1. Licensing
- The clinic holds the licence required to operate in its country
- The licence covers the procedures offered
- Evidence is current and verifiable with the issuing authority where possible
Partner Standards
The standards we review overseas clinics against
We publish our criteria so that patients and clinics can see what we look for. This page explains each standard, how we review, and the limits of what a review can tell you.
Why standards
Choosing a clinic is a big decision
Our standards help you ask better questions. They do not replace your own research or your own judgement.
Every overseas partner clinic is independent. VidaMed does not own, run or take clinical responsibility for any of them. We review each clinic against the eight areas below before it is offered to patients, and we review again at intervals.
The criteria
Eight areas we review
2. Surgeon credentials and specialist registration
- Named surgeons hold recognised specialist qualifications
- Registration with the relevant national authority can be shown
- Surgeons have training and experience in the procedures offered
3. Anaesthesia and critical care cover
- Anaesthesia is delivered by a qualified anaesthetist
- Resuscitation equipment and trained staff are available
- A clear plan exists for patients who deteriorate, including access to critical care
4. Infection control
- Written infection prevention and sterilisation policies
- Clean operating theatres and ward areas
- Monitoring of infection rates by the clinic
5. Patient information in English
- Consent forms, price quotes and discharge instructions in clear English
- Surgeon and staff able to answer questions in English
- Written itemised information on what is and is not included
6. Aftercare and complication policy
- A written policy on follow-up and revision
- Clear contact route for patients who return home
- Willingness to discuss complications openly with UK clinicians
7. Transfer arrangements
- A documented arrangement for transfer to a hospital if needed
- Staff trained to recognise when transfer is required
8. Data sharing
- Agreement to receive Readiness Summaries and send discharge information
- Secure handling of patient data
- Respect for patient consent
Process
Review and re-review
Application
The clinic completes our application and supplies documents for each standard.
Document and credential checks
We check licences and surgeon registrations and ask for clarification where anything is unclear.
Discussion with the clinical team
We talk to the clinic about its policies, aftercare and transfer arrangements.
Decision
The clinic is accepted, asked to make changes, or not accepted.
Re-review
We review again at regular intervals, and sooner if we learn something material, such as a licence change or a serious concern raised through patient feedback.
Transparency
How standards are published
The Partner Standards are published on this page. If we change them, we update the page and note the change. We do not apply different standards to different clinics, and clinics cannot pay for a better outcome in a review.
If a partner clinic no longer meets the standards, we stop offering it to patients. Patients already booked will be told and supported in making their next decision.
A review is not a guarantee. It is a check against our published criteria at a point in time. It does not guarantee a clinic's quality, safety record or the outcome of your surgery. Surgery carries risk wherever it is done. Please do your own research, ask the clinic questions and discuss your plans with your UK clinician.
Questions to ask any clinic
Use these yourself
- Who exactly will perform my surgery, and what are their qualifications?
- Who provides the anaesthetic?
- What happens if I need urgent help overnight or after discharge?
- What does the quoted price include and exclude?
- What is your policy if I need further treatment?
Want help comparing clinics?
Your UK clinician can talk through your options with you.
Book a consultation