Finding Answers with the Latest Technology at Spire Cheshire Hospital

When Laura Egerton first noticed unusual symptoms—persistent pain, nausea, fatigue, rapid weight loss, and repeated hospital visits—she knew something wasn’t right. But like many people with Crohn’s disease, her journey to diagnosis wasn’t straightforward.

“I knew something was wrong, but we couldn’t figure out what it was. I felt extremely unwell every day and didn’t have the strength or energy to parent my two young children properly. It was emotionally exhausting,” recalls Laura.

Despite repeated tests and several A&E visits, Laura’s symptoms were dismissed elsewhere because her condition didn’t present in the typical way. Fortunately, her GP referred her to Dr Subramaniam Ramakrishnan, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Spire Cheshire Hospital. 

DR Ram 

Listening, Believing, and Pursuing Answers

From the very beginning, Laura felt a difference at Spire.

“Dr Ram believed me, even when almost all my tests were coming back normal. He never gave up until he figured out what was wrong,” she says.

Thanks to the speed of access to appointments and tests at Spire Cheshire Hospital, Laura’s investigations could progress without delay. Dr Ram worked collaboratively with colleagues to explore every possible avenue, including innovative diagnostic technology not widely available elsewhere. She had a small bowel PillCam procedure to be diagnosed with small bowel Crohn’s when other tests did not show any abnormalities. Prompt treatment of this helped Laura cope with her diagnosis and symptoms.

After a couple of years of treatment, she had some concerns re her symptoms and wanted to know if there was any evidence of further changes in her stomach/small or large bowel. 

A Breakthrough with the Pan enteric (Crohn’s) PillCam

Laura became the first patient at Spire Cheshire’s JAG-accredited Endoscopy Unit to undergo a Crohn’s (Pan enteric) PillCam procedure—a state-of-the-art capsule endoscopy where a tiny camera is swallowed to capture images of all of the digestive tract (Gullet, stomach, small and large bowel) in one procedure.

“The Crohn’s PillCam test was really easy. After the preparation, you just wear the sensor belt, swallow the capsule, and go home—it’s so much less invasive than other procedures,” Laura explains.

For Laura, this was another turning point. The Crohn’s PillCam was helpful in managing her Crohn’s optimally with the reassurance that the appropriate medication is working to keep her Crohn’s under remission with good healing of the previously noted areas. After nearly two years of uncertainty, Laura finally had answers.

“It was a strange feeling because you’re told you have a chronic illness, but it was also such a relief. I finally had access to the right treatments and could start feeling like myself again,” she says. 

Today, Laura is receiving the right medication to manage her condition and feels supported every step of the way. 

Patient Laura Egerton

Outstanding Care, Every Step of the Journey

Laura praised not just the technology, but also the Endoscopy team at Spire Cheshire Hospital who made her experience so positive.

“Dr Ram, Emma in the Endoscopy team, Debbie his secretary—everyone has been amazing. The facilities are clean and private, the food is great (even for my gluten-free diet), and I felt cared for from start to finish,” she says.

Dr Ram commented, “Laura was going through a difficult time when her diagnosis was not straightforward to make. I am really pleased that the PillCam procedures have helped her in diagnosing her condition and ensuring that the treatment is working well.”

Why Patients Choose Spire Cheshire Hospital

Spire Cheshire Hospital combines:

• Speed of access to appointments and diagnostic tests.
• Leading expertise, with consultants who take the time to listen.
• The latest technology, such as PillCam endoscopy, offering patients less invasive and more accurate diagnostic options.

For patients like Laura, that combination has been life-changing.

“I would recommend Spire Cheshire and Dr Ram to anyone. I finally felt listened to, believed, and supported—and now I have answers.”

Laura’s story exemplifies the exceptional care and advanced treatment options available our CQC rated Outstanding Spire Cheshire Hospital. If you’re seeking relief from a gastroenterology issue and want to get back to living life to the fullest, our team of experts are here to support your journey.

Your health shouldn’t wait. To learn more about our services or to book a consultation, please visit Private Hospital in Warrington, Cheshire | Spire Cheshire Hospital or call 01925 265000