CONCORD INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL TO RESUME PROVISION OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has approved the resumption of healthcare services by Concord International Hospital (19 Adam Road) as a licensed acute hospital under the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics (PHMC) Act.

2. Concord International Hospital was ordered to temporarily stop the provision of all healthcare services from 19 December 2020, following the detection of significant regulatory lapses. These included multiple life-saving/ patient use equipment and medications that were either not maintained or not available in the critical areas of the hospital such as the Intensive Care Unit and the Operating Theatre. There was also a lack of infection control processes generally in the hospital and quality control processes in the laboratory, which posed significant risks to patient safety and well-being.

3. Since 19 December 2020, MOH has worked closely with the hospital to review the lapses and processes. The hospital has since taken steps to address the lapses.

4. Subsequent inspections conducted by MOH showed that the hospital has met the licensing requirements under the PHMC Act. This includes having the necessary equipment and facilities (including critical emergency equipment and facilities) at all clinical areas, quality control checks for clinical laboratory facilities, preventive maintenance performed for all equipment and proper infection prevention and control practices in place. The hospital was also assessed to have put in place appropriate follow-up actions to ensure safe and proper provision of care to patients prior to resumption of operations.

5. As Concord International Hospital has fully addressed the regulatory lapses and met the licensing requirements, it has received approval to resume the provision of healthcare services, with effect from 16 June 2021. The licence for the hospital is for a period of two years. The hospital has informed MOH that it is planning for re-opening at the same premises under a new name.

6. Patient safety is of utmost priority. All private and public sector healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and clinical laboratories currently licensed under the PHMC Act, are reminded to fully comply with the Act at all times, and ensure that safety and quality of clinical care are met at all times.

7. All licensed premises are subject to regular and adhoc inspections and audits to ensure compliance to the Act. MOH will not hesitate to take enforcement action against healthcare facilities that fail to comply with the relevant regulatory requirements, which may include a fine of up to $20,000 and/or a revocation of the licence.