Singapore's Health Units Spearhead Nation's Health City

SINGAPORE, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and the National Healthcare Group (NHG) together with the Ministry of Health on Thursday launched Health City Novena, a 17-hectare modern integrated healthcare master plan set to cater to Singapore’s future healthcare needs. This launch is the start of a public engagement process to gather suggestions to improve on the various developments being proposed and planned. Health City Novena will be an integrated and sustainable urban development that will incorporate many vibrant features. From acute to intermediate and long term care, the Health City will offer the full spectrum of holistic care experiences for the residents in the central region of Singapore. NHG Group chief executive officer, Professor Chee Yam Cheng said: “Health City Novena’s Vision is to create an integrated community of healthcare, medical education and translational research in a vibrant and sustainable environment. It aims to shape the future healthcare of Singapore, anchor the Regional Health System for Central Singapore, and empower active and healthy living, "he said in his address at the launch here. Going forward, the newly established Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) will also be partnering and collaborating with NHG institutions, to ensure that doctors acquire relevant clinical skills and gain valuable experience in understanding and managing patients. By 2030, eight new developments will be progressively added with key expansions in the areas of healthcare, education and research. The first phase of construction is targeted for completion between 2018 to 2020. Professor Philip Choo, Deputy Group CEO (Regional Health), NHG, and CEO, TTSH said: "It is important that patients have sound care not only within healthcare settings but also in the community, the place they call home. "Health City Novena will empower like minded community partners and patients and reflect the commitment to expand care beyond just the development", he said. Once Health City Novena is fully developed, some estimated 600,000 square metres of space will be used for healing, learning and research. -- BERNAMA