Choosing where to have a private endoscopy matters. Our clinic offers several advantages:
Our London endoscopy service helps patients get fast answers for a wide range of digestive symptoms. Whether you’ve been referred for investigation or are experiencing ongoing discomfort, our specialists are here to listen, assess and support you through diagnosis and treatment.
Conditions we investigate and help diagnose include:
Symptoms we can help assess include:
Whether you need a routine check or are concerned about new or ongoing symptoms, our private endoscopy team is here to provide timely investigations and clear, informed next steps — all in a calm and professional setting. We understand that having an endoscopy can be nerve-wrecking, so out friendly and approachable medical teams will talk you through every stage of the procedure; from booking to recovery.
Our consultants perform the full range of diagnostic endoscopy procedures, each carried out in our dedicated endoscopy suite with clear communication from your first consultation through to your results.
Our endoscopy service is led by experienced consultants who specialise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of digestive conditions. Each member of our team brings clinical expertise and a calm, patient-centred approach, taking the time to explain your procedure, answer your questions, and guide you through every stage of your care. With a focus on comfort, dignity and clarity, our specialists are here to help you feel supported and informed throughout your investigation and beyond.
From your first appointment, our aim is to make your endoscopy as straightforward and reassuring as possible.
Before your procedure: Your consultant will explain what to expect and give you clear preparation instructions, which vary depending on the type of endoscopy. For a colonoscopy, this includes bowel preparation to empty the bowel beforehand.
During your procedure: Most endoscopies are well tolerated and take between 15 and 45 minutes. A throat-numbing spray or sedation can be used for a gastroscopy, and sedation is commonly offered for a colonoscopy. Images are displayed on a screen so your consultant can examine the area in detail and, if needed, take biopsies or remove polyps during the same procedure.
After your procedure: You will recover in a private ensuite room. Your consultant will discuss initial findings with you, and any biopsy results will follow once analysed. You will leave with a clear understanding of the next steps.
At our Endoscopy Clinic, we offer fast, expert support for patients experiencing digestive symptoms or needing further investigation. Whether you’ve been referred for a specific concern or want clarity about ongoing issues, our consultants provide clear, personalised care from your first appointment through to diagnosis and treatment.
We take a thoughtful, patient-focused approach, ensuring each procedure is clearly explained and carried out in a calm, well-equipped setting. With minimal waiting times, detailed follow-up, and access to a wider network of specialists if needed, we’re here to help you get the answers and support you need without delay.
You can read articles, interviews and blogs on a range of health topics, including endoscopy, on our blog page. We frequently speak to our expert consultants and clinicians to get their specialist advice.
The cost of a private endoscopy at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital depends on the procedure required, for example gastroscopy, colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Please see the relevant procedure page for guide pricing, or contact our team for a tailored quote.
*Please note that guide prices cover hospital charges and exclude consultant, anaesthetist and diagnostic fees. We accept both self-pay and insured patients; please check with your insurer before booking.
For most endoscopy procedures a referral from a GP or specialist is required. If you do not currently have a referral, our on-site private GP service can often arrange one for you following a consultation.
Endoscopy procedures are usually well tolerated and not painful, but you may feel some discomfort. A local anaesthetic spray is often used to numb the throat, and you may be offered sedation to help you relax. Most people describe the procedure as slightly uncomfortable rather than painful.
An endoscopy can help diagnose a wide range of conditions affecting the digestive tract, including acid reflux, ulcers, inflammation, coeliac disease, polyps, and cancers of the stomach, bowel or oesophagus. It allows doctors to take a close look and perform biopsies if needed.
You’re not usually put fully to sleep, but you may be given a light sedative to help you feel relaxed and drowsy during the procedure. This is different from a general anaesthetic, and you’ll usually be awake but comfortable throughout.
Recovery is usually quick. Most people feel back to normal within a few hours, especially if no sedation was used. If you’ve had sedation, you may feel drowsy for the rest of the day and will need someone to take you home.
In many cases, your consultant can explain what they’ve seen straight after the procedure. If biopsies are taken, these are sent to the lab and results are typically available within a few days. Your consultant will arrange a follow-up to discuss any findings in detail.
Preparation depends on the type of endoscopy. You may be asked not to eat or drink for several hours beforehand, and if you’re having a colonoscopy, you’ll be given a bowel cleansing preparation to take the day before. Full instructions are always provided in advance.
Endoscopy can be used to help detect several types of cancer, including oesophageal, stomach, bowel (colorectal), and in some cases, pancreatic cancer. It allows doctors to take tissue samples and investigate symptoms like bleeding, pain, or unexplained weight loss.
The procedure itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. With preparation and recovery time, you can expect to be at the hospital for around one to two hours, especially if you’ve had sedation.
If your endoscopy doesn’t show any problems, that’s generally a reassuring result. It means your symptoms aren’t being caused by visible abnormalities in the areas examined. Your consultant may still discuss other potential causes or next steps if symptoms continue.
Our Endoscopy Clinic is located at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
