Story of excellence

Mount Elizabeth Hospital has been serving Asia Pacific for over 30 years as a leading medical hub, earning the trust of patients from all over the region with its strategic pairing of exceptional medical talents with advanced technology.

Staffed by a large team of dedicated professionals and a diverse mix of highly skilled specialists, both hospitals have received the renowned Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation of quality care.

In a move to provide patients with greater access to their wide spectrum of services, they extended their presence in Singapore from one hospital in the city (Mount Elizabeth Orchard), to an additional, new location in the heart of Singapore (Mount Elizabeth Novena). With their doctors operating across both locations, patients can access the benefits of Mount Elizabeth's medical expertise from both world-class medical facilities within the heart of Singapore.

Recently the CEO of Mount Elizabeth Hospital Ms Joycelyn Ling has shared some information about their hospitals with The Daily Star.Here are some excerpts from that conversation.

Question: Every hospital talks about their capabilities and success stories. How does Mount Elizabeth hospital stand apart?

Answer: Mount Elizabeth Hospital is in a unique position because we have over 500 active specialist doctor in various sub-specialities for a 345 bedded hospital. Patients who seek care can be assured that they have fast access to the multi-disciplinary team of specialists to address their varying clinical needs and complexities. For example, a patient with chronic renal problems may also have issues with their heart and poor circulation in their limbs. Such a patient would have access to experienced renal physicians, cardiologists and vascular surgeons to help ensure patient's complex needs are well-taken care of. Of course if the patient's condition is more straightforward, patients will have many doctors within each specialty to choose from.

Question: Thereare technological advancements in the medical field every year. What are the latest technological advancements available at Mount Elizabeth hospital?

Answer: Mount Elizabeth Hospital continues to invest in cutting edge technology and advanced treatments to our patients. Recently, we have introduced Cryoablation which is a new treatment for patients with cancers that are difficult to operate on or non-operable at all. We have also brought in a new Pentero Microscope with the latest software that will significantly improve the surgeon's ability to visualize blood vessels and blood flow during complex Neurosurgery and Orthopaedic surgery. By end of 2015, we will also have a 3-D camera system to enhance our capability in key-hole (laparoscopic) surgery, while many other hospitals are still using a 2-D system. These investments will allow our doctors to perform difficult microsurgery with greater clarity so as to reduce the risks of potential surgical complications and promote earlier recovery for patients.

Question:It is said that nurses are as important as doctors in patient's treatment journey. How important do you think is nursing care is for the patient's recovery & experience at the hospital?

Answer:While technology improvements are important, the expertise of our doctors and the close teamwork with our nurses and allied health staff are also vital to ensure that patient gets the best possible chance for an accurate diagnosis, early treatment and smooth recovery. We continue to invest in training our nursing and allied health staff to ensure they keep up with new skills and knowledge, so that Mount Elizabeth Hospital can provide a good overall experience for our patients.

Question:When international patients go overseas for treatment, they often face various challenges like cultural differences, languages barriers. How does Mount Elizabeth help Bangladeshi patients to overcome these?

Answer: Mount Elizabeth Hospital recognizes that patients who come to us from various countries have different needs and often, when they come, they are anxious and need assistance. Our staff at our International Patient Centre are at hand to assist with language translation, hotel or other travel arrangements and also with visa applications.

Question:When patients go back to Bangladesh, how does Mount Elizabeth hospital help them for post treatment follow up?

Answer: Mount Elizabeth Hospital has a Patient Assistance Centre office in Dhaka @ Suite B-3, Level 4, Road No. 53, House 10, Gulshan 2 & Chittagong @ Chevron Clinical Laboratory Ltd 3rd Floor, 12/12 O.R. Nizam Road, to help connect doctors and patients. Many of our doctors also have a close working relationship with Bangladeshi doctors and can assist to facilitate the transfer of care when patients return home.

Question: What is your Price Assurance Program?

Answer: "Recently, in order to provide peace of mind to our patients, Mount Elizabeth Hospital has also launched the Price Assurance Program where the prices for 17 standard, uncomplicated procedures are fixed so that the charges are transparent to patients. The bundle price will include hospital stay, doctors' fees and the use of standard drugs and consumables. A patient who needs a breast lump removed will know that the treatment will cost S$5400 if she is suitable for this package. Details can be obtained from the Hospital website and from our Patient Assistance Centres.