Gastroenterology

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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 and Redruth.

Bowel Cancer Screening in Cornwall

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers 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 50 and 74, who are registered with a GP,  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, we also offer transnasal endoscopy at Bodmin Community Hospital.

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

• Email: rcht.gastroenterology@nhs.net

Bowel Cancer Screening

• Telephone: 01872 252076
• Programme Hub Freephone: 0800 707 6060

Colorectal Cancer

Telephone: 01872 252693

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Contacting the IBD nursing team

• Email: rch-tr.IBDnurse@nhs.net
• Telephone: 01872 252178  

Please note, the telephone advice line is currently open 9am -11.30am Monday -Friday. 

There is no weekend or Bank Holiday cover for this service. If you have an enquiry outside of telephone hours, please email. If your query is urgent, please contact 111 out of hours.  

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.

Patient Information (Leaflets)

Click here for a list of our Patient Information Leaflets.

Further patient information

See our Cancer Patient Information Leaflets.

Information from the NHS website

• Bowel cancer screening
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)