International patients

Last updated 9 Feb 2024
Author Nadine Silverside

We welcome patients from all over the world. We are able to treat self-pay patients, those with international insurance and patients sponsored by third parties such as embassies.

We have direct settlement agreements with most major sponsors. Translation services can be offered in any language at our hospitals; we can organise face-to-face interpretation services in any language with 72 hour’s notice and telephone interpreting services 24/7. Our on-site Arabic advocate staff can provide translation and support services for Arabic-speaking patients; please let us know if you need any support with translation when you enquire.

Our international team can assist and support you with organising treatment prior to your arrival in hospital as well as keeping your sponsor or insurer updated regarding your healthcare.

Our team

Joshua Tannios

Joshua Tannios joined the Imperial College Healthcare Private Care team as our international business healthcare manager in 2018.

Joshua gained his MBBS/BSc from the faculty of medicine at Cairo University. Joshua’s dedication to his career led to pursuing a master's degree in cardiology, further enhancing his expertise in this field. In 2007, Joshua successfully completed the Canadian Medical board MCCEE, solidifying his credentials as a highly knowledgeable medical professional.

Following that, he moved to the UK and worked as medical advisor at the Qatar Medical Office and the Kuwait Health Office for many years. Joshua's ability to care for his patients, coupled with his exceptional knowledge, has made him a sought-after medical professional in the industry.

Joshua believes in the importance of raising awareness of Imperial College Healthcare Private Care services within the private sector. He recognizes that by providing high-quality services that meet and exceed the expectations of our patients, we not only enhance their experience but also contribute to the success of our NHS services.

Sue Kdher

Sue Kdher graduated from the faculty of science at Baghdad university, with an honours degree in pure chemistry. Prior to moving to the UK she worked as an A level chemistry teacher in both Kuwait and Iraq.

Sue then moved to the UK and spent a period of time as a full-time mum. Once her children had grown up, she fulfilled her dream of entering higher education, where she took a master's degree.

Sue then took short courses in both interpreting and medical advocacy. Prior to working for Imperial Private Healthcare, she worked as interpreter for many years with the Council for Racial Equality in Hammersmith.

She has been working for Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust since 2004, both as an interpreter, and, more recently, as an advocate. Although she works across all private care sites, she mostly works in Charing Cross and Hammersmith hospitals.

Alaa Ibrahim

Alaa Ibrahim joined the international patients team at Imperial College Healthcare Private Care as an Arabic advocate in 2018.

She started her career as a biomedical scientist, before joining the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. She has worked in university laboratories running tests on samples including bloods, biopsies, cells, and tissues.

As a private patients advocate her role is to manage the care of international patients arriving from different parts of the world and in particular from the Middle East. Alaa is responsible for coordinating a patient’s journey throughout their treatment, including outpatient appointments, admissions, and diagnostic testing.

Alaa is proud that she has the opportunity to work alongside some of the best renowned consultants in the world and be part of a growing team that’s expanding into new international markets.

She enjoys having the chance to observe complex cases management during patient treatment and ultimately witnessing her patient’s leave our hospitals extremely happy and comfortable with the care provided.

A home away from home

However long your stay, we want you to be comfortable and relaxed. Our friendly clinical staff and hotel services team will help you and your family settle in and feel at home.

We offer comfortable, private rooms with en-suite facilities across all our inpatient sites. You can also choose to stay in one of our suites or deluxe accommodation. Please enquire about availability when you contact us.

To ensure your entertainment and connectivity, our rooms are equipped with satellite TV, offering a wide range of major international channels. This is in addition to a radio and bedside phone. Free Wi-Fi is available to make it easy for you to stay in touch with friends and family.

A variety of additional services are available for our overseas visitors, including translators, and a multi-faith worship room. Let us know your preferences when arranging your stay by speaking with the concierge team.

Team of advocates

We understand how stressful it can be travel to a country with a different culture and language when you are not feeling well. At Imperial College Healthcare Private Care, our goal is to alleviate those concerns and provide you with a supportive experience.

Our team of advocates are available to assist you in overcoming any language barriers, and can coordinate all aspects of your administration, ensuring effective communication between you and your healthcare providers. We will aim for you to liaise with the same advocate throughout your stay. We can liaise with embassies and third parties sponsoring treatment, and assist with administrative and financial requirements, such as obtaining medical records or letters of guarantee, or arranging supporting letters for visa applications.

We understand the importance of clear and accurate communication during your medical journey.The advocates speak various dialects of many languages fluently and members are trained to translate and interpret medical terms.