Natalie Oakes | Managing Director & Lead Consultant
I’m Natalie, the Founder and Managing Director of ICMG, bringing over 16 years of specialised experience in infection prevention and healthcare quality across the UAE and internationally.
A registered nurse by background, my career began in Scotland, where I worked in a busy medical admissions unit before moving into infection control. I went onto complete a Master of Science in Infection Control, which laid the foundation for a leadership career in hospital and community infection prevention programs. I led the infection control strategy for Scotland’s capital, overseeing 33 hospitals and contributing to national programs. My research led to measurable improvements in the reduction of healthcare-associated infections, and showcasing this at international conferences broadened my global perspective and professional network.
That global outlook continues to shape my work today. After relocating to the UAE 12 years ago, I held senior roles in three of the country’s most prestigious hospitals. My contributions to infection prevention, including my support during the UAE’s COVID-19 response, were recognised nationwide. I also played a key role in supporting Dubai Health Authority’s communicable disease surveillance system, which became a benchmark for excellence in the Emirate. Now I serve as a global consultant for the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) where I bring world-class infection prevention and control expertise to every project – in both healthcare and other industry projects.
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Currently, I am one of the lead experts contributing to the new UAE Standards for Hospital Accreditation and am internationally recognised by Joint Commission International (JCI) as an example of global best practice for my infection control programs, excelling in hospital accreditations. My passion for hospital quality, regulatory compliance, and accreditation has only grown stronger since the success of these survey’s.
With a deep understanding of the UAE healthcare system, I now work with healthcare businesses to ensure they meet all quality, regulatory and licensing standards from the beginning, whether it's launching a new clinic, securing licensing approvals, or preparing for international accreditation, I wanted to create something with supports every step.
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At ICMG, I lead a team of expert consultants who are deeply committed to helping healthcare organisations, and other businesses not only meet standards—but exceed them. We specialise in licensing, infection control consulting, and education, empowering healthcare providers to launch, grow, and thrive in a highly regulated and competitive environment. We ensure that we have seamless end-to-end support.
What sets us apart is our clinical background. We’ve worked on the front lines of healthcare and understand the pressures providers face. We don’t just consult—we partner with our clients. Every project is unique, and I remain hands-on throughout to ensure we deliver a tailored, exceptional experience every time.
My vision was always to become the leading support partner for healthcare professionals across the region—and we’re just getting started.
Laura Skellam | Operations Manager & Consultant
I’m Laura, Operations Manager and Consultant at ICMG.
My journey into healthcare began long before I ever put on a uniform or stepped into a hospital. My mum is a nurse, and from as early as I can remember, I was surrounded by her stories, her compassion, and her strength.
This inspired me to train as an adult nurse and then go on to work on a busy general surgery ward for three years, which developed my clinical skills dramatically and really shaped me into the healthcare professional I am today. In 2020, I made the move to Dubai and started working as a registered nurse on a medical/surgical ward in a private hospital. Transitioning to private healthcare in Dubai was a shift in many ways. The pace and demands were still high, but the environment was more resource-rich and customer-focused. I noticed a stronger emphasis on patient experience and service delivery.
After 18 months, I was ready for a new challenge and pursued a career in infection prevention and control. This journey was a natural progression of my clinical experience and my growing interest in patient safety and healthcare quality. What started as curiosity quickly became a passion. I received my Certification in Infection Control (CIC) in 2024 and was involved in a very successful Joint Commission International accreditation, which has been a highlight of my career so far. I have since been involved with commissioning healthcare facilities and health authority inspections, both routine and for licensing of facilities.
This experience is exactly what drives me now. In my role at ICMG, I am able to support healthcare organisations with set up and inspection, infection prevention, quality improvement, and regulatory readiness — helping them raise standards and achieve sustainable success using my knowledge and experience.
At the same time, I’m deeply passionate about supporting individual healthcare professionals, especially those looking to move to the UAE, by making the transition smoother, clearer, and less daunting.
Whether it’s helping a hospital meet accreditation standards or helping a nurse secure their DHA license, my goal is the same: to empower, support, and share the knowledge I’ve gained so others can thrive — just like I have.
