Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong inaugurated the Woodlands Health Campus on 13 July 2024, highlighting the campus’s role in expanding healthcare capacity, integrating community services, and leveraging technology for efficient patient care.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong officiated the opening of the Woodlands Health Campus today, marking a significant advancement in Singapore’s healthcare infrastructure. The new campus will provide residents of Woodlands, Sembawang, Choa Chu Kang, and nearby areas with more convenient access to acute hospital services, eliminating the need to travel to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital or Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. Once fully operational, the campus will offer 1,000 acute and community hospital beds.
SM Lee’s informal visit in April allowed him to witness the initial operations and the integration of the campus within the local environment. The design process involved community engagement, ensuring that the hospital meets the needs and preferences of local residents. The campus features lush green spaces and the largest therapeutic garden by NParks, providing a calming environment for patients.
Addressing the diverse healthcare needs of the community, the campus is equipped to handle conditions prevalent among both young and old residents. It is also designed with modular spaces to accommodate surges in patient numbers, learning from the COVID-19 experience.
The opening of Woodlands Health is part of the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) efforts to expand national healthcare capacity. Over the past decade, three new general hospitals have been opened, including Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Sengkang General Hospital. This expansion is critical as the ageing population increases the demand for healthcare services.
SM Lee emphasized the need to transform healthcare delivery to keep pace with growing demands. Woodlands Health demonstrates three innovative approaches: consolidating a comprehensive suite of services, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and patient care, and providing care within the community. For example, the automated pharmacy reduces human error and shortens wait times, while Patient Bedside Terminals enable patients to actively engage in their recovery.
Woodlands Health also extends its services beyond the hospital through the WH@Home programme, treating patients in their homes and promoting healthy living within the community. Initiatives like the Community of Hope (CHOPE) and frailty prevention programs engage residents of all ages in health education and lifestyle improvement.
Preventative care is a priority, with MOH introducing Healthier SG and Age Well SG to encourage individuals to take responsibility for their health. These programs provide reminders for health screenings and tips for a healthier lifestyle.
SM Lee praised the healthcare staff for their dedication and highlighted the importance of sustainable healthcare practices, balancing government subsidies, medical insurance, and individual co-payment.
In a lighter moment, SM Lee shared his positive experience with the diverse and appealing food options at the hospital, crediting the efforts of Ms Jennie Chua and her team for enhancing patient comfort.
The inauguration of Woodlands Health Campus signifies a major step forward in Singapore’s healthcare system, promising high-quality, accessible care for the community.
Source – PMO
