Gastroenterology
Welcome to the Gastroenterology Department at the Countess of Chester Hospital. We provide a comprehensive inpatient, day case and outpatient service for patients with gastrointestinal and liver conditions. Our department is led by Dr Reilly and is supported by eight full-time consultants and one part-time consultant, working alongside clinical endoscopists, specialist nurses and allied health professionals as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team.
We offer IBD, general Gastroenterology and liver clinics, including subspecialty nurse-led liver clinics, ensuring patients receive high-quality, personalised care. Our work is supported by regular multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, including cancer MDTs, nutrition MDT, liver MDT and IBD MDT, with strong links to tertiary centres when specialist care is needed.
Our Consultant Team
IBD and General Gastroenterology
- Dr Davies
- Dr Mehta (part time)
- Dr Reilly
- Dr Townsend
Liver and General Gastroenterology
- Dr Maheswaran
- Dr McGoldrick
- Dr Matthews
- Dr Prasad
- Dr Maddirala (ERCP)
Specialist Nursing and Support Teams
Liver Nurse Team
Led by Ms Kat Akerboom
Liver helpline: 01244 36 6082
Email: coch.gastroenterologynurses@nhs.net
Liver & IBD support worker
Ms Lily Stevens
Telephone: 01244 36 2326
IBD Nurse Team
Led by Mr Phil Walton
Email: coch.ibdnurses@nhs.net (for patients with a diagnosis of IBD only)
Advanced clinical practitioner
Ms Hannah Farrall
Nutrition Team
The nutrition team is made up of dietitians, SALT, nutrition nurses and consultants in gastroenterology/surgery
Our Services
- Inpatient care on Ward 45
Contact number: 01244 36 2045
- Day-case Gastroenterology services on Ward 60 (biologic infusions, iron infusions)
- Day-case paracentesis (ascitic drains) in the endoscopy unit in the Haygarth unit
- Outpatient clinics held in the Haygarth unit or Outpatients 1
- Endoscopy services delivered by our consultant team and clinical endoscopists, including:
- Gastroscopy and colonoscopy (diagnostic and therapeutic)
- ERCP, provided in collaboration with our surgical colleagues
General Enquiries
For general enquiries, please contact our secretarial team via the hospital switchboard on 01244 36 5000, or use the telephone number or email address provided at the top right of your clinic letter.
We encourage patients and families to access trusted national charities for further information and support:
These organisations provide reliable information, helplines, patient resources and support networks that many of our patients find helpful alongside their hospital care.
IBD Drug Education
Understanding JAK inhibitors: A patient guide to getting started
'UPADACITINIB, FILGOTINIB, TOFACITINIB
This video is designed to guide patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through the first steps of starting a JAK inhibitor. It explains how this treatment helps control inflammation, what to expect when beginning therapy, and how we monitor for safety along the way.
With clear, supportive information about possible side effects, and when to reach out to your care team, this resource empowers you to take an active role in your treatment and move forward with confidence
Infliximab/Adalimumab with Azathioprine – A patient’s guide to getting started
INFLIXIMAB and AZATHIOPRINE
Combination therapy using anti-TNF biologics – Infliximab or Adalimumab—with Azathioprine is used to treat moderate to severe Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Anti-TNF drugs block TNF-alpha to reduce inflammation, while azathioprine supports the biologic by preventing antibody formation. Together, they significantly improve symptoms, reduce steroid use, and lower the risk of hospitalisation or surgery. gastro endo drug training combination.
Mirikizumab (Omvoh) for IBD: What you need to know
If your doctor has recommended Mirikizumab (Omvoh) for ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, this video is here to guide you.
We’ll explain what the medication is, how it works, how it’s given, and what to expect from treatment. You’ll learn about guidance on fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. This video is designed to support your understanding of the medication.
Risankizumab (Skyrizi) – Patient information
Risankizumab is a biologic medicine used to treat moderate to severe Crohn’s disease and, in some cases, ulcerative colitis. It works by targeting a specific part of the immune system (IL-23) to reduce inflammation in the gut, help heal the bowel, and keep your condition under control. Treatment starts with intravenous infusions in hospital, followed by maintenance injections every 8 weeks. While it is generally well tolerated, it can increase the risk of infections, so regular monitoring and safety checks are important throughout treatment.
Know your medicine: Guselkemab
This patient education video provides clear and easy-to-understand information about Guselkemab, including its uses, benefits, method of administration, possible side effects, precautions, and the importance of adherence to treatment. The video aims to improve patient awareness, encourage safe medication practices, and help patients gain confidence in managing their condition effectively under medical supervision.
Understanding Vedolizumab therapy
The video focuses on patient drug education regarding Vedolizumab, a monoclonal antibody used in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It highlights indications, administration, monitoring parameters, adverse effects, storage conditions, and patient counselling points to improve therapeutic outcomes and medication safety.
Know your medicine – Azathioprine
This video explains Azathioprine therapy in a simple and patient-friendly manner. It covers how the medicine works, how to take it correctly, possible side effects, and essential precautions for safe treatment.
Know your medicine – Ustekinumab
This educational video provides an overview of ustekinumab, including its mechanism of action, approved indications, dosing and administration, expected benefits, potential side effects, monitoring requirements, and important safety considerations.
Viewers will learn how ustekinumab helps manage immune-mediated inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, while gaining practical guidance on treatment adherence, infection prevention, and communication with healthcare providers