Dr Jimmy Tiong- Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist

Dr Jimmy Tiong- Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist New Zealand trained with international fellowship. I work with all major insurers in New Zealand.

I welcome private referrals for gastroscopy, colonoscopy and consultations for people with gastroenterology and hepatology issues.

"Know the signs, trust your instincts, and take action when something doesn't feel right."
14/06/2026

"Know the signs, trust your instincts, and take action when something doesn't feel right."

10/06/2026

Do not ignore any new gut symptoms, such as blood in stools, change in bowel habits, persistent unexplained abdominal pain, to name a few. Please discuss these symptoms with your GP or gut specialist.

It’s time to give a $h!t about your gut! 💩🇳🇿May Good Gut Month, and the stats are a wake-up call for all of us. Our gut ...
08/05/2026

It’s time to give a $h!t about your gut! 💩🇳🇿

May Good Gut Month, and the stats are a wake-up call for all of us. Our gut health isn't just about digestion; it’s the engine room for our entire well-being.

Some interesting facts from https://www.thegut.org.nz/know-the-facts/

Did you know?

1) Colore**al cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

2) There has been an 88.3% increase in inflammatory bowel disease since 1990.

3) Coeliac disease is now 4 times more common than it was 50 years ago.

The good news? Knowledge is power (and prevention).

The team at The Gut Foundation has put together some incredible, easy-to-digest science to help you understand what’s happening on the inside. It’s highly enjoyable content that quite literally could save your life.

👉 Check out the facts here: https://www.thegut.org.nz/know-the-facts/

New logo. Now with the correct spelling.... 🤣
15/04/2026

New logo. Now with the correct spelling.... 🤣

I'm a Southern Cross Affiliated provider, and part of nib First Choice network. 😁
13/04/2026

I'm a Southern Cross Affiliated provider, and part of nib First Choice network. 😁

Hi all!  I'm very excited to announce that my business website is now live at https://www.jtgastro.co.nz/.  Feel free to...
19/03/2026

Hi all! I'm very excited to announce that my business website is now live at https://www.jtgastro.co.nz/. Feel free to check out the website to find out about the services that I offer, and the background of my medical training/ experience. GP's who wants to make a referral may search for me on ERMS under " JT Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Specialists (Dr Jimmy Tiong)"

Fantastic day out with the Christchurch Hospital Gastroenterology team tackling the City2Surf Christchurch run today! 🏃‍...
15/03/2026

Fantastic day out with the Christchurch Hospital Gastroenterology team tackling the City2Surf Christchurch run today! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ I won't embarrass myself so will keep my 6km run time a secret, but we certainly had a blast and finished strong as a team ( considering the number of us who did this with zero training).

More importantly, our run today was all about promoting the life-saving New Zealand Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NBSP). This programme is vital for early detection, which dramatically increases the chances of a positive outcome.

Bowel cancer is one of New Zealand's most common cancers, but it is treatable and beatable if caught early. If you're aged 58 to 74 , you'll be invited to participate in the NBSP. Don't put it off—a simple test could save your life!

**Key Takeaway:** Get screened. Early detection saves lives.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

02/03/2026

This month is Colore**al Cancer Awareness Month. I am reposting this message from the American Gastroenterological Association to help spread the word about this important cause.

While the message of awareness is universal, it is important to highlight how our New Zealand healthcare system operates. Unlike some other regions, routine screening colonoscopies are generally not publicly funded here for those without symptoms. Instead, we rely on a structured screening programme and GP-led investigations.

The NZ National Bowel Screening Programme
If you are aged 60 to 74 (or 58 to 74 in many regions as the age threshold is lowering), you will be invited to participate in the National Bowel Screening Programme.

The FIT Kit: Every two years, you’ll be sent a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) to complete at home. It’s simple, clean, and detects tiny traces of blood in the stool.

The Next Step: If the FIT result is positive, it doesn't mean you have cancer, but it does mean further investigation is needed—usually via a colonoscopy.

Participation: I strongly encourage everyone to participate when they become eligible. It is a free, life-saving programme designed to catch changes early when they are much easier to treat.

Other Investigation Modalities
Outside of the screening programme, if you have symptoms, your GP may discuss various diagnostic tools:

FIT test as above, but this can be self funded, and sometimes can also be accessed after a GP referral to the public hospital to investigate new bowel symptoms.
Colonoscopy (Endoscopy): The "gold standard" for looking directly at the bowel lining and removing precancerous polyps.

CT Colonography: A specialized 3D scan often used as an alternative for those less suited for traditional endoscopy.

When to See Your GP
Please don’t wait for a screening kit if you have concerns. Discuss your situation with your GP if you experience "red flag" symptoms, such as:

Blood in your stool (or any re**al bleeding).

A persistent change in bowel habits lasting several weeks.

A strong family history of colore**al cancer or bowel polyps.

Keep in mind: Most of the time, these symptoms are not indicative of serious disease. However, checking in with a professional is the best way to ensure your long-term health and peace of mind.

I really enjoyed sharing my knowledge and experience about upper GI bleed with the medical students at the University of...
27/02/2026

I really enjoyed sharing my knowledge and experience about upper GI bleed with the medical students at the University of Otago Christchurch School of Medicine today. Considering that it was a Friday afternoon with Electric Avenue concert taking place outside, the turn up and level of engagement was impressive! Hopefully I've inspired one or two souls to join this fantastic specialty.

Address

1 Henry Wigram Drive, Wigram
Christchurch
8042

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