Singapore's Woodlands Hospice expands capacity with hospital-charity model

It plans to expand to 70 beds to serve almost 3,000 patients over 6 years.

Singapore has launched its first public hospital-charity hospice collaboration, with Woodlands Hospice bringing together Woodlands Hospital, Ren Ci Hospital, and Cheng Hong Welfare Service Society (CHWSS) to provide integrated end-of-life care.

Located within the Woodlands Hospital campus, the hospice began operations on 1 July 2026 with 16 beds. It plans to expand capacity to 70 beds and is expected to serve more than 2,900 patients over six years.

Woodlands Hospital provides clinical governance, specialist palliative care expertise, and access to acute hospital resources, whilst Ren Ci Hospital operates the hospice and draws on its multidisciplinary care team approach.

CHWSS supports the model through community care initiatives, caregiver assistance, befriending services, and outreach programmes. It also has committed about $4.7m (SG$6m) over six years to support the hospice’s community care efforts.

The collaboration allows Woodlands Hospice and Woodlands Hospital to use the same electronic medical record system, enabling patient transfers between the two facilities.

Patients can also access hospital investigations, specialist consultations, and other services when required.

Joe Hau, CEO of Woodlands Hospital, said the partnership reflects NHG Health’s commitment to integrated care models as healthcare needs evolve.

Woodlands Hospice combines medical, nursing, and psychosocial support from Ren Ci Hospital and Woodlands Hospital.

The facility includes an activity area, sensory room, family lounge, and personalised patient spaces designed to support patients, families, and caregivers.

Patients can participate in programmes including music therapy, art therapy, spiritual care, special celebrations, and volunteer-led activities.

Dr Raymond Ng, Chief of Palliative & Supportive Care at Woodlands Hospital, said the hospice aims to support patients and families during end-of-life care.

“Our vision for Woodlands Hospice is to create a place where patients can live as fully and comfortably as possible, even in their final phase of life,” he said.

Volunteers from Woodlands Hospital, Ren Ci Hospital, and CHWSS will support patients and families through activities including befriending, horticulture, companionship during outdoor activities, and fulfilling last wishes.

A/Prof Yong Keng Kwang, CEO of Ren Ci Hospital, said the hospice’s care environment supports patients and families through a holistic approach.

“The care environment plays an important role in creating moments of comfort, peace, and reassurance for patients and their loved ones,” he said.

Neo Sing Hwee, Deputy Chairman and Project Chairperson of CHWSS, said the collaboration brings together healthcare and community support.

“CHWSS is privileged to collaborate with Ren Ci Hospital and Woodlands Hospital in supporting patients and families through compassionate care, volunteerism, and community support,” he said.

(US$1 = SG$1.28)