THE UK's first private gastroenterology clinic - based in Newport - is branching out to offer surgery, following a six-figure investment in a state-of-the-art operating theatre.

Nucleus Healthcare, based at Celtic Springs Business Park, has specialised in endoscopy and other gastroenterological investigations since opening three years ago.

But now it is beginning to offer laparoscopic, or keyhole, surgeries for ailments such as gallstones, hiatus hernia, and acid reflux.

The move into surgery involving overnight stays for patients is a big step forward for the company, which opened after a £10m investment, and which attracts patients from across south and west Wales, and the south west of England.

"We've grown the business slowly over the first three years, but this is a big step up," said Dr Manny Srivastava, whose developed Nucleus Healthcare after a 13-year career at the Royal Gwent Hosptial.

"Growth in private sector healthcare has generally been flat for two or three years, but we've grown at 15 per cent a year. I think that is down to attention to delivering high clinical standards. We want this to be a centre of excellence."

Mike Nutt, consultant upper GI (gastro-intestinal) surgeon, conducted the first operation at Nucleus' new integrated laparoscopic theatre.

"It is comparable to any unit in the UK in terms of equipment and is described as integrated because all the equipment and facilities come down from the ceiling - there are no cables or tubes trailing around," he said.

"It's better for patients and staff, and we have four screens showing the operation going on, so surgeon, anaesthetist and nursing staff can see what is going on.

"The design makes turnaround quicker too, so we can treat more patients."