Mr Daren Francis

Treatment information

General surgery

Hernia surgery Colonoscopy Capsule endoscopy (pillcam) Gallbladder / gallstone removal (cholecystectomy) Laparoscopy investigation and treatment

Other treatments

General surgery: Hernia repair surgery, Gastrointestinal surgery, Colonoscopy, Colorectal surgery

Professional profile

Mr Daren Francis qualified from The Royal London Hospital in 1993 and completed his senior house officer training at St Bartholomew's and Whipps Cross Hospitals. Following this he began specialist registrar training on the North East Thames Higher Surgical Rotation involving general, colorectal and laparoscopic training at The Whittington, Princess Alexandra Hospital Harlow, University College London, Chase Farm and Colchester Hospitals.

During this time he carried out research at the Middlesex Hospital, London, and was awarded an MD thesis for his work on the role of positron emission tomography in colorectal cancer. In addition, Mr Francis has spent time gaining specialist colorectal experience at the Middlesex Hospital and advanced laparoscopic experience at the internationally renowned unit at Colchester Hospital, where he attended advanced training courses in laparoscopic biliary and hernia surgery and laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Mr Francis is also a keen endoscopist and regularly performs both upper and lower endoscopy. Mr Francis has been a consultant surgeon at Chase Farm Hospital since October 2005 where he provides a laparoscopic, colorectal and general surgical service. Mr Francis' main clinical interests include advanced laparoscopic surgery (ranging from laparoscopic hernia repair to both benign and malignant gastrointestinal resections), colorectal surgery and endoscopy. He also has wide experience in general surgical conditions. He is an international expert in PET imaging in regards to gastrointestinal malignancies and has published much peer-reviewed work in this field including book chapters. Mr Francis provides a consultation, diagnostic and surgical service in line with his special interests at Spire Bushey Hospital and other LGCL locations.

Personal Profile

I am a general surgical advisor to BBC television drama Holby City. I have been involved in this medical drama for over two years and I am currently working on my third series. I enjoy many sports both as a spectator and player, including rugby, football, cricket and tennis. I enjoy watching films and travelling, and I also enjoy spending much of my leisure time with my young family.