This consultant-led service provides specialist diagnostic screening to assess suitability for IBD biologic infusion, followed by safe administration of advanced therapies for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
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The IBD biologics screening and infusion service at Welbeck Digestive Health provides a streamlined, specialist-led pathway for patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis who require advanced biologic or small-molecule therapy.
Our service combines expert consultant assessment, suitability screening, dedicated nurse support, and safe infusion delivery within a calm, modern outpatient environment. Designed to reduce delays and improve treatment outcomes, the pathway offers patients rapid access to high-quality care, all coordinated under one roof.
You may need this service if you’re experiencing:
This service is also helpful for:
This service is delivered seamlessly by our nationally recognised IBD specialists in a coordinated outpatient setting within our state-of-the-art Digestive Health centre. With the dedicated support of our IBD clinical nurse specialist (CNS), you can rest assured you’re in safe hands and will receive the highest level of care.
Your journey through this pathway begins with an initial consultant-led appointment and screening package designed to assess your eligibility for IBD biologic therapy. During this consultation, your specialist will review your symptoms, medical history, and any previous test results. If needed, they’ll then order a tailored set of screening investigations—typically blood tests, infection screening, and imaging—to confirm that biologic treatment is appropriate and safe.
Once eligibility is confirmed, your treatment will be delivered in our dedicated infusion suite, where biologic medication is administered via intravenous infusion, subcutaneous injection, or oral therapy, depending on the prescribed drug.
Before the infusion is given, you’ll undergo a pre-treatment check with our IBD CNS, who’ll review your recent screening results, medical history, and current symptoms. Baseline observations (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, weight) will also be taken, and required safety checks will be completed, which follow strict clinical protocols. At Welbeck, all treatments are overseen by our IBD CNS with consultant supervision.
For first-time biologic patients, the nurse provides a full education session explaining how the treatment works, expected benefits, potential side effects, and aftercare advice. The biologic medication is then administered in our private, comfortable, and calm outpatient setting.
Infusions typically take 2 to 4 hours, while injections and oral therapies require less time, usually around 30 minutes. After treatment, a short monitoring period ensures there are no adverse reactions. Before leaving, your next dose and follow-up plan are scheduled.
Biologic therapies are delivered under strict clinical supervision, but as with all medical treatments, there are some risks to be aware of.
The most common include mild infusion or injection reactions such as headache, flushing, dizziness, or fatigue. Rarely, patients may experience allergic reactions, which is why all treatments are monitored closely with immediate access to medical support on-site.
Because biologics work by modifying the immune system, they can increase susceptibility to infections. Your screening tests help identify any underlying issues before treatment begins, and your clinical team will monitor you throughout your therapy to ensure it remains safe and appropriate.
Very little preparation is needed before attending your appointment. You can eat and drink normally unless advised otherwise. You should bring a list of your current medications and any recent IBD-related test results. Comfortable clothing is recommended for infusion appointments, as treatment sessions may last several hours.
It’s important that all required screening tests—such as blood tests, infection screening, or imaging—are completed before the biologic infusion. If these were not done within the last 6 months, they’ll be arranged as part of the initial consultant-led screening package.
Most patients can resume normal activities shortly after their appointment. Following an infusion or injection, you’ll be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate reactions. Some people may feel mildly tired or experience a headache, but these usually settle quickly.
Your IBD CNS will provide personalised aftercare advice, including:
A follow-up review will be arranged to assess your response to treatment and plan your next dose. For ongoing therapy, regular blood monitoring and periodic assessments ensure your biologic continues to work safely and effectively.
This service is available to self-paying patients; it’s not currently covered by health insurance providers.
Pricing for this service is as follows:
IBD biologics initial consultation and screening: £850
IBD biologic IV infusion (per session, excluding drug cost): £2,000
IBD biologic subcutaneous injection (per session, excluding drug cost): £800
IBD Biologic Oral (excluding drug cost): £500
Please contact our Digestive Health centre for further pricing information.
At Welbeck, our gastroenterologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
You can access the service through self-referral, a GP referral, or a specialist consultant referral, including referrals from outside the Welbeck network.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck gastroenterologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Suitability is determined through a consultant-led assessment and screening process. This includes reviewing your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments and results from blood tests, infection screening and imaging to ensure biologic therapy is safe and appropriate for you.
Biologic treatments are delivered in Welbeck’s dedicated infusion suite within the Digestive Health centre. The environment is calm, private and designed for comfort, with specialist nursing support and consultant oversight throughout your treatment.
Infusions typically take between two and four hours. Some biologic treatments are given by injection or oral medication and require less time, usually around 30 minutes, followed by a short monitoring period.
Biologic treatments are widely used and closely monitored. While most patients tolerate them well, there is a small risk of side effects, including infusion reactions or increased susceptibility to infection. Comprehensive screening and ongoing monitoring help minimise these risks.
Yes. All treatments are overseen by Welbeck’s specialist IBD clinical nurse specialist (CNS) with consultant supervision. You’ll be monitored during your infusion and followed up regularly to ensure treatment remains effective and safe.
Yes. Many patients choose to transition from NHS to private care for faster access, continuity of treatment and personalised planning. Welbeck’s team can support a smooth transition and coordinate care with your existing clinicians if needed.
Yes. Welbeck regularly supports international and travelling IBD patients who need continuity of biologic therapy while in the UK, providing safe, specialist-led treatment within a single, coordinated centre.