Tan Tock Seng Hospital Unveils Plans for 600-Bed Medical Tower

A proposed medical tower at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) aims to significantly enhance healthcare capacity in Singapore by adding approximately 600 acute beds and expanding its emergency department. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung announced the initiative on September 9, 2023, highlighting its role within the broader framework of the HealthCity Novena Master Plan, set for completion beyond 2030.

This expansion is designed to improve access and clinical care outcomes for the 1.5 million residents in central and northern Singapore, particularly catering to an aging population. TTSH, located within mature housing estates, already serves a demographic with a higher proportion of seniors compared to the national average. In 2023, the hospital reported that inpatients aged 65 and above were 1.5 times the national norm for males and 2.2 times for females, according to data from NHG Health.

Enhancing Emergency Services

As one of Singapore’s busiest emergency hospitals, TTSH is also considering relocating its emergency department to the new medical tower. Over the past three years, the department has managed more than 125,000 cases annually, with around 40 percent of patients being aged 65 and above last year—an increase from approximately 30 percent five years prior. The proposed redesign will focus on improving patient triage and care coordination, which aims to reduce unnecessary transfers between departments.

“Urgent but non-critical cases could be directed to operating theatres for immediate intervention, allowing for swift discharges after short monitoring periods,” stated NHG Health. The new facility will also feature additional operating theatres and outpatient clinics, a move that Adjunct Professor Tang Kong Choong, CEO of TTSH, emphasized is essential for addressing the challenges posed by an aging populace.

Addressing Surgical Demands and Recovery

To meet the rising demand for hospital admissions and surgical procedures, TTSH plans to expand its Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols. Between 2020 and 2024, the hospital has experienced an average annual increase of 5 percent in admissions and outpatient visits, alongside a 10 percent yearly growth in surgical procedures. Last year alone, TTSH performed more than 100,000 procedures, with expectations for further increases driven by the country’s aging population and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases.

The hospital is also exploring less invasive surgical options and interventional radiological methods specifically for seniors. This approach aims to minimize risks and promote quicker recoveries. Additionally, TTSH plans to enhance its nurse-led ambulatory care model to facilitate earlier discharges for certain medical cases, moving away from the traditional two-day inpatient stays.

In line with modern healthcare trends, the proposed medical tower will integrate advanced technologies to support improved care delivery. This initiative aims to empower the healthcare workforce while providing tailored services for Singapore’s aging population. NHG Health noted that the facility will include innovative solutions designed to optimize workflows and alleviate physical strain on staff, enabling care teams to concentrate on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

The future of healthcare in Singapore is poised for transformation through the HealthCity Novena Master Plan, with TTSH leading the way in developing sustainable and accessible medical services for a growing population.