Healthcare sector takes steps to tackle bed crunch

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The Health Ministry said Singapore's healthcare sector is tackling the bed crunch in several ways.

Over 1,200 beds will be added this year, comprising both acute, and intermediate and long-term care capacity.

At the same time, hospitals are also caring for patients in their homes and community.

Several hospitals have transitional care teams to better help patients transit home smoothly, which then facilitates timely discharge. They comprise of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to care for and ensure patients are well supported medically after their discharge, and their conditions do not deteriorate, resulting in re-admissions.

Several hospitals also refer patients to "interim caregivers", who provide comprehensive personal care to patients post-discharge, if they lack support at home.

Some, like Tan Tock Seng Hospital, have started new programmes, such as The Virtual Hospital, to help frail patients who have a history of frequent re-admissions control and improve their conditions. They would assign care managers to these patients, to provide constant monitoring and advice to help patients improve and stay out of hospitals.

The Ministry said the private and people sector have also chipped in to help. Changi General Hospital for instance, will partner private GPs in the eastern region to attend to patients who may not need A&E services for their conditions.

Community hospitals operated by voluntary welfare organisations have also partnered public hospitals to accept patients who do not require acute hospital care, and some also plan to expand capacity to help support the present healthcare needs.