Gastroenterology

Overview

Gastroenterology is the study and treatment of the digestive system and digestive problems, including diseases of the intestines, liver and biliary tree, and pancreas. The centre for gastroenterology at the Royal Free London is a multidisciplinary department, offering a range of specialist out-patient and in-patient gastroenterology services as well as state of the art gastrointestinal imaging services. The gastroenterology department also includes gastrointestinal surgery, paediatric gastroenterology, endoscopy services and the Louise Ryan GI physiology unit.

Contact

Do you have an appointment?

Find your ward

  • Barnet Hospital

    Wellhouse Lane 
    Barnet 
    EN5 3DJ

    Patient enquiries: 020 8370 2588 (outpatients)
    020 8216 4924 (patient advice and liaison service)

  • Chase Farm Hospital

    The Ridgeway 
    Enfield 
    EN2 8JL

    Patient enquiries:020 8370 2588 (outpatients)

    Endoscopy booking team: 0203 758 2017

    020 8216 4924 (patient advice and liaison service)

  • Louise Ryan Unit

    The Louise Ryan Unit is situated on the lower ground floor at the Royal Free Hospital.

    Tel/fax: 020 7830 2923
    rf-tr.RFH-LouiseRyanUnit@nhs.net
    Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

  • Royal Free Hospital

    Pond Street
    London
    NW3 2QG

    Patient enquiries: 020 7443 9757 (outpatients)

    Endoscopy booking team: 0207 794 0500
    020 7472 6446/6447 or 020 7472 6445 (patient advice and liaison service)

    GP enquiries: rf.gastroadmin@nhs.net

Referrals

Referral details

Gastroenterolgy referrals

Referrals are welcomed from local GPs and tertiary referrals from any other hospital. All patients are referred by letter from their GP or from other specialists seeking a further opinion. Referrals can also be made via choose and book (CAB).

The centralisation of colorectal services has not changed the referral patterns for GPs or other referrers to the service. Patients can continue to be referred to a particular consultant at a particular hospital. To avoid delay GP referrals should be addressed to a colorectal consultant surgeon or a named consultant surgeon.

Please note, the endoscopy dept at the Royal Free Hospital does not accept direct access referrals to the endoscopy department. However, GPs can refer to the one-stop dyspepsia clinic for direct access upper gastroscopy procedure via paper or CAB referrals.

Referrals to the gastroenterology team will be reviewed by a clinician and one of the following next steps will take place:

  1. You will receive an out-patient appointment at one of our hospitals
  2. You will receive an appointment for a test or an investigation before your first out-patient appointment. This will mean faster diagnosis and treatment
  3. You and your GP will receive a letter explaining how best to manage your symptoms. One of our clinicians has reviewed your symptoms and does not think you need to attend an out-patient appointment

A referral from your GP will not automatically lead to an out-patient appointment at one of our hospitals. Further information about what to expect when you are referred to the Royal Free London can be found on our out-patient page.

If you have any questions about your referral, please contact:

Royal Free Hospital rf.gastroadmin@nhs.net
Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals rf-tr.barnetgastrocas@nhs.net

Louise Ryan referrals

The majority of gastrointestinal physiology tests are not first line tests and patients will usually already be under the care of consultant within one of our hospitals.

We accept referrals from other hospitals using our referral form (link coming soon) or a referral letter which provides the essential information. Our preferred method of receipt is by secure email (NHSmail) as this is the quickest route. Referrals can also be faxed to 020 7830 2923 or sent by post.

The Team

Patient leaflets

Read our patient leaflets and publications

View all patient resources

In this section