Singapore hospitals are closely monitoring the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, ready to expand capacity if necessary. Over the past two weeks, the country has experienced an increase in infections, with 32,035 cases reported from November 26 to December 2 compared to 22,094 in the previous week, according to the Ministry of Health.
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While hospitalisation and ICU cases are not as high as during the pandemic’s peak, the rising cases have intensified the workload in already busy hospitals. The National University Health System (NUHS) and SingHealth are actively monitoring the situation.
“We continue to remain vigilant and maintain surge capacity in our inpatient facilities, including our intensive care and isolation facilities. We are doing our best to optimise resources and will adjust our response to meet changing needs accordingly.” Channel News Asia quoted a NUHS spokesperson as saying.
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NUHS, managing three hospitals, maintains vigilance and surge capacity, ensuring optimal resource usage. Daily COVID-19 hospitalizations and ICU cases have remained stable, and elective procedures are unaffected. NUHS is ready to redeploy and increase manpower to support emergency departments.
SingHealth, operating several medical facilities, is on high alert, prepared to enhance capacity as needed. The group focuses on optimising hospital resources with active measures, including same-day admission and day surgeries. SingHealth’s deputy group CEO, Fong Kok Yong, assures readiness to respond proactively.
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Both NUHS and SingHealth urge the public’s understanding, anticipating longer waiting times in emergency departments. Priority will be given to patients with serious conditions, while alternative arrangements, including teleconsultation and home recovery programs, are available for non-emergencies. The public is encouraged to visit general practitioners or 24-hour clinics for non-emergency cases.
The hospitals emphasise that only individuals with serious or life-threatening emergencies should visit emergency departments, ensuring swift care for those truly in need and preserving hospital capacity.
