CONSOLIDATING SPECIALIST CARE OF PATIENTS INTO SINGLE HOSPITAL OR CAMPUS

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1137

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 05 AUGUST 2026

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Cai Yinzhou

MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC

Question No. 2695

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health in respect of patients holding specialist outpatient appointments at public healthcare institutions (a) how many patients are seen at (i) one (ii) two (iii) three or more different institutions, respectively; and (b) what protocols exist to consolidate such patients' specialist care into a single hospital or campus, where clinically appropriate.

Answer

1        In 2025, about 81% of patients with specialist outpatient appointments were seen at one institution, 17% were seen at two institutions, and 2% were seen at three or more institutions.  

2        Patients may have appointments across different institutions for various reasons.  For example, certain specialised services are available only at national centres, or the patient may have preferred specialists that are at different institutions. Where clinically appropriate, public healthcare institutions (PHI) coordinate and consolidate patients’ care by referring them to a PHI that can meet most or all of their clinical needs.