St Luke's Hospital

2012
St Luke’s ElderCare clients access Medisave for rehab services
Since February 2012, eight centres at St Luke’s ElderCare receive accreditation from Ministry of Health to provide community rehabilitation services. Elderly who are eligible will be able to use their Medisave funds and enjoy further subsidies.

More beds, facilities for St Luke’s Hospital
Hospital breaks ground for new $14 million expansion
On 30 April 2012, St Luke’s Hospital broke ground for the construction of a new seven storey wing and redevelopment of existing wards. St Luke’s Hospital will be increasing its number of beds by 25% from 185 to 233. At the ground-breaking ceremony, Minister of State for Health, Dr Amy Khor said the expansion was in line with the Health Ministry’s plan to add 1,800 beds in community hospitals by 2020 to serve Singapore’s rapidly ageing society. Two floors will be set aside for patients who are more ill when the expansion is complete. Many of these sub-acute patients are from acute hospitals and have completed their course of treatment, but require a level of complex care and so remain unfit to return home.

St Luke’s Hospital organises 6th Wound Conference
Healing or Non-Healing Wounds: Is Wound Management Still Important? was the theme of St Luke’s Hospital’s 6th Wound Conference which was held at the Holiday Inn Atrium. The conference held from 25 – 26 April 2012 was attended by 313 clinicians and nurses from acute hospitals and ILTC organisations.

2011
Finance Minister praises St Luke’s Hospital and St Luke’s ElderCare
In his budget speech, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister of Finance commended St Luke’s Hospital and St Luke’s ElderCare for their efforts in providing quality care services for the elderly. He highlighted SLH’s recent Neuro Hand Orthosis Programme which is a glove-like device that helps “elderly stroke patients regain functionality in their hands faster,” said the Minister. During its trial phase, the NHOP was found to help patients recover faster. In the same speech, Mr Tharman also said, “Today, we already have several good long-term care providers amongst our VWOs. For example, St Luke’s ElderCare provides day care services…We need more of them, and must raise the quality across the whole spectrum of providers.”

St Luke’s Director of Nursing receives President’s Award
Ms Susie Goh received the nation’s highest accolade awarded to nurses from President S.R. Nathan on 29 July 2011. Susie is the first nurse from a community hospital to be recognized for the award since its inception in 2000. Susie was the pioneer of St Luke’s specialty in wound management. She conducted the first wound course for nurses from the Intermediate and Long-Term Care (ILTC) sector in 2002. It was accredited by the reputable European Wound Management Association in 2007 and since 2010, was approved by AIC as a course with funding to educate more nurses in the ILTC sector.

Minister of Health visits St Luke’s
The Minister for Health Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister of State for Health Dr Amy Khor and senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Agency for Integrated Care visited St Luke’s Hospital (SLH) on 26 September 2011 to gain a better understanding of the services provided by St Luke’s Hospital and to better understand the challenges it faced.

St Luke’s Hospital celebrates 15 years of serving the community
Some 400 staff, guests and the Minister of Health, Mr Gan Kim Yong, gathered at Raffles Town Club on the evening of 14 October 2011 to celebrate St Luke’s Hospital’s 15th Anniversary.

St Luke’s ElderCare opens two new elder care centres
St Luke’s ElderCare’s 10th centre in Ayer Rajah commenced operations in April 2011. Later in November our 11th centre in Telok Blangah saw its first wellness clients.

2010
Healthcare Humanity Award 2010
Pharmacy Manager, Jenny Oo was the 11th recipient from St Luke’s Hospital. This award is given in appreciation from the community to recognise her contribution to the healthcare profession and community.
Nurses Merit Award
Senior Staff Nurse Tham Lai Chun was awarded the Nurses Merit Award for her outstanding performance and dedication to nursing.

Good Samaritan Award
Our volunteer Mr Richard Tay received the Good Samaritan Award from the Rotary Club of Singapore on 26 May 2010 in recognition of his assistance to patients in need. Since April 2002, Richard has been a steadfast volunteer with us. He serves as a hairstylist and escorts patients for their check up at the acute hospitals.

Triple Records
The hospital achieved its highest daily, highest weekly average and highest monthly average patient census in January 2010. On 22 Jan 2010 the hospital experience an occupancy of 98%.

St Luke’s ElderCare Jurong East and Serangoon Centre
St Luke’s ElderCare took over the running an existing centre in Jurong East making it our 8th Centre. On 24 July 2010, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for Transport officially opened our 9th Eldercare and Wellness Centre in Serangoon.

2009
Healthcare Humanity Award 2009
This year a bumper crop of three staff received the prestigious award from the President. Our congratulation go to Ms Cheung Siew Li, Senior Medical Social Worker; Ms Tan Poh Choo, Senior Assistant Nurse and Ms Tham Lai Ping, Manager, Medical Social Worker.

Nurses Merit Award and Other Nursing Achievements
Ms Theresa Chuah (Nurse Manager) received the Ministry of Health Nurses Merit Award in recognition for her dedication and outstanding performance. Staff Nurse Tan Mui Lan, did St Luke’s proud by topping her class in her advanced diploma in Gerontology course at Nanyang Polytechnic and being awarded the Tan Tock Seng Hospital Award for Outstanding Student

St Luke’s ElderCare – Golden Years, our 7th Eldercare and Wellness Centre
On 1 April 2009, St Luke’s successfully took over the management of Golden Years Social Day Care Centre and has been renamed St Luke’s ElderCare- Golden Years

Myomo® – Stroke Rehabilitation
St Luke’s Hospital became the first hospital in Asia to introduce this personal robot which can help patients to learn how to move their arm again after a stroke. Myomo Inc developed the robot in conjunction with the world-renowned MIT and Harvard Medical School.

2008
Stroke patients with upper limb disability to gain more mobility with new therapy method
SLH is the first to in Singapore to introduce a new innovative therapy called the Constraint Induced (CI) therapy.

St Luke’s Hospital second wound conference
SLH host our 2nd annual wound conference that boasted more than 130 healthcare professionals in attendance.

Healthcare Humanity Award 2008 / Nurses Merit Award
Assistant Director of Nursing, Ms Christina Choy and Nurse Manager, Ms Lo Yuk Hing was honored with the Healthcare Humanity Award and Nurses Merit Award respectively. Ms Christina Choy also severed in relief mission in East Timor.

Dementia – Whose problem is it?
St Luke’s Hospital brought in Professor Edmond Chiu, a renowned specialist in aged psychiatry from Australia to conduct a series of talks and workshops on dementia care. The public symposium receives overwhelming public response.

St Luke’s Eldercare opens its 6th Eldercare and Wellness Centre
Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, Member of Parliament (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) and adviser to Holland-Bukit Timah GROs officially opened the St Luke’s ElderCare Bukit Timah Centre. Mr Lim Swee Say, Minister Prime Minister’s Office MP of Holland-Bukit Timah GRC and adviser to Buona Vista GROs was also present.

2007

SLH Honorary Advisor receives nation’s highest honour
Mr S Dhanabalan, Honorary Advisor, St Luke’s Hospital and former cabinet minister receives the Order of Temasek (Second Class) on 26 Nov 2007 for his contribution to the country. Mr Dhanabalan played a significant role in the hospital’s development.

Phase 2A upgrading of the hospital completed
Renovation works have been completed for the Outpatient Clinic, Day Rehabilitation Centre and Inpatient Rehabilitation Gym. The inpatient gym features a “show room” complete with living and dining rooms to help facilitate patients to return to the community.

Care Connect @ SLH
St Luke’s Hospital launched CareConnect@SLH in January 2007 as a resource centre for caregivers.

Notable Visitors
World Health Organisation (WHO) visits St Luke’s to learns about step down care.
Young PAP (Bukit Timah) visits SLH to familiarize themselves on the issues of a aging population.

SLH held its inaugural Wound Care Conference on the 6-7 Apr 07
The event drew more than 150 healthcare professionals. We were honored to have Professor Finn Gottrup of the University of Southern Denmark was the guest speaker for the event.

Healthcare Humanity Award 2007
Mr Gribson Chan, Senior Manager, Rehabilitation Division is the 6th SLH staff to receive the prestigious award from the President of Singapore

2006

Changes at the Top
Mr Foong Daw Ching took over the SLH Chairmanship from Prof Lee Hin Peng.

MOH Honours SLH
SLH received HEALTH (Silver) Award by MOH.

The Courage Fund Recognises SLH Staff
Head of Medical Services Dr Tan Boon Yeow and Senior Physiotherapist Kung Beng Keng received The Courage Fund, Healthcare Humanity Awards 2006.

Patient Services Enhanced
Introduction of Visiting Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine to enhance the range of services available.

2005

National Day Awards
Prof Lee Hin Peng, Chairman was awarded the National Day 2005 Public Service Star (BBM) Award.

MOH Honours SLH
Senior Nurse Manager, Christina Choy received the MOH Nurses’ Merit Award 2005. SLH received HEALTH (Bronze) Award by MOH for the third year.

Change at the Helm
Mr Lee Chee Yeng was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of SLH and SLEC.

Collaboration on Stroke
Stroke Club @ SLH was launched in June 2005 in collaboration with Singapore National Stroke Association.

New Services for Our Clients
SLH launched its Outpatient Services in June 2005.

The Courage Fund Recognises SLH Staff
Nurse Manager, Yau Chuen So and Senior Physiotherapist Kenneth Lam received The Courage Fund, Healthcare Humanity Awards 2005.

Phase I Redevelopment Completed Phase 2 commences
Phase I redevelopment project was completed. This new facility includes an outpatient clinic, X-ray room, dental clinic and financial counseling rooms.
Commencement of Phase II redevelopment project which includes upgrading of wards and general facilities. Creation of a new lobby area and a rehabilitation mobility training park.

Nursing Team Enhanced
Five SMCP bursary students completed the Accelerated Diploma in Nursing and joined the team.

Patient Services Enhanced
Introduction of Visiting Consultant in Orthopedics to enhance the range of services available.

2004

A Landmark - Change in Name
September 2004

St Luke's Hospital for the Elderly was renamed St Luke's Hospital as of September 2004.

The change in name signifies the hospital's role as a community hospital serving a wider range of patients while retaining focus in its core expertise - geriatric care.

Today, patients who are 40 years old and above can be admitted for treatments for strokes, fractures, wound and stoma care.

St Luke's Hospital Hosts Historic Visit to Improve Healthcare Delivery
March 2004

St Luke's Hospital was the first community hospital to host the visit of the first Step Down Care Expert Visitor under the Ministry of Health (MOH) Health Manpower Development Programme. The programme provides the means for overseas expert visitors to share their experiences and help improve healthcare delivery to the elderly in Singapore.

The visit by the expert Dr Samuel Charles Scherer on 19-25 March was made possible with funding from the MOH and in collaboration with the Association of Community Aged Care Physicians, Singapore (ACAPS). Dr Scherer visited all the community hospitals, the Geriatric Medicine Unit of Alexandra Hospital, home domiciliary care services, nursing homes and day care services.

First NDT Training
March 2004

St Luke's Hospital, Social Service Training Institute (SSTI) and Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association (NDTA) Inc. jointly organized a course to help adult stroke victims for the first time in Singapore. Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) / Bobath Certificate Course in the Treatment and Management of Adults with Hemiplegia was instructed by two experienced NDT trainers, Ms Cathy Hazzard and Ms Teddy Parkinson. The course, held on 15 March to 2 April in the Multi-purpose Hall of St Luke's Hospital, was attended by 24 physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists from 13 organizations including National University Hospital, St Andrew's Community Hospital and Ang Mo Kio Hospital. It was partly subsidized by National Council of Social Service (NCSS) through its Voluntary Welfare Organization Capability Fund (VCF).

New Diabetic Eye Screening Service
March 2004

St Luke's Hospital launched a Mobile Diabetic Retinal Photography (MDRP) service for patients on 15 March. This is an extension of our existing services intended to provide comprehensive and quality care to our diabetic patients. With this new service, diabetic patients without past eye problems need not visit an eye specialist clinic for a separate check-up. MDRP service is carried out at St Luke's Assessment Clinic each month by the Eye Center Mobile Team from Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).

2003

Mr Foong Daw Ching Received the Public Service Medal
August 2003

St Luke’s Honorary Treasurer, Mr Foong Daw Ching, received the Public Service Medal (PBM) at the National Day Awards in year 2003. He has been Chairman of the hospital’s finance and fund raising committees since the hospital’s inception, playing an instrumental role in setting up the hospital, from drawing up the company structure to its official opening in 1996. He also played a pivotal role in laying a strong foundation for the hospital’s financial system.

St Luke’s Hospital is now Better and Brighter
May - August 2003

A massive makeover in May – August 2003 was done to make St Luke’s Hospital look better and brighter. Gates and walls were repainted, carpark lots were newly turfed, lift lobbies were given a “face lift”, and toilet fittings and floor tiles were replaced. This cyclical maintenance renovation project, with 90% funding from the Ministry of Health, has helped to make patients’ stay at the hospital more pleasant and therapeutic.

2002

Staff Wins National Award for Outstanding Volunteer Coordinator
November 2002

St Luke’s volunteer coordinator, Magdalene Choo, was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Coordinator Award by the National Volunteer Centre (NVC). Magdalene has been with St Luke’s since its inception in 1996, and has been its volunteer coordinator ever since. The Outstanding Volunteer Coordinator Award is one out of the four categories of the National Volunteerism Awards from NVC. The awards were inaugurated in 2001 to recognize the best practices in volunteer management.

St Luke’s Wins Health Award for Second Year Running
September 2002

St Luke’s Hospital has been awarded the Singapore HEALTH (Helping Employees Achieve Life-Time Health) Award (Bronze) for the second year running. This year’s award had the added distinction that St Luke’s Hospital was the only community hospital to receive the award this year. Mr Lim Hng Kiang, the Minister for Health, presented the award to St Luke’s Hospital on 13 September, which marked the launch of ACTIVE (All Companies Together In Various Exercises) Day. The launch was in conjunction with the National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign.

Ward Makeover Benefits Patients & Staff
July 2002

After its makeover, Ward 34 was opened for patient care in mid-July. Its peach colour scheme radiates vibrancy and warmth. The toilet and bathroom facilities were upgraded with more showers and room for a long bath trolley. Electrical switch locations were decentralized, making them more accessible for patients and family members. Beds and lockers were replaced with new user- and elderly-friendly versions.

Nurse Manager Receives Ministry of Health Merit Award
June 2002

Nurse Manager Susie Goh received a Merit Award from the Ministry of Health, in recognition of her professionalism and contribution to the nursing profession and community. Her achievement was announced in St Luke’s during Nurses Recognition Day on 5 June. St Luke’s organizes this event to celebrate and recognize its nurses who passed the Singapore Nursing Board Licensure Test this year, and to award certificates to nurses who had completed in-house course modules.

2001

Bigger, Brighter and Better Facilities for the Elderly
October 2001

The completion of St Luke’s building extension has given patients bigger, brighter and better facilities for therapy. The building extension comprising of the new Multi-Purpose Hall, Inpatient Gymnasium, Day Rehabilitation area, Training Room and Offices cost $1.6 million. Renovation work began in September 2001 and was completed by October 2001. This upgrade would not have been possible if not for the donations received.

St Luke’s Receives Award for Looking After Workplace Health
September 2001

St Luke’s Hospital was the bronze award recipient for the Singapore H.E.A.L.T.H (Helping Employee Achieve Life-time Health) Award 2001. The award, presented by the Ministry of Health, recognizes the role of the hospital in promoting workplace health. Executive / Medical Director Dr Fong Ngan Phoon received the award from Prime Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong at the launch of the 2001 National Healthy Lifestyle campaign on 2 September.

Helping Patients through Dietary Counseling
September 2001

St Luke’s Hospital, in a collaboration with Alexandra Hospital, started an in-house dietary counseling in September. This service allows patients to manage their medical condition through their diet in a cost effective manner by allowing them to seek guidance within the hospital premises, minimizing transport costs.

Support from Alexandra Hospital (AH)
April 2001

St Luke’s and Alexandra Hospital have been zoned together under the Ministry of Health’s Framework for Integrated Health Services of the Elderly. From 1 April onwards, geriatricians from AH, under the leadership of Dr Pang Weng Sun, Head of the Geriatric Department in AH, will help St Luke’s by:

•	Conducting multi-disciplinary ward rounds twice a week.
•	Providing clinical support every morning.
•	Providing diagnostic laboratory services, direct access to Alexandra Hospital’s wards and day surgery services, and dietitian counseling.

1993—2000

2000 Provide More Rehabilitation Facilities
September 2000

St Luke’s Hospital embarked on a $1.5 million building extension programme to increase the work area of the rehabilitation gymnasium and day care centre, providing twelve more rooms to meet a growing need for working space. The work was completed in October 2001 and was funded independently.

Home Nursing Care Programme
July 2000

St Luke’s Hospital started the first Home Nursing Care Programme, Community Care for the Elderly (CCE) in July 2000 as a seamless, continuous extension of service to the community. This programme was started due to an increasing demand in home nursing care to the frail, disabled and homebound elderly sick. With this programme, the hospital hopes to help meet the medical, physical, social and emotional needs of more homebound elderly sick.

Wound Management Course
March 2000

St Luke’s conducted its first Wound Management Course from 22 March to 10 May 2000. Nurses from St Luke’s Hospital, St Andrew’s Community Hospital and Hua Mei Mobile Clinic took part in the 14-hour course which focused on helping nurses provide quality care for the increasing number of elderly patients with wound problems. Such care extends not just to the care of wounds but also to the well-being of patients as a whole.

1999 In-house Speech Therapy
April 1999

St Luke’s Hospital is the first community hospital in Singapore with a full-time speech therapist, allowing for in-house speech therapy for its patients.

1998 Inauguration of Chaplaincy Ministry Training
November 1998

Close to two dozen volunteers and students from Trinity Theological College and Singapore Bible College attended the first training session for Chaplaincy Ministry Training programme in November 1998. The aim of the programme was to induct theological students and volunteers on chaplaincy work at St Luke’s Hospital.

1996 Official Opening Of St Luke’s Hospital
October 1996

St Luke’s Hospital, named after the patron saint of the medical profession, was officially opened on 18 October 1997, St Luke’s Day. The Guest of Honour was Dr Aline Wong, Senior Minister of State for Health and Education. Dr Wong and the hospital’s Honorary Advisor, Mr S Dhanabalan, unveiled the commemorative and dedication plaques.

Day Rehabilitation
April 1996

St Luke’s Hospital first started Day Rehabilitation on 15 April 1996. This service allowed patients who were discharged from the hospital to continue therapy and treatment for better rehabilitation. The aim was to improve the functional capability of the patients while delaying deterioration.

1993 Ground-breaking
May 1993

Dr Ong Chit Chung, MP for Bukit Batok, officiated at the Ground-breaking Ceremony with more than 200 guests consisting mainly of Christian leaders and individuals.

Land Site
A 0.78 hectare piece of land in Bukit Batok was identified for the building of a community hospital and the Ministry of Health pledged its support with a capital grant of up to 80% of the approved project cost, estimated at $13 million. Fund-raising efforts to raise the remaining $3.8 million began in earnest.