借助科技提升专业技能：AI 虚拟病患助护士更精准找到血管 (Leveraging technology to improve nursing skills: AI virtual patient helps nurses find blood vessels more accurately)

The National University Health System (NUHS) Centre for Nursing Excellence (CoNE) held its inaugural nursing conference on 23 July, which highlighted the importance of professional development for nurses and featured innovative methods in nursing education. Second Minister for Health Masagos Zulkifli highlighted the necessity for the healthcare sector to embrace technology and continuous learning to meet the demands of an ageing population and complex medical needs.

This month, CoNE launched the Micro-learning on Demand for Enrolled & Registered Nurses programme (also known as MoDERN) across the cluster, with its pilot series of micro-learning modules focused on integrated care. It also piloted an Integrated Care Outreach for Nurses (ICON) programme at National University Polyclinics (NUP) in May this year, which involved four nurses from National University Hospital, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Alexandra Hospital and Regional Health System Office.  

Dr Catherine Koh, Group Chief Nurse, NUHS, shared that the goal is to provide seamless integrated care for patients, across the continuum of community, primary care, and acute care settings. She noted that in addition to their specialised work, holistic care requires nurses to have a deeper understanding of the care continuum. Ms Karie Choo, Chairperson of the CoNE Steering Committee and a Nurse Educator at NUP, said that the way in which the next generation of nurses learn is different, and it is important to explore new and interactive ways of engagement to address the learning needs of different generations of nurses.

• 8world, 23 July 2024
  
• 8world, video, 23 July 2024
  
• Channel 8 News, 23 July 2024
  

Opening of Woodlands Health eases load of other hospitals, including their emergency departments

​Coverage on the official opening of Woodlands Health (WH) cited National University Health System as one of the public health clusters in Singapore. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong mentioned that WH is the third general hospital in the past decade to open after Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, and Sengkang General Hospital, and outlined Ministy of Health's plans to expand existing hospitals, redevelop Alexandra Hospital, and open a new public hospital in Tengah.

• The Straits Times Online, 14 July 2024, Discipline in not over-treating and over-prescribing drugs will help manage healthcare costs: SM Lee
  

• CNA Online, 15 July 2024, Woodlands Health opening offers nearby residents 'more convenient access' to hospital services: SM Lee
  

• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 13 July 2024, 兀兰医疗园开幕 李显龙资政：我国须转变提供医疗服务的方式 (Woodlands Health Campus opens. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong: Singapore must transform the way healthcare services are provided)
  

Up to 300 EV chargers to be installed at SingHealth’s hospitals and facilities by 2028

​National University Health System targets to add 80 more electric vehicle (EV) chargers by 2030.  The first 16 EV charging points were deployed in April 2023, including 10 at the National University Hospital, four at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and two at Alexandra Hospital.

• HealthXChange, July 2024
  

Queenstown Unveils first Community-crafted Culinary Collection Cookbook where Heritage Meets Health

​

This recipe collection, first of its kind, is a comprehensive compilation of traditional and healthier recipes curated by the Queenstown community, in partnership with Alexandra Hospital's Dietetics Department.

Residents living in Queenstown were invited to contribute their treasured family recipes, where were then prepared with students from Temasek Polytechnic's School of Applied Science, Diploma in Food, Nutrition & Culinary Science, as their final year project with AH's Dietetics Department. Together, dishes were crafted that not only transcended heritage and family heirloom recipes, but also resonated across ethnicities and cultures, and most importantly, promoted better health and nutrition. 

New NUH trauma centre offers holistic care for patients with severe injuries

​National University Hospital has launched the National University Centre for Trauma, aimed at providing comprehensive care for patients with severe injuries and spearheading community safety initiatives. The centre will serve Singapore’s western region, including the upcoming Tengah General and Community Hospital, to reduce trauma cases and improve injury prevention. The centre’s outreach efforts are targeted at three vulnerable groups, including children, older adults and migrant workers. It has also introduced initiatives like Code Trauma for faster emergency response and a multidisciplinary trauma clinic to streamline patient care. The centre also launched Singapore’s first trauma survivor support group in 2023. 

In the Green of health

At Alexandra Hospital’s Block 29, visitors are greeted by a refreshing, floral scent that invigorates the senses as part of the exhibition, Nature’s Embrace: A Gift To The Mind. This immersive exhibition, running until the end of September, is curated by the Mind Art Experiential Lab (MAELab) of the National University Health System and NUS Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre (MSC), with support from National Parks Board (NParks). The exhibition features various nature-themed activities designed to enhance mental well-being. A/Prof John Wong, director of the MSC, highlights that his team focuses on non-drug approaches to preventative mental health care. Their evidence-based strategies aim to optimise mental well-being and boost emotional resilience across different demographics in Singapore. Various studies conducted by MSC have demonstrated the benefits of horticulture on mental and physical well-being.

Another initiative exploring the benefits of nature on well-being is a research project led by Asst Prof Cynthia Chen of NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. This project studies the impact of urban farming on quality of life, involving participants aged 50 and older in farming and plant-related activities at Jurong Lake Gardens over 24 weeks from April 2024. Prof Chen aims to understand how engaging with nature and caring for plants can enhance the well-being and quality of life of older adults.  

Fluctuation in COVID-19 numbers no cause for alarm: Infectious diseases expert

​COVID-19 numbers may have come down in Singapore, but they are expected to continue to fluctuate with the June holidays seeing more travelling and social gatherings. Dr Louisa Sun, Head of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Alexandra Hospital and Deputy Director of the NUS Centre for Infectious Disease Emergency Response, spoke to CNA on the current COVID-19 wave and the outlook as the FLiRT variant spreads around the world. 

色盲 (Colour Blindness)

An integrated model of health and care at the redeveloped Alexandra Hospital in 2028

​The progressive opening of the redeveloped Alexandra Hospital (AH) from 2028 will enhance the National University Health System's (NUHS) capacity to serve the needs of the rapidly ageing population of Singapore's western region. The redeveloped AH will have an estimated site area of 13.3 hectares. The redeveloped hospital will comprise two primary structures: an inpatient tower with about 1,300 beds, an Emergency Department and other inpatient services, diagnostic and treatment areas. The outpatient tower will house outpatient clinics and accommodate most of the outpatient services supported by diagnostic imaging, pharmacy and other clinical support services.

Throughout the period of redevelopment, AH will remain open and be fully operational, and patients will continue to receive round-the-clock care and services.

Redeveloped Alexandra Hospital to house emergency department, around 1,300 beds

From 2028, the 300-bed Alexandra Hospital (AH) in Queenstown will be transformed into a bigger hospital comprising about 1,300 beds in total, with the addition of two new high-rise buildings among other upgrades. The National University Hospital (NUH) campus will also be redeveloped over more than 10 years, starting from 2025, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced on May 15 at the ground-breaking ceremony for AH’s redevelopment. These are part of the Government’s plans to increase hospital capacity to meet rising needs. 

AH was built by the British in 1938 as the British Military Hospital Singapore. Its redevelopment includes a new pandemic-ready emergency department that is directly connected to the intensive care unit and operating theatre. The 1,300 beds at the redeveloped AH will include beds for patients in hospice and psychiatric care. A nursing home with about 400 beds will also be built on the same campus.  

At the ground-breaking ceremony, AH’s chief executive, A/P Jason Phua, said one thing different about AH is its care model, which aims to make complex healthcare simpler for patients by offering patients acute care and rehabilitative care by the same care team in the same location. This means the care will vary to match the patient, so that the patient does not have to transfer across medical teams, wards or hospitals. 

AH plans to open the new facilities progressively from 2028. Throughout its redevelopment, the hospital will continue to operate as usual.    

Minister noted that NUH serves as the western region’s main emergency and trauma care hospital, with its buildings being 40 to 50 years old. Redevelopment of the entire campus is in the works, which will likely add more to the hospital capacity, intensify land use and also improve the existing road network.

• Lianhe Zaobao, 15 May 2024, 重建亚历山大医院动土 住院大楼床位增至1300张 (Alexandra Hospital breaks ground for redevelopment, inpatient building beds increased to 1,300)
  

• Lianhe Zaobao, 15 May 2024, 国大医院园区明年启动重建计划 耗时逾十年 (National University Hospital campus to start redevelopment plan next year; completion in ten years)
  

• Berita Harian, 15 May 2024, Hospital Alexandra dibangun semula lebih besar, dilengkapi jabatan kecemasan (Redeveloped Alexandra Hospital is larger, equipped with emergency department)
  

• Tamil Murasu, 15 May 2024, பறுமேம்பாடு காணும் அலைக்சாண்ட்ரா மருத்துவமனை (Redeveloped Alexandra Hospital to house emergency department, around 1,300 beds) 
  

• CNA Online, 15 May 2024, Alexandra Hospital to add 1,000 beds; NUH to also undergo redevelopment next year
  

• Channel 8 TV News, 亚历山大医院动土重新发展 2028年起逐步启用 (Alexandra Hospital breaks ground for redevelopment, to be progressively opened from 2028)
  

• 8world,15 May 2024, 亚历山大医院动土重新发展 2028年起逐步启用 (Alexandra Hospital breaks ground for redevelopment, to be progressively opened from 2028)
  

• Berita Mediacorp, 15 May 2024, Hospital Alexandra dibangunkan semula; tempatkan rumah rawatan untuk 450 pesakit (Alexandra Hospital to be redeveloped with new nursing home)
  

Acid reflux on the rise

​A/Prof Asim Shabbir, Senior Consultant, Division of General Surgery (Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery) at Alexandra Hospital and National University Hospital shared that hot weather may disrupt sleep cycles and lead to reduced exercise and weight gain, triggering episodes of acid reflux and GERD. Dr Kewin Siah, Senior Consultant, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, National University Hospital advised that susceptible individuals should stay hydrated, avoid large meals before outdoor activities in hot weather, and manage their stress levels.

Mr Ow Sing Fuak, a patient of Dr Siah, highlighted the importance of self-care and discipline for GERD sufferers and how he now leads a healthier lifestyle through adjustments to his diet and habits.

Major shift that could mean having to build one less hospital

​An The Straits Times feature on the Mobile Inpatient Care @ Home (MIC@Home) scheme highlighted that virtual hospitals that became a mainstream programme in April could potentially eliminate the need for another large public hospital once fully established. Participating hospitals include all hospitals under National University Health System, which has already treated nearly 4,000 patients through NUHS@Home since 2020.

The Straits Times highlighted the positive experience of current NUHS@Home patient Mr Ong Jia Rong, who opted for the programme after being diagnosed with severe cellulitis. He shared that he is confident of the team treating him and feels more comfortable at home. The feature also detailed the home visit by NUHS@Home Clinical Lead Dr Sandra Tan and Assistant Nurse Clinician Wang Yanan.

Dr Stephanie Ko, Lead for NUHS@Home, elaborated on the benefits to receiving treatments at home rather than in hospitals. She noted that National University Hospital, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Alexandra Hospital are also looking to include cancer and transplant patients under the programme. Mr Johnny Wong, Operations and Administration Lead for NUHS@Home, also shared how the MIC@Home scheme can reduce costs for hospitals.

国大脊椎中心首办健康讲座 脊椎疼痛若伴随“危险讯号”应及时就医 (NUSI organises first public symposium: Seek medical help promptly if your spinal pain comes with other danger signs)

​National University Spine Institute (NUSI) was set up in July 2023 and held its first public symposium, My Spine Hurts! What can I do?, on 30 March 2024, which attracted about 300 members of the public, who also had the opportunity to do free scoliosis and osteoporosis screening and hear from members of Scoliosis Support Singapore.

A/Prof Gabriel Liu, Head & Senior Consultant, NUSI, National University Health System, said the top three spinal conditions affecting people are slipped disc, spinal stenosis and cervical myelopathy. He said NUSI consolidates resources from National University Hospital, Alexandra Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital to provide seamless patient care and has plans to develop community care programmes for patients. Mr Nicholas Chun, Principal Physiotherapist, National University Hospital, advised people to stay active and avoid prolonged sitting for better health. 

• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 30 March 2024, 国大脊椎中心首办健康讲座 身体发出危险讯号应及时求医 (NUSI organises first public symposium: Seek medical help promptly if you experience symptoms)
  
• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 30 March 2024, 国立大学脊椎中心首办健康讲座 (NUSI organises first public symposium)
  
• 8world, 31 March 2024, 国大脊椎中心正式启动 为患者提供跨学科治疗 (Official launch of NUSI, which provides multidisciplinary care for patients)
  
• AsiaOne, 30 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• Yahoo! Finance, 30 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• AP News, 30 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• PR Newswire, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• Salisbury Post, 30 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• Wavy, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• NBC4i, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• FOX8 WGHP, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• FOX 5 San Diego, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• FOX 4, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• KOIN 6 News, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• Fox2 Now, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• abc27 News, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• KXAN Today, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
• Kron4, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• WGN 9, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future 
  
• 8NewsNow, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• FOX 31, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• Myhighplains, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• WoodTV, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into  the future

Insect stings and bites: How deadly are they and when to seek medical attention

​Dr Jonathan Tang, a clinical toxicologist at National University Hospital (NUH) and Alexandra Hospital highlighted the serious effects associated with stings from insects like bees, wasps, and hornets, emphasising the importance of prompt medical attention for severe reactions such as anaphylaxis or toxic envenomation. Data from NUH showed that 265 patients sought medical attention for insect bites or stings at its emergency medicine department and children’s emergency in the previous year, with three-quarters of the cases involving children.

New master’s programme to train mental health professionals in Singapore

NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the National University Health System Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre (MSC) are launching a new Master of Clinical Mental Health and Psychotherapy programme in January 2025 to address the increasing demand for mental health care. The launch of the programme was announced at a mental wellness exhibition at the Mind Art Experiential Lab (MAELab) located in Alexandra Hospital by National Development Minister Desmond Lee. The exhibition, titled "Nature's Embrace: A Gift to The Mind", explores the relationship between urban green spaces and mental health. 

Media reports also highlighted research done by MSC, including a recent study by MSC and National Parks Board (NParks), which involved 8,786 participants and found that gardening for one to four hours weekly enhances psychological resilience. This collaborative research underscores the mental health benefits of nature-based activities, with older participants showing greater psychological resilience across five key areas. The exhibition at MAELab will showcase these findings.

• Lianhe Zaobao, 21 March 2024, 研究：每周做园艺有助提高心理韧性 年长者获益更大 (NUHS study: Weekly gardening helps improve mental resilience, with older adults benefiting more)
  

• 8world, 21 March 2024, 调查：每周做一到四小时园艺 能显著提高心理韧性 (Study: Gardening for one to four hours a week significantly improves mental toughness)
  

• Berita Mediacorp, 21 March 2024, Sekolah Perubatan NUS lancar program sarjana baharu jurusan kesihatan mental klinikal & psikoterapi (NUS Medicine launches new master's programme in clinical mental health & psychotherapy

• Red Hot Singapore, 21 March 2024, New master's programme to train mental health professionals