Natalie Oakes | Managing Director & Lead Consultant
I’m Natalie, the Founder and Managing Director of ICMG, bringing over 17 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 on to 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 13 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 healthcare quality, regulatory compliance, and accreditation has only grown stronger since the success of these surveys.
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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ICMG, or previously known as Infection Control Management Group, originally started as an infection prevention and control consultancy only, however has since expanded to become much more than that. 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 infection control consulting and education, expanding into healthcare business set up empowering healthcare providers to launch, grow, and thrive in a highly regulated and competitive environment, and we also support healthcare professionals looking to move to the UAE with licensing requirements, network connections, knowledge of the industry and much more!
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 weremain 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.