Wessex Nuffield Hospital ENT Clinic

​

Expert ENT, Nasal and Sinus Care at Wessex Nuffield Hospital

Mr Tim Biggs holds a specialist ENT clinic at Wessex Nuffield Hospital in Chandlers Ford, where he sees patients with a wide range of nasal, sinus and rhinological conditions. Wessex Nuffield Hospital is one of Hampshire’s leading private hospitals, conveniently located for patients from Southampton, Winchester, Eastleigh, Fareham, Portsmouth, Romsey, Salisbury and the wider South Coast.

Mr Biggs is a Consultant ENT Surgeon with specialist fellowship training in rhinology and facial plastic surgery. His practice focuses on the expert assessment and treatment of nasal obstruction, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, rhinitis, smell disorders, postnasal drip, recurrent nosebleeds and complex sinus disease.

At Wessex Nuffield Hospital, Mr Biggs accepts both insured and self-pay patients. No GP referral is required for self-pay consultations, although patients using private medical insurance should check with their insurer before attending, as some policies require a GP referral and pre-authorisation.

Mr Biggs is recognised by major private medical insurers including BUPA, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Cigna Healthcare and Allianz Partners.

​

Why Choose Wessex Nuffield Hospital?

Wessex Nuffield Hospital offers modern private hospital facilities, experienced nursing teams, comfortable outpatient consulting rooms and access to diagnostic services within a well-established private healthcare environment. The hospital is easily accessible from Southampton, Winchester, Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford, Fareham, Portsmouth and the surrounding Hampshire region.

Patients benefit from rapid access to consultant-led ENT care, without long waiting times. Mr Biggs provides a structured and specialist approach to nasal and sinus problems, combining detailed clinical assessment, nasal endoscopy, appropriate imaging and evidence-based medical or surgical treatment.

His practice combines advanced rhinological expertise with minimally invasive surgical techniques, allowing patients to receive personalised treatment plans based on their symptoms, anatomy and individual goals.

 

Private ENT Specialist for Southampton, Winchester and Hampshire

Mr Biggs sees patients from across Hampshire and the South Coast who are seeking specialist assessment for nasal obstruction, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, recurrent sinus infections, loss of smell, chronic rhinitis, postnasal drip and recurrent nosebleeds.

Many patients attend Wessex Nuffield Hospital because they want prompt access to an experienced Consultant ENT Surgeon with a specialist interest in nasal and sinus surgery. Mr Biggs regularly treats both straightforward and complex cases, including patients who have had previous nasal or sinus surgery elsewhere and are seeking a second opinion or revision treatment.

 

Conditions commonly assessed at Wessex Nuffield Hospital include:

Nasal obstruction
Deviated nasal septum
Enlarged inferior turbinates
Nasal valve collapse
Chronic sinusitis
Recurrent acute sinusitis
Nasal polyps
Loss of smell
Chronic rhinitis
Persistent runny nose
Postnasal drip
Nosebleeds
Facial pressure and sinus symptoms
Revision nasal or sinus surgery problems
 

Rhinoplasty and Septorhinoplasty Assessments

Patients considering rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty are welcome to attend an initial consultation with Mr Biggs at Wessex Nuffield Hospital. During this appointment, Mr Biggs can assess both the functional and cosmetic aspects of the nose, including nasal breathing, septal deviation, nasal valve collapse, nasal shape, symmetry, profile and tip support.

Although rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty consultations can take place at Wessex Nuffield Hospital, all rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty procedures are undertaken at Adnova Clinic in Fareham.

Adnova Clinic is Mr Biggs’ dedicated facial plastic and rhinoplasty practice. It provides specialist facilities for cosmetic and functional nasal surgery, including detailed pre-operative planning, imaging and a focused rhinoplasty care pathway.

Patients with both breathing problems and cosmetic concerns can therefore be assessed conveniently at Wessex Nuffield Hospital before being referred to Adnova Clinic for rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty surgery.

 

Conditions Treated at Wessex Nuffield Hospital

Nasal Obstruction and Breathing Difficulty

Difficulty breathing through the nose is one of the most common reasons patients seek an ENT opinion. Nasal obstruction can affect sleep, exercise, concentration and overall quality of life. It may be present during the day, at night, on one side, or alternating between sides.

Common causes include a deviated nasal septum, enlarged inferior turbinates, chronic rhinitis, nasal valve collapse or previous nasal trauma. Many patients have more than one contributing factor.

Mr Biggs takes a structured approach to nasal obstruction, identifying the underlying anatomical and inflammatory causes before recommending the most appropriate treatment. This may include medical therapy, septoplasty, turbinate reduction surgery, nasal valve treatment or septorhinoplasty where appropriate.

 

Conditions assessed include:

Deviated nasal septum
Enlarged inferior turbinates
Nasal valve collapse
Nasal obstruction after previous surgery
Post-traumatic nasal blockage
Combined septal and turbinate disease
Functional breathing problems associated with nasal shape

Septoplasty and turbinate reduction surgery may be undertaken through the Wessex Nuffield pathway where appropriate. Patients requiring rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty surgery will be assessed and then treated surgically at Adnova Clinic in Fareham.

 

Deviated Septum and Septoplasty

A deviated nasal septum occurs when the central partition of the nose is bent or displaced, narrowing one or both nasal passages. This can cause persistent blockage, disturbed sleep, mouth breathing, snoring, difficulty exercising and recurrent nasal symptoms.

Septoplasty is an operation to straighten the nasal septum and improve airflow. It is usually performed through small incisions inside the nose, without changing the external appearance of the nose.

In some patients, septoplasty is combined with turbinate reduction surgery to improve the nasal airway more comprehensively. If the external structure of the nose or nasal valve is also contributing to obstruction, a functional septorhinoplasty may be required. This can be assessed at Wessex Nuffield Hospital, but surgery would be undertaken at Adnova Clinic.

 

Enlarged Turbinates and Turbinate Reduction Surgery

The inferior turbinates are normal structures inside the nose that help warm, humidify and filter the air we breathe. When enlarged, they can significantly narrow the nasal airway and cause persistent congestion.

Turbinate enlargement may be related to allergy, chronic rhinitis, environmental irritation or compensatory enlargement associated with a deviated septum.

Treatment may include nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, saline rinses or surgery. Turbinate reduction surgery aims to reduce the size of the turbinates while preserving their important function.

Mr Biggs offers modern turbinate reduction techniques, including submucosal reduction and powered endoscopic turbinoplasty where appropriate.

 

Chronic Sinusitis and Sinus Disease

Chronic sinusitis is a long-term inflammatory condition affecting the lining of the nose and sinuses. It can cause nasal blockage, facial pressure, thick nasal discharge, postnasal drip, reduced smell and recurrent infections.

Mr Biggs has a specialist interest in endoscopic sinus surgery and sees patients with the full spectrum of sinus disease, from recurrent acute sinusitis to complex chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Within his NHS practice, Mr Biggs also helps run a regional joint ENT/Respiratory biologics clinic for patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps who may require advanced medical treatments.

 

Conditions assessed include:

Chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Recurrent acute sinusitis
Frontal sinus disease
Ethmoid sinus disease
Sphenoid sinus disease
Maxillary sinus disease
Sinonasal polyposis
Revision sinus surgery problems
 

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, or FESS, is a minimally invasive operation used to treat chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps that have not responded adequately to medical treatment.

The procedure is performed through the nostrils using high-definition endoscopes, avoiding external cuts or scars. The aim is to open the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses, remove inflammatory tissue or polyps where needed, and improve the delivery of topical treatments such as nasal steroid rinses.

FESS is tailored to the individual patient. Some patients require limited sinus surgery, while others with more extensive disease may require complex multi-sinus surgery, frontal sinus surgery or revision procedures.

Mr Biggs has extensive experience in endoscopic sinus surgery, including advanced and revision cases.

 

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are benign inflammatory growths that arise from the lining of the nose and sinuses. They commonly cause nasal blockage, loss of smell, congestion, a persistent runny nose and recurrent sinus infections.

Treatment usually involves a combination of medical therapy and, where appropriate, surgery. Medical treatment may include nasal steroid sprays, steroid rinses, short courses of oral steroids and management of associated asthma or allergy.

For more severe cases, endoscopic sinus surgery may be required to remove polyps and open the sinuses. Some patients with severe recurrent polyps may also be suitable for biologic treatments such as dupilumab or tezepelumab, depending on eligibility and funding pathways.

Mr Biggs has a specific interest in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and is experienced in both the surgical and medical management of this condition.

 

Loss of Smell

Loss of smell, also known as anosmia or hyposmia, can occur due to chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, viral infections including COVID-19, allergy, trauma or previous nasal surgery.

A structured ENT assessment can help identify whether the problem is due to inflammation, blockage, nerve dysfunction or another cause. Mr Biggs assesses smell loss as part of a rhinological consultation and advises on appropriate treatment options.

Depending on the cause, treatment may include nasal steroid therapy, steroid rinses, smell training, management of sinus disease or surgery.

 

Postnasal Drip and Chronic Rhinitis

Postnasal drip describes the sensation of mucus running down the back of the throat. It can cause throat clearing, cough, irritation, hoarseness and a persistent feeling of catarrh.

Chronic rhinitis can also cause nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose and excessive mucus production. It may be allergic or non-allergic and can be very troublesome when symptoms persist despite standard nasal sprays or antihistamines.

Mr Biggs assesses the underlying causes of rhinitis and postnasal drip, including allergy, non-allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, reflux-related symptoms and structural nasal problems. Treatment is tailored to the individual and may include medical therapy, nasal sprays, rinses or posterior nasal nerve procedures.

 

ClariFix and Posterior Nasal Nerve Treatment

For patients with persistent rhinitis, chronic runny nose or congestion that has not responded to medical treatment, posterior nasal nerve procedures may be considered.

ClariFix is a minimally invasive cryotherapy treatment that targets the posterior nasal nerve under endoscopic vision. The aim is to reduce the nerve signals that drive excessive mucus production and nasal overactivity.

For more severe or refractory cases, surgical posterior nasal neurectomy may be considered. These treatments can be particularly helpful for patients with perennial rhinitis, persistent rhinorrhoea and symptoms that remain troublesome despite appropriate medication.

Mr Biggs can assess suitability for these treatments during consultation.

 

Nosebleeds and Epistaxis

Recurrent nosebleeds are a common reason for ENT referral. Most nosebleeds arise from the front of the nose and can be managed with topical treatment or cautery. More severe or recurrent bleeding may require endoscopic assessment and, occasionally, surgical treatment.

Mr Biggs assesses and treats both anterior and posterior epistaxis. Treatment options may include topical therapy, silver nitrate cautery, endoscopic cautery or sphenopalatine artery ligation in selected cases.

 

What to Expect at Your Consultation

Consultations at Wessex Nuffield Hospital are thorough and unhurried. Mr Biggs will take a detailed history of your symptoms, including their duration, severity, triggers and the treatments you have already tried.

He will examine your nose and throat and, where appropriate, perform nasal endoscopy in clinic. Nasal endoscopy allows direct assessment of the nasal passages, septum, turbinates, nasal valve region, sinus openings and any inflammation or polyps.

If further investigation is required, Mr Biggs may arrange a CT scan of the sinuses or other appropriate imaging. This is particularly useful for patients with chronic sinusitis, recurrent infections, nasal polyps or those considering sinus surgery.

Following your consultation, you will receive a clear explanation of the findings, diagnosis and treatment options. A letter can also be sent to your GP or referring clinician, with your consent.

There is no obligation to proceed with any treatment following consultation.

 

Insurance and Self-Pay Patients

Mr Biggs accepts both insured and self-pay patients at Wessex Nuffield Hospital.

He is recognised by major private medical insurers including:

BUPA
AXA Health
Aviva
Vitality
WPA
Cigna Healthcare
Allianz Partners

If you intend to use private medical insurance, you should contact your insurer before your appointment to confirm that your consultation is covered and to obtain any required authorisation. Some insurers require a GP referral before authorising a specialist consultation.

Self-pay patients are warmly welcomed and do not require a GP referral.

 

Rhinoplasty, Septorhinoplasty and Insurance

Private medical insurance generally covers procedures undertaken for functional medical reasons, such as nasal obstruction from a deviated septum, turbinate enlargement, chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps.

Cosmetic nasal surgery is not covered by private medical insurance.

Patients who have both a breathing problem and cosmetic concerns may require septorhinoplasty. This can be discussed during consultation at Wessex Nuffield Hospital. However, all rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty procedures are undertaken at Adnova Clinic in Fareham.

Where there is a combined functional and cosmetic component, Mr Biggs will explain the likely treatment pathway, insurance considerations and self-pay elements clearly during consultation.

 

Areas Covered

Patients regularly attend Mr Biggs’ Wessex Nuffield Hospital clinic from across Hampshire and the South Coast, including:

Southampton
Winchester
Eastleigh
Chandlers Ford
Romsey
Fareham
Portsmouth
Whiteley
Hedge End
Bishops Waltham
Petersfield
Salisbury
New Forest
Isle of Wight
Basingstoke
Waterlooville
Havant
Gosport
Alton
Andover

This location is particularly convenient for patients seeking a private ENT consultant near Southampton, a sinus specialist in Hampshire, or expert assessment for nasal obstruction, septoplasty, sinus surgery or rhinoplasty consultation.

 

Location and Contact

Wessex Nuffield Hospital is located in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, with easy access from the M3, M27, Southampton, Winchester, Eastleigh, Fareham and Portsmouth.

Secretary: Michele Hewlett
Email: info@ent-surgeons.uk
Tel: 020 7870 5910

Patients may book directly for self-pay consultations. Patients using insurance should have their insurer details, membership number and pre-authorisation code available when booking.

 

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral to see Mr Tim Biggs at Wessex Nuffield Hospital?

No. Self-pay patients can book directly without a GP referral. If you intend to use private medical insurance, some insurers may require a GP referral letter before authorising a consultation. It is advisable to check with your insurer before booking.

 

Can I use private medical insurance?

Yes. Mr Biggs is recognised by major UK insurers including BUPA, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Allianz Partners and Cigna Healthcare. Patients should obtain pre-authorisation from their insurer before attending.

 

What ENT conditions does Mr Biggs treat at Wessex Nuffield Hospital?

Mr Biggs specialises in nasal and sinus conditions, including chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum, nasal obstruction, enlarged turbinates, nasal valve collapse, chronic rhinitis, persistent runny nose, postnasal drip, loss of smell, recurrent sinus infections and nosebleeds.

 

Does Mr Biggs treat general ENT conditions at Wessex Nuffield Hospital?

Mr Biggs is an ENT consultant and can assess a broad range of ENT symptoms. His specialist focus is nasal and sinus disease, rhinology and facial plastic surgery. Patients with nasal obstruction, sinusitis, rhinitis, nasal polyps, smell loss and nosebleeds are particularly well suited to his practice.

 

What is the most common cause of a blocked nose?

The most common causes of a blocked nose are a deviated nasal septum, enlarged inferior turbinates, chronic rhinitis and nasal valve collapse. Many patients have a combination of these problems. Nasal endoscopy during consultation helps identify the underlying cause.

 

What is a septoplasty?

Septoplasty is an operation to straighten a deviated nasal septum and improve airflow through the nose. It is usually performed through incisions inside the nose and does not normally change the external appearance of the nose.

 

What is turbinate reduction surgery?

Turbinate reduction surgery reduces the size of enlarged inferior turbinates inside the nose. The aim is to improve nasal airflow while preserving the natural function of the turbinates, which help warm and humidify the air we breathe.

 

Can septoplasty and turbinate reduction be performed together?

Yes. Septoplasty and turbinate reduction are commonly performed together when both a deviated septum and enlarged turbinates are contributing to nasal obstruction.

 

What is nasal valve collapse?

Nasal valve collapse occurs when the narrowest part of the nasal airway is weak or narrowed, causing obstruction during breathing. It may be present after trauma, previous surgery or due to the natural shape of the nose. Some cases require functional rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty.

 

Can nasal valve collapse be assessed at Wessex Nuffield Hospital?

Yes. Mr Biggs can assess nasal valve collapse at Wessex Nuffield Hospital. If surgery requires functional rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty, the operation would be undertaken at Adnova Clinic in Fareham.

 

What is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, or FESS, is a minimally invasive operation performed through the nostrils using endoscopes. It opens blocked sinuses, improves drainage and helps treat chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps that have not responded adequately to medication.

 

Do I need a CT scan before sinus surgery?

Most patients considering sinus surgery require a CT scan. This shows the sinus anatomy, the extent of inflammation and helps plan safe and effective surgery.

 

What are nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are benign inflammatory swellings that arise from the lining of the nose and sinuses. They can cause nasal blockage, congestion, loss of smell, runny nose and recurrent sinus infections.

 

Can nasal polyps come back after surgery?

Yes. Nasal polyps are caused by inflammation, so they can recur even after successful surgery. Long-term medical treatment with nasal steroid sprays or rinses is usually important after surgery. Some patients with severe recurrent polyps may be suitable for biologic treatments.

 

Can loss of smell be treated?

Sometimes. Loss of smell may be caused by nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, viral infections, trauma, allergy or other conditions. Treatment depends on the cause and may include nasal steroid treatment, smell training, sinus treatment or surgery.

 

What is chronic rhinitis?

Chronic rhinitis is long-term inflammation or overactivity of the nose. It can cause congestion, sneezing, runny nose, postnasal drip and excessive mucus production. It may be allergic or non-allergic.

 

What is ClariFix?

ClariFix is a cryotherapy treatment for chronic rhinitis and persistent runny nose. It targets the posterior nasal nerve, which contributes to excessive nasal secretions and congestion.

 

What is posterior nasal nerve surgery?

Posterior nasal nerve surgery is a treatment for severe or persistent rhinitis that has not responded to standard medication. It aims to reduce the nerve signals that cause excessive mucus production and nasal overactivity.

 

Can rhinoplasty consultations take place at Wessex Nuffield Hospital?

Yes. Patients considering rhinoplasty, cosmetic nasal reshaping, revision rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty can be assessed initially at Wessex Nuffield Hospital.

 

Where is rhinoplasty surgery performed?

All rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty procedures are performed at Adnova Clinic in Fareham. Wessex Nuffield Hospital can be used for initial assessment, consultation and discussion of treatment options.

 

Can rhinoplasty improve breathing as well as appearance?

Yes. Many patients have both cosmetic concerns and functional problems such as a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse or previous nasal trauma. Septorhinoplasty can address both breathing and appearance when appropriate.

 

Does insurance cover rhinoplasty?

Private medical insurance does not cover cosmetic rhinoplasty. It may cover functional nasal surgery where there is a documented medical indication, such as nasal obstruction. If treatment includes a cosmetic component, this will usually need to be self-funded.

 

What is the difference between septoplasty and septorhinoplasty?

Septoplasty straightens the internal nasal septum to improve breathing and does not usually alter the external appearance of the nose. Septorhinoplasty addresses both the internal septum and the external structure of the nose, and may improve both function and appearance.

 

Can I be seen for a second opinion?

Yes. Mr Biggs regularly sees patients seeking a second opinion following previous nasal surgery, sinus surgery, septoplasty, rhinoplasty or ongoing symptoms despite treatment elsewhere.

 

How long is recovery after nasal surgery?

Recovery depends on the procedure performed. Many patients return to desk-based work within one to two weeks after septoplasty, turbinate reduction, sinus surgery or rhinoplasty. More detailed recovery advice will be given during consultation.

 

Is nasal packing used after surgery?

Mr Biggs does not routinely use traditional nasal packing after nasal or sinus surgery. Where support is needed, modern splints or dressings may be used depending on the operation.

 

How do I book an appointment?

To book an appointment with Mr Biggs at Wessex Nuffield Hospital, contact his secretary Michele Hewlett by email at info@ent-surgeons.uk or by telephone on 020 7870 5910. Self-pay patients can book directly. Insured patients should check with their insurer and obtain authorisation before attending.