Former UK hospital Emirati patients reunite during annual celebratory iftar

This Ramadan, children from across the Emirates who once received treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) in London have come together, with their families, for a celebratory iftar in Dubai to express their gratitude to all parties who made their care abroad possible.  

At the annual iftar, which was hosted at Aseelah restaurant in Dubai, former patients and family members were greeted by local healthcare professionals and referrers who have an important role in facilitating the referral process from the Gulf to GOSH.  As well as reuniting families, the event served as an opportunity for local healthcare professionals to develop collaborations, share knowledge and cement relationships for the good of children’s health in the region.

GOSH treats sick children from 90 different countries for rare, complex and multiple conditions, which includes 1,500 children from the Middle East every year. Through their special events and celebrations, the London-based hospital caters to a variety of different cultures and religions.

Commenting on the importance of this annual iftar gathering for their international patients and their families, Trevor Clarke, Director of the International and Private Patients Service at GOSH said, “Events like this are extremely important to us at GOSH as part of our mission to ensure all of our patients, past and present, are part of the global GOSH family. This iftar not only re-connects former patients and parents in a positive and fun atmosphere in their home country but also helps to show our appreciation, during this special month of Ramadan, to the UAE Government, local healthcare professionals and referrers who help make children’s treatment abroad possible.”

This event was organised by GOSH’s Gulf office based in Dubai Healthcare City. The Gulf office aims to ensure quality services are delivered and a smooth transition is provided to children and families referred from the region to GOSH in London.