Kallang Polyclinic - integrating health and social needs in patient care

As the first polyclinic to open since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, Kallang Polyclinic has implemented a number of care models and community engagements that will continue to drive our mission of transforming primary care, in an increasingly challenging healthcare environment.

Against the backdrop of Singapore’s ageing population and the prevalence of chronic diseases, Associate Professor CHONG Phui-Nah, Chief Executive Officer, NHGP and Primary Care, believes that primary care plays a key role in meeting the evolving needs of patients: “As a primary care provider, the National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGP) offers more than just medical care to our patients. We manage patients holistically by providing preventive care as well as engage, educate and empower them to take charge of their health so as to reduce the risk or delay the onset of developing chronic diseases. NHGP also works collaboratively with partners in the community to develop individualised care plans in order to achieve better health for the population – one patient at a time. We will also continue to innovate and ideate new ways to further benefit our patients.”

Officially opened by Minister Ong Ye Kung on 7 May 2022, Kallang Polyclinic thus adopts a multi-faceted strategy to ensure a holistic approach to population health, providing preventive care as well as accessible.

Kallang Polyclinic is the first NHG Polyclinic to have a Health Studio within its grounds. This dedicated multi-purpose space will support efforts in patient empowerment and activation. It will also serve as the venue for small-scale programmes such as healthy cooking classes, workshops and small group exercise classes that encourage patients to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

Prior to the official opening of Kallang Polyclinic, a ‘Health Masterchef’ cooking competition with the theme of using herbs found at the Edible Garden on Level 5 of the polyclinic was held at the Health Studio. The winning healthy recipe (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dZAJDn8AWs) was cooked during the official opening and is now available on NHGP’s YouTube channel.

Kallang Polyclinic won the Building and Construction Authority Universal Design Excellence Award for its inclusive family and senior friendly design. The key features include the overall wayfinding that is aided with colour and spices theme, which helps users to easily orientate themselves. The Accessible counters with hearing enhancement system provide ease of communication and interaction between staff and patients or visitors, especially for those who are not accompanied by a caregiver.