New TTSH Medical Tower to offer 600 beds, bigger emergency dept

Project will provide patients with faster access to specialist and intensive care

- Judith Tan

Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) is set to add about 600 acute beds and have a bigger emergency department (ED) under a plan to develop the former Communicable Disease Centre 2 and Annex 2 buildings into a medical tower.

The project will give patients faster access to specialist and intensive care for severe, complex or life-threatening medical conditions across the integrated network of public healthcare cluster NHG Health.

With shorter waiting times, patients can move seamlessly between primary, tertiary and community care.

The TTSH Medical Tower marks the second phase of the HealthCity Novena Master Plan, and was launched on Sept 9.

Speaking at the unveiling of the new phase at TTSH, Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung said: "As the Singapore population grows older and the healthcare needs of our population become more complex, we need more than just a refresh of ageing facilities. (We need) a major revamp and re-imagining of their value and offerings."

Mr Ong, who is also Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, said the new phase will build on the achievements of phase one, which was completed in 2024.

"Phase two will introduce new healthcare facilities and enhance capacity through innovation of processes and better patient flow management," he said.

Helmed by TTSH, the development marks a crucial step in NHG Health's road map to strengthen its healthcare capacity, advance frailty-ready care, improve access to medical intervention and improve clinical care outcomes for the 1.5 million residents of central and north Singapore.

Mr Ong said the TTSH Medical Tower "will be designed for greater efficiency, with streamlined care pathways, more targeted treatments and faster recoveries".