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Straits Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Technology can help efforts to shift healthcare delivery towards the community: Ong Ye Kung
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung interacting with nurses at an event organised by National University Health System to mark Nurses' Day on July 24. SINGAPORE – The use of technologies such as telemedicine and artificial intelligence (AI) can help bolster national initiatives such as Healthier SG and Age Well SG by shifting the delivery of healthcare away from hospitals towards the community, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on July 24. Speaking at an event organised by National University Health System (NUHS) to mark Nurses' Day, he said there is a 'strong, ground-up proliferation' of good potential uses of AI in healthcare . These will be implemented 'thoughtfully and judiciously', he added. Technology will allow nurses to carry out their work more productively, said Mr Ong, who is also Coordinating Minister for Social Policies. 'It's impossible for technology to replace the work of a nurse, but it can make your job better,' he added. During the event, NUHS highlighted several examples of new technology it is adopting, such as the Endeavour AI Fall Risk Assessment tool, which uses AI to analyse a patient's medical history, medication list and mobility status to predict their risk of falling. It is expected to be introduced at the National University Hospital later in 2025. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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Set to be implemented by end-2025, this system is aimed at enhancing response times to patient needs while reducing the frequency of routine physical rounds by enabling nurses to remotely monitor and interact with multiple patients in real-time through live video feeds. NUHS group chief nurse Catherine Koh said care needs are evolving rapidly as Singapore's population ages and more are living with chronic conditions. 'These changes to transform the roles and competency of nurses help ensure they are supported to practise effectively, with the right tools, education and autonomy to focus on what matters most: delivering quality care,' said Dr Koh. Technology was one of four key thrusts outlined by Mr Ong for Singapore's healthcare agenda in the coming years as the country handles an ageing population with increasing healthcare demands. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Technology was one of four key thrusts outlined by Mr Ong for Singapore's healthcare agenda in the coming years as the country handles an ageing population with increasing healthcare demands. Healthcare manpower must be developed and reskilled amid the sector's changing landscape, with the Government working with healthcare clusters and institutes of higher learning to develop skills pathways for nurses and other professionals. The Republic will also 'deepen and broaden' the implementation of national health strategies such as Healthier SG, Age Well SG and Grow Well SG, the Health Minister said. He noted the authorities are now in the second phase of implementing preventive health initiative Healthier SG, with it being imperative that those enrolled in the scheme go to their general practitioners for follow-ups and check-ins. 'It is important for them to build this health-seeking habit and see their family doctor even though they are not sick. We must build up strong community and environmental support that encourages our residents to lead healthier lifestyles,' he said, adding that they should try to quit smoking and take part in more active physical activities. Meanwhile, as part of healthy-ageing initiative Age Well SG, Mr Ong said active ageing centres (AACs) must expand their programmes and outreach, as well as strengthen their healthcare services via community health posts – touch points for easy access to health services near the homes of seniors. Promising care models are also emerging, Mr Ong said, pointing to the example of the Happy Village @ Mei Ling community space under NUHS' Health District @ Queenstown, which provides health screenings, vaccinations and exercise in the heart of the community. Expanding healthcare infrastructure is also a key priority as healthcare demand rises, with Mr Ong citing as examples the new integrated general and community hospital in Tengah – to be built by the early 2030s – as well as new polyclinics in Yew Tee and Taman Jurong, which will come with 'sufficient qualified manpower and nurses' to operate them. NUHS will expand its manpower with the redevelopment of Alexandra Hospital as well as the new hospital in Tengah, noted NUHS chief executive Yeoh Khay Guan. This additional manpower will allow the opportunity to accelerate transformation efforts to the new model of care, he said at the event. The event, held at the NUHS Tower Block on Kent Ridge Road, recognised the contributions of 160 nurses under the health cluster.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
How this 20-year-old helps improve the well-being of the elderly
Apart from being a health peer, this polytechnic graduate is also a grassroots leader who makes meaningful use of his time to help the community As a Health Peer volunteer with the National University Health System, Mr Donavan Tan (right) was paired with Madam Chiang Kam Yoke to encourage her to adopt healthier eating habits. Once a month, 88-year-old Madam Chiang Kam Yoke meets a young man at a coffeeshop in Jurong West for an hour of happy conversation over her kopi siu dai. The young man is 20-year-old Donavan Tan, and though they were once strangers, both Mr Tan and Madam Chiang now share a precious bond, honed through a volunteering opportunity. As a Health Peer volunteer with the National University Health System (NUHS), Mr Tan was paired with Madam Chiang in July last year as she was identified to be at risk of developing diabetes. His job? To offer peer support and encourage her to adopt healthier eating habits. Watch to learn why Mr Donavan Tan chooses to spend his time volunteering and engaging seniors like Madam Chiang. During their monthly meet-ups at the coffeeshop, they would spend time catching up, with Madam Chiang updating him about her recent day-to-day activities and the courses she signed up for to keep occupied. Mr Tan would also take the opportunity to stress to her the need for a healthy diet and to show care and concern for his friend. 'I would ask her if she's been able to walk properly,' he says, noting that Madam Chiang has weak knees due to wear and tear. Once strangers, Mr Tan and Madam Chiang now have a unique but enduring friendship. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA During Chinese New Year, the two also exchanged red packets. 'We even 'bai nian' at the coffeeshop,' laughs Mr Tan, referring to the tradition of exchanging New Year greetings with Mandarin oranges. Serendipitously, what started as a three-month volunteering stint has now turned their relationship into a heartwarming friendship. Mr Tan catches up with Madam Chiang once a month and occasionally buys her a 'cheat meal' of prata to lift her spirits. PHOTO: COURTESY OF DONAVAN TAN From participant to practitioner Supporting Madam Chiang as a health peer is not Mr Tan's only volunteering stint. He also helps out at the NUHS community health screenings, while supporting the wider community through his work as a grassroots leader with the People's Association, and also at his constituency's weekly Meet-the-People Sessions (MPSes). When he found out NTUC Learning Hub was providing basic care support training, he signed up for that as well and was deployed to NTUC Jurong West nursing home where he assisted nurses in providing patient care. Interestingly enough, Mr Tan, who has recently been enlisted for National Service, describes the start of his volunteering journey as 'accidental'. SGShare: How more S'poreans can help the vulnerable Singaporeans now have a new platform to help fellow Singaporeans in need . To mark SG60, Community Chest's regular giving programme, Share, has been rebranded as SGShare to rally more to give regularly and support critical social service programmes. Starting this year, donations will be matched by the Singapore Government under the SG Gives matching grant, with up to $250 million available. Every dollar donated will help vulnerable communities, offering them opportunities to pursue their goals regardless of background. Here is a simple illustration of how your SGShare contribution can go a long way. In 2022, during his first semester break at Singapore Polytechnic, Mr Tan wanted to use his time more meaningfully. This came up while chatting with his secondary school teacher, who suggested he try helping out at the MPS – and so he did. 'I just walked in one random Monday and told them I want to volunteer,' he recalls. At these sessions, he meets people from all walks of life. What really tugged at his heartstrings were the elderly, especially those with health issues – interactions that deepened his interest in the medical sector and spurred him to volunteer with NUHS. Says the biomedical science diploma graduate: 'Volunteering provides me with a platform to help others; to uplift them, and to support them in improving their circumstances.' As a grassroots leader, Mr Tan (far right) also helps to promote various causes like racial and religious harmony. PHOTO: COURTESY OF DONAVAN TAN Meeting others who did not have the same access to healthcare as he did also pushed him to pursue further studies in medicine at the National University of Singapore. 'I want to serve, but from a medical standpoint,' says Mr Tan. 'Being a doctor is also about diagnosing and treating their non-medical needs for holistic care. Volunteering has also taught me a lot about how to interact with individuals of diverse age groups, racial groups and socioeconomic groups.' Mr Tan shares that individuals can always volunteer without feeling the pressure to commit long term. 'Whether you are comfortable talking to people, or prefer working in the background, there are roles for everyone.' Inspired to uplift others like Mr Tan does? This SG60, give back to our community in your own way. Visit and help build a more caring, inclusive Singapore. Celebrating SG60 with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
CNA
21-07-2025
- Health
- CNA
Health Matters - How to preserve the hip for those who may need Hip Replacement Surgery
Guest: Adjunct Associate Professor Andrew Lim, Head and Senior Consultant, Division of Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NUH.
Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Unsedated patients on life support have lower risk of heart complications, muscle shrinkage: NUH
A patient in intensive care is undergoing awake Ecmo, where she is kept awake and breathing on her own, without the need for total sedation. PHOTO: NUHS SINGAPORE – Critically ill patients in intensive care will now have the option of staying awake and breathing on their own while on life support, without the need for total sedation. This will also give them a chance to interact with the healthcare team, reduce the chances of muscle shrinkage and for early rehabilitation. Patients are often placed in a medically induced coma when undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (Ecmo), a treatment for those with life-threatening heart and lung failure that keeps the blood pumping and oxygenated outside the body. An alternative treatment, called awake Ecmo, has been performed successfully on three patients at the National University Hospital since 2023. 'These patients are equally sick, but they are strong enough to get the Ecmo process started while they are conscious,' said Adjunct Associate Professor K.R. Ramanathan, a senior consultant in the Cardiothoracic ICU at the National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS). 'Most of them are young and they have a single organ failure, such as the heart or lungs.' On the advancements made in managing patients on Ecmo, he said: 'Now we have come to a stage where we do not use sedation at a ll. This helps the patients and caregivers in a big way.' When the patients know what is happening, they are able to communicate better with the medical staff for more favourable outcomes. He added: 'They are able to partake in the rehabilitation process within a few days. It enhances their recovery, and they leave the ICU much earlier.' Avoiding sedation while Ecmo is being initiated also reduces the risk of the patient's heart stopping, he said. However, not all patients are suitable for awake Ecmo. Doctors have to assess the severity of the illness, as well as the patient's ability to maintain a clear airway and tolerate life support while conscious, Prof Ramanathan said. One of the three patients who underwent awake Ecmo was nursing student Gwendolyn Lye, after she developed a high fever and shortness of breath in late January 2024. 'I felt something was truly wrong when I started to feel short of breath, not being able to lie flat to sleep and even sitting up, I would wake up gasping for air. My fever was also not improving despite taking medication,' she said. She was referred to National University Hospital (NUH) on Jan 30 after blood tests showed that she was infected by enterovirus, which is a common virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms, but 'it had somehow managed to get into my bloodstream and got to my heart'. This caused myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle, which led to fluid build-up in her lungs. 'Prior to being placed on awake Ecmo, I only remember feeling super unwell, constantly vomiting and being unable to eat,' Ms Lye said. Her heart was too weak for her to be anaesthetised for traditional Ecmo. 'I was mainly concerned about how much pain I was going to feel,' she said. 'But in the end, I felt completely comfortable and having been able to be awake to see the preparation process – it was interesting.' Nurses and physiotherapists on her care team also initiated gentle exercise sessions, such as stretching and mobility drills, to prevent rapid loss of muscle mass. 'I am thankful that the medical team decided on awake Ecmo as I knew how intubation could possibly lead to a longer recovery process instead,' added Ms Lye. She recovered enough to stop Ecmo on Feb 4 and was discharged on Feb 15, and has returned to doing everything that she used to before hospitalisation, such as hiking and going for clinical attachments for nursing. Prof Ramanathan said that for patients who require sedation during Ecmo treatment, the team aims to wake them after 14 to 21 days to begin rehabilitation and prevent muscle wastage. Thirty-year-old Nathan Tan checked himself into the emergency department in March 2023 after he felt pain in his back and was taking shallow breaths. Despite losing his fingers, toes and his left leg below the knee after a bout of pneumonia in 2023, Mr Nathan Tan, 30, has learnt to dance again after undergoing rehabilitation. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO He was diagnosed with pneumonia. 'That was when everything went downhill,' he said . Mr Tan remained sedated while on Ecmo for 38 days, but was awakened for rehabilitation as his care team did not want the young man's muscles to atrophy. Unfortunately, in his third month in hospital, the virus that caused his pneumonia entered his bloodstream, causing sepsis. He ended up requiring amputation of his fingers and toes and his left leg below the knee, as they had turned gangrenous. Despite that, Mr Tan continues to live his dream of being a dancer, citing non-traditional dance companies in the US that feature dancers with disabilities, as a source of inspiration. 'My physiotherapists got creative and worked in dance moves for my therapy, helping me to continue to feel that I am worthy. I regained my confidence and I even went to the Lady Gaga concert on May 21 and danced my heart out,' he said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Flagship Pioneering, the National University of Singapore, National University Hospital and the National University Health System Announce Collaboration to Advance Biotech Research & Development
"As integral parts of the NUHS academic health system, NUS Medicine and NUH are uniquely positioned to translate groundbreaking biomedical research seamlessly into real-world clinical solutions," said Professor Chong Yap Seng, Dean, NUS Medicine, and Deputy Chief Executive (Education & Research), NUHS. "Through this partnership with Flagship, we aim to drive greater innovation and bridge the gap between discovery and patient care. Together, we can shape a future where practice-changing innovations and transformative health solutions can benefit patients, communities and the world." "Our collaboration with NUS Medicine, NUH and NUHS will help us realize our goal to expand the global reach and impact of Flagship and its companies and serve as an anchor in Singapore and throughout Asia Pacific for globally connected life science innovation," said André Andonian, Chair of Asia Pacific and Strategic Advisor, Flagship Pioneering. "We are pleased to combine Flagship's signature approach to company creation and development with the scientific expertise, data reach and translational potential of NUS Medicine, NUH and NUHS. Along with our previously announced collaboration with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), our work with NUS Medicine, NUH and NUHS has the potential to bring together key players across Singapore's biotech ecosystem to advance breakthroughs that impact patients and the planet." In addition, Flagship will tap into the ecosystem of NUH and NUHS to leverage clinical data for new biological insights, test clinical hypotheses for novel impact and improved patient outcomes. Flagship, NUS Medicine, NUH and NUHS expect to create, co-develop and co-resource a series of research projects over an initial five-year horizon, tapping into opportunities across Flagship's existing ecosystem of over 40 companies, and future companies founded by Flagship. Through potential secondments, internships and participation in the Flagship Fellowship program, the collaboration will also create career development and mentorship opportunities for scientists and students of NUS Medicine with Flagship. SINGAPORE, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Flagship Pioneering, the bioplatform innovation company, the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), National University Hospital (NUH) and the National University Health System (NUHS) today announced a research and development collaboration to advance outcomes in human health and sustainability. Flagship, NUS Medicine, NUH and NUHS outlined the goals of their collaboration via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed this week. Story Continues About Flagship Pioneering Flagship Pioneering invents and builds bioplatform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $60 billion in aggregate value. Flagship is operating with $14 billion of assets under management as of its latest capital raise, announced in July 2024. The current Flagship ecosystem comprises over 40 companies, including Foghorn Therapeutics (NASDAQ: FHTX), Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA), Sana Biotechnology (NASDAQ: SANA), Generate Biomedicines, Inari, Indigo Agriculture, Lila Sciences, and Tessera Therapeutics. About National University of Singapore (NUS) The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore's flagship university, which offers a global approach to education, research, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. NUS has 16 colleges, faculties, and schools across three campuses in Singapore, with more than 40,000 students from 100 countries enriching its vibrant and diverse campus community. NUS has also established more than 20 NUS Overseas Colleges entrepreneurial hubs around the world. NUS's multidisciplinary and real-world approach to education, research and entrepreneurship enables it to work closely with industry, governments, and academia to address crucial and complex issues relevant to Asia and the world. Researchers in its faculties, research centres of excellence, corporate labs and more than 30 university-level research institutes focus on themes that include energy; environmental and urban sustainability; treatment and prevention of diseases; active ageing; advanced materials; risk management and resilience of financial systems; Asian studies; and Smart Nation capabilities such as artificial intelligence, data science, operations research, and cybersecurity. For more information on NUS, please visit About the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) The NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine is Singapore's first and largest medical school. Its enduring mission centres on nurturing highly competent, values-driven, and inspired healthcare professionals to transform the practice of medicine and improve health around the world. Through a dynamic and future-oriented five-year curriculum that is inter-disciplinary and inter-professional in nature, NUS Medicine students undergo a holistic learning experience that exposes them to multiple facets of healthcare and prepares them to become visionary leaders and compassionate doctors and nurses of tomorrow. Since the School's founding in 1905, more than 12,000 graduates have passed through its doors. In pursuit of health for all, NUS Medicine's strategic research programmes focus on innovative, cutting-edge biomedical research with collaborators around the world to deliver high impact solutions to benefit human lives. The School is the oldest institution of higher learning in the National University of Singapore and a founding institutional member of the National University Health System. It is one of the leading medical schools in Asia and ranks among the best in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 by subject and the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by subject 2024). For more information about NUS Medicine, please visit About the National University Hospital The National University Hospital (NUH) is Singapore's leading university hospital. While the hospital at Kent Ridge first received its patients on 24 June 1985, our legacy started from 1905, the date of the founding of what is today the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. NUH is the principal teaching hospital of the medical school. Our unique identity as a university hospital is a key attraction for healthcare professionals who aspire to do more than practise tertiary medical care. We offer an environment where research and teaching are an integral part of medicine, and continue to shape medicine and transform care for the community we care for. We are an academic medical centre with over 1,200 beds, serving more than one million patients a year with over 50 medical, surgical and dental specialties. NUH is the only public and not-for-profit hospital in Singapore to provide trusted care for adults, women and children under one roof, including the only paediatric kidney and liver transplant programme in the country. The NUH is a key member of the National University Health System (NUHS), one of three public healthcare clusters in Singapore. About the National University Health System The National University Health System (NUHS) aims to transform how illness is prevented and managed by discovering causes of disease, development of more effective treatments through collaborative multidisciplinary research and clinical trials, and creation of better technologies and care delivery systems in partnership with others who share the same values and vision. Institutions in the NUHS Group include the National University Hospital, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Jurong Community Hospital, Alexandra Hospital and the upcoming Tengah General and Community Hospital; three National Specialty Centres - National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS) and National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore (NUCOHS); the National University Polyclinics (NUP); Jurong Medical Centre; and three NUS health sciences schools – NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (including the Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies), NUS Faculty of Dentistry and NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. With member institutions under a common governance structure, NUHS creates synergies for the advancement of health by integrating patient care, health science education and biomedical research. As a Regional Health System, NUHS works closely with health and social care partners across Singapore to develop and implement programmes that contribute to a healthy and engaged population in the Western part of Singapore. For more information, please visit Media Contacts: Flagship Pioneering press@ NUHS/NUH Joan Chew Email: joan_chew@ NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine Sally Toh Email: Cision View original content: SOURCE Flagship Pioneering
