Gastroenterology and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) services

This department is managed by consultants who specialise in bowel-related medicine. The department investigates and treats upper and lower gastrointestinal disease, as well as diseases of the pancreas and bile duct system.

The teams work closely with endoscopy and nutritional services. Sub-specialities within the department include colorectal surgery, inflammatory bowel disease and swallowing problems.

We have endoscopy nurse specialists linked to our gastroenterology units who are able to perform a wide range of bowel investigations. Endoscopy involves a small thin tube with a camera on the end.

This is guided down the throat or up the back passage to investigate problems in your oesophagus, digestive system and large bowels. Small surgical instruments can be guided up or down in the same way, meaning it can be used for diagnosis and treatment.

Video appointments

Many of our services offer video calls as a more convenient way of having an appointment with one of our healthcare professionals. This reduces the need for you to attend the hospital physically.

If you have an appointment letter with a video appointment link and instructions, please read more on our Video appointments page.

Outpatients and inpatients

We offer clinics for:

  • General gastroenterology services
  • Pancreatic disease
  • acute and chronic liver disease including liver transplant clinic combined with Addenbrookes Hospital.
  • Nutrition
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Basildon

  • Gastroscopy - examination of the oesophagus, stomach and small bowel
  • Colonoscopy - examination of the large colon. We are also part of the bowel cancer screening programme.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy - examination of the rectum and lower bowel
  • ERCP - a combination of endoscopy with x-rays to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the bile ducts and nearby structures
  • Capsule endoscopy - examination by tiny camera which travels through the system
  • Complex polyp removal by Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) technique
  • Insertion of tubes for feeding (Gastrostomy tubes, Naso jejunal tubes etc.)
  • Other therapeutic procedures for specific gastrointestinal issues.

Inpatients

Basildon's Edith Cavell is a gastroenterology ward, call them on 01268 394622.

Colorectal services

Basildon

Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialists – call 01268-524900 (3997).

Broomfield

Colorectal clinical nurse specialists - call 01245 514465.

Endoscopy services

We provide a variety of endoscopic procedures (where the inside of your body is examined internally using an endoscope; a thin, long, flexible tube that contains a light source and a video camera). For more information about this, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endoscopy.

Basildon

The purpose built, JAG accredited, endoscopy unit can be contact on 01268 524 900 ext. 3970, 3987 or 1505 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

View accessibility information about this area on the AccessAble website at https://www.accessable.co.uk/mid-and-south-essex-nhs-foundation-trust/basildon-university-hospital/access-guides/endoscopy. 

Southend

If you need to speak to one of the team including about appointments, call the endoscopy reception on 01702 385096 and chose option 2. This service is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or email mse.endoscopybookingclerks.southend@nhs.net.

Broomfield

The Endoscopy unit is located on the level 3 of the PFI Building with the entrance at A301.

To speak to one of the team or for appointments, call 0300 443 0235.

To speak to one of the endoscopy nurses/pre-assessment endoscopy nurses call 0300 443 0234.

View accessibility information about this area on the AccessAble website at https://www.accessable.co.uk/mid-and-south-essex-nhs-foundation-trust/broomfield-hospital/access-guides/a301-endoscopy-unit. 

The department has a reception area wherein patients check in for their appointments. The unit is very adherent to its objective on protecting the privacy of our patients with our single sex waiting areas prior to the procedure, a private preparation room beside all the procedure rooms and a single sex recovery area.

The department provides a variety of services and is committed on providing a safe environment and a high quality of care for our patients. We are run by specialist endoscopists and consultants who are well experienced to perform a wide range of endoscopic procedures. All Patients are cared for by staff with the relevant knowledge and skills within a pleasant, friendly, and informative environment.

The principal benefit of the service to the patient, is that they can access both inpatient and outpatient services requiring endoscopic procedures. The endoscopy unit effectively use resources to ensure patient safety by providing a high level of evidence-based care throughout the patient journey.

Following Services are provided by the department:

  • Gastroscopy
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound
  • Bronchoscopy
  • EBUS
  • PEG
  • ERCP
  • HALO
  • EMR/ESD
  • Capsule Endoscopy
  • NJ Insertion

For more information about this, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endoscopy.

We endeavour to understand the patient as an individual and ensure their emotional, psychological, physical, cultural, and religious needs and requirements are met. Communication is open and honest with all patients, relatives, and staff, and conforms to high standards of confidentiality.

The endoscopy service is developed in line with recommendations from the following guidance: • Joint Advisory Group (JAG) and the Global Rating Scale (GRS) • NICE Guidelines for Endoscopy • Health Act 2009 • NHS Cancer Plan (DOH 2000).

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) service

The Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) advice service is run by our nurse specialists who are will be able to offer you information, education and support about any aspect of your illness and the treatment you will receive.

Relapses of your IBD can be very unpleasant and upsetting. If you start to become unwell, contact the IBD advice line as soon as possible. We may be able to give you advice on adjusting your medication or suggest a medication to your GP so you can start treatment without the need to come to hospital. Where you need to be assessed in person, we can arrange for you to be seen in the clinic either by the IBD nurse or a doctor.

For us to be able to assess your records please include your:

  • full name,
  • date of birth
  • hospital number or NHS Number in each email you send. 

Basildon

IBD nurses - email mse.ibd.adviceteam@nhs.net and call the answerphone and leave a message on 01268-524900 (1499).

Appointment - for new appointments, call 01268 394994. If you need an urgent appointment, email the gastro secretary on mse.gastroenterology.medicine@nhs.net.

Blood Tests - if you have been asked to have a blood test, book by calling 01702 746065 or visit Booking blood tests at Basildon, Broomfield and Southend Hospitals.

If you run out of blood forms and should be having regular blood test, please let the IBD nurses or your GP know before your blood test is due.

Broomfield

IBD Clinical Nurse Specialists – call 01245 514705 or email mse.meht-ibd-advice@nhs.net open:

  • Monday, Tuesday and Friday - 9am to 11am
  • Wednesdays - 8.30am to 11.30am (temporarily closed 2.30pm to 4.30pm due to staff shortages)
  • Thursday - 1pm to 3.30pm.

Complete the IBD Consent for patient electronic communications[pdf] 391KB before coming to your appointment.

A nurse may ask you to read the Patient agreement Letter for PbR excluded High Cost Drugs Protected (MSEMOC) [pdf] during the appointment and will obtain verbal consent.

If you have a question about medication changes/run out or have started treatment, please contact the team.

You can also request a blood test and stool pot form or medical letters, however, if you need a sick note please contact your GP.

Other contacts

IBD dieticians – call 01245 514385

Day therapies (C452) – call 01245 515009

Southend

IBD nurses - mse.ibd.helpline@nhs.net (this is a non-secure email address. By emailing us, you consent to us replying with your confidential information).

You can call the secretary of your consultant on 01702 435555 and using the extension numbers below:

  • S. May Secretary IBD Nurses (IKO) – Ext 5657
  • N. Hughes secretary to Dr Bray (GPB) – Ext 4097
  • J. Bridge secretary to Dr Koumoutsos and Dr Strickland (CBS) – Ext 5098
  • S. Armitage secretary to Dr Ahmed (ZAH) – Ext 5427

Open Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) and we aim to reply to your query within 48-72hours.

If you are symptomatic please answer questionnaire below which will provide us an update on your symptoms https://gastroenterologysouthend.webgp.com/react-consult-outpatient?codeName=OPT_IBR

Blood tests – To book a blood test, visit Booking blood tests at Basildon, Broomfield and Southend Hospitals. If you’re concerned about your blood test, please contact the secretary of your consultant.

Stoma care

The stoma care team aims to meet the practical and psychological needs of stoma patients.

They provide products upon discharge and support you and your family/carers to adjust to life with a stoma; teaching you the practical skills for managing it, and enabling you to live independently with all your stoma care needs.

Broomfield

Stoma care nurses – call 01245 514465.

View accessibility information about this area on the AccessAble website at https://www.accessable.co.uk/mid-and-south-essex-nhs-foundation-trust/broomfield-hospital/access-guides/a306-stoma-care-unit. 

Southend

Our stoma service is open Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm.

Email mse.stomacarenursessouthend@nhs.net or call the stoma nurses on 0300 443 4286.

Upon discharge from hospital, you will be contacted by the stoma nurse within the first 3-7 days.

When attending appointments, please ensure you bring a spare pouch with you for all appointments, the nurse will usually want to review your stoma. If you cannot make an appointment please let the department know as soon as possible.

View accessibility information about this area on the AccessAble website at https://www.accessable.co.uk/mid-and-south-essex-nhs-foundation-trust/southend-university-hospital/access-guides/stoma-care. 

Patient information and support

If you’re going to have a procedure with us, find out more about what to expect in the links below:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

For general information, visit www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk.

Emotional support can be requested at  helpline@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk or by calling 0300 222 5700.

Mid Essex Crohn’s & Colitis UK Group hold medical meetings twice a year. For more information, visit www.groups.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk email Me@groups.crohnsandcoltis.org.uk

Southend patient support group  - is held every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6pm to 8pm in the  MacMillan Information and Support Centre, Ground Floor, Tower Wing, Southend Hospital.

IBD Passport visit www.ibdpassport.com for evidence-based travel advice for people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group visit www.iasupport.org or call 0800 0184 724.

Colostomy Association (CA) visit www.colostomyassociation.org.uk or call 0800 328 4257.

Covid-19 advice - https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/info-support/information-about-crohns-and-colitis/coronavirus-covid-19-information

Homecare Prescriptions

If you’re having issues with homecare prescription, please make sure you have spoken with the delivery company first, these can be contacted on:

  • Sciensus (Imraldi/Amgevita) – 0333 103 9499
  • Lloyds (Ustekinumab) – 0345  263 6119
  • Alcura (Tofacitinib) – 01604 433510 
  • Calea – (Idacio) 0800 121 8300 
  • HealthNet – (Entyvio) – 0800 083 3060.

Research trials and studies

Research is vital to understand mechanisms and develop new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and you can help improve healthcare by taking part in research studies at our Trust.

We are currently not recruiting for any studies, but if you would like to take part in the following trials when recruitment re-opens, please get in touch.

Alternatively, for more general information about studies, please contact the research nurses at mse.research.meht@nhs.uk.