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Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital in Şişli: Departments, Specialties, Accreditation, and Information for International Patients
Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital (İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital) is one of the main hospitals within the Florence Nightingale Group in Turkey. It is located in the Şişli district of Istanbul, near Çağlayan Courthouse.
The current hospital began operating in 2013 and was designed as a smart, multidisciplinary hospital aimed at providing advanced medical services to both local and international patients. Its stated capacity is 251 beds, including 41 intensive care beds, 11 operating rooms, and two maternity wards. The group states that the operating rooms are equipped with a Laminar Air Flow system.
It is important to distinguish the current hospital in Şişli from the historic Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital, which opened in 1989 as a hospital specializing in cardiology. The current facility, officially known as İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, opened in 2013.
Location of Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital
The hospital is located at Abide-i Hürriyet Avenue No. 166, in Şişli, Istanbul, next to Çağlayan Courthouse.
Its location provides access to Istanbul's extensive transportation network. Its position on the European side of the city is also an important consideration for international patients when planning accommodation and medical appointments.
For international patients, transportation between the airport, hotel, and hospital should be arranged in advance, particularly for patients who require multiple examinations or surgical procedures involving closely scheduled appointments.
Overview of Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital
İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital opened in 2013 and is part of a healthcare group that began operating in 1989.
According to the group, the current hospital was established to bring together medical staff, technological equipment, and infrastructure, while also focusing on patients coming from the Middle East, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and surrounding countries.
The hospital has a stated capacity of 251 beds, including 41 intensive care beds, 11 operating rooms, and two maternity wards. It also has a medical helicopter landing pad on the roof of the building. The group states that the building was classified by TÜV Hessen as a green hospital building under the certification it received.
Medical Departments and Specialties
The hospital provides medical services across a wide range of specialties, and its current official website presents an extensive list of medical units.
These specialties include anesthesiology; plastic and reconstructive surgery; advanced endoscopy and interventional gastroenterology; andrology; breast surgery; bone marrow transplantation; breast health; neurosurgery; pediatrics; chest diseases; cardiovascular surgery; pediatric allergy; child and adolescent psychiatry; pediatric cardiology and pediatric cardiac surgery; the cancer center; cardiology; emergency medicine; endocrinology and metabolic diseases; ophthalmology; otolaryngology; gastroenterology; general surgery; geriatrics; gynecologic oncology; hematology; high-risk pregnancy and maternal-fetal medicine; infectious diseases; intensive care; interventional radiology; internal medicine; immunology and allergy; nephrology; hepatology; liver transplantation; medical oncology; neonatology; neurology; nuclear medicine; neuroradiology; organ transplantation; orthopedics; obstetrics and gynecology; ophthalmology; pediatric surgery; pediatric endocrinology; pediatric pulmonology; pediatric cardiology; pediatric orthopedics; and physical medicine and rehabilitation, among others.
The group also has specialized centers and units in robotic surgery, spine surgery, shoulder and elbow surgery, foot and ankle surgery, hand surgery, pain management, oncological rehabilitation, hyperbaric therapy, regenerative medicine, and other specialized fields.
Physicians and Medical Staff
The hospital has physicians and specialists across a broad range of medical disciplines. The professional profiles currently published on the official website include fields such as orthopedics, chest diseases, obstetrics and gynecology, urology, medical oncology, cardiovascular surgery, cardiology, general surgery, neurology, and others.
The Florence Nightingale Group publishes professional profiles for its physicians, typically including their specialty, workplace, education and training, professional experience, and, for some physicians, the languages they speak.
Because the physician roster changes over time, international patients should select a physician based on the specific specialty and experience relevant to their condition or procedure, rather than relying only on the general name of the specialty. Patients should also confirm that the physician who evaluated their case is the same physician who will actually participate in their treatment or surgery.
Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery
Cardiology and cardiovascular surgery are important areas in the history of the Florence Nightingale Group.
The group's history dates back to 1989, when Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital opened as a private hospital specializing in cardiology. The group states that in 1993 it received authorization from the Turkish Ministry of Health to specialize in cardiology. Its historical information also mentions robotic cardiac surgery, heart transplantation, and artificial heart surgery at its facilities in subsequent years.
The current İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital has cardiology and cardiovascular surgery departments, together with intensive care infrastructure and advanced diagnostic services.
The cardiology department provides diagnostic services including electrocardiography, echocardiography, Holter monitoring, stress testing, catheterization, and coronary angiography, according to the services presented by the group for this specialty.
International patients considering cardiac catheterization or heart surgery should send their cardiac reports, imaging, previous catheterization results, and current medications before traveling in order to receive a clear preliminary assessment.
Robotic Cardiac Surgery
The Florence Nightingale Group provides specialized cardiac surgery services and currently presents robotic cardiac surgery among its medical services.
Historically, the group states that it performed robotic cardiac surgery in 2004.
However, the existence of a specialized technology or unit within the group does not necessarily mean that every robotic procedure is available to every patient or at all times. Therefore, the exact procedure and technology should be identified, and their availability at the relevant hospital and with the relevant physician should be confirmed before traveling.
Cancer and Oncology Center
The hospital has a cancer center, while medical oncology, gynecologic oncology, hematology, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy services are also available within the group's healthcare network.
Historically, Florence Nightingale Group opened a dedicated oncology and radiotherapy center in 1997 at one of its facilities and states that it established a comprehensive cancer center in 2007.
Cancer care generally involves diagnosis, imaging, biopsy, pathology, medical treatment, surgery, and radiotherapy, with the treatment plan determined according to the type and stage of the tumor and the patient's condition.
For international cancer patients, it is important to send the pathology report, immunohistochemistry results when available, imaging studies and previous reports, and the treatment regimen already received, as this information is essential before developing a new treatment plan.
Organ and Liver Transplantation
The Florence Nightingale Group has an organ transplantation center, and İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital offers services related to liver transplantation and organ transplantation within its network.
The group states in its history that it performed a liver transplant in 2004. Its international-patient materials also indicate that it holds authorization to operate in five areas of organ transplantation.
For transplantation procedures, every case must be assessed individually because patient acceptance depends on the diagnosis, organ function, general health status, compatibility, required investigations, and the medical and legal criteria governing donation and transplantation.
Bone Marrow Transplantation and Hematology
The hospital has a bone marrow transplantation center in addition to a hematology department.
The group states in its history that it began bone marrow transplantation in 2010 and currently lists a bone marrow transplantation center among its medical units.
These services are relevant to patients with hematological diseases and blood cancers who require specialized assessment for stem cell or bone marrow transplantation.
An international patient's medical file should include bone marrow biopsy results, blood tests, molecular or genetic diagnostic results when available, previous treatments, and information regarding any previous transplantation procedures.
Neurosurgery and Neurology
The hospital provides neurosurgery as well as neurology.
This includes the assessment of neurological conditions requiring medical treatment or surgical intervention, along with neuroimaging and neuroradiology services.
The group also has specialized services in spine and scoliosis surgery. According to the group's institutional information, its Scoliosis and Spine Surgery Department received a Center of Excellence designation for full endoscopic spine surgery in 2022.
Spine and Scoliosis Surgery
Spine and scoliosis care are among the areas in which the Florence Nightingale Group has developed specialized centers.
The group states that its Spine and Scoliosis Center was established in 2002 and that its Scoliosis and Spine Surgery Department received a Center of Excellence designation for full endoscopic spine surgery in 2022.
The group also indicates that specialized imaging technologies are used in the assessment of spinal and skeletal disorders.
International patients considering spine surgery should send MRI or CT scans and medical reports, together with details of their symptoms and previous treatments.
Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery
The hospital has an orthopedic and trauma surgery department, and the current physician listings include orthopedic specialists.
The group also has specialized units for shoulder and elbow surgery, hand surgery, foot and ankle surgery, hip and knee replacement, and spine surgery.
The facility also uses EOS skeletal imaging technology, a low-dose imaging technology that allows simultaneous frontal and lateral images and three-dimensional reconstruction of the skeleton. The group states that this technology has been used at the hospital for skeletal imaging.
Pediatric Surgery and Pediatrics
The hospital provides pediatrics and pediatric surgery, as well as pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery and specialized pediatric services such as pediatric pulmonology, nephrology, endocrinology, and allergy.
The availability of multiple pediatric specialties is important for complex cases requiring collaboration between several specialties.
Specialized neonatal services are also available at the hospital.
Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery
The hospital has a Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Center.
Pediatric cardiology services address congenital heart disease and other cardiac problems in children, while pediatric cardiac surgery manages cases requiring surgical intervention.
The Florence Nightingale Group states in its historical information that it has extensive experience in pediatric cardiac surgery across its network.
International patients should send echocardiography reports, catheterization or imaging reports, previous diagnoses, and details of previous surgeries, when applicable, before traveling.
Obstetrics, Gynecology, and High-Risk Pregnancy
The hospital has an obstetrics and gynecology department, together with maternal-fetal medicine, high-risk pregnancy, and gynecologic oncology specialties.
The facility has two maternity wards, according to the hospital's current official information.
This structure allows the assessment of gynecological conditions, pregnancy, and childbirth, with referral to subspecialties such as maternal-fetal medicine or gynecologic oncology when required.
International patients should send previous pregnancy records, imaging studies, laboratory results, and information about previous surgeries or deliveries, particularly in high-risk pregnancies.
Neonatology
The hospital provides specialized neonatal services.
Neonatal services work together with pediatrics, pediatric cardiology, and pediatric surgery when required.
Families seeking treatment for newborns with complex conditions should send information regarding gestational age at birth, birth weight, diagnosis, respiratory support, medications, and imaging and laboratory results before traveling.
Gastroenterology and Advanced Endoscopy
The hospital has a gastroenterology department, and the group also presents an Advanced Endoscopy and Interventional Gastroenterology Unit.
This field covers the assessment of gastrointestinal, liver, pancreatic, and biliary diseases, as well as advanced endoscopic and interventional procedures depending on the patient's condition.
The exact procedure required should be identified in advance because the term "endoscopy" may refer to procedures that differ substantially in preparation, anesthesia, hospitalization, and cost.
General Surgery and Bariatric Surgery
The hospital has a general surgery department, while the group also provides specialized services for obesity, bariatric surgery, and metabolic diseases.
The group's network includes the Flowell Weight Management Center and a Bariatric Surgery Application Center.
Bariatric surgery should be preceded by comprehensive medical, nutritional, and metabolic assessment to determine whether surgery is appropriate and which procedure is most suitable.
International patients should not select a procedure based solely on price or body weight. Comorbidities, body mass index, surgical history, nutritional status, and the long-term follow-up plan should all be assessed.
Urology and Robotic Urologic Surgery
The hospital has a urology department, and the group also offers a robotic urologic surgery unit.
Urology services address conditions involving the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate, and male reproductive system.
The group also provides robotic technologies for certain surgical procedures. However, whether robotic surgery is appropriate for a particular patient depends on the diagnosis, location of the disease, the patient's condition, and the experience of the surgical team.
Chest Diseases
The hospital has a chest diseases department, and the current physician listings include specialists in this field.
The department manages respiratory diseases and various pulmonary conditions, with access to advanced imaging and intensive care services when required.
Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases
Endocrinology and metabolic diseases are among the hospital's medical specialties.
This field includes diabetes, thyroid disorders, hormonal and metabolic disorders, and other conditions requiring specialized endocrine or metabolic assessment.
Nephrology and Kidney Failure
The hospital has a nephrology department, along with clinics related to kidney failure and kidney transplantation within the group's network.
Patients with renal impairment or those considering kidney transplantation should send kidney function test results, imaging reports, dialysis information when applicable, medications, and any previous transplantation or evaluation reports.
Ophthalmology
The hospital has an ophthalmology department, and the group lists several physicians in this specialty at the hospital.
The field covers the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and appropriate surgical procedures depending on the diagnosis.
International patients traveling for eye surgery should send eye examination results, imaging, and previous reports, as the choice of surgical technique depends on detailed characteristics of the patient's eye condition.
Ear, Nose, and Throat
The hospital provides ear, nose, and throat (ENT) services.
This specialty covers diseases of the nose and sinuses, ear and hearing disorders, throat conditions, and voice and swallowing problems. More specialized services, such as voice and speech disorders, are also available within the group's network.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
The hospital provides plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Reconstructive surgery includes procedures aimed at restoring function or appearance following injuries, diseases, or certain operations, while plastic surgery also includes elective procedures based on the patient's condition and preferences.
International patients should obtain a written plan before traveling specifying the type of surgery, location, type of anesthesia, expected length of stay, recovery period, and follow-up after returning home.
Radiology and Medical Imaging
The hospital provides advanced medical imaging services.
The official information lists technologies such as whole-body magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, three-dimensional skeletal imaging using EOS, and other radiology and imaging technologies.
The group also uses systems that allow medical images to be shared and discussed with physicians at other locations, which may help patients obtain a second medical opinion before traveling.
EOS Skeletal Imaging Technology
The hospital uses EOS technology for skeletal imaging.
According to the group, the technology uses low-dose X-rays and allows simultaneous frontal and lateral images, with the possibility of creating a three-dimensional reconstruction of the skeleton.
This technology is particularly relevant to patients with scoliosis, spinal disorders, and skeletal deformities, especially when assessment of alignment and posture is required.
Whole-Body MRI
Whole-body MRI is among the imaging technologies offered by the hospital.
Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of tissues and organs without the use of X-rays.
However, whole-body MRI should not be considered a substitute for specialized medical screening programs or a method guaranteed to detect all diseases. The appropriate examination should be determined by a physician based on risk factors and symptoms.
Interventional Radiology
The hospital has an interventional radiology specialty.
The group also states that the Interventional Radiology Unit at İstanbul Florence Nightingale received a Center of Excellence certificate in 2016.
Interventional radiology allows a range of image-guided medical procedures to be performed, some of which may provide a less invasive alternative to conventional surgery in selected cases.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is among the hospital's medical specialties.
Nuclear medicine techniques are used in certain areas of diagnosis, disease assessment, and treatment monitoring, particularly in oncology and some endocrine and cardiac conditions, among others.
The type of examination is determined according to the clinical question and the patient's condition.
Intensive Care
The hospital has a stated capacity of 41 intensive care beds.
Intensive care units provide care for patients requiring close monitoring or support of vital functions after surgery or because of severe medical conditions.
The level of intensive care required varies according to the patient's condition. International patients with high-risk conditions should therefore confirm in advance that the appropriate level of care is available for their specific situation.
Operating Rooms and Maternity Wards
The hospital has 11 operating rooms, and the group states that all are equipped with a Laminar Air Flow system.
There are also two maternity rooms/wards.
The operating rooms allow a wide range of surgical procedures to be performed, while the required equipment and facilities vary according to the specialty and the patient's condition.
Medical Helicopter Landing Pad
The building has a medical helicopter landing pad on the hospital roof.
The group states that the landing pad is equipped to receive different types of medical evacuation helicopters.
This facility is important in situations requiring rapid medical transportation. However, it does not mean that every patient can directly use the landing pad, as air medical transport is subject to medical assessment and specific operational arrangements.
Joint Commission International (JCI) Accreditation
Joint Commission International – JCI accreditation is one of the notable features of İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital.
According to the hospital's official website, the hospital first received JCI accreditation on August 22, 2013, and the group states that the accreditation has been subject to periodic reassessment every three years, with renewal of the certification.
The group's official accreditation page also presents a sequence of JCI certificates for the hospital covering 2013–2016, 2016–2019, 2019–2022, 2022–2025, and 2025–2028. This means that, according to the group's officially published information, the hospital is currently within the JCI accreditation cycle for 2025–2028.
The group states that the hospital was assessed according to the eighth edition of JCI standards and presents accreditation as a framework for evaluating quality of care, patient safety, and clinical processes.
What JCI Accreditation Means for Patients
JCI accreditation does not mean that every treatment outcome will be successful, that the hospital is suitable for every condition, or that it guarantees the outcome of a particular operation.
Rather, it indicates that the hospital has undergone assessment against international standards covering multiple aspects of quality of care, patient safety, and organizational and clinical processes.
International patients should therefore consider JCI as one element in evaluating a hospital, alongside the physician's experience with the specific condition, available equipment, treatment outcomes, type of service, and follow-up plan.
Other Quality and Center of Excellence Certifications
In addition to JCI, the Florence Nightingale Group lists several certifications and Centers of Excellence associated with the hospital or the wider group.
These include İstanbul Florence Nightingale receiving a Center of Excellence certificate for its Interventional Radiology Unit in 2016.
The group also states that its Breast Health Center received a Center of Excellence designation in breast surgery from the Senologic International Society in 2019, while the Scoliosis and Spine Surgery Department received a Center of Excellence designation for full endoscopic spine surgery in 2022.
It is important to distinguish a certification applying to a specific department or center from accreditation of the hospital as a whole.
Green Building Certification
The hospital states that it received a TÜV Hessen Green Building certificate and describes itself as the first green hospital building in Turkey under this classification.
This type of certification relates to building characteristics, environmental sustainability, and facility efficiency. It is not a clinical accreditation of treatment quality or surgical outcomes.
International Patient Services
The Florence Nightingale Group has a dedicated international patient center known as the Center for International Patients – CIP.
According to the group, the center serves patients arriving from various regions around the world, including the Middle East and Gulf region, North Africa, Central Asia, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe.
The center's services include medical review of patient records by physicians, communication with patients and their relatives, coordination of arrival in Turkey, arrangements for stays at the group's hospitals, interpreter services, and assistance with travel and accommodation arrangements and other logistical needs.
Second Medical Opinion for International Patients
An important service for international patients is the possibility of obtaining a preliminary medical opinion before traveling.
The group explains that physicians can review medical reports and images and communicate with physicians at other locations to discuss cases. Patients coming from outside Turkey can therefore obtain an initial assessment before traveling.
This service can help patients determine the appropriate specialty, the relevant physician, and the examinations they may need before arrival.
However, a remote medical opinion does not replace a clinical examination, and the treatment plan may change after the patient arrives and undergoes additional examinations.
Languages and Communication Services
The Turkish Ministry of Health's HealthTürkiye platform lists İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital among facilities that receive international patients.
According to the information published on the platform, the facility receives patients in 36 specialties and has approximately 1,100 employees. The platform also indicates that services are provided in ten languages.
HealthTürkiye states that the information published on the platform has been verified by the Turkish Ministry of Health.
Patients should confirm which language will be available for their specific appointment, particularly when discussing a diagnosis or providing consent for complex surgery or treatment.
Information and Documents Required Before Traveling
International patients are advised to send a complete medical file before traveling.
This should include a recent medical report, diagnosis, laboratory results, radiology reports, MRI or CT images, biopsy and pathology reports for oncology patients, a list of medications, chronic medical conditions, drug allergies, and previous surgeries.
For surgical cases, it is preferable to send the original images in suitable quality together with the corresponding medical reports.
The more complete the medical file, the easier it is for the medical team to identify the appropriate department and physician and assess whether additional examinations are required before travel.
Important Advice Before Booking Surgery
Before booking any surgery, patients should confirm the diagnosis, proposed procedure, specialty, and name of the physician who will perform the operation.
They should also understand the proposed surgical technique, type of anesthesia, expected length of stay, whether intensive care may be required, and which preoperative examinations are necessary.
It is also important to understand the postoperative follow-up plan, particularly if the patient will return to their home country shortly after surgery.
Pricing and Treatment Costs
International patients should not rely on a general price published online when comparing treatment costs.
Costs vary depending on the diagnosis and procedure, physician, technology, anesthesia, examinations, medications, medical supplies, length of stay, and need for additional care.
Patients should therefore request an official and detailed quotation specifying which services are included and which are excluded.
It is advisable to confirm whether the quoted price includes physician fees, anesthesia, operating room charges, examinations, medications, accommodation, follow-up, and any additional services.
Health Insurance for International Patients
If a patient has international health insurance, they should confirm before traveling that the insurance company covers the hospital and the required treatment.
They should also verify coverage limits, whether prior authorization is required, deductibles or co-payments, and coverage for surgery, hospitalization, intensive care, medications, and examinations.
Patients should not assume that an agreement between the hospital and an insurance company means that all procedures are automatically covered.
Accommodation and In-Hospital Services
The hospital provides inpatient accommodation and care within its 251-bed facility.
Intensive care, operating rooms, and maternity services are available alongside the various medical and diagnostic departments.
International patients should obtain clear information regarding the room type, services available to accompanying persons, postoperative hospitalization, and the expected discharge time.
International Patient Services
Several factors make İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital a facility that international patients may consider among their medical options.
First is its JCI accreditation, officially published as valid for the 2025–2028 period.
Second is the large number of specialized departments and units, including cardiology and cardiac surgery, oncology, organ transplantation, bone marrow transplantation, neurosurgery, spine surgery, orthopedics, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, urology, robotic surgery, and others.
Third is the presence of a dedicated international patient center offering medical record review, second medical opinions, and assistance with coordination, travel, accommodation, and interpretation.
Fourth is its advanced diagnostic and surgical infrastructure, including 11 operating rooms, intensive care facilities, advanced imaging technologies, EOS technology, whole-body MRI, and other services.
Important Points for Patients Coming from Outside Turkey
Choosing a hospital should not depend solely on accreditation or institutional reputation.
Patients should first confirm that the required specialty is available at the hospital itself, that the physician has direct experience with the specific condition, and that the requested technology is appropriate for the patient.
They should also send their medical file before traveling and obtain a preliminary assessment, followed by a clear treatment plan and detailed quotation.
It is essential to determine whether the quoted price includes all services or whether certain examinations, medications, and procedures are charged separately.
For complex procedures, patients should also confirm the follow-up plan after returning to their home country and identify whom they can contact if a problem occurs after travel.
İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital is a multidisciplinary hospital located in the Şişli district of Istanbul and opened in 2013. It has 251 beds, 41 intensive care beds, 11 operating rooms, and two maternity wards, together with advanced diagnostic and technological infrastructure.
The hospital offers a wide range of specialties, including cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, oncology, organ and liver transplantation, bone marrow transplantation, neurosurgery, spine and scoliosis surgery, orthopedics, general surgery, gastroenterology, urology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, neonatology, chest diseases, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
One of the most important points for international patients is that the hospital holds JCI accreditation, with officially documented successive accreditation cycles through 2025–2028. The Florence Nightingale Group also provides a dedicated international patient center that handles medical record review, second medical opinions, and medical and logistical arrangements.
The hospital's listing on HealthTürkiye, the platform of the Turkish Ministry of Health, also provides an additional government source of information regarding international patient services, specialties, languages, and available services.
For a patient considering treatment at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, the most important step before traveling is to send a complete medical file, identify the appropriate specialty and physician, obtain a preliminary medical assessment, and then confirm the diagnosis, procedure, technology, cost, and follow-up plan before making a treatment decision.