Dr Ian James London

I qualified as a doctor from St Thomas's Hospital Medical School in London in 1990. After completing my early medical training in the Southwest, I specialised in gastroenterology on the training programme at King's College Hospital in London. I later became a Clinical Lecturer at the University of Liverpool, where I combined hospital work with teaching and research. This experience strengthened my commitment to delivering high-quality care to individuals with digestive and liver conditions.

In 1999, I became a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Mid Cheshire Hospitals Trust in Crewe. During this time, I helped develop several key services, including care for patients with hepatitis B and C, improved pathways for alcohol-related illness, a specialist inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) service, and a nurse-led clinic for iron deficiency anaemia. I also led the gastroenterology and endoscopy departments and later became Clinical Director and Lead Colonscopist for the regional Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

In 2015, I moved to my current NHS post at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Here, I work within a large multidisciplinary team to provide a 24/7 emergency gastrointestinal bleeding service for Cheshire. We are also developing a more accessible and responsive IBD service, including a dedicated patient helpline. I now work part-time in the NHS, focusing on complex IBD and endoscopy. I also see private patients at Spire Wirral Hospital, Spire Abergele Clinic, and Spire Wrexham Hospital.

In addition to my clinical work, I am a Medical Assessor for the Joint Advisory Group on GI Endoscopy (JAG). In this role, I help assess endoscopy units to ensure they meet national standards for safety, quality, and patient experience. This work supports the provision of consistent, high-quality endoscopy services across the UK.

I also provide independent medical reports for the Health Service Ombudsman. These reports help review cases where patients or families feel that care has not met expected standards. My role is to offer expert, unbiased clinical advice based on national guidelines and best practice.

My clinical interests include endoscopy (gastroscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy), inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, food intolerance, rectal bleeding and haemorrhoids, dyspepsia, Barrett's oesophagus, and the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. My aim is always to provide clear communication, evidence-based treatment, and compassionate, patient-centred care.