Expert Gastroenterology Care in the Waikato
Dr James Fulforth — Specialist in Colonoscopy, Bowel Cancer Screening, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Gut symptoms are common, and if ignored, serious diagnoses can be delayed. I believe that providing a comprehensive and timely assessment, followed by evidence-based treatment approaches, offers both peace of mind and relief of symptoms.
Areas of Expertise
Diagnostic & therapeutic endoscopy (including chromoendoscopy)
Bowel cancer & bowel cancer screening
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease & ulcerative colitis)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Dyspepsia & coeliac disease
Gastrointestinal cancers & gastrointestinal bleeding
Oesophageal manometry & pH studies
Liver disease
Clinic Locations & Consultation Options
MacMurray Cambridge – in-person consultations
Phone Consultations – available on request
Investigations & Procedures
Specialist diagnostic and therapeutic procedures include:
Colonoscopy
Accredited National Bowel Cancer Screening colonoscopist
Polypectomy
IBD surveillance colonoscopy
Gastroscopy
Breath testing (SIBO & food intolerances)
Oesophageal physiology (manometry & pH testing, including Bravo)
Capsule endoscopy
Reasons to See a Gastroenterologist
Your digestive health plays a vital role in your overall wellbeing. If you are experiencing persistent gut symptoms, have a family history of bowel cancer, or live with conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a gastroenterologist can provide timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.
Symptoms that should not be ignored
Rectal bleeding
Diarrhoea or constipation
Change in bowel habit
Abdominal pain or bloating
Reflux/heartburn
Difficulty swallowing
Unexplained weight loss
Established conditions needing review
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Coeliac disease
Liver disease
Barrett’s oesophagus
Colon polyps
Preventive care and screening
Accredited Bowel Cancer Screening colonoscopies
Colonoscopy for those with a family history of bowel cancer
Surveillance colonoscopies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease or previous polyps
Gastroscopy for monitoring oesophageal or stomach conditions
About James Fulforth
I was born and raised in the UK and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. After moving to New Zealand in 2008, I completed my gastroenterology training in 2017, followed by an advanced fellowship at the Edinburgh IBD Unit, caring for complex Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients and undertaking research in this area.
Since 2019, I have been a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Waikato Hospital, where I treat a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions and continue my research interests. I am also currently the co-head of department and lead for endoscopy training.
My family and I are proud to call the Waikato home, and I am passionate about delivering outstanding gastroenterology care for our community.
Qualifications & Training
FRACP (2017)
MBChB (2006)
BSc Med Sci (Hons) (2003)
Advanced Fellowship – Edinburgh IBD Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh (2018–2019)
Advanced Training – Gastroenterology at Waikato & Christchurch Hospitals (2014–2017)
Basic Physician Training – Wellington & Melbourne (2010–2014)
Research & Memberships
Published in leading journals including Journal of Crohn’s & Colitis and Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
Professional memberships:
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Society of Gastroenterology
European Crohn’s & Colitis Organisation
Service Provider Affiliations
James Fulforth, Gastroenterologist
Email: jfulforth@macmurray.co.nz
Feel free to call the MacMurray Clinic 07 444 4600 or fill out my form to organise a consulation.
