Dr Paul D Thomas MD, FRCP
Consultant Gastroenterologist
Welcome
I have produced this website to provide you with information on conditions affecting the bowel and liver (gastroenterology and hepatology), the tests and investigations that are sometimes performed and treatments available. I hope you find it a useful resource.
About me
I have been a consultant gastroenterologist at Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust since 2001. My medical training took place at Cambridge and University College Hospital, London where I qualified in 1988. I undertook speciality training in gastroenterology in a number of London teaching hopsitals including St Mark's and Chelsea and Westminster and completed a research MD on the immune mechanisms underlying inflammatory bowel disease.
Currently I have a large practice covering most aspects of gastroenterology and endoscopy. My particular interests include inflammatory bowel disease for which I run a specialist clinic, functional bowel disorders (such as irritable bowel syndrome),capsule endoscopy, biliary disorders and ERCP. I am an accredited bowel cancer screening colonoscopist.
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is the study of the structure, function and diseases of the the intestinal tract. It also includes conditions affecting the liver, bile ducts and pancreas.
Bowel related symptoms are very common accounting for at least 1:10 of GP consultations and in many cases such symptoms are due to a disturbance of the function of the bowel, such as irritable bowel syndrome. However, some conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease can lead to ulceration and inflammation of the lining of the bowel. Cancer can occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract but is most common in the large bowel and oesophagus. Endoscopy is usually the most effective approach to detect abnormalities in the bowel.
Contact information
NHS practice
Gastroenterology department
Musgrove Park Hospital
Taunton
TA1 5DA
01823 344980
Private Practice
Somerset Nuffield Hospital
Staplegrove Elm
Taunton
Phone
Appointments: 01823 286991
Secretary: 01823 250640
Consultation times
Monday 6-7.30 pm
Friday 9-12 am
Patient info
Everything you need to know about your visit to the doctor.
See more about patient information