Case study Group Florence Nightingale

Established in 1989, Group Florence Nightingale has over 20 years of medical experience. The Group is active in every major area of medicine, and is recognised as the standard of excellence for the Middle East, Central Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa. Its business includes a Centre for International Patients in Istanbul; four general hospitals, each providing centres of excellence in specialist medical fields; and the only organ transplant centre in the Middle East that is licensed to carry out heart, liver, kidney and bone marrow transplants.

In many of its areas of speciality, Group Florence Nightingale is a pioneer in the region. It was the first to perform a coronary stent procedure, robotic surgery, liver transplant from a living donor and heart transplant as a private hospital. In 2005, it also set up the first stroke centre and in 2007, the first comprehensive cancer centre in the region. The healthcare services provided at the Group’s facilities are accredited by the Joint Commission

International and TUV, two highly respected accreditation bodies.

“Our ethos is to achieve excellence in all we do,” says Dr Sinan Aran, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals in Istanbul and London. “We pride ourselves on being forward-thinking, and accomplishing regional ‘firsts’ in our clinics and hospitals. Our areas of speciality are broad and varied, and we treat around 30,000 patients every year.”

Connecting with the UK

Over the years, Group Florence Nightingale has evolved and expanded within Turkey. But, the Group’s vision was to take its know-how and use it to contribute to improvements in the quality of healthcare services in the wider Middle East region, and Central Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa. Its physicians had already established scientific collaborations with British universities, such as a liver transplant program with Cambridge University and

Imperial College. The Group also attracts patients from the UK and Europe. So, when it came to considering where to locate a new European Headquarters from which to co-ordinate and manage operations for international patients, the UK was a clear contender.

Group Florence Nightingale got in touch with the British Consulate in Istanbul for guidance about setting up in the UK. From there, the Group was referred to the local team of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), who carried out market research, advised on relevant legislation, helped to find premises, provided references and made introductions to UK lawyers and estate agents.

“UK brands are well respected around the world,” says Sinan. “We felt that if we were to set up a UK company established in London, this would contribute to a more rapid and solid expansion of our Group across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Fast facts

Company: Group Florence Nightingale

Industry: Healthcare

Country: Turkey

www.florence.com.tr

Advancing healthcare Support from UK Trade & Investment has been instrumental in helping Group Florence Nightingale to set up its new international Headquarters in London

What’s more, there are around half a million Turks living in the UK, the majority of whom are based in London. We hope to help this community to integrate and get the healthcare they need, without burdening the NHS. As with any new market, there was a lot for us to learn and many administrative matters for us to deal with. But UKTI has supported us every step of the way.”

Useful collaborations

The London office of Group Florence Nightingale opened in Harley Street in January 2013. As well as managing all international operations, this office will provide outpatient and inpatient healthcare services for the Turkish-speaking community in London, medical second opinion services and medical tourism activities. With the establishment of this facility, the number of international patients treated by the Group is expected to double to account for up to 50 per cent of its capacity.

Meanwhile, UKTI has introduced Group Florence Nightingale to contacts at King’s College London regarding a possible knowledge partnership. The Group is also in discussions with two major British healthcare providers in London about collaborating on projects that are of mutual interest.

“UKTI’s support has been instrumental in everything we have achieved so far regarding setting up our business in the UK,” says Sinan. “Without their help, it would undoubtedly have taken at least twice the time and resources. UKTI has followed up with us on a weekly basis to see how we are doing and if we need anything, responding quickly to our queries, which we greatly appreciate. Companies thinking about investing in the UK should definitely contact their local UKTI office. They are extremely motivated and ready to offer support in all aspects of starting operations in the UK.”

Published February 2013 by UK Trade & Investment © Crown Copyright

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“ UKTI’s support has been instrumental in everything we have achieved so far regarding setting up our business in the UK”