SINGAPORE – The first patients have arrived at Singapore’s first stepped-up community care facility (CCF) in Tampines when it opened on Thursday (Sept 23).

At around 11am, three Covid-19 patients were seen making their way out of specially-hired vehicles along Tampines Street 22 where the facility is located.

Staff decked in personal protective equipment (PPE) rolled out wheelchairs to receive two of them, both elderly women. One of them wore a fever patch on her forehead. The drivers of the vehicles also wore PPE. The front windows of the car were rolled down.

The CCF, at the site of NTUC Health nursing home, has been fitted with 250 bedsmeant for Covid-19 patients who are generally well, but have underlying health conditions that require close monitoring.

These patients will include the elderly and those who have chronic illnesses such as cardiac, neurological or respiratory ones. Infected nursing home residents will be prioritised for admission, in order to prevent further spread in such facilities.

The CCF will have more medical and nursing staff than a typical nursing home.

The Ministry of Health said that existing residents at the NTUC Health have been transferred to other branches.

Stepped-up CCFs will help to reserve the limited hospital capacityfor only Covid-19 patients who need close and specialised medical attention – such as oxygen supplementation or intensive care.

Last modified: September 23, 2021