Direct Access Endoscopy

At the Sydney Colorectal Clinic, we provide expert, patient-centered care for people undergoing endoscopic procedures including gastroscopy and colonoscopy. We can provide a direct access option for eligible patients requiring an endoscopy and/or colonoscopy. Alternatively, we can offer a face to face consultation with one of our specialists prior to the procedure.

Care Team

At the Sydney Colorectal Clinic, our dedicated direct access team is dedicated to providing efficient, world-class care for patients requiring endoscopic procedures. We specialise in high resolution colonoscopy, argon beam therapy, EMR, treatment of polyposis syndromes and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. With expertise, compassion, and a commitment to excellence, we guide our patients through every step of their treatment journey, offering personalised care and unwavering support.

Dr Hamish Urquhart

Director of the Sydney Colorectal Clinic & Specialist Colorectal Surgeon

Dr Hugh Giddings

Dr Hugh Giddings

Specialist Colorectal & General Surgeon

A/Prof Craig Haifer

A/Prof Craig Haifer

Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist

Dr Ian Lockart

Dr Ian Lockart

Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist

Isabelle Aucoin

Isabelle (Issi)

Practice Nurse & Surgery Coordinator
for Dr Urquhart

Aman

Aman Kaur

Practice Nurse

Eligibility Criteria

You will be eligible to book straight in for a procedure if the following criteria apply

  • Are under 80 years of age
  • Not taking blood thinners (apart from aspirin)
  • Have no history of diabetes, heart, kidney, liver or lung disease
  • Have private health insurance or wish to have their procedure in a private hospital
  • Have a current referral
  • Have one of the following indications
  • Positive faecal occult blood test
  • Personal history of colonic polyps
  • Family history of bowel cancer
  • Rectal bleeding in patients over the age of 40
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Previous Barrett’s oesophagus

Direct Access Endoscopy Booking Form

Whether you have had these procedures before or are undergoing these important procedures for the first time, our experienced team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

An insight into Colonoscopy

We recognise the importance of timely procedures particularly if you have had concerning symptoms or are overdue for surveillance.

For several indications, you are able to book straight a gastroscopy or colonoscopy with our proceduralists at St Vincent’s Private, Double Bay Day Hospital or Riverina Day Surgery. Our team will liaise with you and ensure all your preparation including medication management is addressed. Our specialists will then see and assess you on the day of your procedure.

Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary Care

Our procedural team lead by Dr Hamish Urquhart, Associate Professor Craig Haifer and Dr Ian Lockart work together to ensure that you have the best possible outcomes in your care.

We focus on evidence-based treatment and investigation plans lead by your history and symptoms and are designed to maximise success while prioritising your comfort, quality of life, and recovery.

From surgical and medical treatments to lifestyle and dietary management, we provide comprehensive, coordinated care so you feel confident in your treatment journey.

Memberships and Affiliations

Contact our Team

We offer either a direct access portal to endoscopy or colonoscopy (where with your referral you can book directly in for your procedure). Alternatively we can see you prior for a consultation. We are also supported by our practice nurses (Isabelle and Aman) who are also available to guide you through your treatment.

Multidisciplinary Expertise

A team of specialists ensuring optimal care.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Tailored therapies to meet individual needs.

Comprehensive Patient Support

Guidance through every stage of treatment.

Dr Hamish Urquhart

CSSANZ FRACS MBBS (hons), BEngineering Mech/Biomedical (hons)

Dr Hamish Urquhart is a specialist colorectal surgeon, with subspecialty training in proctology, complex colorectal cancer, pelvic floor disorders and inflammatory bowel disease. He is the director of the Sydney Colorectal Clinic and is dedicated to the treatment and management of complex colorectal conditions. Dr Urquhart believes in employing a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to Colorectal Surgery, and works closely with other disciplines to coordinate patient care

Dr Urquhart completed his postgraduate medical degree in 2008 from the University of Sydney, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (honours). He completed his internship and residency training at the Royal North Shore Hospital and subsequently commenced general surgical training in 2010. Dr Urquhart was awarded his Fellowship (FRACS) in General Surgery by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2015. In 2016, he began four additional subspeciality colorectal fellowship years focusing on the latest minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, robotic surgery and endoscopy. The last 2 of these fellowship years were with the highly regarded Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ) training program where he completed advanced colorectal surgical techniques.

Dr Urquhart is also a qualified biomedical mechanical engineer, graduating with first class honours from the University of Sydney in 2004. He was the 2005 recipient of the Engineers Australia Excellence Award for Innovation, developing several patents for biomedical devices.

Dr Urquhart is the Director of Surgical Training at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney. He is also a member of the NSW training board in General Surgery. Dr Urquhart has published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and has presented at conferences in Australia, North America, Italy and the United Kingdom on Colorectal Surgery. He also has a passion for teaching and has affiliations with the University of New South Wales and the University of Notre Dame.

Dr Hugh Giddings

Dr Hugh Giddings

CSSANZ FRACS MBBS (hons) PhD

Dr Hugh Giddings is a specialist colorectal and general surgeon with subspecialty training in colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic floor disorders, endometriosis surgery, and proctology. He performs open, laparoscopic, robotic and endoscopic procedures to treat a wide range of colorectal and general surgical conditions.

Dr Giddings received his postgraduate medical degree from the University of Sydney in 2010 (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery with honours). He went on to complete his general surgical fellowship (FRACS) with the Royal Australia College of Surgeons in 2020, including several years training at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney.

Following this Dr Giddings was the Notaras Scholar through the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand, with clinical posts at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney where he trained in advanced oncological colorectal surgery, and The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital specialising in minimally invasive techniques. An additional honorary fellowship was undertaken at St Mark’s Hospital in the United Kingdom with a focus on the surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease, and complex proctology.

Dr Giddings has a strong research background having presented both nationally and internationally, and was awarded the Royal Australian College of Surgeons Mark Killingback research prize in 2025. He recently completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) thesis looking at the trends in surgical workload, outcomes following surgery, and the quality of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgical care in Australia. Dr Giddings continues to be involved in collaborative research and is a member of the Australia and New Zealand inflammatory bowel disease consortium, and the scientific, medical, and quality of care advisory committee for Crohn’s Colitis Australia.

A/Prof Craig Haifer

A/Prof Craig Haifer

MBBS (Hons), PhD, FRACP

Dr Craig Haifer is an experienced gastroenterologist working across St Vincent’s Private and Public Hospital and an Associate Professor of Medicine though the University of New South Wales.

Dr Haifer is an expert in the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, IBS other gastrointestinal issues and takes a comprehensive holistic approach in managing these conditions. He recognises and values the importance of addressing diet and lifestyle to enhance a person’s microbiome and combines this with the most up to date medical advances to ensure his patients get the best outcomes of their conditions.

In addition to traditional gastroscopy and colonoscopy, Dr Haifer incorporates bowel ultrasounds into his treatment regimens which is an entirely non-invasive way to monitor bowel inflammation.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr Haifer heads a team of researchers across UNSW and St Vincent’s examining all aspects of the gut microbiome and it’s role in the development of various diseases, including IBD and various types of cancer. His work has defined the landscape of using techniques such as FMT and other pre/probiotics to improve the microbiome and he coordinates several research projects in the space.

Dr Haifer consults at St Vincent’s Clinic as well in Bondi Junction and Wagga Wagga; and performs gastroscopy, colonoscopy and capsule endoscopy through Double Bay Day Hospital, St Vincent’s Private and Public Hospitals and Riverina Day Surgery.

Dr Ian Lockart
Dr Ian Lockart

MBBS (Hons), FRACP, PhD

Dr Ian Lockart earned his medical degree at the University of New South Wales, graduating with honours in 2011. He went on to complete his physician and specialist training at Prince of Wales and St Vincent’s Hospitals in Sydney. He is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and has been awarded the Specialty Certificate in Gastroenterology from the Royal Colleges of Physicians in the United Kingdom. He completed a Doctor of Philosophy through the University of New South Wales, and is a Clinical Associate Lecturer, involved in the education and assessment of doctors-in-training. He is accredited for gastroscopy and colonoscopy by the Conjoint Committee for the Recognition of Training in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Dr Lockart is committed to delivering high-quality diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and has vast experience managing both simple and complex conditions.

Dr Lockart welcomes all patients, with access to endoscopic facilities at both St Vincent’s Public and Private Hospitals. He holds a staff specialist appointment at St Vincent’s Hospital, where he oversees general gastroenterology and liver disease clinics. For procedures performed at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Dr Lockart is registered as a ‘no-gap’ provider, meaning there are no additional costs for patients with eligible private health insurance.

Dr Lockart looks forward to being involved in your care.

Isabelle Aucoin

Isabelle (Issi)

Isabelle (Issi) is one of our dedicated practice nurses and also serves as Dr. Urquhart’s practice manager, playing a key role in supporting both patients and the day-to-day coordination of the practice. As our practice nurse, she is closely involved in pre-operative preparation and post-operative care, providing education, wound care, follow-up reviews, and ongoing support to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Issi brings over six years of experience working in operating theatres at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, where she specialised in general and colorectal surgery. This experience has given her a strong clinical foundation and a deep understanding of patient needs across all stages of care. She works closely with Dr. Urquhart, contributing to a highly coordinated and effective model of patient care.

Outside of the practice, Issi enjoys spending time exploring wineries in Orange, NSW, going to the beach with friends, skiing during the winter months, and getting creative in her home pottery studio where she enjoys working with ceramics. 

Aman
Aman Kaur

Aman is one of our practice nurses. Our practice nurses monitor patient care throughout the pre-operative and post-operative periods and are available to provide support, advice and reviews. Aman completed a Bachelor of Nursing through the University of Newcastle and has trained in peri-operative practice at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for seven years, specialising in colorectal and general surgery. Throughout this time, she has built a strong professional and interpersonal relationship with Dr Urquhart and Isabelle. Aman is currently studying her Master’s in peri-operative practice and aims to be a surgical assist alongside Dr Urquhart in theatre. 

Originally from the central coast, Aman grew up appreciating a coastal lifestyle. Outside of work, Aman enjoys a very active life that involves endurance running, competes both in triathlons and marathons. Aman also loves spending time with her family and friends, she is a self-confessed fun aunty to her two nephews. She also loves to read, explore new places and new cafes.