Our Services
At 'childrensdoctor', Candover Clinic, all care is personally led by Dr Afzal, a senior NHS consultant and academic paediatric gastroenterologist.
Care is tailored, unhurried, and focused on achieving clear answers and practical plans for children and families.
The 'childrensdoctor' team in Candover Hospital
01
Specialist GI Clinical Consultation
Dr Afzal provides comprehensive face to face paediatric gastroenterology consultations for infants, children, and adolescents.
Each consultation allows time to understand your child’s symptoms fully, review previous tests or letters, and explain findings clearly in plain language. Families leave with a clear diagnosis where possible, a structured plan, and reassurance about next steps. When appropriate, care is coordinated with NHS services to ensure continuity and safety.
02
Blood Tests & Targetted Investigations
Blood tests can be arranged promptly and conveniently, with no restriction on the number or type of tests when clinically required.
Investigations are targeted and evidence based, avoiding unnecessary testing while ensuring important conditions are not missed. Results are carefully interpreted by Dr Afzal, who explains what they mean and how they guide treatment decisions, reducing anxiety for families.
No child has ever said, ‘Great, a blood test!’, so we focus on comfort, reassurance, and getting it done quickly
Example of an MRI scan used to assess abdominal organs safely and non‑invasively.
03
Expert paediatric Gastrointestinal Imaging
Advanced gastrointestinal imaging is available through Candover, with studies selected and reviewed by Dr Afzal.
Imaging is only requested when it adds meaningful clinical value. Findings are discussed directly with families, helping to link scan results to symptoms and treatment options, rather than simply reporting images in isolation.
04
Non invasive
Coiled Oesophageal String Test (Paediatric Eosinophilic Oesophagitis)
Dr Afzal offers the non invasive 'coiled oesophageal string test' as an alternative/adjunct to gastroscopy in children with suspected or known eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE).
This child friendly investigation reduces the need for general anaesthetic, while still providing high quality diagnostic information. Families are carefully guided on whether this test is suitable for their child and how results will influence ongoing care.
Dr Afzal on BBC South, explaining Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE) and showing how the Coiled String Test can be used safely in paediatrics.
05
Collaborative care
For children who benefit from specialist nutritional input, Dr Afzal works closely with Nicky Heather, an experienced paediatric gastrointestinal dietitian. This collaborative approach ensures dietary management is practical, evidence‑based, and clearly explained for families.
Where endoscopy is needed, Dr Afzal will advise families on the safest and most appropriate NHS pathway, ensuring care is seamless and well coordinated.