With the surge in COVID-19 infections, Singapore’s public hospitals are encouraging individuals with mild to moderate symptoms to seek care from general practitioner clinics or polyclinics near their homes instead, according to The Straits Times.
This proactive approach aims to alleviate the strain on hospitals and streamline the admission process for more critical cases.
According to MustShareNews, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) patients had to wait at a holding area near the Outram Community Hospital to be admitted into hospital, as the demand for medical attention increased.
However, a spokesperson for SGH maintained that the level of medical care that is provided at the holding area is the same as that of a normal ward.
Hospitalization Strain Amid Rising Cases
The call for redirecting mild COVID cases comes in response to the increasing numbers of infections and hospitalizations, posing challenges for healthcare facilities in Singapore.
As the nation copes with the impact of the virus, hospitals are exploring alternative avenues to provide effective care while managing the surge in admissions.
The Straits Times also shared a video of the patients from the emergency department waiting for beds.
@woman788778 SGH full Temporary wait at Outram community Hospital video credit: Straits Times
♬ 最贵是健康 – Susie 苏家玉
Patient Experiences Highlight Challenges
Recent accounts from patients shed light on the challenges faced within hospitals. A retiree in her late 70s shared with ST her experience of being admitted to the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) during the week of the highest recorded COVID-19 infections in 2023.
While acknowledging the efficiency of the initial triage at the Emergency Department (ED), she expressed the difficulty of waiting for a bed in crowded hallways due to full ward occupancy.
Adapting to Bed Crunch: Innovative Solutions
In response to the bed crunch, hospitals like SGH are implementing innovative solutions. Patients from the ED are temporarily housed in a transient ward at the linkway to Outram Community Hospital while awaiting admission.
Despite the less-than-ideal physical environment, the hospital assures that patients receive the same level of medical care. Additionally, less critical patients can opt for alternative avenues such as Mobile Inpatient Care @ Home for hospital-level care.
Rising Infections Prompt Alternative Care Initiatives
The week ending on December 2 marked a record high of 32,035 COVID-19 infections in 2023. With the Ministry of Health (MOH) raising the alert on December 8, hospitals are witnessing a surge in average daily COVID-19 hospitalizations and intensive care cases.
MOH attributes this rise to factors like waning population immunity, increased travel, and community interactions during the festive season.
Coping Strategies: Reducing Elective Surgeries and Offering Alternatives
Hospitals, including SGH, are adopting coping strategies to manage the influx of cases. Elective inpatient surgeries are being shifted to day surgery, allowing for a more efficient use of resources.
Short-stay wards are also employed to monitor patients for less than 24 hours after day surgery, freeing up hospital beds for acute admissions. These initiatives aim to optimize hospital resources amidst the current challenges.
Stable Situations in Other Hospitals and Future Preparations
While SGH experiences challenges, hospitals under the National University Health System (NUHS) and Tan Tock Seng Hospital report stable daily COVID-19 hospitalizations and intensive care cases. These hospitals continue to monitor the situation closely, with NUHS emphasizing a triage process that avoids unnecessary admissions.
Innovative Healthcare Beyond Hospital Walls
Both SGH and NUHS are adapting to the evolving situation by offering alternative arrangements such as recovery programs, tele-consultations, tele-rehabilitation, tele-monitoring, remote prescribing, and medication delivery.
These measures aim to provide comprehensive care beyond traditional hospital settings, ensuring that patients receive necessary support while minimizing unnecessary admissions.
In navigating the challenges posed by the current COVID-19 landscape, Singapore’s healthcare system is showcasing adaptability and resilience. Encouraging alternative paths for mild cases and implementing innovative solutions, hospitals are striving to maintain high standards of care despite the ongoing surge in infections.