While it can be a difficult condition to manage, the NHS does offer specialist treatment at selected hospitals across the UK.
In this post, we explore NHS centres that provide advanced care for gastroparesis patients, including surgical options such as gastric electrical stimulation (GES), which may help in severe cases.
Leading NHS Hospitals for Gastroparesis Treatment
University College London Hospitals (UCLH) – London
UCLH is one of the leading centres for gastrointestinal motility disorders. With a dedicated gastrointestinal physiology unit and experts such as Dr Anton Emmanuel and Mr Majid Hashemi, UCLH offers detailed diagnostic testing and both medical and surgical treatment for gastroparesis.
Visit UCLH Website https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/our-services/find-service/gastrointestinal-services-1/gastrointestinal-physiology
Broomfield Hospital – Chelmsford, Essex
Broomfield Hospital is home to one of the UK’s most experienced gastroparesis specialists, Mr Sri Kadirkamanathan. The hospital is known for performing gastric electrical stimulation (GES) procedures, helping patients with drug-resistant symptoms regain some quality of life.
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary – Scotland
With surgeons such as Mr Bruce Duff and Mr Ken Park, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is recognised for its skill in gastrointestinal surgery. The hospital offers advanced treatments for gastroparesis, including GES implantation.
Glasgow Royal Infirmary – Scotland
Another respected Scottish centre, Glasgow Royal Infirmary provides specialist surgical care for gastroparesis under the expertise of Mr Grant Fullarton, with options like GES available for appropriate patients.
Ninewells Hospital – Dundee
Ninewells Hospital takes a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgical expertise (led by Mr Afshin Alijani) with nutrition and intestinal failure support (Dr Reynaulds). This makes it an excellent choice for patients needing holistic care.
Wishaw General Hospital – Scotland
Mr Hakim Benyounes at Wishaw General Hospital provides specialist surgical services for gastroparesis, including access to GES therapy for eligible cases.
Gastric Electrical Stimulation (GES): What You Need to Know
GES is a treatment involving a surgically implanted device that sends mild electrical pulses to the stomach muscles. It is typically reserved for patients with severe gastroparesis who haven't responded to other treatments.
However, it’s important to note that NHS England does not routinely fund GES due to limited long-term evidence of its effectiveness. Some patients may access it through private healthcare or as part of clinical trials.
NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy on GES https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Gastroelectrical-stimulation-for-gastroparesis.pdf
Finding a Specialist Centre
You can use the Medtronic clinic finder to locate NHS and private centres across the UK and Ireland that offer gastric electrical stimulation:
Medtronic Clinic Finder https://www.medtronic.com/uk-en/patients/treatments-therapies/neurostimulator-gastroparesis/clinic-finder.html
If you're in Wales or Northern Ireland, your GP may refer you to a specialist centre in England or Scotland.
Further Support and Resources
For more information and patient support, we recommend Guts UK – a national charity offering resources, helplines and real-life patient stories:
Guts UK – Gastroparesis https://gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/conditions/gastroparesis
Gastroparesis can be a life-altering condition, but specialist care is available within the NHS. From advanced diagnostics to surgical therapies, the right help is out there – and understanding your options is the first step towards managing your condition.
Have you been treated at one of these hospitals? Please your experience in the comments, and let others know they’re not alone.
You can help Ellie Dyson, a friend of That's Health, by donating to her appeal to raise the funds for a private GES operation for her:- https://www.gofundme.com/f/gastric-pacemaker-to-help-me-live-my-life
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