SingHealth expands Partners Buddy programme

The Partners Buddy programme allows GPs to refer patients to specialists faster.

SingHealth (SGH) introduced a web-based communication platform that extends the Partners Buddy programme, allowing general practitioners (GPs) to refer patients to specialists seamlessly.

Through the process, GPs can either call or email the hospital to make an appointment. Once booked, patients can present referral letters, to which an SGH specialist can conduct an examination and order blood tests and other investigations.

“The primary use of Partners Buddy is currently for GPs to refer patients to specialist centres, but we can also look at it as a system for the future, where patients can refer to other services, such as allied health, community services, or where patients can be referred from these services back to their GP,” Emily Ho, Director of Population Health and Integrated Care Office – Clinical Networks at SGH, said.

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SGH launched Partners Buddy in late 2022 as a measure to allow GPs to gain access to the appointment system, update relevant data and slot appointments for patients without delay, as well as to save time and costs.

The programme has been disseminated to other SGH facilities, including Changi General Hospital, Sengkang General Hospital, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and National Heart Centre Singapore.