SINGAPORE: Big changes are on the horizon for Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) as plans for a new medical tower have been announced, aimed at enhancing healthcare capacity for the residents in the area. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung shared details of this ambitious project on 9 September 2024, revealing that the tower will add approximately 600 acute beds and expand the emergency department.
Boosting Healthcare Capacity
The new medical tower is a crucial component of the HealthCity Novena Master Plan, which seeks to meet the rising healthcare demands of Singapore’s ageing population. With TTSH already serving more seniors than the national average, the expanded facilities will provide better access and improved clinical outcomes for over 1.5 million residents in central and northern Singapore.
- 600 additional acute beds
- Expanded emergency department
- More operating theatres and procedural suites
- Enhanced outpatient clinics
Addressing Senior Needs
TTSH caters to a significant proportion of senior patients, with statistics revealing that in 2023, hospital inpatients aged 65 and above were 1.5 times higher for males and 2.2 times for females compared to national norms. To accommodate this demographic, the medical tower aims to adopt a frailty-ready model of care, including improved emergency services that allow faster access to operating theatres and specialist outpatient clinics.
A Smarter Healthcare System
In line with Singapore’s healthcare objectives, the new tower will also integrate smart technologies. These innovations will enhance care delivery and facilitate better management of the country’s ageing population, ensuring that healthcare professionals can focus on high-value, person-centred care.
Timeline and Infrastructure Changes
The timeline for the project indicates a completion date of beyond 2030. To pave the way for the new tower, existing facilities like the specialist outpatient clinics and laboratories will temporarily relocate to the Pavilion Wards.
With over 125,000 emergency cases handled annually—40% of which include seniors—the emphasis on designing efficient workflows is critical. The hospital is already looking at options for less invasive surgeries and interventional radiology to ensure safer, quicker recoveries for patients.
As we watch TTSH evolve, it’s clear that the expansion not only aims to alleviate current pressures but also sets the stage for the future of healthcare in Singapore. This project embodies a commitment to responding to the growing demand for healthcare services amid an ageing populace…