Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Clinic

Specialist diagnosis, treatment planning and ongoing support for IBD

At New Victoria Hospital, our specialist Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Clinic provides expert assessment, diagnosis and ongoing management for patients with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and suspected IBD.

Led by Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Rishi Goel, our dedicated team offers personalised consultations, access to diagnostic investigations and support with long-term disease management in a private hospital environment.

Whether you have recently developed symptoms, received an abnormal test result, are seeking a second opinion or need ongoing monitoring, our specialists can help you understand your condition and explore the next steps in your care.

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation within the digestive system. The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Although both conditions involve inflammation, they affect different areas of the digestive system and require personalised approaches to care.

IBD can affect people of all ages, although it is often diagnosed in younger adults. Symptoms can vary over time, with periods where the condition is well controlled and times when symptoms flare or become more difficult to manage.

With specialist support, many people with IBD are able to manage their symptoms effectively and develop a long-term treatment plan tailored to their individual needs.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause inflammation anywhere along the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. It most commonly affects the small intestine and colon.

Symptoms can vary between individuals and may include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss and periods where symptoms become more severe. Treatment for Crohn’s disease is personalised and may involve medication, monitoring and lifestyle support to help manage inflammation and reduce flare-ups.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum).

Symptoms may include diarrhoea, blood or mucus in stools, abdominal discomfort and an increased urgency to use the toilet. Ulcerative colitis treatment is tailored to each patient and may include medication, regular monitoring and support to help manage symptoms and maintain long-term control of the condition.

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What causes IBD?

The exact cause of IBD is not fully understood. Research suggests that a combination of genetic, environmental and immune system factors may contribute to the development of the condition.

IBD is often diagnosed at a young age, but can affect older adults. Latest research has also suggested that changes within the gut microbiome may play a role in how inflammation develops and how the immune system responds within the digestive tract.

The prevalence of IBD is rising, partly due to a compounding effect, with increasing numbers of people living with the condition from a young age. There is also evidence of increasing incidence associated with environmental and lifestyle factors.

Symptoms of IBD

Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease can vary depending on the type of IBD, the area of the digestive system affected and whether the condition is active.

Common symptoms may include:

Abdominal pain or cramping
Persistent diarrhoea
Blood or mucus in stools
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Reduced appetite
Urgency to use the toilet

Some symptoms can overlap with other digestive conditions, which is why specialist assessment and appropriate investigations are important for reaching an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis of IBD

Diagnosing IBD usually involves a combination of specialist consultation, laboratory tests and investigations.

Your consultant may recommend:

Blood tests
Stool tests, including faecal calprotectin testing and infection screening testing
Endoscopy, including colonoscopy with biopsies
Imaging such as MRI or video capsule endoscopy where appropriate

At New Victoria Hospital, investigations can usually be arranged privately within approximately one to two weeks, depending on the tests required and individual circumstances. Some tests can be arranged immediately.

Your consultant will discuss which investigations are appropriate and explain your results, helping you understand your diagnosis and available treatment options.

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Treatment and ongoing management of IBD

Treatment for IBD is personalised depending on your symptoms, diagnosis and overall health. Your consultant will discuss appropriate IBD therapy options, which may include medication to control inflammation, manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Your consultant may discuss:

Medication options to control inflammation and manage symptoms
Self-funded biologic therapies where appropriate
Lifestyle and dietary considerations
Long-term monitoring plans
Referral to specialist services, including dietetic support

Where surgery is required, patients can be referred to an appropriate private specialist centre depending on their individual needs.

IBD management plans can include medication, advice and guidance, monitoring and developing care plans designed around your symptoms and disease activity.

IBD Clinic at New Victoria Hospital

Our IBD Clinic provides a dedicated pathway for patients requiring specialist gastroenterology care.

Your care may include:

Specialist consultation

You will have time with an experienced Consultant Gastroenterologist to discuss your symptoms, medical history and concerns.

Access to diagnostic investigations

Where further tests are needed, we can help coordinate appropriate investigations, including blood tests, stool tests, endoscopy and imaging.

Personalised treatment planning

Your consultant will discuss your diagnosis, treatment options and long-term management approach, helping you make informed decisions about your care. You may also benefit from specialist dietetic support to help manage IBD symptoms through personalised dietary adjustments.

Ongoing monitoring

IBD often requires regular review over time. Our team can provide ongoing outpatient monitoring, including consultations and appropriate blood and stool tests.

Why choose New Victoria Hospital for IBD care?

Choosing private specialist care can provide access to dedicated consultations, coordinated investigations and personalised support throughout your IBD journey.

At New Victoria Hospital, you will be supported by a specialist IBD team with expertise in diagnosing and managing Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel conditions:

Specialist Gastroenterology expertise
Direct access to diagnostic investigations
Personalised appointments with time to discuss your concerns
A coordinated approach to diagnosis and ongoing management
A multidisciplinary team supporting your care

Please note that the IBD clinic is available to patients aged 18 years and over only.

Meet your IBD Consultants

Dr Rishi Goel – Consultant Gastroenterologist

Dr Rishi Goel is the Lead Consultant for the IBD Clinic at New Victoria Hospital.

He was awarded an MD Res degree by King’s College London for his research into the role of the microbiome and genetics in oral and gut Crohn’s disease.

His clinical interests include inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, with a focus on providing personalised care based on each patient’s symptoms, diagnosis and long-term needs.

Dr Goel leads New Victoria Hospital’s IBD Clinic service and offers a range of gastroenterology services including Video capsule endoscopy and Acid reflux testing.

Ms Sinead Burke – Registered Dietitian

Ms Sinead Burke is a highly experienced Registered Dietitian specialising in Gastroenterology, with expertise in the dietary management of inflammatory bowel disease.

She works at St Mark’s Hospital, The National Bowel Hospital, supporting patients with a range of bowel-related disorders and complex nutritional needs. She has also worked as a research dietitian at King’s College London, investigating the effects of food additives on Crohn’s disease.

Her clinical interests include inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, alongside coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal conditions. She provides evidence-based, personalised dietary advice to help patients manage symptoms, optimise nutrition and improve their quality of life.

Insurance and Self-Pay Options

Private medical insurance may cover first consultation and initial diagnostic examinations if you are experiencing symptoms with no confirmed diagnosis. However, most insurance policies do not cover ongoing treatment for chronic conditions such as IBD, particularly where the condition is considered pre-existing under the terms of your policy. Coverage varies between insurers and individual policies, so we recommend checking your policy before arranging treatment.

Because IBD symptoms differ for every patient, total costs depend on the specific tests and diagnostic evaluations required. Any supplementary investigations or therapies will be determined by your personalized treatment plan.

Please call us at 020 8131 0620 or Contact us to discuss IBD Clinic costs and the available options for your care.