Institutions emphasize preparedness, resource optimization, and prioritizing critical cases as infections rise.
SINGAPORE: Hospitals across Singapore are maintaining vigilance and are prepared to respond to evolving demands as the nation sees a significant increase in COVID-19 cases. Over the past two weeks, infections surged from 22,094 to 32,035, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH).
While hospitalizations and ICU cases remain stable compared to pandemic peaks, the rise in infections has added strain to already busy healthcare facilities.
The National University Health System (NUHS), encompassing the National University Hospital, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, and Alexandra Hospital, emphasized their readiness to adapt. “We remain vigilant and maintain surge capacity in inpatient, ICU, and isolation facilities,” an NUHS spokesperson stated.
NUHS reported that elective procedures are unaffected for now and that hospitalizations and ICU case numbers are stable. To manage increased attendance at emergency departments, NUHS has bolstered triage processes, ensuring senior emergency physicians review cases to prioritize right-siting and reduce unnecessary admissions.
Alternative care measures such as the NUHS@Home recovery programme, teleconsultations, and remote medication services are also being utilized to ease the hospital burden.
Similarly, SingHealth, operating major hospitals and polyclinics, reassured the public of its preparedness. Deputy Group CEO Professor Fong Kok Yong stated, “We are closely monitoring the situation and will proactively respond if the need arises.”
SingHealth has implemented measures to optimize capacity, including same-day admissions, day surgeries, and initiatives to shorten hospital stays, such as pre-operative rehabilitation and early post-surgery mobilization.
Both healthcare groups urged the public to avoid emergency departments for non-critical conditions, reserving resources for severe cases like chest pain, breathlessness, or uncontrolled bleeding. Individuals with mild symptoms were advised to consult general practitioners or visit 24-hour clinics instead.
As Singapore’s healthcare system navigates this surge, hospitals emphasized the need for public understanding regarding potential delays and reiterated their commitment to delivering care efficiently to those in need.
