Non-specific symptoms pathway

Our pathway provides patients with swift access to a consultation and diagnostic tests for their non-specific symptoms.

About the non-specific symptoms pathway

Unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, such as stomach pain or reflux, can be worrying. Unfortunately, patients with non-specific symptoms are more likely to experience delays in diagnosis and poorer health outcomes; therefore, time is of the essence when it comes to investigating your symptoms. The non-specific symptoms pathway at Cromwell Hospital provides rapid assessment and diagnostic tests for patients experiencing such symptoms.

Our pathway is led by a highly experienced multidisciplinary team which includes gastrointestinal consultants, oncologists, clinical nurse specialists, and more. Our expert team will review your case and ensure you receive the most relevant diagnostic tests to get to the root cause of your symptoms.

The non-specific symptoms pathway is suitable for people experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as:

  • stomach pain
  • weight loss
  • acid reflux
  • difficulties or pain on swallowing
  • persistent nausea or vomiting

It is especially important to have your symptoms assessed if:

  • you are over 55 years old
  • you are overweight
  • you smoke or drink alcohol
  • you have a poor diet
  • you have a H. pylori infection
  • you have a family history of gastrointestinal cancer

Our consultants will decide on the most relevant tests for your case. This could include:

The tests you receive will be carried out under one roof, at our easily accessible west London hospital.

If you are diagnosed with cancer, you will immediately referred on to our world-renowned Integrated Cancer Campus, which provides state-of-the-art testing and treatments for all types of cancer.

The Integrated Cancer Campus is led by some of the UK’s most sought-after cancer consultants, who will devise a treatment plan uniquely tailored to your case.

In partnership with GenesisCare, we’re also home to Europe’s most advanced radiotherapy centre, which utilises leading-edge equipment like the MRIdian MR Linac. We also provide complementary therapies to help support you on your road to recovery, such as cancer counselling, physiotherapy, and dietetic services. 

We offer a self-pay option for all patients.

To contact our Self-Pay team, please call us on 020 7244 4886 or use the appointment request form at the bottom of this page.

Please check with your health insurer to see if you will be covered under your policy.

How it works

Once you've booked your appointment, you will progress through the pathway as follows:

Step one: Phone triage

A clinical nurse specialist will call you at your pre-booked appointment time to discuss your symptoms and medical history. This information will be shared at a multidisciplinary team meeting for our consultants to discuss.

Step two: Diagnostic tests

Our consultants will decide on the best diagnostic tests for your case; they may also decide to conduct a virtual consultation with you prior to your tests being carried out. A member of our team will contact you to book your appointment. Your tests will be carried out at our west London hospital.

Step three: Follow-up

You will attend a follow-up consultation with your lead consultant to discuss your results and next steps if required. If you require treatment, you will be referred to a relevant specialist at the hospital.

What to expect

Dr Doraid Alrifai, Consultant Medical Oncologist, explains what to expect from the non-specific symptoms pathway.

Our locations

Book an appointment today

Our telephone lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm Saturdays.

 

Alternatively, fill out our appointment request form and we'll be in touch shortly.

Please note - regrettably we are unable to answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice via email or telephone.