Physician Associate & Registered Nurse · Online across the UK
When someone you love is unwell, you shouldn’t have to work it out alone.
We help families understand a diagnosis, make sense of letters and results, and walk into conversations with doctors knowing exactly what to ask.
- Free, with no obligation
- By phone or video
- Family members welcome
Your free 15-minute call
A relaxed, confidential chat. Here’s what happens:
- 1You tell us what’s going on, in your own words.
- 2We tell you honestly whether we can help, and how.
- 3You decide what’s next. No pressure, no hard sell.
We usually reply within one working day.
Does this sound familiar?
You’re not the only family who feels lost in the system.
If any of these sound like you, a short call with us can help. We’ve spent years on hospital wards having exactly these conversations with families.
How we help
Time, clarity and a plan, when you need them most.
Hospitals are busy and appointments can feel rushed. We give you the time to understand what’s happening and prepare for what comes next.
Understanding a diagnosis
What a condition means, what treatment involves and what to expect next, explained in plain English.
Results and letters
We go through test results, clinic letters and discharge summaries with you, so nothing is left unclear.
Preparing for meetings with doctors
Know which questions to ask, what the answers mean, and how to get the most from family meetings and appointments.
Advance care planning and end of life
Gentle, honest guidance through some of the hardest decisions a family faces, so your loved one’s wishes are known and respected.
Parkinson’s, dementia and progressive conditions
Specialist insight into how these conditions change over time, what support exists, and how to plan ahead as a family.
Raising concerns effectively
If something doesn’t feel right, we help you raise it clearly and constructively with the right people.
Not sure which of these fits your situation?
That’s exactly what the free call is for. Tell us what’s happening and we’ll point you in the right direction.
How it works
Three simple steps, all from home.
Book your free 15-minute call
Pick a time that suits you. Tell us what’s going on and we’ll say honestly whether we can help.
Meet us by video or in person
Sessions take place on Microsoft Teams, wherever you are in the UK, and family members can join from wherever they are. If you’d rather meet face to face, we can arrange that too.
Leave with clear next steps
You’ll know what’s happening and what to ask next. We can also send a written summary to keep and share with family.
About us
Meet Sohail and Saima
“Working in the NHS, we’ve both seen how often patients and families leave appointments without really understanding what’s happening, and how lonely and frightening that can feel. Explaining difficult things in a simple, human way has been the heart of our careers. Now we do it for you, so you can ask the right questions and get the care you deserve.”
Sohail & Saima, founders
Sohail Hussain
Physician Associate · GMC registered
Sohail has spent around eight years in NHS hospital medicine, with a special interest in Parkinson’s disease. He has run a hospital relatives’ clinic, handling families’ concerns and questions, and has supported many families through advance care planning and end-of-life care.
- MSc Physician Associate Studies (Distinction)
- BSc (Hons) Clinical Sciences, First Class
- Trains registrar doctors in Parkinson’s disease
- Teaches doctors how to handle difficult conversations with families
Saima Begum
Registered Nurse
Saima has worked as a patient liaison, helping patients and families share their stories and put their worries into words. She has a gift for expressing concerns clearly without losing the emotion behind them, so that doctors truly hear what matters most.
Speak with whoever you feel most comfortable with
Some people find it easier to talk to a woman, others to a man. If you have a preference, Saima or Sohail will be your point of contact from the first call. Just let us know when you book.
What we do
- Explain medical information in plain English
- Help you prepare for appointments and family meetings
- Support you to raise questions and concerns
- Work alongside your GP and hospital team
What we don’t do
- Diagnose, prescribe or change treatment
- Replace your GP, consultant or care team
- Provide emergency care. In an emergency call 999, or 111 for urgent advice
Questions families ask
Is the first call really free?
Yes. The 15-minute call is completely free and there’s no obligation to book anything afterwards. It’s a chance to tell us what’s happening and for us to say honestly whether we can help.
How much do sessions cost?
Every family’s situation is different, so we’ll talk you through the options on your free call once we understand what you need. You’ll always know the cost before you book anything.
Can you help if I live far away?
Yes. We work online, so we support families anywhere in the UK. Relatives in different towns, or even different countries, can all join the same video call.
Can we meet in person?
Yes. Most families find video calls easiest, but if you’d rather meet face to face, just let us know on your free call and we’ll arrange somewhere convenient.
Can I choose to speak with a woman or a man?
Of course. Many people, for personal, cultural or religious reasons, feel more at ease talking to someone of the same gender. You can ask to speak with Saima or with Sohail, and we’ll respect that from your first call onwards.
Are you doctors?
No. Sohail is a GMC-registered Physician Associate and Saima is a Registered Nurse. We don’t diagnose or treat. We help you understand and navigate the care your loved one is already receiving.
Do you need access to medical records?
Only what you choose to share with us, such as letters or results you already have. Everything is kept confidential and handled in line with UK data protection law.
Can other family members join?
Yes. Families often find it helpful for everyone to hear the same explanation together, including relatives joining by video from elsewhere.
Also for healthcare students and professionals
OSCE preparation, CVs and interview coaching, academic guidance and presentation coaching. Ask us about these
Free 15-minute call
Let’s talk about what’s happening.
Leave your details and we’ll call you back at a time that suits you, usually within one working day. Prefer to call now? We’d love to hear from you.
07445 318090 info@ssmedconsultancy.co.uk- Completely free, no obligation
- Confidential from the first word
- Choose to speak with Saima or Sohail