Singapore hospitals warn of long emergency waits, urge non-urgent cases to visit GPs or clinics
On 14 May 2025, Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) published a notice on its website, while Changi General Hospital (CGH) and Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) used Facebook to communicate the situation.
TTSH informed patients that if hospital admission is required, the waiting time could span several hours. It assured the public that emergency care would continue during this period.
SKH noted that patient priority would be determined by condition severity.
Those with non-critical needs were advised to consult general practitioners, polyclinics, or Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs).
CGH echoed this guidance, encouraging patients with symptoms such as sore throats or runny noses to avoid emergency departments unless absolutely necessary.
The hospital added that reducing non-critical visits would help staff focus on urgent cases.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Communicable Diseases Agency have reported a recent increase in COVID-19 cases.
Between 27 April and 3 May, cases rose to an estimated 14,200, up from 11,100 the week prior.
While the rise in infections may be straining resources, the authorities confirmed that hospitals remain capable of handling the current patient load.
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Navigating the world with hearing loss is itself an act of resilience. Every time you advocate for yourself, learn a new way to connect, or adapt to a challenge, you're modelling courage and flexibility. These are the traits that your children will benefit from. Connection with your children isn't just built on sounds or hearing them. What matters more is emotional presence, safety, and love. Tap on existing technologies to empower yourselves – baby monitors, text-to-speech apps, story time with pictures or tactile books, and sign language. I've come to realise that while my hearing loss is a limitation in the hearing world, it has also opened me up to a richer life–one that is rooted in compassion, adaptability, and courage. Thank you for sharing your story of resilience and adaptation with us, Evelyn! This interview was conducted with the help of Cochlear, a well-established name in implantable hearing technology, as part of World Hearing Day 2025 that took place on 3 March 2025. If you or someone you know suspects you may be suffering from hearing loss, check out this free survey to see if you may need to see an audiologist. Read more That Mama interviews here.
