Patients and caregivers visiting the National University Health System (NUHS) hospitals can now access real-time emergency department wait times through the newly enhanced NUHS App. This digital feature, launched on 23 March 2025, allows users to check estimated wait times at the National University Hospital (NUH), Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, and Alexandra Hospital before arrival, with updates every 30 minutes.
The app’s enhancements aim to reduce uncertainty and improve patient flow by allowing individuals to complete health declarations in advance. This streamlines the triage process and helps identify high-risk patients promptly. Adjunct Professor Malcolm Mahadevan, Group Chief of Emergency Medicine at NUHS, stated, “Providing transparency about wait times helps to support hospital operations by improving patient flow and managing expectations.”
In addition to wait times, the app offers resources for non-emergency conditions, including access to the NurseFirst helpline, staffed by triage nurses from Woodlands Health. This service directs patients to appropriate care based on their symptoms. Users can also locate nearby GPFirst and PaedsENGAGE clinics within a 2km radius, enhancing access to primary care.
The NUHS App, developed with Synapxe, has over 840,000 unique users and is part of a broader initiative to leverage digital tools for better healthcare navigation. As the Ministry of Health plans to consolidate public healthcare apps by 2027, NUHS will continue to refine its digital offerings, contributing to the development of a unified platform.
“`
