surgery on a Tuesday left The Harborne on Friday, stopped painkillers on Saturday with an upward trajectory for 2 weeks, plateau for 5 days and after 4 weeks feel like a new person with a life worth living. The Man is a Genius.
— Patient of Simon RadleyMr Radley was very professional and caring on the day of my hospital visit. Always nice to see him and thank you. It was a very swift and well organised procedure. All staff kind and caring.
— Patient of Simon RadleyMeet our specialists in bowel health
- SR
Mr Simon Radley
Colorectal, General Surgery
MB CHB, MD, FRCS
Available from 28/04/2026Mr Simon Radley is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham), The Priory Hospital (Birmingham) and The Droitwich Spa Hospital (Droitwich Spa). With over 25 years’ consultant experience, he specialises in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery for colorectal conditions and hernias. Patients value his clear explanations and steady, patient-centred care from first assessment through diagnosis, surgery and recovery.
Specialises in 13 procedures
- Banding of Haemorrhoids
- HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation
- Colonoscopy
- Incisional Hernia Repair
BirminghamThe Priory HospitalThe Droitwich Spa HospitalThe Harborne Hospital41 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 3063565Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - JR
Mr Jonathan Richardson
Colorectal, General Surgery
MB, ChB, PGCMedED, MD, FRCS(Eng)
Available from 13/05/2026Mr Jonathan Richardson is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at The Priory Hospital (Birmingham) and The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham). He treats hernias, haemorrhoids and a wide range of colorectal problems, using laparoscopic and open techniques. Patients value his calm, analytical style and the way he explains investigations and results step by step before agreeing treatment.
Specialises in 12 procedures
- HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation
- Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
- Umbilical Hernia Repair
- Banding of Haemorrhoids
BirminghamThe Priory Hospital21 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6122354Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SW
Mr Stephen Ward
Colorectal, General Surgery
BSc (Hons), MB BS, PhD, FRCS
Available from 01/05/2026Mr Stephen Ward is a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon providing private care at The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham) and The Priory Hospital (Birmingham). He specialises in keyhole surgery for bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, hernias and anal fistula disease. His practice offers clear explanations, modern techniques and carefully coordinated care so people feel informed, reassured and supported throughout treatment and follow up.
Specialises in 5 procedures
- Incisional Hernia Repair
- Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
- Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
- Recurrent Incisional Hernia Repair
The Harborne HospitalThe Priory Hospital23 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6075264Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SA
Ms Sarah Addison
Colorectal, General Surgery
MB ChB ,FRCSEd (Gen Surg)
Available from 07/05/2026Miss Sarah Addison is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at The Priory Hospital (Birmingham) and The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham). She treats bowel symptoms, benign colorectal conditions, pelvic floor problems and hernias, using laparoscopic techniques where suitable. By explaining investigations and options in straightforward language, she helps people feel safe, informed and involved in planning treatment that fits their needs.
Specialises in 12 procedures
- Banding of Haemorrhoids
- Colonoscopy
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation
BirminghamThe Priory HospitalThe Harborne Hospital30 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 4291798Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - MC
Ms Melissa Cunha
General Surgery, Colorectal
MD, PhD, FRCS
Miss Melissa Cunha is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham). She treats colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and benign bowel problems using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. She also manages rectal bleeding and long-standing bowel changes. Known for her warm, clear manner, she explains tests and treatment options simply, so care feels safe and well supported.
The Harborne HospitalThe Priory Hospital26 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6038405Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - CA
Mr Chuk Abraham-Igwe
Colorectal, General Surgery
MBBS Nig, MSc, DIC, FRCS (Gen.Surg)
Available from 08/05/2026Mr Chuk Abraham-Igwe is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham) and The Priory Hospital (Birmingham). He treats abdominal wall hernias, anorectal problems and bowel symptoms, and performs colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and hernia repair. With expertise in abdominal wall reconstruction, he takes time to explain each step, so people feel supported through recovery.
Specialises in 13 procedures
- Banding of Haemorrhoids
- Colonoscopy
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation
BirminghamThe Priory HospitalThe Harborne Hospital34 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 5188266Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - VK
Dr Victoria Kunene
Oncology
MBChB, MRCP, MSc
Dr Victoria Kunene is a Consultant Medical Oncologist providing private care at The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham). She specialises in gastrointestinal cancers, including oesophageal, stomach, pancreatic, biliary and colorectal cancers and cancers of unknown primary. Using chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy where appropriate, she works closely with the wider team and provides clear, compassionate explanations so treatment plans feel personal, evidence based and well supported.
The Harborne Hospital28 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6044698Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included