Frequently Asked Questions

I see private patients at The Oaks Hospital in Colchester, where consultations and endoscopic procedures can be arranged in a comfortable, professional setting.

A referral from your GP or another healthcare professional is helpful because it provides important medical information and allows me to understand what investigations or treatments you have already received. If you have private medical insurance, your insurer will usually require a referral before authorising your consultation. Self-paying patients may be able to arrange an appointment directly, depending on the nature of the problem.

With your consent, a letter will usually be sent to your GP summarising the consultation, clinical findings and agreed plan. You can also receive a copy for your own records.

To enquire about an appointment Live booking is available on the Oaks website or please contact my medical secretary: Susan Trower Email: medsecretary@drlushenpillay.co.uk Telephone: 07848 522455 Please include your name, contact details, the reason for your appointment and whether you are insured or self-paying. Avoid including highly sensitive medical information in an initial email.

Your symptoms, medical history, medications and previous investigations will be reviewed carefully. I will discuss the possible causes of your symptoms and agree a clear plan with you. This may include lifestyle or dietary advice, medication, blood or stool tests, imaging, gastroscopy, colonoscopy or referral to another specialist where appropriate. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and take part in decisions about your care.

Yes. I am JAG-certified in both gastroscopy and colonoscopy and have performed more than 3000 procedures..

I assess and treat a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, including: Abdominal pain and bloating Acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis Diarrhoea and constipation Rectal bleeding Coeliac disease Iron-deficiency anaemia Unexplained weight loss Abnormal liver blood tests Swallowing difficulties Gastrointestinal polyps Other unexplained digestive symptoms I have a particular specialist interest in inflammatory bowel disease and complex gastrointestinal conditions.

Please bring: A list of your current medications Details of any medication allergies Previous clinic letters or investigation results, if available Details of previous endoscopies, scans or operations Your insurance authorisation number, if applicable A brief record of your symptoms and any questions you would like to discuss If your records are held at another hospital, it can be helpful to arrange for these to be shared before your appointment.

Yes. Self-paying patients are welcome. You will be given information about the consultation fee before your appointment. If investigations or procedures are recommended, such as blood tests, scans, gastroscopy or colonoscopy, the likely costs will be discussed separately.

Yes, medication can be prescribed privately where clinically appropriate. Private prescription charges and the cost of the medication are normally paid by the patient. Your GP may sometimes agree to continue prescribing medication recommended by a private specialist, but this is at the GP’s discretion and may depend on local NHS guidance or shared-care arrangements.

Private outpatient care is not an emergency service. If you develop severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, heavy rectal bleeding, collapse, marked dehydration or another serious or rapidly worsening symptom, please call 999 or attend the nearest emergency department. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical advice, contact NHS 111 or your GP.

Yes. I see patients covered by a range of major private medical insurers. Before booking, please contact your insurer to confirm that your consultation and any proposed investigations are covered and to obtain an authorisation number. Insurance policies vary, and you remain responsible for any excess, shortfall or treatment that your insurer does not cover.

Private and NHS medical records are not always automatically shared. If you have received NHS care, please bring copies of relevant letters and results or ask for them to be sent before your appointment. With your permission, a letter can be sent to your GP and other healthcare professionals involved in your care.

Yes. Inflammatory bowel disease is a major area of my clinical practice. I am the IBD Lead at Colchester Hospital and have undertaken advanced specialist IBD training at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. I assess patients with suspected or established Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, including those seeking: Confirmation or review of a diagnosis Treatment of active symptoms or a flare A review of current medication Advice about biologic or advanced therapies A second opinion Support with complex or difficult-to-control disease Ongoing monitoring and follow-up.

Remote consultations may be suitable for selected new and follow-up appointments. A face-to-face assessment is usually preferable for new or complex symptoms, particularly where a physical examination may be required.

Yes. I can provide a second opinion on a diagnosis, investigation plan or proposed treatment. This can be particularly helpful for complex inflammatory bowel disease, persistent digestive symptoms or decisions about advanced medication and surgery. Please provide as much previous medical information as possible, including clinic letters, endoscopy reports, histology, scans and recent blood or stool-test results.

The time required depends on the type of investigation. Some findings can be discussed immediately, while biopsy, pathology, blood-test or scan results may take longer. Once the relevant results are available, they will be reviewed and you will be informed of the outcome and next steps. Urgent or significant findings will be prioritised.

The available options depend on the procedure and your individual circumstances. The advantages, limitations and risks of each option will be explained before the procedure. If you receive sedation, you will need an appropriate adult to accompany you home and follow the hospital’s aftercare instructions.