Gastroenterology (children)

We can offer tests and examinations for children and young people locally in Exeter, including endoscopy and MRI scanning. Endoscopy is usually done under general anaesthetic as a day case procedure.

We have strong links with the adult gastroenterology and nutrition service at the RD&E and our local Specialist Paediatric Hospitals (Bristol Children's Hospital for gut problems and Birmingham Children's Hospital for liver problems).

We have a nutrition team who can help with tube feeding (gastrostomy or nasogastric tube) and parental nutrition (intravenous food). Our local nutrition team can insert gastrostomies endoscopically but younger children need to go to Bristol for this procedure.

We work closely with our Paediatric Research Team, so please ask us if you are keen to be involved in any studies we have running.

We manage a wide range of conditions. We have the capacity on our Bramble Day Case unit to give infusions such as iron or biologic medicines. We also support young people and families to have greater autonomy for their conditions and teach them how to give certain injected medication at home.

We have a team dieticians who provide advice and guidance for a wide range of specific dietary needs.

Depending on your appointment, you may be seen at one of our main hospital sites, at a community hospital, or in a specific community setting. Some specialties and treatment options are based solely at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford), such as radiotherapy and some types of surgery.

We work closely with the Bladder and Bowel Care nurses at Integrated Children's Services, who provide services for children with constipation and faecal incontinence.

Eastern services

RD&E Wonford, Barrack Rd, Exeter EX2 5DW.

• Bramble Childrens Ward, Level 1, Area H.

All our clinics are currently conducted from the Children's outpatient department, area J, at the Wonford Hospital site. 

• Paediatric Gastroenterology clinic (Dr Hart and Dr McMillan).
• Coeliac clinic (this is a joint clinic with a paediatric dietitian and either Dr Hart or Dr McMillan).
• Inflammatory bowel disease transition clinic, for young people preparing to move to adult services (Dr Tariq Ahmad and Dr Hart or Dr McMillan).
• Gastroenterology Clinic with visiting Bristol specialist (Dr Tony Wiskin and Dr Hart or Dr McMillan).

Northern services

North Devon District Hospital, Raleigh Park, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4JB.

• Children's Outpatient Department: Level 2
• Caroline Thorpe Ward: Ladywell Unit, Level 2
• Special Care Unit, Caroline Thorpe Ward, LadywellUnit, Level 2

Eastern Services

If you want to get in touch with the department, please contact:

Secretary for Dr James Hart: 01392 406148 or 402629

Secretary for Dr Christine McMillan: 01392 402676

Bramble Day Case Unit: 01392 402677

Paediatric Dieticians: 01392 206063

Inflammatory bowel disease help desk: 01392 402728

Northern Services

North Devon District Hospital 

Main switchboard on 01271 322577

Consultant paediatricians with an interest in gastroenterology

• Dr Christine McMillan
• Dr James Hart

Consultant adult gastroenterologists providing endoscopy services

• Dr Tariq Ahmad
• Dr Tawfique Daneshmend

Inflammatory bowel disease nurse

• Michelle Clark

Lead dietitian

• Susie Costelloe

Please refer to the Joint Formulary for condition specific advice. Please include recent weight and height in referral letter.

The below list is for quick reference and not an exhaustive list of all conditions. Please contact us for advice and guidance if unsure of who to refer to.

Suspected inflammatory bowel disease

• Refer urgently via e-Referrals to paediatric gastroenterology, FAO Dr James Hart or Dr Christine McMillan.

Patients with positive coeliac serology

• Should not be started on a gluten free diet until the diagnosis is confirmed in secondary care.
• Refer urgently via e-Referrals to paediatric gastroenterology, FAO Dr James Hart or Dr Christine McMillan.

Chronic abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome

• Ideally should be managed in primary care. See Joint Formulary for guidance on management and red flags.
• Consider referral to general paediatrics if school attendance is less than 85% despite management in primary care.

Constipation

• Refer to Paediatric Bladder and Bowel Care nurses, Franklyn House.
• If red flags (see NICE guidance) refer via e-Referrals to paediatric gastroenterology, FAO Dr James Hart or Dr Christine McMillan.

Reflux or non-specific GI symptoms

• If requires secondary care referral please refer to general paediatrics rather than Paediatric Gastroenterology

Children already under the care of a paediatrician should be referred back to the same paediatrician.

More support

If you are feeling down, stressed or anxious about anything, there are a number of websites and apps that can provide information, advice, and support.

Devon SEND Local Offer

What is the SEND Local Offer?

Devon’s SEND Local Offer is the education, health and social care services and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from birth to 25.

More information

We produce a wide range of leaflets which provide information about our services and about the treatment you might receive in our clinics or during your stay in hospital. 

We also produce these in different formats including large print, please contact the department you are visiting for more information.

Find out more

We have a wide range of videos which provide information about our services and about the treatment you might receive in our clinics or during your stay in hospital. 

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