New hospital will most likely be in Punggol, Sengkang area

As published in Today paper
on 07 Oct 2010

by Vimita Mohandas

SINGAPORE - A new hospital would most likely be built in the north-east, according to Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan.


Punggol 21 is among the sites that have been suggested, he said yesterday.


The new general hospital would likely be built in the second half of the decade to serve the expanding population living in the north-east. While it is not yet a firm commitment, he said it is inevitable, given the expanding population.


Mr Khaw hinted it would be located near an MRT station as access to public transportation was essential for patients.


He said: "Punggol 21 is expanding ... In the north-east, it is really the Sengkang and Punggol area because the population in the future will be quite significant."


Speaking at a healthcare quality improvement conference, he also said the ground-breaking for the new Jurong General Hospital will take place next month. It will open before 2015 to serve the residents living in the west.


Turning to the issue of quality improvement, Mr Khaw said the healthcare industry can adapt proven strategies from other sectors like engineering to ensure that patients always receive care that is appropriate and delivered correctly.


This means processes such as standardisation, documentation, measurement and quality control should be in place.


He noted that most hospitals are also now accredited with the United States Joint Commission International (JCI), signifying they are part of a global movement in search of better quality and safety solutions to benefit patients.


Mr Khaw urged the hospitals to participate in the work of the commission and similar agencies, to help co-develop practical solutions and to learn from others.