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
Quick and efficient
— Patient of Stephen WardReally 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 RadleyI felt that I was in good hands and he would help anyway he could and explained everything every step of thevwY
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonBeyond expectation.
— Patient of Simon RadleyVery professional went over all options that are relevant to my health situation.Explained procedures that will be put in place going forward
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonVery professional. Excellent experience
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonVery happy with my review from Prof Richardson.
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonCare and attention, seen on time and never rushed.
— Patient of Simon RadleyQuick and efficient
— Patient of Stephen WardReally 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 RadleyI felt that I was in good hands and he would help anyway he could and explained everything every step of thevwY
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonBeyond expectation.
— Patient of Simon RadleyVery professional went over all options that are relevant to my health situation.Explained procedures that will be put in place going forward
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonVery professional. Excellent experience
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonVery happy with my review from Prof Richardson.
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonCare and attention, seen on time and never rushed.
— Patient of Simon RadleyMeet our specialisrs
- SR
Mr Simon Radley
Colorectal Surgeon
MB CHB, MD, FRCS
Available from 12/9/2025Mr 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
BirminghamThe Priory HospitalThe Droitwich Spa HospitalThe Harborne Hospital5.00 • 83 Reviews40 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 3063565Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SA
Ms Sarah Addison
Colorectal Surgeon
MB ChB ,FRCSEd (Gen Surg)
Available from 12/12/2025Miss 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
BirminghamThe Priory HospitalThe Harborne Hospital5.00 • 2 Reviews29 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 4291798Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SW
Mr Stephen Ward
Colorectal Surgeon
BSc (Hons), MB BS, PhD, FRCS
Available from 12/12/2025Mr 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.
The Harborne HospitalThe Priory Hospital5.00 • 3 Reviews22 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6075264Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - JR
Mr Jonathan Richardson
Colorectal Surgeon
MB, ChB, PGCMedED, MD, FRCS(Eng)
Available from 12/17/2025Mr 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 Hospital5.00 • 6 Reviews20 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6122354Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - CA
Mr Chuk Abraham-Igwe
Colorectal Surgeon
MBBS Nig, MSc, DIC, FRCS (Gen.Surg)
Available from 12/19/2025Mr 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 particular expertise in abdominal wall reconstruction, he gives clear explanations of treatment and recovery so people know what to expect at each stage.
Specialises in 13 procedures
- Banding of Haemorrhoids
- Colonoscopy
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation
BirminghamThe Priory Hospital33 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 5188266Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - DM
Mr David McArthur
Colorectal Surgeon
MBChB, MRCS (Ed), MD, FRCSEd (Gen Surg)
Mr David McArthur is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at Spire Parkway Hospital (Solihull). He treats colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, haemorrhoids and hernias, and performs laparoscopic hernia repair, colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Fellowship trained in laparoscopic colorectal surgery, he gives clear explanations of tests, treatment options and recovery, so people understand their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Specialises in 9 procedures
- Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
- Umbilical Hernia Repair
- Banding of Haemorrhoids
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
BirminghamSpire Parkway Hospital5.00 • 21 Reviews27 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 4502757Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included