Resuscitation and Safety in Turkish Clinics: What International Patients Need to Know

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When choosing medical treatment abroad, patients usually compare doctors, clinics, surgical costs, reviews and accommodation arrangements. However, there is another question that is particularly important to ask before undergoing surgery:

What will happen if a serious complication occurs during or after the operation?

Even elective surgery cannot be completely free of medical risks. Depending on the patient’s condition and the type of procedure, complications may include bleeding, cardiac arrhythmias, breathing problems, reactions to anaesthesia, infections, thromboembolic complications and other unexpected situations.

This does not mean that a complication will necessarily occur. Modern surgery involves a comprehensive range of measures designed to assess and reduce risks. However, when choosing a medical facility, it is important to look not only at the surgeon’s qualifications but also at the hospital’s resources in case of an emergency.

The current 2025 recommendations of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) focus not only on resuscitation procedures but also on preventing in-hospital cardiac arrest, recognising deterioration at an early stage, having a trained response team and providing appropriate post-resuscitation care.

For international patients, therefore, clinic safety is about more than having a modern operating theatre. It is important to understand what medical support is available if the patient’s condition unexpectedly changes.

What Is Resuscitation in a Hospital?

In everyday language, “resuscitation” and “intensive care” are often used interchangeably. Medically, however, they refer to different concepts.

Resuscitation is a set of emergency interventions aimed at restoring or maintaining vital bodily functions in a critically ill patient.

Depending on the situation, the medical team may perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, maintain a clear airway, provide respiratory support, administer medications and, at the same time, identify the underlying cause of the critical condition.

The 2025 ERC Guidelines include separate algorithms for basic and advanced life support, as well as recommendations for preventing in-hospital cardiac arrest and caring for patients after the return of spontaneous circulation.

Intensive care, or an ICU (Intensive Care Unit), is intended for patients who require continuous monitoring and more intensive medical support.

For example, after complex surgery, a patient may be in a stable condition, but the doctor may recommend monitoring in the ICU because of the nature of the procedure, underlying health conditions or the need for closer observation.

For this reason, the availability of an ICU is particularly important to consider when planning complex surgical treatment.

What Happens If a Patient’s Condition Deteriorates During Surgery?

During surgery, the patient’s condition is continuously monitored by the medical team, including the anaesthetist.

If there are signs of deterioration, the medical team assesses the situation and takes the necessary measures depending on the underlying cause.

This may include:

• maintaining a clear airway;
• supporting breathing;
• managing blood pressure;
• treating cardiac arrhythmias;
• administering the necessary medications;
• controlling bleeding;
• carrying out additional diagnostic tests;
• performing emergency surgery;
• providing resuscitation;
• transferring the patient to the intensive care unit (ICU).

The specific approach depends on the patient’s condition and the nature of the complication.

In large multidisciplinary hospitals, additional specialists may be available within the same healthcare organisation. However, the way emergency care is organised depends on the hospital and the specific clinical situation.

What Happens If a Complication Occurs After Surgery?

Post-operative monitoring is an important part of treatment, especially when a patient is travelling to another country for medical care.

A patient may leave the operating theatre in a stable condition, but their condition can deteriorate later.

Therefore, before discharge, the patient should understand:

• who to contact if their condition worsens;
• where to seek help at night;
• where the Emergency Department is located;
• when a follow-up assessment is required;
• which symptoms require urgent medical assessment;
• who is responsible for post-operative monitoring and follow-up.

This is particularly important for international patients, as they may be unfamiliar with the local healthcare system and may not speak Turkish.

Why Pre-operative Assessment Is Just as Important as ICU Availability

Safety begins before the operation.

Before surgery, the doctor assesses the patient’s individual risk factors and determines whether the planned procedure is appropriate for them.

Depending on the patient’s health and the type of surgery, the following may be required:

• taking a medical history;
• a physical examination;
• laboratory tests;
• assessment of the cardiovascular system;
• additional diagnostic investigations;
• consultation with an anaesthetist;
• adjustment of medication;
• assessment of allergies;
• discussion of any previous experience with anaesthesia.

Patients should inform their doctor about all medical conditions, medications, allergies and previous surgeries.

Do not withhold information from the medical team about smoking, medication use, anticoagulants or other substances that may affect surgery or anaesthesia.

Pre-operative assessment cannot completely eliminate the risk of complications, but it can help identify risk factors and allow the medical team to plan an appropriate approach.

How Can You Check Hospital Safety in Türkiye Before Surgery?

1. Find out the exact name of the hospital

Do not rely solely on the name of the healthcare group.

Ask:

“At which exact hospital and at what address will my surgery take place?”

This is particularly important when a healthcare group operates several branches or hospitals.

2. Check the facility’s official status

The Turkish Ministry of Health publishes lists of healthcare facilities authorised to operate in the field of international health tourism.

The official Department of Health Tourism website provides up-to-date lists of authorised healthcare facilities and intermediary organisations. The website states that the relevant lists were updated on 20 August 2026.

When choosing a hospital, it is therefore better to verify its status through an official source rather than relying solely on information published on social media or in promotional materials.

3. Check whether an ICU is available

It is important to verify whether the specific hospital where your surgery will take place has a fully equipped adult intensive care unit.

Pay attention to:

• whether an adult ICU is available;
• the types of intensive care provided by the hospital;
• whether the unit operates 24/7;
• whether appropriately trained medical staff are available for continuous patient monitoring;
• whether the patient can be transferred directly from the operating theatre to the ICU if necessary;
• whether the specialists required for emergency care are available.

4. Find out how the Emergency Department operates

It is important to understand:

• whether the Emergency Department operates 24/7;
• whether there is a dedicated area for emergency care;
• whether the necessary diagnostic investigations are available;
• whether laboratory services are available;
• whether relevant specialists can be called promptly when required.

5. Find out who is responsible for your care after surgery

It is particularly important to receive a clear answer to the question:

“Who should I contact if my condition deteriorates after I am discharged?”

The answer should not simply be “contact us”. There should be a clear and specific process for obtaining medical help.

Is JCI Accreditation Enough to Guarantee Safety?

JCI is an international accreditation system for healthcare organisations based on assessment against defined quality and patient-safety standards.

Accreditation can be one of the factors to consider when choosing a hospital. However, it does not guarantee that a particular operation will be free of complications or achieve a specific outcome.

Even in a well-organised hospital, every medical procedure carries individual risks.

Therefore, JCI accreditation, state authorisation, ICU availability, the qualifications of the medical team, pre-operative assessment and post-operative monitoring should be viewed as different elements of an overall patient-safety system.

What You Need to Know About Medical Tourism Regulation in Türkiye

International medical tourism in Türkiye is regulated by the Ministry of Health.

The official Department of Health Tourism website publishes lists of healthcare facilities and intermediary organisations that hold the relevant authorisations to work with international patients.

This means that patients should check not only the healthcare facility itself, but also the organisation helping to arrange their treatment.

Requirements for healthcare facilities may also be updated over time. Therefore, when planning treatment in 2026, it is better to rely on current information from the Ministry of Health rather than older publications.

What Should International Patients Ask Before Surgery?

Before confirming treatment, you can use the following checklist.

1. Which exact hospital will the surgery take place at?

2. Does this hospital have an adult intensive care unit (ICU)?

3. Does the Emergency Department operate 24/7?

4. What would happen if emergency intervention were required during surgery?

5. What would happen if ICU care were required after surgery?

6. Who will be responsible for monitoring me after surgery?

7. Who should I contact if my condition deteriorates during the night?

8. What examinations are required before surgery?

9. Will I have a pre-operative consultation with an anaesthetist?

10. What would happen if a longer hospital stay were required?

These questions can provide a much better understanding of how treatment is organised than hospital photographs or promotional claims.

Medical Tourism Safety Is About More Than the Operating Theatre

Patient safety is not determined solely by what happens during surgery; it is built into every stage of medical care. Before the procedure, important factors include an assessment of the patient’s health, the necessary diagnostic investigations, and consultations with the surgeon and anaesthetist. During surgery, safety depends on continuous patient monitoring, effective coordination between the surgical and anaesthetic teams, appropriate equipment, and the ability to respond quickly with emergency intervention if the patient’s condition changes.

The post-operative period is equally important. Patients require monitoring, assessment of vital signs, appropriate pain management, prevention of potential complications and early recognition of any problems. If a patient’s condition deteriorates, it is important to have timely access to emergency medical care, the necessary diagnostic investigations, relevant specialists and, when required, transfer to an intensive care unit.

Safety also continues after discharge. Patients should receive clear recovery instructions and know where to seek help if concerning symptoms develop or their condition worsens.

This is why the safety of a healthcare facility should not be assessed based on a single factor, such as JCI accreditation or the presence of an intensive care unit. What matters is the overall organisation of care — from the initial patient assessment and the work of the operating theatre team to post-operative monitoring, emergency care and ongoing follow-up.

The World Health Organization also takes a comprehensive approach to hospital safety. The Hospital Safety Index assesses structural and non-structural safety as well as a facility’s preparedness to respond to emergencies.

How Globalmedik Helps International Patients

When arranging treatment abroad, it is important to understand the difference between medical care and medical travel coordination.

Globalmedik helps international patients arrange consultations, identify a healthcare facility based on their needs, coordinate communication with the hospital and organise their medical journey to Türkiye.

The medical decision, however, is made by the doctor. The medical specialist determines whether the procedure is appropriate, which examinations are required, the treatment approach, individual risks and the post-operative plan.

Before travelling, patients can clarify in advance which hospital will provide their treatment and what medical infrastructure is available at that facility.

This is particularly important for patients visiting Türkiye for the first time.

Safety Checklist Before Treatment in Türkiye

Save this checklist before your trip:

☐ I know the exact name and address of the hospital.
☐ I have checked the healthcare facility through official sources.
☐ I know exactly where my surgery will take place.
☐ I have confirmed whether an adult ICU is available.
☐ I know whether the Emergency Department operates 24/7.
☐ I have completed the necessary pre-operative assessment.
☐ I know who will perform my surgery.
☐ I know who is responsible for my anaesthetic care.
☐ I have informed the doctor about all my medical conditions, medications and allergies.
☐ I have received instructions for the post-operative period.
☐ I know where to seek help if my condition deteriorates.
☐ I have an emergency contact for the clinic or hospital.
☐ I know the emergency number 112 in Türkiye.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do All Clinics in Türkiye Have Intensive Care Facilities?

No. The capabilities of healthcare facilities vary. Some medical centres may not have their own intensive care unit, while large multidisciplinary hospitals may have several types of ICU. Therefore, it is important to check the capabilities of the specific hospital before surgery.

Is It Better to Choose a Clinic or a Large Hospital?

It depends on the type of treatment. For some procedures, a specialised medical centre may be sufficient. For complex surgery, access to multidisciplinary facilities, emergency care and intensive care may be particularly important.

Can a Complication Occur After Discharge?

Yes. Some complications may develop after surgery and after the patient has been discharged from hospital. Patients should therefore know in advance which symptoms require medical attention and where to seek help.

What Is an ICU?

ICU stands for Intensive Care Unit. It is a specialised hospital department for patients who require continuous monitoring and specialised medical support.

Are Resuscitation and an ICU the Same Thing?

No. Resuscitation refers to emergency measures used to restore or support vital functions. An ICU is a specialised unit for the intensive monitoring and treatment of patients who are seriously ill or clinically unstable.

Does Having an ICU Guarantee Surgical Safety?

No. An ICU is an important part of hospital infrastructure, but its presence does not guarantee that complications will not occur or that a particular treatment outcome will be achieved.

Does JCI Accreditation Guarantee a Successful Outcome?

No. JCI Accreditation confirms that a healthcare organisation meets defined international standards, but it does not guarantee the individual outcome of a particular operation.

Can You Call an Ambulance in Türkiye?

Yes. The emergency medical services number in Türkiye is 112. In a potentially life-threatening situation, emergency medical assistance should be sought immediately.

What Should You Ask a Hospital Before Surgery?

Before surgery, it is important to clarify the exact hospital where the procedure will take place, whether emergency medical care and an intensive care unit (ICU) are available, how anaesthetic care is organised, how post-operative monitoring is provided, and what the medical team will do if a complication occurs.

It is also worth asking where the patient would be transferred if additional medical care were required. If the necessary infrastructure is not available at the specific medical centre, it is important to understand whether transfer to another hospital is arranged, which facility would receive the patient and how this process is organised. These questions help patients understand what medical resources will be available to them at each stage of treatment.

Conclusion

The safety of medical treatment in Türkiye cannot be assessed solely by the price of surgery, photographs of a healthcare facility or patient reviews.

For international patients, it is much more useful to ask specific questions:

Where will the surgery take place? Who will monitor the patient? Is emergency care available? What intensive care facilities are available? What will happen if the patient’s condition deteriorates?

The Globalmedik platform features major healthcare facilities in Istanbul, including the Memorial network, Memorial Şişli, Memorial Göztepe, Medicana Health Group and İstanbul Cerrahi, among others. However, the capabilities of each hospital should be assessed separately and in relation to the specific treatment being considered.

The key principle of medical tourism is simple:

Do not choose only the doctor and the procedure — find out in advance what medical support and infrastructure will be available to you if an unexpected situation arises.

This is particularly important when receiving treatment abroad, where patients may also have to navigate language, organisational and logistical differences within another healthcare system.

Medical Disclaimer

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice or consultation with a qualified doctor.

The availability of specific equipment, an intensive care unit, emergency services or international accreditation does not mean that complications can be completely prevented or that a specific treatment outcome can be guaranteed.

Before undergoing surgery, patients should receive an individual medical assessment and discuss the indications, contraindications, potential risks, alternatives and post-operative care with their treating doctor.

In the event of an emergency or sudden deterioration in your condition, seek urgent medical assistance.

Medical Sources

• European Resuscitation Council — Guidelines 2025. Current recommendations on resuscitation and life-support measures.
• European Resuscitation Council — Adult Advanced Life Support Guidelines 2025.
• World Health Organization — Hospital Safety Index.
• Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye — Department of Health Tourism. Official information on authorised healthcare facilities and organisations involved in medical tourism.
• Globalmedik — Memorial Şişli Clinic.
• Globalmedik — Memorial Göztepe.
• Globalmedik — Medicana Health Group.
• Globalmedik — İstanbul Cerrahi.