Woodlands Hospice officially opened in early July, marking a new chapter in palliative and end-of-life care provision for residents in northern Singapore. Currently operating with 16 beds housed within Woodlands Hospital (WH), the facility plans to expand to a capacity of 70 beds, which would position it among the largest inpatient hospice facilities in the country.
This initiative aims to fill a service gap in the northern region, where dedicated end-of-life care providers have been limited. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who officiated the opening on August 3, highlighted the significance of this development, noting that while hospices such as Assisi, Dover Park, and HCA serve other parts of Singapore, the north had yet to have a dedicated hospice provider. Ong also emphasized the rapid growth of the palliative care sector facilitated by increased government funding.
Patients admitted to Woodlands Hospice typically have complex medical conditions like advanced cancer and organ failure. The facility accepts transfers from Woodlands Hospital as well as referrals from home hospitals and nursing homes. The average length of stay ranges from two to three weeks, according to officials.
The hospice is operated jointly by WH and Ren Ci Hospital, combining acute hospital resources with palliative care expertise. WH Chief Executive Joe Hau explained that the hospice provides a supportive environment for patients too ill to remain at home, while still allowing access to diagnostic tests, specialist consultations, and hospital services when needed. Ren Ci Hospital contributes expertise in nursing and psychosocial care, especially for patients with complex and longer-term care needs.
A distinctive feature of the model is its partnership with Cheng Hong Welfare Service Society (CHWSS), which has committed $6 million over six years to support varied programs aimed at enhancing patient and family wellbeing. These programs include befriending services, horticultural therapy, companionship during outdoor activities, and fulfilling final wishes. CHWSS, established in 2004, is known for operating pro bono traditional Chinese medicine clinics and providing free funeral and bereavement support to families across all races and religions.
The hospice is equipped with facilities designed to promote comfort and dignity, including a sensory room, family lounge, and personalized patient spaces. Patients are encouraged to wear their own clothing and engage in activities such as music and art therapy and volunteer-led programs, fostering opportunities for meaningful interactions with loved ones.
Looking ahead, Ren Ci Hospital’s Chief Executive Yong Keng Kwang indicated plans to expand the hospice capacity to 50 beds within four to six years, with potential growth to 70 beds by utilizing additional hospital wards as demand increases. Over the next six years, Woodlands Hospice is projected to serve more than 2,900 patients.
In the broader context of healthcare, Ong underscored the importance of enhancing generalist palliative care skills across the healthcare workforce. His ministry has set a goal to train 10,000 nurses and healthcare workers in core palliative care competencies by 2030, moving beyond viewing palliative care as a narrowly specialized field. In response, WH has incorporated palliative and geriatric care into its internal nursing training programs. Nearly 1,000 staff members have completed this essential training, and plans are underway to extend it to all 1,900 nurses at the hospital.
The establishment of Woodlands Hospice reflects a multifaceted approach to addressing the growing needs of Singapore’s aging population and those requiring palliative care, balancing clinical expertise, community support, and efforts to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals.