
Dr John Martin
Consultant Gastroenterologist
- Available from
- London
About John Martin
Dr John Martin is a consultant gastroenterologist and Partner at Welbeck, specialising in colorectal cancer screening, colonoscopy, luminal gastroenterology, inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
He is the director of the West London Bowel Cancer Screening Centre and West London Capsule Endoscopy. In the late 1990s, he was involved in the Flexiscope trial – original research that provided the evidence on which the NHS bowel scope screening programme was based.
He is an expert in colorectal cancer screening, therapeutic and diagnostic colonoscopy and has over 25 years experience of managing all aspects of gastroenterology. He is a professional advisor to Public Health England on maintaining the quality of endoscopy within the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme and is a colonoscopy assessor for new endoscopists entering the programme.
He has a long-term interest in colonoscopy training and teaches both junior doctors and consultants at St George’s and St Mark’s National Endoscopy Training Centres. He was also a member of the NICE committee who developed the guidelines on the management of colorectal cancer.
He has also been an endoscopy professional advisor to London QA for more than 10 years and has extensive experience in ensuring the quality of endoscopy within the Bowel Cancer Screening programme.
Career Highlights
Dr John Martin, MA, MD, FRCP was educated at Girton College, Cambridge and King’s College London. After qualifying in 1990, Dr Martin trained in the north west Thames region and obtained an MD investigating novel methods for colorectal cancer screening. He was appointed consultant gastroenterologist and general internal medicine in 2002.
He has a passion for colonoscopy and performs advanced polypectomy as well as teaching colonoscopy both within the Trust and also at national screening centres. He is a Bowel Cancer Screening accredited colonoscopist and an examiner for BCSP colonoscopy accreditation.
Dr John Martin partnered with Welbeck Health Partners in 2018 to collaboratively develop the Welbeck Digestive Health Centre.
Expertise
- Changes in Bowel Habit
- Rectal Bleeding
- Dyspepsia
- Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Disease of the Small Intestine
Overview
- Age of patients seen
- 18+
- Languages spoken
- English
- Research highlights
Dr Martin was the local trial coordinator for the FlexiScope trial at St Mark’s Hospital. This was a multi-centred study designed to evaluate the benefit of flexible sigmoidoscopy screening in reducing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer.
The positive results from this study provided the evidence base for the introduction of the NHS bowel scope programme.
During this period Dr Martin also undertook research into the feasibility of analysing DNA extracted from stool or enema washings to identify mutations that increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. He also analysed the genetic profile of colonic polyps in relation to the risk of these polyps developing into a cancer. This research led to the award of an MD for research by London University.
Since being appointed as Director of West London Bowel Cancer Screening Centre Dr Martin has conducted numerous studies within the screening population that have been presented at international conferences
Dr Martin is currently collaborating with a group that are using a novel breath test to identify individuals with colorectal polyps or cancer.
- Professional memberships
British Society of Gastroenterology Endoscopy Research Group
St Mark’s Association
American Society of Gastroenterology
Consultations and services
- Self-pay available from £285
- Health insurance
- Self-pay available from £180
- Health insurance
Insurers covered
Tests & treatments
Conditions & symptoms
Locations
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only for certain services. Some consultations, assessments, and treatments can be booked directly, while others require a GP or specialist referral. Please check the relevant service page for guidance, and contact the centre if you’re unsure.
We aim to offer appointments as quickly as possible, and many services have same-day or next-day availability. Waiting times vary depending on the appointment type, specialty, and consultant availability, but our team will always offer the earliest suitable appointment.
Yes. You can arrange an appointment for a family member, or someone you care for, just let us know when you get in touch. We’ll need their details and consent to complete the booking, unless you're their legal guardian or have power of attorney.
Your first consultation includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors, followed by a thorough examination. It’s helpful if you can bring the results of any previous investigations with you, as well as a list of your current medications. Come with a comfortably full bladder so you can provide a urine sample if requested.

