Latest news with #SKH
Business Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- Business Times
Sengkang General Hospital leads the way in automating sterile supply management
[SINGAPORE] As Singapore's population ages rapidly, the demand for healthcare services is expected to rise dramatically in the coming years. According to the Ministry of Health, by 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 or above, placing unprecedented pressure on hospitals to deliver faster, safer and more efficient care. In order to meet these challenges head-on, medical institutions must embrace innovative solutions that optimise operations and enhance both patient and staff well-being. To that end, Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) has taken a bold leap into the future of healthcare logistics with the implementation of its groundbreaking Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) in the Central Sterile Supplies Unit (CSSU). This innovative system, the first of its kind in Singapore's healthcare sector, is setting new benchmarks for efficiency, safety and staff well-being. Designed to streamline the often labour-intensive process of managing surgical instruments, the ASRS integrates advanced robotic technology with sophisticated software, marking a significant shift from traditional manual methods. Traditionally, staff were required to perform physically demanding tasks, including manually locating, retrieving, and tracking thousands of surgical instrument sets. This not only posed a risk of errors but also placed a considerable strain on the workforce. Besides the inefficiencies in instrument management, there were risks of errors leading to surgical delays and difficulties in maintaining sterility assurance. The ASRS project aimed to address these critical issues head-on, and SKH embarked on a journey to revolutionise its CSSU operations through automation. Robotic system At the heart of the ASRS lies a complex integration of several key components. A three-arm robotic system, coupled with four Vertical Carousel Systems (VCR), automates the storage and retrieval of instrument sets. SEE ALSO Revolutionising drug discovery with AI in South-east Asia GET BT IN YOUR INBOX DAILY Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up VIEW ALL The system is powered by a sophisticated Warehouse Management System (WMS) that integrates seamlessly with the hospital's existing Total Documentation (T-Doc) system, used for tracking surgical instruments. This integration eliminates the need for double data entry, ensuring accuracy and streamlining workflows.
Online Citizen
16-05-2025
- Health
- Online Citizen
Singapore hospitals warn of long emergency waits, urge non-urgent cases to visit GPs or clinics
Three major public hospitals in Singapore have issued advisories alerting patients to expect longer waiting times at emergency departments due to an increase in patient load. On 14 May 2025, Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) published a notice on its website, while Changi General Hospital (CGH) and Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) used Facebook to communicate the situation. TTSH informed patients that if hospital admission is required, the waiting time could span several hours. It assured the public that emergency care would continue during this period. SKH noted that patient priority would be determined by condition severity. Those with non-critical needs were advised to consult general practitioners, polyclinics, or Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs). CGH echoed this guidance, encouraging patients with symptoms such as sore throats or runny noses to avoid emergency departments unless absolutely necessary. The hospital added that reducing non-critical visits would help staff focus on urgent cases. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Communicable Diseases Agency have reported a recent increase in COVID-19 cases. Between 27 April and 3 May, cases rose to an estimated 14,200, up from 11,100 the week prior. While the rise in infections may be straining resources, the authorities confirmed that hospitals remain capable of handling the current patient load.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why Singaporeans are waiting hours at A&E — and what hospitals want you to do instead
SINGAPORE, May 15 — Several hospitals here including Changi General Hospital (CGH), Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), have been seeing unusually high volumes of patients at their emergency departments (EDs), causing long waiting times. CGH and SKH advised the public via Facebook yesterday to visit their EDs only for serious or life-threatening conditions, and to consult general practitioners or polyclinics for minor symptoms such as cough, sore throat or runny nose, The Straits Times reported. KTPH, which began seeing a spike in ED cases after the recent long weekend, said the rise was not mainly due to Covid-19, despite a small increase in infections. Health authorities said on May 13 that while there has been a rise in Covid-19 cases, current variants do not appear more transmissible or severe than earlier strains. At 5.30pm on May 14, KTPH's website listed a wait time of 107 minutes with 135 patients in queue, dropping to 71 minutes and 124 patients by 6.30pm. KTPH said its emergency department remains fully operational and under control, and that patients with critical conditions will still be seen immediately. The Straits Times reported that during its visit to CGH yesterday, a notice outside the A&E department warned of waits lasting at least five to eight hours due to the surge in patients.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Long A&E wait times hit hospitals; Foo Fighters, CL headline Singapore GP weekend: Singapore live news
Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. The editorial team will be curating the latest must-know local and international news. Several major hospitals in Singapore are seeing a spike in emergency department visits, with Changi General Hospital (CGH), Sengkang General Hospital (SKH), and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) warning of longer wait times. Patients with non-urgent symptoms are encouraged to seek care at general practitioners (GPs) or Public Health Preparedness Clinics. The hospitals stress that emergency departments should be reserved for serious or life-threatening cases only. This comes amid concerns over healthcare capacity and workforce strain. Read on what patients need to know now about the A&E overload here. The 2025 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is turning up the volume. Foo Fighters, The Smashing Pumpkins, CL, and Alan Walker are among the global powerhouses joining Elton John and G-Dragon for a three-day mega festival from 3-5 October. The event blends high-octane racing with world-class music across multiple stages, featuring names like Babymetal, Crowded House, and The Wombats. From K-pop icons to rock legends and EDM trailblazers, this year's lineup promises to be the most explosive yet. With ticket demand surging, fans are urged to grab passes while they last. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Singapore's major hospitals are urging the public to avoid emergency departments unless facing life-threatening conditions. Changi General Hospital (CGH), Sengkang General Hospital (SKH), and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) report a surge in patients, causing unusually long wait times. In social media updates, CGH and SKH advised that only those with serious emergencies should seek care at A&Es. Meanwhile, TTSH's website warns of delays in both consultations and admissions. Those with coughs, sore throats, or other mild symptoms are urged to visit general practitioners or Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs) instead. These clinics can be located through This move helps healthcare workers focus on critical cases and maintain emergency readiness. Read on why you should skip the A&E for minor symptoms here. Get ready to rock at full throttle. The 2025 Singapore Grand Prix just unveiled a stacked music lineup featuring Foo Fighters, CL and The Smashing Pumpkins. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Foo Fighters (@foofighters) Running from 3-5 October, the star-studded event turns the Marina Bay Street Circuit into a high-octane music festival. Global icons like Alan Walker, Elton John and G-Dragon will share the spotlight with indie darlings and K-pop heavyweights. This year's entertainment will span multiple stages – from the iconic Padang Stage to the more intimate Sunset and Esplanade venues – offering something for every music fan. The lineup also includes Babymetal, Crowded House, Tom Grennan, The Lathums, and Indonesian vocal sensation Putri Ariani. With genres ranging from rock to EDM to neo-soul, it's a cultural mashup worth the pit stop. Tickets are already moving fast. With more acts still to be announced, the Grand Prix weekend is shaping up to be Singapore's biggest party of the year. Singapore's major hospitals are urging the public to avoid emergency departments unless facing life-threatening conditions. Changi General Hospital (CGH), Sengkang General Hospital (SKH), and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) report a surge in patients, causing unusually long wait times. In social media updates, CGH and SKH advised that only those with serious emergencies should seek care at A&Es. Meanwhile, TTSH's website warns of delays in both consultations and admissions. Those with coughs, sore throats, or other mild symptoms are urged to visit general practitioners or Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs) instead. These clinics can be located through This move helps healthcare workers focus on critical cases and maintain emergency readiness. Read on why you should skip the A&E for minor symptoms here. Get ready to rock at full throttle. The 2025 Singapore Grand Prix just unveiled a stacked music lineup featuring Foo Fighters, CL and The Smashing Pumpkins. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Foo Fighters (@foofighters) Running from 3-5 October, the star-studded event turns the Marina Bay Street Circuit into a high-octane music festival. Global icons like Alan Walker, Elton John and G-Dragon will share the spotlight with indie darlings and K-pop heavyweights. This year's entertainment will span multiple stages – from the iconic Padang Stage to the more intimate Sunset and Esplanade venues – offering something for every music fan. The lineup also includes Babymetal, Crowded House, Tom Grennan, The Lathums, and Indonesian vocal sensation Putri Ariani. With genres ranging from rock to EDM to neo-soul, it's a cultural mashup worth the pit stop. Tickets are already moving fast. With more acts still to be announced, the Grand Prix weekend is shaping up to be Singapore's biggest party of the year.
Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Longer waiting times at A&Es at CGH, SKH and TTSH
High volumes of patients have resulted in long queues and waiting times. PHOTOS: ST FILE, SHINTARO TAY Longer waiting times at A&Es at CGH, SKH and TTSH SINGAPORE – Changi General Hospital (CGH) and Sengkang General Hospita l (SKH) are seeing a high number of patients at their emergency departments, and this has resulted in longer waiting times. In a notice on its website , Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) said that there are longer than usual waiting times at the emergency department, and that admission may require a few hours. Only people with serious or life-threatening emergencies should go to its emergency department, CGH and SKH said on May 14 in separate social media posts. This allows medical professionals to attend to those with critical conditions and in need of emergency care. CGH and SKH urged those experiencing mild to moderate symptoms like cough, sore throat, or runny nose, to visit general practitioners (GPs) or Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs). Members of the public can find a PHPC at ST has contacted the Ministry of Health for more information. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
