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 Richardson was very professional and extremely knowledgeable. He took me through the whole process with great care. I could not have asked for better.
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonDr. Runau’s treatment, care, and support throughout the entire process were exceptional. Communication was clear and reassuring, everything was handled efficiently, and I always felt well informed and supported. Most importantly, the treatment worked. A truly great experience and a fantastic doctor. I would highly recommend Dr. Runau.
— Patient of Franscois RunauExperienced, kind and Professional ….. wishing Jonathan all the success always that he so deserves
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonMr Richardson is very professional. Everything was clearly explained in a kind, compassionate, reassuring manner. I did not feel rushed and all questions were fully answered in an easy to understand language.
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonMr Richardson is always polite..he explains everything well and although very professional makes you feel at ease..lovely man would highly recommend
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonMs Addison was very pleasant and understanding to my problems as well as extra knowledgeable. She was very confident that she could help me and had several suggestions and options to deal with these issues. She also advised me that I could request to see her if I had any further concerns which was very reassuring. I would highly recommend her.
— Patient of Sarah AddisonWas made to feel at ease at once. Left feeling positive at the next step explained by Ms Addison.
— Patient of Sarah AddisonEXTREMELY happy with my surgery, how Nuffield and Dr Arun looked after me from first consultation, fast turnaround for surgery, pre and post surgery care and outpatient follow up. Highly recommended! Ben H
— Patient of Chokkalingam ArunCame in for post op hernia check. A positive outcome. Thanks
— Patient of Simon RadleyAlways a pleasure to meet with Mr Radley He has always been very welcoming warm and always with a smile makes you feel very at ease and comfortable. Mr Radley listens and always explains fully his findings and future plans for any treatment and is happy to allay any fears you may have about procedures or treatments. I have been a patient of Mr Radleys for more than ten years and have had no hesitation to recommend him to many of my friends.
— Patient of Simon RadleyMr Richardson was very professional and extremely knowledgeable. He took me through the whole process with great care. I could not have asked for better.
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonDr. Runau’s treatment, care, and support throughout the entire process were exceptional. Communication was clear and reassuring, everything was handled efficiently, and I always felt well informed and supported. Most importantly, the treatment worked. A truly great experience and a fantastic doctor. I would highly recommend Dr. Runau.
— Patient of Franscois RunauExperienced, kind and Professional ….. wishing Jonathan all the success always that he so deserves
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonMr Richardson is very professional. Everything was clearly explained in a kind, compassionate, reassuring manner. I did not feel rushed and all questions were fully answered in an easy to understand language.
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonMr Richardson is always polite..he explains everything well and although very professional makes you feel at ease..lovely man would highly recommend
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonMs Addison was very pleasant and understanding to my problems as well as extra knowledgeable. She was very confident that she could help me and had several suggestions and options to deal with these issues. She also advised me that I could request to see her if I had any further concerns which was very reassuring. I would highly recommend her.
— Patient of Sarah AddisonWas made to feel at ease at once. Left feeling positive at the next step explained by Ms Addison.
— Patient of Sarah AddisonEXTREMELY happy with my surgery, how Nuffield and Dr Arun looked after me from first consultation, fast turnaround for surgery, pre and post surgery care and outpatient follow up. Highly recommended! Ben H
— Patient of Chokkalingam ArunCame in for post op hernia check. A positive outcome. Thanks
— Patient of Simon RadleyAlways a pleasure to meet with Mr Radley He has always been very welcoming warm and always with a smile makes you feel very at ease and comfortable. Mr Radley listens and always explains fully his findings and future plans for any treatment and is happy to allay any fears you may have about procedures or treatments. I have been a patient of Mr Radleys for more than ten years and have had no hesitation to recommend him to many of my friends.
— Patient of Simon RadleyMeet our specialisrs
- RL
Mr Richard Lovegrove
General Surgery, Colorectal
MB BS MD FRCS
Available from 31/01/2026Mr Richard Lovegrove is a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon providing private care at Spire South Bank Hospital (Worcester) and The Droitwich Spa Hospital (Droitwich). He specialises in colorectal surgery, hernias, haemorrhoids and inflammatory bowel disease. With expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, he helps people understand their options and feel confident that investigations and treatment are safe and tailored to their needs.
Specialises in 9 procedures
- Umbilical Hernia Repair
- Banding of Haemorrhoids
- Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
DroitwichSpire South Bank HospitalThe Droitwich Spa Hospital5.00 • 10 Reviews26 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 4718653Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SR
Mr Simon Radley
Colorectal, General Surgery
MB CHB, MD, FRCS
Available from 03/02/2026Mr 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 Hospital4.99 • 123 Reviews41 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 3063565Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SA
Ms Sarah Addison
Colorectal, General Surgery
MB ChB ,FRCSEd (Gen Surg)
Available from 05/02/2026Miss 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 Hospital5.00 • 4 Reviews30 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 4291798Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SP
Mr Steve Pandey
General Surgery, Colorectal
MBBS, FRCS (Gen Surgery)
Available from 05/02/2026Mr Steve Pandey is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at Spire South Bank Hospital (Worcester). He specialises in bowel cancer surgery and advanced keyhole colorectal procedures, including minimally invasive treatments for haemorrhoids, fistulas and pilonidal disease. Known for his calm, compassionate approach, he explains options clearly and supports patients with personalised, evidence-based care throughout treatment.
Specialises in 9 procedures
- Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
- Umbilical Hernia Repair
- Banding of Haemorrhoids
- Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
WorcestershireSpire South Bank Hospital30 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 5208300Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - CA
Mr Chuk Abraham-Igwe
Colorectal, General Surgery
MBBS Nig, MSc, DIC, FRCS (Gen.Surg)
Available from 06/02/2026Mr 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 Hospital34 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 5188266Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SW
Mr Stephen Ward
Colorectal, General Surgery
BSc (Hons), MB BS, PhD, FRCS
Available from 06/02/2026Mr 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 Hospital5.00 • 8 Reviews23 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6075264Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - UI
Mr Ugochukwu Ihedioha
General Surgery, Colorectal
MB BCh, FRCS, MD
Available from 12/02/2026Mr Ugochukwu Ihedioha is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at Three Shires Hospital (Northampton). He specialises in minimally invasive surgery for bowel symptoms, colorectal cancer and hernias. He also treats haemorrhoids and other benign anorectal problems. Patients describe him as clear and considerate; he explains diagnoses and options carefully, so treatment feels safe and tailored to individual needs.
Specialises in 10 procedures
- Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
- Banding of Haemorrhoids
- Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
- HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation
NorthamptonThree Shires Hospital5.00 • 1 Review27 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 5205493Book 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 Hospital5.00 • 1 Review26 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6038405Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included