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IBD Helpline 

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The IBD helpline is a dedicated advice service for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease who may have concerns or feel unwell between outpatient appointments.

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The service is managed by experienced IBD Clinical Nurse Specialists. It is designed to support patients who may not be able to see a doctor or specific team member at short notice.

The team can:

• Provide clinical advice based on your symptoms

• Arrange blood tests, scans, and other investigations

• Prescribe medication when appropriate

• Discuss your case in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings

• Arrange urgent clinic appointments if required

Most issues can be resolved through this service without needing a face-to-face appointment.

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Opening hours

Monday–Friday, 08:00–16:00 (excluding bank holidays)

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Contact

From 1st June 2026- the way you can contact the IBD Helpline is changing 

All contact for the helpline will be through an Accurx online form. 

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Important

This is not an emergency service.

• For urgent medical advice: contact NHS 111 or your GP

• For emergencies: attend your nearest A&E department

Response times are usually quick, but may take a few working days depending on the urgency.

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Appointments & Clinic Information

IBD Clinics

• Adult IBD clinics: Thursday mornings

• Young Adult IBD clinic: every other Wednesday morning

Appointments may be face-to-face or by telephone. Please check your clinic letter carefully. If unsure, contact Central Appointments.

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Face-to-face clinics are held at:

• Outpatients, Luckes Building, Royal London Hospital

You may be seen by:

• Consultant Gastroenterologist

• Specialist Registrar

• IBD Pharmacist

• IBD Specialist Nurse

 

Please attend all appointments, even if you feel well, as regular review is essential.

If you cannot attend, please give as much notice as possible so the slot can be offered to another patient.

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Appointments & Administration Contacts

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For outpatient appointments, booking, or queries:

• Tel: 0203 594 3500

• Email: bartshealth.gastroenterologyservices@nhs.net / louise.pattrick1@nhs.net

 

Central Appointments (non-IBD specific)

• Tel: 0207 767 3200 / 0207 767 3222

• Email: bhnt.centralappointments@nhs.net

• Online chat: https://www.bartshealth.nhs.uk/appointments

 

Other Specialist Contacts

• IBD Surgeon’s Secretary: bhnt.colorectal@nhs.net | 0203 594 0799 / 0207 377 7878

• Stoma Nurses: bartshealth.stomanurserlh@nhs.net

• Nutrition Team: adult.nutritionnurse@nhs.net

• Rheumatology: bhnt.rheumatology@nhs.net

 

Investigations & Tests

Patients may require tests such as bloods, stool samples, scans, or endoscopy. Your team will explain each test and provide instructions.

 

Blood Tests

• Pre-booking at Royal London Hospital is recommended to reduce waiting time

• Walk-in appointments available Thursday mornings (if previously seen in clinic)

• Blood tests are located on the 2nd Floor, North Tower, Royal London Hospital

Booking: Please click here (add link)

 

Stool Samples

• Instructions for collection and drop-off available here (add link)

• Samples must be delivered in person

• Posting stool samples is no longer recommended

 

Scans & Imaging

• MRI: 0203 594 0137

• Ultrasound: 0203 594 0139

• X-rays and scans: Royal London Hospital, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, or Whipps Cross Hospital (check appointment letter)

 

Endoscopy

• Royal London Hospital Endoscopy Unit:

  • Tel: 0203 594 3600

  • Email: bartshealth.endoscopyschedulers@nhs.net

• Mile End Early Diagnostic Centre:

  • Tel: 0207 767 3301

  • Email: bartshealth.barts.edc.endoscopy@nhs.net

 

Endoscopy uses flexible cameras to examine the bowel or stomach. Full preparation instructions will be provided.

 

Infusion Services

Patients starting biologic therapy may attend infusion clinics for treatment and monitoring.

• Location: Mile End Hospital

• Some treatments may now be given at home (decided with your IBD team)

• Training is provided if self-injection is required

 

Inpatient Care

If hospital admission is required:

• Gastroenterology Ward: 13C, Royal London Hospital

• Patients are reviewed daily by the IBD team

 

Vaccinations & Guidance

For any vaccination concerns or questions, contact the IBD team for personalised guidance.

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Research

Barts Health runs active research into IBD to improve understanding and treatments.

• All studies are ethically approved

• Patients may be invited to participate in research

• Participation is completely optional

• Declining will not affect your care

Speak to the IBD team if you are interested in current studies.