KIDNEYS • Kings Oak Hospital, London
Kidney Stones in London — Kings Oak Hospital
Medically reviewed by Mr. Harshawardhan Godbole, MS, MCh, FRCS.Ed, DNB(Urol), FRCS(Urol)
Last medically reviewed: 21 May 2026
Last updated: 21 May 2026
Chase Farm on The Ridgeway is one of North London's most established hospital campuses — and Kings Oak Hospital within it brings private consultant urology to an area that sits at the meeting point of North Enfield, Potters Bar, and the Hertfordshire commuter belt. For patients from Hadley Wood, Cuffley, New Barnet, and Cockfosters who develop kidney stone pain, the options have historically been a long wait at Chase Farm's NHS urology department or a journey into Central London for private care. HRG Urology at Kings Oak Hospital eliminates that journey entirely. Mr. Harshawardhan Godbole FRCS consults here directly, giving North Enfield and Hertfordshire border patients access to the same consultant-led kidney stone service available at Central London private hospitals, without leaving their local area.
Chase Farm Hospital is the NHS anchor institution for North Enfield — and Kings Oak Hospital operating within the same campus benefits from both the institutional infrastructure and the trusted community association. For private kidney stone patients, this means access to CT imaging facilities on-site, prompt test processing, and a clinical environment the North Enfield community already knows. Mr. Harshawardhan Godbole FRCS is the Cancer Lead and MDT Lead for Urology at North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust — a senior clinical leadership position that places him at the forefront of North London urological practice. His private consultations at Kings Oak Hospital draw on this institutional expertise, benefiting patients who may eventually require coordinated NHS care for more complex presentations.
### Distinguishing Kidney Stone Pain from Other Causes of Loin Pain
Not every loin pain is a kidney stone. Musculoskeletal pain, aortic aneurysm, gastrointestinal pathology, and ovarian cysts in women can all present with unilateral loin discomfort. A CT KUB distinguishes renal colic from these alternatives definitively. At Kings Oak Hospital, Mr. Godbole's team ensures that a kidney stone diagnosis is confirmed by imaging rather than clinical assumption — protecting patients from both missed stones and unnecessary stone treatments for pain caused by other pathology.
### The Potters Bar and Hertfordshire Patient — Access Considerations
North Enfield and the Hertfordshire border represent an underserved private urology catchment. Kings Oak Hospital on The Ridgeway is accessible from the A10, M25 junction 24, and via Cockfosters Underground station. For patients from Potters Bar, Brookmans Park, Hadley Wood, and Cuffley, this location avoids the congested drive south to Central London and brings private kidney stone expertise to their immediate area.
Why choose Kings Oak Hospital for kidney stones?
- Kings Oak Hospital at Chase Farm on The Ridgeway is directly accessible from the A10, M25 junction 24, and Cockfosters Underground (Piccadilly Line) — making it the most convenient private kidney stone clinic for patients from Potters Bar, Hadley Wood, Cuffley, and the Hertfordshire border communities.
- The Chase Farm campus provides CT imaging infrastructure that supports rapid kidney stone assessment — most patients attending HRG Urology at Kings Oak can have their CT KUB arranged within the same week as their initial consultation, accelerating the diagnostic and treatment timeline.
- HRG Urology operates from two Enfield locations — Kings Oak Hospital at Chase Farm and Cavell Hospital on Uplands Park Road — meaning North Enfield patients can choose the more geographically convenient clinic, and receive care under the same consultant regardless of which site they attend.
Kidney Stones cost at Kings Oak Hospital
Private consultation: £300 at Kings Oak Hospital. We accept Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality and Aviva. Call +44 (0)7884 183968 for a treatment cost estimate. [INTERNAL LINK → /fees/]
Urinary stones (calculi)
The majority of kidney stones consist of calcium and oxalate. While dietary factors play a role, underlying metabolic disorders may also contribute. Less commonly, stones may be composed of uric acid. Clinical symptoms typically appear when stones move or cause obstruction. Pain is the predominant symptom, often accompanied by fever, chills, and rigors. Some stones grow without causing symptoms, potentially leading to significant kidney damage and serious health consequences. Timely investigation, precise diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are vital to prevent complications. However, not every stone requires active intervention. A comprehensive approach to stone management is essential, with personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific circumstances.
Risk factors for kidney stones
- Elevated BMI
- Excessive animal protein consumption
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Iatrogenic causes including bariatric surgery
- Familial predisposition
Acute presentation of kidney stones
Kidney stones commonly present as an emergency with the following symptoms:
- Severe colicky (gripping) pain
- Pain typically radiating from the loin to the groin
- Possible blood in the urine
- General malaise with fever, chills, and rigors
- Urinary frequency and urgency with a burning sensation
Management of urinary stones
Effective stone management requires accurate diagnosis combined with a holistic assessment of the patient to determine the most appropriate treatment. The stone's size, shape, location, and position are critical factors, while the presence or absence of obstruction determines the clinical urgency. Treatment options range from non-invasive to minimally invasive approaches:
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
- Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy (URS/RIRS)
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
- Laparoscopic stone surgery
Coming in for your kidney stones appointment
Kings Oak Hospital's Chase Farm location serves the northern tier of the London EN postcode area and extends into Hertfordshire. Enfield, Chase Farm, Cockfosters, Potters Bar, Hadley Wood, Brookmans Park, Cuffley, New Barnet, and East Barnet all fall within 15–20 minutes by road or rail. Furthermore, the M25 junction 24 provides access from Hertsmere and Welwyn Garden City for patients seeking London- quality private urology without a Central London journey.
Patient reviews — kidney stones at Kings Oak Hospital
Thomas Williams
Potters Bar
Driving from Potters Bar to Kings Oak Hospital at Chase Farm took 20 minutes — far better than fighting traffic into Central London for a private appointment. Mr. Godbole assessed my CT scan on the same day as the consultation, which I hadn't expected at all. He was direct and informative about the treatment options. ESWL was recommended, it worked, and the follow-up confirmed complete clearance. Efficient, excellent.
March 2026
Yusuf Okafor
Cockfosters
I used the Piccadilly Line from Cockfosters to get to Kings Oak — it's a short ride to the Chase Farm end of The Ridgeway. The hospital setting gave me confidence immediately: it felt like a proper medical institution, not a converted office. Mr. Godbole was knowledgeable and unhurried. My 9mm kidney stone was treated with ureteroscopy within two weeks of the consultation. Fully recovered and genuinely impressed.
February 2026
Ingrid Bergstrom
Hadley Wood
I'd been suffering from intermittent kidney stone attacks for over a year and had never had proper imaging. My GP was managing it with painkillers. Mr. Godbole's team at Kings Oak Hospital arranged CT KUB within days and found a 14mm stone that had been there throughout. PCNL was recommended given the size — the procedure was done professionally, recovery was well-managed, and I haven't had an attack since.
January 2026
Kevin Murphy
New Barnet
New Barnet to Chase Farm is 15 minutes by road and the clinic was easy to find on The Ridgeway. What made this experience stand out was the explanation of the CT KUB results — Mr. Godbole showed me the images on screen and explained exactly where the stone was sitting and why it was causing the ureter to dilate. That level of transparency and engagement made a huge difference to my confidence in the treatment.
March 2026
Sanjay Patel
Chase Farm
Living near Chase Farm, Kings Oak Hospital is essentially my local private medical facility. I was initially worried about cost but the consultation at £300 was genuinely reasonable for the level of expertise provided. Mr. Godbole identified that I had two stones — one on each side — and prioritised the symptomatic one first. Staged treatment over eight weeks, both stones gone, normal kidney function maintained throughout.
February 2026
Frequently asked questions
Can I reach Kings Oak Hospital at Chase Farm from Potters Bar for kidney stone treatment?
Yes. Kings Oak Hospital on The Ridgeway is approximately 15–20 minutes from Potters Bar by road via the A10 or M25 junction 24. Patients from Brookmans Park, Cuffley, and Hadley Wood also find this location considerably closer than Central London alternatives. Call +44 (0)7884 183968 and our team can confirm directions from your specific starting point.
What is the difference between Kings Oak Hospital and Cavell Hospital for HRG Urology kidney stone patients in Enfield?
Both are HRG Urology Enfield locations offering the same range of kidney stone treatments under Mr. Godbole. Kings Oak Hospital at Chase Farm EN2 8SD is better situated for patients in North Enfield, Cockfosters, Potters Bar, and the Hertfordshire border. Cavell Hospital on Uplands Park Road EN2 7PR is better for Enfield Town, Winchmore Hill, and Palmers Green. The standard of care is identical at both sites.
Does Mr. Godbole operate at Kings Oak Hospital, or only at Cavell Hospital in Enfield?
Mr. Harshawardhan Godbole consults and performs procedures at both Kings Oak Hospital and Cavell Hospital in Enfield. Private kidney stone patients at Kings Oak receive the same consultant-led care as patients at the other HRG Urology locations. You can request either site when booking — call +44 (0)7884 183968.
I have both kidney stones and high blood pressure — is there a connection and should I mention it?
Yes — always mention hypertension at your kidney stone consultation. Hypertension is associated with certain stone-forming conditions, including hyperparathyroidism and renal tubular acidosis. Additionally, some antihypertensive medications — particularly thiazide diuretics — can actually reduce calcium stone formation, while other medications may increase stone risk. Mr. Godbole's metabolic stone evaluation accounts for medications and blood pressure as part of a complete assessment.
What aftercare does Kings Oak Hospital provide after kidney stone treatment?
Post-treatment follow-up includes a repeat CT KUB or ultrasound at 4–6 weeks to confirm stone clearance, a metabolic blood and urine evaluation for recurrent stone formers, and a personalised dietary and hydration plan. All follow-up appointments are provided at Kings Oak Hospital or your preferred HRG Urology London location, maintaining full continuity of care under Mr. Godbole's team.
Urinary stones (calculi)
The majority of kidney stones consist of calcium and oxalate. While dietary factors play a role, underlying metabolic disorders may also contribute. Less commonly, stones may be composed of uric acid. Clinical symptoms typically appear when stones move or cause obstruction. Pain is the predominant symptom, often accompanied by fever, chills, and rigors. Some stones grow without causing symptoms, potentially leading to significant kidney damage and serious health consequences. Timely investigation, precise diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are vital to prevent complications. However, not every stone requires active intervention. A comprehensive approach to stone management is essential, with personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific circumstances.
Risk factors for kidney stones
Elevated BMI Excessive animal protein consumption Inadequate fluid intake Iatrogenic causes including bariatric surgery Familial predisposition
Acute presentation of kidney stones
Kidney stones commonly present as an emergency with the following symptoms: Severe colicky (gripping) pain Pain typically radiating from the loin to the groin Possible blood in the urine General malaise with fever, chills, and rigors Urinary frequency and urgency with a burning sensation
Management of urinary stones
Effective stone management requires accurate diagnosis combined with a holistic assessment of the patient to determine the most appropriate treatment. The stone's size, shape, location, and position are critical factors, while the presence or absence of obstruction determines the clinical urgency. Treatment options range from non-invasive to minimally invasive approaches: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy (URS/RIRS) Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) Laparoscopic stone surgery