Endoscopy
£1650*
*price includes upper GI endoscopy under sedation with biopsy fees included. You need a consultation before this diagnostic test can be booked
Gastroenterology Consultation
£265
Private Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy) in Birmingham
Home > Gastroenterology Clinic Birmingham >Fast, Consultant-Led Diagnostic Care, No Referral, No Waiting Lists
Digestive symptoms can be uncomfortable, worrying and disruptive, yet NHS waiting times for endoscopy can stretch into months, leaving many people without answers or treatment. At Midland Health, you don’t have to wait.
Our Private Upper GI Endoscopy service offers rapid access to consultant-led assessment and investigation, with no GP referral needed and no waiting list. We provide swift, specialist care in a calm and supportive environment.
How We Can Help
An Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy) is a highly effective procedure used to diagnose and sometimes treat problems in the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It can identify conditions such as acid reflux, gastritis, ulcers, swallowing difficulties, Barrett’s oesophagus, coeliac disease, H. pylori infection and cancer or signs of pre-cancer change. With consultant-led care and immediate feedback, we provide a fast and reliable solution for persistent digestive symptoms.
What is an Endoscopy?
An Upper GI Endoscopy is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera to examine the upper digestive tract. It is passed gently through the mouth while you are supported with a local anaesthetic throat spray and, if appropriate, conscious sedation to keep you comfortable. It allows your specialist to directly visualise the lining of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, take biopsies if needed and identify problems during the same visit. Endoscopy is one of the most accurate tools for diagnosing upper gastrointestinal conditions and guiding effective treatment.
Do I Need an Appointment?
Yes, you will have a pre-procedure consultation to ensure the test is appropriate, safe and tailored to your needs.
Who Can We Help
Our service is ideal for:
- Ongoing digestive symptoms (heartburn, nausea, bloating, upper abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing)
- Abnormal or unclear test results
- Suspected digestive conditions (reflux disease, gastritis, coeliac disease, Barrett’s oesophagus)
- High-risk or surveillance patients needing regular monitoring
- Anyone wanting fast access without NHS waiting times
No GP referral required, you can book directly.
Our Approach
Your care will be consultant-led from start to finish. We will:
- Take a detailed history of your symptoms
- Explain whether gastroscopy is right for you
- Perform the procedure using gentle, patient-focused techniques
- Take biopsies or treat minor findings where appropriate
- Provide clear, same-day initial feedback
- Develop a tailored treatment plan
Your comfort is a priority. We offer a throat numbing spray and, if suitable, light sedation.
Our Pricing
Meet Our Specialist
Dr Sam Smith, Consultant Gastroenterologist
Dr Sam Smith is a UK-trained Consultant Gastroenterologist with full JAG accreditation in upper and lower endoscopy. He is also accredited in Bowel Cancer Screening, ensuring high-quality endoscopy. He specialises in diagnosing and managing a wide range of gastrointestinal and liver conditions, with particular expertise in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). After completing medical and psychological medicine degrees at the University of Birmingham, he undertook advanced specialist training across the West Midlands and completed a PhD in advanced endoscopic techniques. His work has been widely published, and he has presented and chaired sessions at major international meetings.
Dr Smith has experience in both secondary and tertiary centres, including time spent in the internationally recognised Liver Transplant Unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. Known for his calm, reassuring manner and patient-centred approach, he takes time to listen carefully, explain diagnoses clearly and work collaboratively with each patient to create a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan.
I would highly recommend Dr Sam. I went to him with multiple symptoms, convinced I had multiple physical conditions; but, he recognised the signs of an eating disorder and suggested I book in with a dietitian. I'm now in recovery and feeling so much better. 10/10 for treatment.
U.A. 08 Mar 2025
Verified review
Review of Dr Sam Smith
Dr Sam Smith was fantastic , first class , filled me with confidence that my health problem will be resolved and the root cause established for the first time in two years since my illness began , i wish id contacted Midland health and got an appointment earlier .
S.S. 20 Nov 2024
Verified review
Review of Dr Sam Smith
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Before Your Appointment
- No referral needed
- We may ask you to fast or pause certain medications
- Bring previous test results if available
During Your Appointment and Procedure
- Consultation with Dr Smith to review symptoms
- Explanation of the procedure and preparation
- Throat spray and/or sedation if appropriate
- Comfortable endoscopy lasting 5-10 minutes
- Painless biopsies if required
- Recovery with nursing support
After the Procedure
- Same-day initial findings
- Biopsy results within a few days
- Follow-up consultation to discuss results and next steps
Follow-Up Care
Follow-up may include:
- Review of biopsy results
- Treatment for reflux, gastritis, H. pylori or other conditions
- Further investigations or imaging
- Lifestyle and diet guidance
- Long-term monitoring for conditions such as Barrett’s oesophagus
We ensure you have clear answers and ongoing support.
Why Choose Midland Health?
Choosing private care can feel daunting, especially if you’ve faced long waits or uncertainty elsewhere. We offer fast access to advanced diagnostics delivered with empathy, clarity and consultant-led expertise. Our priority is to reduce anxiety, provide rapid answers and guide you confidently towards the right treatment.
Why patients trust us:
- No waiting list, rapid access to endoscopy
- No referral required
- Consultant-performed procedures
- Modern, comfortable facilities
- Gentle, patient-focused techniques
- Same-day findings
- Personalised follow-up care
How to Find Us
Our Francis Road clinic, located at 78-79 Francis Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 8SP, is housed in a modern, purpose-built medical facility designed for comfort, accessibility and high-quality care. With specialist consulting rooms, advanced equipment and a welcoming environment, the clinic offers easy access to private GP services, radiology, paediatrics and specialist consultant appointments.
We provide free on-site parking directly behind the building. Simply enter through the gates a couple of doors down from the main entrance, turn left and park in the designated Midland Health spaces. The clinic is also well connected by public transport: bus routes 35, 50, 80 and X8 stop just a short walk away, Five Ways Station is around a 15-minute walk, and the Edgbaston Village tram stop is also close by. If you need any help with directions, please call 0121 769 0999, and our team will be happy to assist you.
FAQ
What is an Upper GI Endoscopy, and why might I need one?
An Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy) is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine your oesophagus, stomach and the first part of your small bowel. Your consultant may recommend it if you have ongoing digestive symptoms such as reflux, heartburn, nausea, swallowing difficulties, bloating, upper abdominal pain, or unexplained anaemia. It can diagnose conditions like gastritis, ulcers, coeliac disease, H. pylori infection and Barrett’s oesophagus, and sometimes treat issues during the procedure. It is one of the most accurate ways to understand the cause of upper digestive symptoms.
Is the procedure painful?
Most people do not experience pain. You may feel pressure, fullness or brief discomfort, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated. We use a numbing throat spray and can provide conscious sedation if appropriate, helping you feel calm and relaxed throughout. Many patients say the anticipation is far worse than the procedure itself.
Will I be awake during the endoscopy?
Yes, but you can choose between throat spray alone or throat spray with conscious sedation. Conscious sedation often makes patients feel drowsy and less aware, and many remember little or nothing about the procedure afterwards. Sedation suitability will be discussed during your consultation.
How long does the procedure take?
The endoscopy itself usually takes 5-10 minutes. With preparation, the procedure and recovery time, we recommend allowing around an hour for your appointment.
Do I need to fast before my endoscopy?
Yes, you will usually need to avoid food for 6 hours before your procedure and stop drinking clear fluids 2 hours before. Specific instructions will be provided based on your appointment time. Fasting ensures the specialist can see clearly and reduces the risk of nausea.
Can I take my medications before the procedure?
Most medications can be taken as usual, but some (particularly blood thinners, diabetes medications and certain stomach medications) may need adjustment. Your consultant will provide tailored guidance before your appointment.
What happens if biopsies are taken? Does it hurt?
Biopsies are very common and completely painless. Using tiny forceps through the endoscope, small samples of tissue are taken for laboratory testing, for example, to diagnose coeliac disease, inflammation or Barrett’s oesophagus. You won’t feel the biopsies being taken.
How soon will I receive my results?
You’ll receive initial findings on the same day, immediately after your procedure. If biopsies are taken, these usually return within a few days, and your consultant will then discuss the results in detail, along with a personalised treatment plan.
What conditions can the endoscopy detect?
An Upper GI Endoscopy can diagnose a wide range of digestive conditions, including:
- Upper GI cancer, including oesophageal and gastric cancer
- Acid reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- Gastritis and inflammation
- Ulcers
- Hiatus hernia
- Barrett’s oesophagus
- Coeliac disease
- Oesophagitis
- Oesophageal strictures
- H. pylori infection
- Early signs of stomach or oesophageal cancer
It is one of the most accurate diagnostic tools available.
Is an endoscopy safe?
Yes, upper GI endoscopy is considered a very safe procedure. Complications are rare, and your consultant will explain all risks beforehand. All procedures are performed by an experienced Consultant Gastroenterologist using high-quality equipment in a modern, purpose-built environment.
Can I drive after the procedure?
If you have sedation, you cannot drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours. You will need someone to take you home. If you have throat spray only (no sedation), you can usually drive once the numbness has worn off, typically after about an hour. Your consultant will confirm this on the day.
How long will my throat feel numb?
The throat spray typically wears off within 30-60 minutes. During this time, you should avoid eating or drinking anything hot to reduce the risk of choking.
Will the procedure treat my symptoms?
Endoscopy is primarily a diagnostic tool, but certain treatments can be performed during the procedure, such as removing small polyps. Most patients, however, receive a treatment plan based on the results.
What happens after my endoscopy?
You will have time in a recovery area and then receive initial results straight away. Once biopsy results are back, you’ll have a follow-up appointment to discuss findings, treatment options and next steps. Our care continues beyond the procedure, ensuring you receive the right support, medications or referrals as needed.
Do I need a GP referral to book?
No, you can book directly with Midland Health. We make it easy to access fast, specialist-led care without waiting months for NHS appointments.
Is the endoscopy covered by insurance?
Some private medical insurers may cover consultations or the procedure. Coverage varies, so we recommend checking with your provider. Our team can supply any documentation needed.
How much does the procedure cost?
Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. The gastroscopy package includes your consultation, procedure, biopsies (if needed) and results review.
We have translators available for your appointment.
Digital Prescription
Midland Health has partnered with a highly reputable electronic prescription provider, SignatureRx, to make receiving your prescriptions faster and easier. With our new paperless system, you can choose to collect your medication using your secure prescription code or have it delivered directly to your home free of charge. There’s no need for paper prescriptions or multiple pharmacy visits.
To find out more about our digital prescription service please click here.
Get in Touch Today
Ask us anything about this service, other services or
Midland Health and we'll get straight back to you.
Medically Verified
This content has been medically reviewed and verified by Dr Rupa Parmar.
Medical note: This page provides general information and is not a substitute for urgent medical care. If you have severe symptoms, seek urgent help.
Last updated: Jan 2026
