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

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

Really personable and relatable , put all fears at rest .

Patient of Simon Radley

Upon recent visit with Mr ward, he was thorough and clear. I felt listened to and happy with the discussion following my consultation.

Patient of Stephen Ward

Amazing dr

Patient of Simon Radley

Friendly welcome and the staff make you feel at ease and relaxed

Patient of Melissa Cunha

Appointment on time & given plenty of time to fully discuss

Patient of Simon Radley

Mr Richardson is excellent professional very reassuring and in my opinion someone you feel you can trust

Patient of Jonathan Richardson

I experienced an amazing visit. Mr Radley explained everything to me pre and post opp. The recovery procedure was first class. Thank you very much I’m praying that I will not require hospital treatment ever again but for those who may, I will recommend The Harborne Hospital.

Patient of Simon Radley

Mr Radley was calm, calming, professional and confidence inspiring from start to finish.

Patient of Simon Radley

I received special attention and perfect professional ethics.

Patient of Jonathan Richardson

Mr Richardson was supportive and provided clear answers to my questions.

Patient of Jonathan Richardson
Our Specialists

Meet our specialists in bowel health

  • SR

    Mr Simon Radley

    Colorectal, General Surgery

    MB CHB, MD, FRCS

    Available from 14/04/2026

    Mr 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
    See full profile
    Birmingham
    The Priory Hospital
    The Droitwich Spa Hospital
    The Harborne Hospital
    41 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 3063565
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included
  • JR

    Mr Jonathan Richardson

    Colorectal, General Surgery

    MB, ChB, PGCMedED, MD, FRCS(Eng)

    Available from 08/04/2026

    Mr 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
    See full profile
    Birmingham
    The Priory Hospital
    21 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6122354
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included
  • SW

    Mr Stephen Ward

    Colorectal, General Surgery

    BSc (Hons), MB BS, PhD, FRCS

    Available from 10/04/2026

    Mr 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
    See full profile
    The Harborne Hospital
    The Priory Hospital
    23 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6075264
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included
  • SA

    Ms Sarah Addison

    Colorectal, General Surgery

    MB ChB ,FRCSEd (Gen Surg)

    Available from 09/04/2026

    Miss 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
    See full profile
    Birmingham
    The Priory Hospital
    The Harborne Hospital
    30 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 4291798
    Book Appointment
    Free 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 Hospital
    The Priory Hospital
    26 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6038405
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included
  • CA

    Mr Chuk Abraham-Igwe

    Colorectal, General Surgery

    MBBS Nig, MSc, DIC, FRCS (Gen.Surg)

    Available from 17/04/2026

    Mr 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
    See full profile
    Birmingham
    The Priory Hospital
    The Harborne Hospital
    34 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 5188266
    Book Appointment
    Free 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 Hospital
    28 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6044698
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included

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Clarity in care

Frequently Asked Questions