Gastroenterology

About this service

The Gastrointestinal and Hepatology department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital looks after patients with stomach and intestinal problems. Our specialist team is renowned for their delivery of high quality, patient­-focused care.

We see patients both as inpatients and outpatients, whether for ongoing management and treatment for a long-term condition, for surgery or simply for screening purposes.

Gastroenterology Inpatients

We see a wide variety of emergency patients with problems such as acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage, colitis, hepatobiliary disease and decompensated liver disease. These patients are usually admitted through the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) and then transferred to Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, our specialist 29-bed gastrointestinal ward.

Gastroenterology Outpatients

Our outpatient clinics take place at both Royal Cornwall Hospital and West Cornwall Hospital and at outreach clinics at St Austell, Bodmin, Redruth, Hayle, Helston and the Isles of Scilly.

Most are general gastroenterology clinics but we also hold clinics specifically for:

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Hepatology.
  • Hepatitis C and alcohol-related liver disease (nurse-led and based in Redruth Hospital)

We also run telephone clinics for :

  • Coeliac disease
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Jaundice hot-line
  • Dysphagia clinic
  • Direct referrals to investigate iron deficiency

Bowel Cancer Screening in Cornwall

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK. If it’s detected at an early stage, before symptoms appear, it’s easier to treat and you are more likely to survive. All men and women in Cornwall between the ages of 60 and 74 are invited for screening every two years. People over age 74 can also request a screening kit from the programme hub on the freephone number below.

Find out more about bowel cancer screening below.

Colorectal Cancer

We look after patients who have been diagnosed with anal, rectal and colon cancers. We also work with our colleagues in upper gastrointestinal to care for patients with carcinoid tumours.

Endoscopy Services

We use endoscopy, where we use a long, thin and flexible tube with a light and camera at one end, to investigate, diagnose and treat a full range of gastrointestinal conditions.

We have two specialist endoscopy suites at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro and West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance, where we offer a full range of endoscopic procedures, including;

  • Diagnostic and therapeutic gastroscopy
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy
  • Colonoscopy (with scope guide)
  • Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)
  • Capsule endoscopy
  • Enteroscopy
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
  • Oesophageal stenting
  • Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)
  • Argon beam therapy

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The Gastroenterology department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital cares for more than 2000 patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the majority of whom are suffering with either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Find out more about IBD below.

Contact information

Bowel Cancer Screening

Colorectal Cancer

Telephone: 01872 252693

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

  • 24-hour IBD Helpline Service: 01872 252178 (Leave a message. In your message, please tell us clearly your full name, hospital number or date of birth, along with a contact number and best time to call. One of our IBD nurses will call you back as soon as possible – usually within 2 working days. Please don’t call the helpline if it’s an emergency, contact your GP or call NHS 111. Dial 999 or come to the Emergency Department if you think your condition is life threatening.)
  • Email: rch-tr.IBDnurse@nhs.net

Where to find us

Our clinics are held in the main outpatient department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. We hold clinics at other hospitals sometimes, and several virtual clinics (video or telephone).

Any directions and instructions will be provided to you in your appointment letters; please read them carefully before attending. Please speak to a member of staff if you cannot find your way.

Information about bowel cancer screening

This content is supplied by the NHS website nhs.uk

Information about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

This content is supplied by the NHS website nhs.uk

Page last reviewed: 9 May 2023

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