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[Updated 13 October 2022]

Given the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the community, visitor safe management measures at all hospital wards1 and residential care homes will be tightened for four weeks from 14 October 2022 to 10 November 2022.

All visitors are:

• Encouraged to self-test ART negative on the day of visit.
• Refrain from visiting if they are feeling unwell.
• Don face masks with good filtration capability at all times when on premises.
• Not allowed to eat or drink on premises, or use toilets designated for patients/residents.
• To avoid sitting on patients’/residents’ beds.

Hospitals and Homes have the discretion to impose stricter visitor limits or testing requirements for visitors or vulnerable or unvaccinated patients/residents. 

For more information, refer to MOH’s  press release . 

[1]  Including public acute hospitals, community hospitals and private hospitals. 

[2]  In exceptional situations, such as for critically ill patients, paediatric patients, birthing or post-partum mothers, and for patients requiring additional care support, visitors may be allowed to stay beyond 30 minutes on a case-by-case basis at the hospitals' discretion.

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Covid-19: Visitor restrictions for hospitals, care homes to be eased from Sept 1

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SINGAPORE — Covid-19 infection control measures will be eased for in-person visits to hospitals and residential care homes from Sept 1 as the situation here improves, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Wednesday (Aug 24). 

A signage put up at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital on Feb 24, 2022 regarding its visitor policy during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Janarthanan Krishnasamy

From Sept 1, two visitors will be allowed every hospitalised patient at a bedside each time, within the hospital’s visiting hours.

As for residential care homes, two visitors for each resident will be allowed every visit, with each visit capped at one hour, MOH said in a press release.

Under the current measures, which had been extended to Aug 31 , patients in hospitals are allowed only two pre-designated visitors for the duration of their admission, and only one visitor at the bedside at any one time.

Residents at care homes are allowed only four pre-designated visitors, with one visitor allowed at any one time for up to 30 minutes.

Visitors are encouraged to take an antigen rapid test and should test negative for Covid-19 on the day of the visit. People should not visit their loved ones if they are feeling unwell, MOH added.

All visitors entering hospital wards or homes must put on face masks with "good filtration capability" at all times.

"These include surgical masks and reusable masks that are made of two layers of fabric," the ministry added.

It advised visitors not to take off their masks to eat or drink in hospital wards or residential areas of the homes, or use the toilets designated for patients or residents in the wards or homes. They should also avoid sitting on the patients’ or residents’ beds. 

"Hospitals and homes have the discretion to impose additional visitor limits and/or testing requirements for visitors of vulnerable or unvaccinated patients/residents, and suspend visits if they have active Covid-19 cluster(s) to reduce transmission," MOH added.

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• SF706A: Abdomen, Peritoneal cavity, Ascites / Fluid / Abscess collection, Imaging Guided Percutaneous Aspiration / Diagnostic Tap/Catheter
• SF819A: Abdominal Wall, Inguinal/Femoral Hernia, Unilateral Herniorrhaphy (MIS/open)
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• SK717N: Nerve (Upper Limb), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Release (unilateral) (with Endoneurolysis)
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• SA709B: Breast, Various Lesions, Trucut Biopsy, ultrasound guided or stereotactic (multiple)
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• SA824B: Breast, Tumor (malignant), Simple Mastectomy with Axillary Clearance, with/without Sentinel Node Biopsy
• SA827B: Breast, Tumor (malignant), Simple Mastectomy with Sentinel Node Biopsy/ Axillary Node Sampling
• SA829B: Breast, Various Lesions, Trucut Biopsy
• SA707B: Breast, Tumor (Malignant), Wide Excision/ Lumpectomy/Segmental Mastectomy/ Partial Mastectomy, With Sentinel Node Biopsy/ Axiliary Node Sampling
• SA703R: Radiotherapy, Intracavitary Brachytherapy (Multi-channel): Cervix, Others
• SI704C: Cervix, Transcervical resection (TCR) Polyp (<2cm), hysteroscopic
• 2cm), hysteroscopic" href="/patients-visitors/bill-estimator/cervix/Pages/cervix-transcervical-resection-TCR-polyp-more-than-2cm-hysteroscopic.aspx"> SI705C: Cervix, Transcervical resection (TCR) Polyp (>2cm), hysteroscopic
• SI707C: Cervix, Various Lesions, Colposcopy, Laser Vapourisation/Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure/Laser Excision of Transformation Zone with Biopsy
• SI802C: Cervix, Cervical Incompetence, Cerclage
• SI803C: Cervix, Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia, Cone Biopsy with/without laser
• SF702C: Colon, Colonoscopy (diagnostic), fibreoptic with/without biopsy - Day Surgery
• SF702C: Colon, Colonoscopy (diagnostic), fibreoptic with/without biopsy - Inpatient
• SF703C: Colon, Colonoscopy (screening), fibreoptic with/without biopsy
• SF704C: Colon, Colonoscopy (diagnostic), fibreoptic with removal of polyp (single or multiple less than 1cm)
• SF705C: Colon, Colonoscopy (diagnostic), fibreoptic with removal of polyps (multiple more than 1cm)
• SF706C: Colon, Colonoscopy (screening), fibreoptic with removal of polyp (single or multiple less than 1cm)
• SF710C: Colon, Sigmoid, Sigmoidoscopy (flexible), Fibreoptic with/without biopsy
• SL700R: Retina, Laser retinopexy, complex (subretinal fluid, vitreous haemorrhage, multiple tears)
• SL700V: Vitreous, Intravitreal Injections
• SL701P: Photorefractive Keratectomy/Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (for diseased eye)
• SL704R: Retina/Macula, Grid and focal laser photocoagulation
• SL705E: Eye, Glaucoma drainage implants eg. Ahmed Valve implant, Molteno implant , Baerveldt Tube Shunt
• SL705R: Retina, Pan retinal photocoagulation
• SL706E: Eye, Glaucoma, Cyclodestructive procedures
• SL722E: Eyelids, Botox injections for blepharospasm & hemifacial spasm
• SL801I: Iris, Various Lesions, Laser Iridotomy
• SL801V: Vitreous, Various Lesions, Posterior Vitrectomy (pars plana/ sclerotomy/ lensectomy-extraction with Intra-ocular Lens Implant/ endolaser/ membrane peels)
• SL803C: Conjunctiva, Pterygium, Removal with conjunctival graft
• SL808L_SL809L: Lens, Cataract, Extraction with Intra-ocular Lens Implant (Unilateral) - Day Surgery
• SL808L_SL809L: Lens, Cataract, Extraction with Intra-ocular Lens Implant (Unilateral) - Inpatient
• SL809C: Cornea, Myopia, Phototherapeutic Keratectomy/Laser in-situ Keratomileusis
• SL815L: Lens, Various Lesions, Yag Laser Capsulotomy
• SL846E: Eyelids, Tumor, Shaving Excision
• SL718E: Eyelids, Various Lesions, Upper Blepharoplasty, Bilateral
• SF801G: Gallbladder, Various Lesions, Cholecystectomy (open or lap) - Day Surgery
• SF801G: Gallbladder, Various Lesions, Cholecystectomy (open or lap) - Inpatient
• SF710B: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) With Sphincterotomy/Removal Of Stone/Insertion Of Biliary Stent
• SD707A: Arteriovenous fistula, angioplasty with/without stenting
• SD707H: Heart, Cardiac Catheterisation (left) and Intracoronary Pressure Wire without Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) - Day Surgery
• SD707H: Heart, Cardiac Catheterisation (left) and Intracoronary Pressure Wire without Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) - Inpatient
• 1 hr), with/without IVUS/FFR or other physiological studies" href="/patients-visitors/bill-estimator/heart/Pages/heart-PTCA-stenting-complex-with-withoutIVUS-FFR-or-other-physiological-studies.aspx"> SD712H: Heart, Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) + stenting (1 vessel) - Complex (defined as > 1 hr), with/without IVUS/FFR or other physiological studies
• SD714H: Heart, Primary Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty for ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction
• SD716H: Heart, Heart Block/Arrhythmia, Insertion of Dual chamber Pacemaker (permanent)
• SD731H: Heart, Valve (Repair / Replacement) - 1 Valve
• SD802H: Heart, percutaneous ablation of arrhythmia circuit or focus or isolation procedure involving 1 atrial chamber
• SD810H: Heart, Coronary Disease, Coronary Angioplasty (transluminal), with/without angiocardiography
• SD811H: Heart, Coronary angiography (Selective) - Day Surgery
• SD811H: Heart, Coronary angiography (Selective) - Inpatient
• 1 vessel)" href="/patients-visitors/bill-estimator/heart/Pages/heart-percutaneous-transluminal-coronary-angioplasty-stenting-with-without-ivus-ffr-or-other-physiological-studies.aspx"> SD713H: Heart, Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) + Stenting (More Than 1 Vessel), With/Without Ivus/Ffr Or Other Physiological Studies
• SD742H: Heart, Coronary Disease, Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (Open/MIS/Off Pump)
• SG802K: Kidney, Calculus, Extra Corporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
• SG720K: Kidney, Various Lesions, Partial Nephrectomy, Laparascopic
• SA712S: Soft Tissue (Lower Limb), Contracture, Minor Release
• SB700H: Hip/Knee, Hip/Knee Therapeutic Arthroscopy
• SB701K: Knee, Ligaments/Meniscus/Cartilage/Bone combined, MIS ACL or PCL reconstruction
• SB703K: Knee, Ligaments/Meniscus/Cartilage/Bone combined, MIS ligament reconstruction with meniscal repair
• SB712K: Knee, Meniscus/Cartilage ( small defects ), MIS/open Mosaicplasty or OATS
• SB715K: Knee, Meniscus/Cartilage, MIS meniscal repair
• SB716K: Knee, Various Lesions, Primary Total Joint Replacement (Unilateral) with augmentation, requiring extra implants or bone grafts, open/MIS/navigated
• SB801B: Bone (Lower Limb), Deformities, Corrective Surgery with Internal Fixation with or w/o Fluoroscopy
• SB810K: Knee, Various Lesions, Primary Total Joint Replacement (Unilateral), open/MIS/navigated
• SF711L: Liver, Various lesions, Imaging Guided Percutaneous Biopsy (Focal lesions, targeted)
• SF814L: Liver, Various lesions, Imaging Guided Percutaneous Biopsy (Liver parenchyma, non directed)
• SC702B: Bronchus/Lung, Transbronchial needle aspiration of mediastinal lymph nodes, with or without Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
• SC801L: Lung, Various Lesions, Repeat/Multiple/Complex Resections
• SC726L: Lung, Various Lesions, Lung Resection With Mediastinal Resection, Any Approach
• SC718T: Thorax, Various Lesions, Imaging guided Percutaneous Biopsy
• SF804T: Tongue, Tongue Tie, Release
• SF814P: Parotid, Tumor, Superficial Parotidectomy
• SJ701T: Thyroid, Various Lesions, Imaging Guided Percutaneous Aspiration / Biopsy
• SJ802T: Thyroid, Various Lesions, Hemithyroidectomy/Partial Thyroidectomy
• SM705T: Tonsils, Various Lesions, Removal with/without Adenoidectomy - Day Surgery
• SM705T: Tonsils, Various Lesions, Removal with/without Adenoidectomy - Inpatient
• SM716L: Larynx, Various Lesions, Direct Laryngoscope Examination With/Without Biopsy
• SM700I: Inferior Turbinate reduction (submucous diathermy oblique radiofrequency)
• SM700N: Nose, Nasoendoscopy/Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (Single Or Repeat Examinations, During A 90 Day Global Period) - Inpatient
• SM700N: Nose, Nasoendoscopy/Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (Single Or Repeat Examinations, During A 90 Day Global Period) - Day Surgery
• SH832P: Prostate Gland, Prostate, Benign Hyperplasia, Minimally invasive ablation
• SH835P: Prostate Gland, Various Lesions, Saturation Prostate Biopsy - Day Surgery
• SH835P: Prostate Gland, Various Lesions, Saturation Prostate Biopsy - Inpatient
• SA701S: Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, Tumor/Cyst/Ulcer/Scar, Excision biopsy, removal of 2 or more or recurrent or complicated (adherent), excision
• SA702S: Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, Tumor/Cyst/Ulcer/Scar, Excision biopsy, Lesion size more than 15mm in diameter
• SA800S: Skin and Mucous Membrane, Various Lesions, Excision Biopsy
• SA803S: Skin and Subcutaneous tissue(ear/nose/eyelid/face) complex lacerations, repair
• 3cm/Extensive Contaminated Wound, Debridement - Day Surgery" href="/patients-visitors/bill-estimator/skin/Pages/skin-and-subcutaneous-tissue-deep-more-than-3cm-extensive-contaminated-wound-debridement-day-surgery.aspx"> SA811S: Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, Deep>3cm/Extensive Contaminated Wound, Debridement - Day Surgery
• 3cm/Extensive Contaminated Wound, Debridement - Inpatient" href="/patients-visitors/bill-estimator/skin/Pages/skin-and-subcutaneous-tissue-deep-more-than-3cm-extensive-contaminated-wound-debridement-inpatient.aspx"> SA811S: Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, Deep>3cm/Extensive Contaminated Wound, Debridement - Inpatient
• 3cm, Saucerisation/lncision with Drainage" href="/patients-visitors/bill-estimator/skin/Pages/skin-and-subcutaneous-tissue-hematoma-carbuncle-cellulitis-similar-lesion-more-3cm-saucerisation-incision-with-drainage.aspx"> SA841S: Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, Hematoma /Carbuncle Cellulitis/Similar Lesion>3cm, Saucerisation/lncision with Drainage
• 3cm/multiple) lacerations, repair/toilet & suture, with/without debridement" href="/patients-visitors/bill-estimator/skin/Pages/skin-and-subcutaneous-tissue-lacerations-deep-more-3cm-multiple-lacerations-repair-toilet-suture.aspx"> SA842S: Skin and Subcutaneous tissue, Lacerations (deep >3cm/multiple) lacerations, repair/toilet & suture, with/without debridement
• SA852S: Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, Tumor/Cyst/Ulcer/ Scar, Excision Punch/Shave biopsy, Lesion size up to and including 15mm in diameter
• SA853S: Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, Wound, Debridement <3cm
• SA864S: Skin, Keratoses/Warts/Tags/Similar Lesions, Excision (more than10 lesions)
• SA831S: Skin And Subcutaneous Tissue, Foreign Body (Subcutaneous), Removal
• SA868S: Skin, Scar (Extensive), Revision
• SF700I: Intestine/Stomach, Upper Gl endoscopy with polypectomy/ removal of foreign body/diathermy of bleeding lesions / injection of varices / removal of single polyp - Day Surgery
• SF700I: Intestine/Stomach, Upper Gl endoscopy with polypectomy/ removal of foreign body/diathermy of bleeding lesions / injection of varices / removal of single polyp - Inpatient
• SF701I: Intestine/Stomach, Upper Gl endoscopy with / without biopsy - Day Surgery
• SF701I: Intestine/Stomach, Upper Gl endoscopy with / without biopsy - Inpatient
• SA704R: Radiotherapy, Intracavitary Brachytherapy (Single channel): Endometrium, others
• SI701U: Uterus/cervix, Hysteroscopy, Diagnostic (without Anaesthesia)
• 12 weeks)" href="/patients-visitors/bill-estimator/uterus/Pages/uterus-hysterectomy-MIS-complicated-more-than-12-weeks.aspx"> SI712U: Uterus, Hysterectomy, MIS (Complicated) (>12 weeks)
• SI725U: Uterus/cervix, Hysteroscopy, Diagnostic, D&C
• SI804U: Uterus, Broad Ligament Tumor, Hysterectomy
• 5cm)" href="/patients-visitors/bill-estimator/uterus/Pages/uterus-fibroids-myomectomy-complicated-more-than-5cm.aspx"> SI815U: Uterus, Fibroids, Myomectomy (complicated) (>5cm)
• SI817U: Uterus, Genetic Abnormality, Ultrasound Guided Chorionic Biopsy
• SI818U: Uterus, Genetic Abnormality/Fetal Maturity, with/without Ultrasound Guided Amniocentesis
• SI844U: Uterus, Pregnancy, Complicated Caesarean Section (See Footnote For Definition Of 'Complicated')
• SB745J: Joint, Various Lesions, Joint aspiration/arthrocentesis/injection
• SD707B: Blood Vessels, Subcutaneous Implanted Vascular Port, removal
• SE712L: Lymph node, Various lesions, Imaging Guided Percutaneous Biopsy - Superficial
• SE801M: Marrow, Various Lesions, Diagnostic Aspiration
• SD722V: Vein, Various Lesions, Imaging Guided Peripheral Insertion of Central Catheter (PICC) - Day Surgery
• SD722V: Vein, Various Lesions, Imaging Guided Peripheral Insertion of Central Catheter (PICC) - Inpatient
• 5cm)" href="/patients-visitors/bill-estimator/others/Pages/ovary-tumor-cyst-cystectomy.aspx"> SI802O: Ovary, Tumor/Cyst, Cystectomy (Complicated, >5cm)
• SD713V: Vein, Varicose Veins, Imaging Guided Endovenous Laser Treatment, 1 Leg
• SG800U: Ureter, Calculus, Ureteroscopy And Lithotripsy With/Without Ultrasound

Visitor Policy and Registration

Visitor policy (wards), visitor policy (outpatient clinics), visitor policy (emergency department).

Important Reminders for Visitors

• Registration is non-transferable.
• Avoid eating or drinking in the wards. 
• Avoid using the patients' toilets in the wards.
• Avoid sitting on patient's beds during your visit.
• Please wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser before and after visiting patients in the hospital.
• Do not bring patients out of the wards.
• Photography and video recording are prohibited. This is to respect the privacy of our patients, visitors and staff. NUH reserves the right to request for such recordings to be deleted. 

Use of Personal Mobility Aid (PMA)

• Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs), such as motorised wheelchairs, are allowed. Please approach our staff at the Visitor Registration counter who will advise you on the entry into the wards.
• Please show consideration for others when you ride your PMA around NUH. 
• Charging of PMAs is strictly not allowed in NUH as a safety precaution. Please use the charging point located next to the Kent Ridge MRT control station. Please approach the SMRT staff if you need assistance.

Please note that PMAs are not Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs). PMDs, including motorised scooters, hoverboards etc., may be carried or towed but cannot be used within the hospital's premises as a safety precaution.

Thank you for making NUH a safe environment for our patients and staff.

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​Visiting Hours and Policy

12.00pm - 2.00pm 5.00pm - 8.30pm

Children below 12 years old are not allowed to visit in inpatient unless patient is in:

• Palliative care,
• Under special social circumstances (E.g. Patient is single-parent; OR patient is depressed due to prolonged inpatient stay etc. For Team Doctors, Nursing, MSW to assess, advise and inform Visitor Services ahead of visit.)

We understand that these measures may cause some inconvenience. For our patients' and your safety, please bear with these stricter measures to reduce unnecessary visitor movement in the hospital. Thank you for your patience.

While visiting the wards, we seek your co-operation for the following to reduce the risk of infection and keep our patients safe:

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24-Hour Clinic or Hospital A&E: A Guide to Costs & Care in Singapore

Looking to know when to go to a hospital A&E or a 24-hour clinic? Our guide breaks down the differences for a health emergency.

by ValueChampion Editorial Team on Apr 1, 2024

Whether it’s a high fever that’s kept you up all night or a bone that you think might be broken, you’ve likely asked yourself: do I need to go to the emergency room? In some cases, Hospital Accident and Emergency (A&E) is the appropriate place to go for treatment, but in many other instances, it is actually better to seek out timely and quality care at a 24-hour general practitioner (GP) clinic. Read ahead to learn the differences between a hospital A&E and 24-hour clinic, from costs to care.

Related:  Best Health Insurance in Singapore

Compare the best credit cards in singapore find out more, 24-hour clinics in singapore.

There are more than  1,800 GP clinics in Singapore that provide a range of medical services from outpatient medical treatment to health screening and education. Of these, a few are clinics that are open 24 hours of the day, much like a hospital A&E would be. But unlike a hospital A&E, 24-hour clinics are equipped to holistically address your and your family’s health besides treating minor emergencies.

Examples of 24-Hour Clinic Healthcare Services

Above all, your GP clinic is designed to assist you with the management of chronic health issues and prevention of illness and disease. Instead of waiting for a health concern to arise (that would require the attention of a hospital A&E), you can save money and your health by being proactive and seeking care from a clinic.

24-Hour Clinic Fees and Other Costs

When you visit a 24-hour clinic, you will have to pay a consultation fee to see a doctor for your medical issue. As a rule of thumb, consultation fees do not include tests, treatment, referrals or medicine. Below, we’ve compared the consultation fee of a lower budget 24-hour clinic to a higher budget one.

Figures represent a minimum charge to the patient for standard consultations. Please refer to clinic websites for further costs, like extended consultations and practice costs

As shown by the two examples above, a clinic consultation fee varies. The fee greatly depends on the certification of your general practitioner, duration of the consultation, and the time of day and week that you seek out medical services.

While Singaporeans are covered by Medishield Life , this basic health insurance scheme is designed to cover large hospital bills and costly outpatient treatments in public hospitals, not medical expenses from private GP 24-hour clinics. However, some private health insurers have a panel of GP clinics which can help to offset a pricey consultation fee.

Similarly, you may qualify for government subsidies that assist you with the upfront costs of some private practice health services, like chronic disease management or dental care. For instance, under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), you can use your MediSave account to cover  15% of the copayment  for the treatment of a chronic illness at a 24-hour clinic.

When To Go To A 24-Hour GP Clinic

Before you decide to go to the emergency room for your injury or illness, you should first consider the urgency of your condition. It’s best to go to a 24-hour clinic if you can determine that your health issue is  not life-threatening .

For example, maybe you’ve slammed a door on your finger and are dealing with the onset of swelling and pain. While uncomfortable, this injury would likely not be considered a medical emergency. However, if you want a professional opinion or treatment, your best option is a 24-hour clinic where your general practitioner can treat your wound in-house and direct you to a specialist for further care, if needed.

For more information  on where to find your nearest local 24-hour clinic, please visit  the Ministry of Health website .

Related:  Average Cost and Benefits of Health Insurance

Hospital a&e in singapore.

A&E hospital visits should be reserved  for accidents and emergencies only . For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s recommended that you do not visit the hospital for non-urgent conditions, so as to conserve resources for those who are facing  life-threatening medical issues . In fact, if the hospital A&E determines that your sickness or injury does not require immediate care, then they will likely ask you to wait or redirect you to a clinic for treatment.

A&E Charges and Other Fees

In case of an emergency, you’ll be directed to your  nearest public hospital , in which high medical expenses will be covered by MediShield Life ( not including the ambulance ) or your private health insurance. Further, you can expect an A&E fee that covers your doctor’s consultation, nursing care and treatment, basic tests, and standard medication up to one week’s supply.

For some cases without a clear cut A&E fee, you may be charged a specialist consultation fee that depends on the credentials of your doctor, much like a 24-hour clinic. Additionally, you will find varying rates that depend on your citizenship status and whether you are eligible for government subsidies . In general, Singaporean citizens will be charged the lowest consultation fees.

For a first-time consultation, senior consultants charge almost 40% more than associate consultants, and 15% more than a regular consultant. Similarly, first consultations are less costly than a second or third consultation, which is considered a repeat or follow up meeting with your medical consultant. For example, a first consultation with an associate medical provider is about 32% more costly than the following consultations with the same provider.

Private Hospital Doctors’ Inpatient Attendance Fee Per Visit

*per visit, Sourced from the Ministry of Health. Attendance fee applies to doctors after hour rates as well. 

For inpatient treatment at a private hospital, a visit from your private hospital doctor will cost you at least S$210 per visit. If you are set up in a general ward, then you can expect to pay between S$200 to $400 for a doctor’s visit. On the other hand, you will see a 50% increase in doctor’s inpatient attendance fees if your condition requires you to stay in the ICU.

Lastly, if you are going to the hospital for a high priority condition, it is likely that you would stay overnight and receive inpatient treatment. The cost per day to stay in a public or private ward can also add up. For instance, a C ward in a public hospital may only cost between S$37 to S$50 per day, but if you were to upgrade to an A ward, you’d see daily costs between S$535 and S$626 . Private hospital wards charge much higher rates between S$240 and as much as S$9,838 for a single night.

While an emergency trip to a hospital A&E can be costly, your total out-of-pocket expenses are greatly influenced by your health insurance plan. By upgrading your health insurance with an  Integrated Shield Plan , you can gain access to unsubsidised, private hospitals and ward types like B1 and A in restructured hospitals, as well as a wider range of coverage for pre- and post-hospitalisation costs.

Related:  What is Co-Pay and How Does That Improve Your Health Insurance

When to go to a&e.

While hospitals can provide you with similar services as a clinic, like blood tests and minor surgeries, an Accident and Emergency centre will only see you if you are considered a  high priority case . Medical priority is organised into four levels, with P1 considered the utmost important and P4 considered non-urgent.

A&E Priority Levels

Priority levels and example conditions were sourced from the Singapore General Hospital website.

Non-emergencies like an old, chronic injury will be considered the lowest priority (P4), while conditions like a heart attack or stroke are considered the highest priority (P1). If your medical status falls into a P3 or P4 classification, it’s recommended that you seek treatment at a 24-hour GP clinic, rather than a A&E hospital centre.

Should You Go To A 24-Hour Clinic Or A&E Hospital?

Even though 24-hour clinics and hospital A and E centres have some overlap, they prioritize very different health concerns and services. The choice between a 24-hour clinic and hospital A&E service comes down to the severity of your medical condition. If you are facing a life-threatening medical condition that would fall into priority level P1 or P2, then you should go to an emergency room. But, if you can determine that your condition is not critical and would likely fall into level P3 or P4, then you should visit your local 24-hour clinic for a diagnosis and treatment.

If costs are a significant factor in determining your course of health services, you can consider different methods to save money. Some medical services from a 24-hour GP clinic are covered by  personal accident plans  and MediSave. On the other hand, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans can help you offset the high costs of hospital bills and treatment from an A&E. Singaporeans who have financial difficulties even after utilising MediShield Life or MediSave can apply for assistance from  Medifund  after speaking to a social worker at the hospital.

Be sure you are covered with the right insurance plan for you, so that you don’t have to bear the burden of hefty hospitalisation fees. Check out our roundup of the best health insurance plans in the market now!

Compare Critical Illness Insurance Plans in Singapore Find Out More

How To Get the Most Out of Your Integrated Shield Plan

How to Find the Best Health Insurance

5 Surprising Things Your Integrated Shield Plan Doesn’t Cover

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Hospital patient sad she can't see daughter on mother's day, cheered by food service staff.

Ong Su Mann

Submitted by Stomper O

Click here to submit a story or submit it to our WhatsApp.

A patient in KK Women's and Children's Hospital is sad that her nine-year-old daughter cannot visit her on Mother's Day.

That is because the hospital strictly does not allow children under 12 to visit the wards.

Stomper O said she has not seen her child since she was admitted on May 9.

"She's missing me badly," the mother said of her daughter.

The Stomper was "shy to share" why she is hospitalised except that she is under observation and may need surgery.

But amid the gloom, a ray of sunshine in human form brightened her day.

"In the moments when we mummies were down, a surprise came in," said the Stomper.

"The staff was super friendly and sweet. She came and greeted us. Next, came the flower."

The Stomper shared a photo of a long-stemmed flower with an attached card that read: "To mothers, with love. Happy Mother's Day.

"A mother's love is more beautiful than any fresh flower. Thank you, mothers."

The card was from a company called Sodexo, which provides food services for the hospital.

"A huge thank-you to Sodexo," said the Stomper. "This is my first hospital stay with such sweet thoughts."

But she is especially grateful to the "sweetie pie from Sodexo" who brought her the flower. Her name is Komathi.

"I've never seen such a bubbly and sweet staff like her," said the Stomper.

"I have been admitted to many other hospitals, but she's an exception.

"She truly deserves hugs and kisses."

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Follow our news, recent searches, restrictions on the number of visitors to hospitals, care homes extended to aug 31 as part of covid-19 measures, advertisement.

Staff members and pedestrians are seen outside Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore on Apr 30, 2021. (File photo: Calvin Oh)

Vanessa Paige Chelvan

SINGAPORE: Restrictions on the number of visitors to hospitals and residential care homes will be extended to Aug 31, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Tuesday (Aug 2). 

"While the daily number of local COVID-19 cases has fallen gradually over the past week, our hospitals continue to face a high volume of both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients," said the ministry. 

Care homes have to manage an increased number of COVID-19 residents on-site, it added. 

The restrictions, which have been in place since Jul 7 amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, were set  to end on Wednesday . 

HOSPITAL VISITS

All patients in hospitals will be allowed two pre-designated visitors for the duration of their admission, and only one visitor may be allowed at the bedside at any one time. 

Critically ill patients will be allowed up to five pre-designated visitors. Two of them may be allowed at the bedside at any one point in time.

The duration of a visit will be limited to 30 minutes. 

“In exceptional situations, such as for critically ill patients, paediatric patients, birthing or post-partum mothers, and for patients requiring additional care support, visitors may be allowed to stay beyond 30 minutes on a case-by-case basis at the hospitals’ discretion,” said the Health Ministry.

“Visitors are reminded not to eat or drink in the hospital wards, or use the toilets designated for patients in the wards. They should also avoid sitting on patients’ beds."

60% of Singapore residents have caught COVID-19, but this doesn't mean there is herd immunity: Ong Ye Kung

COVID-19 vaccination booster shots for children aged 5 to 11 to be rolled out in about 2 months: MOH

All residents in care homes will be allowed up to four pre-designated visitors, and only one of them may visit at any one time for up to 30 minutes. 

MOH said visitors should continue to schedule the visits with the home ahead of time. 

"Visitors should strictly adhere to prevailing safe management measures within the homes. This includes remaining within the designated visitor areas, outside of the wards," said MOH.

Visits may have to be suspended if a care home is managing active COVID-19 cases, the ministry added.

All visitors to hospitals and homes should ensure they are well and are "strongly encouraged" to test themselves with antigen rapid tests (ARTs) on the day of the visit.

They must wear masks with good filtration capability at all times while visiting hospitals or residential care homes, said the ministry. These include surgical masks and reusable masks that are made of two layers of fabric.

MOH said it will review and calibrate these measures regularly in line with the evolving COVID-19 situation. 

“We seek the understanding and cooperation of patients, residents, their family members and loved ones as we work to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our healthcare institutions and residential care homes,” it added.

HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

About 60 per cent of Singapore residents have likely caught COVID-19 before, but it does not mean the country has "herd immunity", Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in Parliament on Monday.

People must be realistic that in a big infection wave, the healthcare system will come under stress, he added. Waiting times at private clinics, polyclinics and hospitals will "inevitably go up".

"We did not tighten any social restrictions during the current wave ... However life is not as normal in our hospitals. Without additional social restrictions, our healthcare system is bearing the brunt of the current wave," he said.

"Healthcare workers have been very busy. Polyclinics and our general practitioner clinics also saw higher patient volumes."

Attrition rate among local, foreign nurses in public sector went up between 2020 and 2021: MOH

A good source of motivation, but more can be done: Nurses on special payment package

Bookmark this: our comprehensive coverage of the covid-19 pandemic and its developments.

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Queen visits KK Women's and Children's Hospital in Singapore

Tuesday, 07 May 2024

Related News

King and Queen extend Mother's Day greetings

Queen attends national mother's day celebration in melaka, the queen of our hearts deserves more than just flowers.

Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook picture.

KUALA LUMPUR: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia visited the KK Women's and Children's Hospital in Singapore on Tuesday, in conjunction with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s state visit to the republic.

According to the post on Sultan Ibrahim’s Facebook page, Her Majesty was welcomed by Singapore Prime Minister's wife Datin Paduka Ho Ching, who is also Temasek Foundation chairman, and chief executive officer of the hospital Prof Alex Sia.

Also present were Joy Balakrishnan, the wife of Singapore's Foreign Minister, and Datin Che Norhayati Soib, the wife of the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore.

"The Queen was also taken to the KK Human Milk Bank and the world’s first donor human milk freezer locker which will facilitate a 24/7 drop-off and pick-up for registered donors and recipients," according to the post.

Raja Zarith Sofiah then visited the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the Special Care Nursery to observe the Therapeutic Touch for Infants’ Health Programme.

During the visit, the Queen was also briefed on the hospital and programmes organised in collaboration with the Temasek Foundation.

The two-day state visit beginning Monday (May 6) was the first since His Majesty’s ascension to the federal throne on Jan 31.

It was at the invitation of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. - Bernama

Tags / Keywords: Queen , Raja Zarith Sofiah , KK Women's and Children's Hospital , Singapore , Visit

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Top US Treasury Official to Travel to Singapore, Malaysia to Discuss Sanctions

FILE PHOTO: A view of the city skyline in Singapore December 31, 2020. Picture taken December 31, 2020. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo

By Daphne Psaledakis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury Department's top sanctions official will travel to Singapore and Malaysia next week, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Washington seeks to combat funding for Iran and its proxy groups as well as evasion of its sanctions on Russia.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there has been an uptick in money moving to Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, through the Malaysian financial system.

During the visit, first reported by Reuters, Treasury's under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, Brian Nelson, is expected to discuss U.S. concerns and the sanctions risk such activity poses, the source said. Treasury's general counsel, Neil MacBride, will also be on the trip.

War in Israel and Gaza

The visit comes as Treasury has increased its focus on terrorist financing through Southeast Asia, including through fundraising efforts and illicit Iranian oil sales, the source said.

The Treasury Department in December imposed sanctions on four Malaysia-based companies it accused of being fronts supporting Iran's production of drones.

Washington has recently imposed further sanctions targeting Iran, including over Iranian drones used by Russian in the war in Ukraine, as the U.S. has sought to ratchet up pressure on Tehran after its attack on Israel.

While in Singapore, Nelson will discuss the enforcement of a G7-led price cap on Russian oil as well as cutting off the transshipment of critical dual-use goods, those which have both civilian and military purposes, said the source.

The Latest Photos From Ukraine

The United States and its allies have imposed sanctions on thousands of targets since Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine. The war has seen tens of thousands killed and cities destroyed.

Washington has since sought to crack down on evasion of the Western measures, including the shipment of dual-use goods through third countries to Russia.

Singapore is a major shipping hub. Insurance and other maritime service providers operating in Singapore have warned of evasion of the price cap on Russian oil, complaining that it is difficult to confirm that paperwork promising oil is bought at or below the $60 cap is accurate.

The G7 price cap on Russian crude oil, imposed in December 2022, aims to reduce Russia's revenues available for its war in Ukraine by allowing Western-supplied insurance and other services only on cargoes priced below $60 a barrel.

(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis; Additional reporting by Timothy Gardner; Editing by Don Durfee and Leslie Adler)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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‘Breakthrough for nursing’: Tan Tock Seng Hospital to roll out flexi-shifts for nurses by end-2024

SINGAPORE – Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) will roll out a flexi-work arrangement for all 2,500 nurses in 27 inpatient wards by the end of 2024, making it the first public hospital to do so.

Having piloted what it calls a liquid nursing initiative in October 2023 with 52 nurses in one ward, the hospital has so far introduced the arrangement to 200 nurses in four wards.

About 90 per cent of the nurses have opted for flexi-shifts, and at any one time, about 30 per cent to 40 per cent will be on flexi-shifts. 

Typically, the nurses work three routine shifts a day, starting from 7am for the first eight-hour shift, to 8pm for the 12-hour night shift. With this initiative, they can now opt for a mix of routine and flexible shifts each week, as long as they fulfil the 80-work-hour requirement every fortnight.

There are six flexible shifts, with variable start and finish times, as well as durations, to apply for. They range from four hours with flexible timing to seven hours from noon to 7pm, and the 12-hour shift from 7am to 7pm.

TTSH chief nurse Hoi Shu Yin said during a media briefing that the nature of nursing work requires routine shifts, with handover done between each shift taking an hour or more, but this process has been shortened to around 15 minutes with the use of technology.

The hospital has also redesigned nursing, with nurses on flexi-shifts handling specific duties, while those on the routine shifts continue with the full duties.

Calling it a breakthrough for nursing, Dr Hoi said the flexi-work arrangement will help to strengthen the attractiveness of the profession, now that the attrition rate has stabilised after the Covid-19 pandemic and TTSH can focus on retaining nurses.

The nursing sector has always grappled with manpower strains, and the Government has been supporting it with various incentives. In particular, TTSH, like other hospitals here, lost a number of nurses during the pandemic.

Dr Hoi said TTSH is starting with the inpatient wards but plans to eventually scale up to all the nurses in the hospital, which now totals about 4,000.

A major challenge is the rostering of the shifts. It is done manually now, but TTSH is working with a vendor to come up with artificial intelligence-supported software that will generate the rosters.

She said this arrangement will give nurses the autonomy to continue nursing through their life stages, commitments and professional aspirations.

Several focus group discussions with nurses were held in 2023 to find out about their challenges at work, and the issues that came up included a lack of flexibility in shift start and end times. 

Dr Hoi said she has seen some nurses who are passionate about inpatient care choosing to transfer to other departments because of the daytime hours so they can spend more time with their young children.

Nurses who have opted for the flexi-shifts include new parents, those with elderly parents and even those who are newly married. One of them is senior staff nurse Tan Jia Hui, 31, who has been with TTSH for seven years.

She used to rotate among the three shifts, but has since October 2023 opted for two rotational shifts a week so she can spend more time with her two-year-old son. 

For instance, under the new flexi-shifts, in a week, she could be working from 10am to 7pm one day, followed by 7am to 7pm the next day, and 8am to 2pm on Saturdays.

Previously, she would have to do at least four night shifts a month, but she has requested not to do any night shifts for now.

Nurses need to give three weeks’ notice if they want to opt for the flexi-shift arrangement.

Ms Manjares Melody Blag, 34, a Filipino senior staff nurse with an eight-month-old son, opted for flexi-shifts when she returned to work in November 2023. 

Instead of doing two night shifts a week, she now does one night shift a week, she said.

The arrangement has enabled her to have a better quality of life, especially as her husband has resigned from his job as an airport technician when their baby arrived.

“Previously, we didn’t see each other very much because my husband used to work three shifts, but now I can take care of them,” she said.

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