The Lien Foundation, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), and SingHealth Community Hospitals (SCH) have launched the Cocoon programme to enhance the quality of life for young patients with chronic, complex medical conditions in Singapore. Supported by $3.4m (S$4.7m) in funding from Lien Foundation, Cocoon is set to benefit over 240 paediatric patients over four years, establishing Singapore’s only paediatric facility at a community hospital.
Located at Sengkang Community Hospital, the facility will provide continuity of care beyond KKH’s acute setting, offering rehabilitation, caregiver training, and psychosocial support. The programme also introduces two structured training courses to cultivate a skilled network of local practitioners in paediatric palliative care. These include a Certificate Course for Paediatric & Perinatal Palliative Care and a Graduate Diploma in Paediatric & Perinatal Palliative Care, launching in 2026.
Children with severe neurological impairment and complex medical conditions often require long-term care, which can be burdensome for families. The Cocoon programme addresses this by providing a rehabilitative environment to reduce hospital-acquired infection risks and support family well-being. Dr Xu Bangyu, Medical Director at Sengkang Community Hospital, stated, “Our facility offers children and their families the space, time, and care they need to rebuild strength, regain hope, and prepare for life beyond the hospital.”
The initiative marks a significant step in addressing the gap in specialised paediatric care facilities in Singapore, aiming to improve the quality of life for both young patients and their families.
