Sengkang Hospital Visiting Hours 2024

Visiting loved ones in the hospital can be a crucial part of their recovery process, providing emotional support and encouragement.

Sengkang General Hospital, a prominent healthcare facility in Singapore, has established specific visiting hours and policies to ensure the safety and well-being of both patients and visitors.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Sengkang Hospital visiting hours, registration procedures, and visitor policies.

Sengkang Hospital Visiting Hours

Weekday Visiting Hours

Sengkang General Hospital has designated visiting hours to allow patients to rest and recover while still giving family and friends the opportunity to visit.

On weekdays, the visiting hours are from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This schedule is designed to balance the need for patient rest and the benefits of having loved ones close by.

Weekend and Public Holiday Visiting Hours

The weekends and public holidays Sengkang General Hospital visiting hours generally follow the same schedule as weekdays, providing consistency for visitors.

This means that on weekends and public holidays, visitors are welcome from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. These times ensure that patients have the same opportunities for visits every day of the week.

Importance of Adhering to Visiting Hours

Adhering to these visiting hours is crucial for several reasons:

• Patient Rest and Recovery: Patients need ample rest to recover, and strict visiting hours help ensure they get it.
• Hospital Staff Efficiency: Staff can manage their duties more effectively without constant disruptions from visitors.
• Infection Control: Limited visiting hours help control the number of people in the hospital, reducing the risk of infections spreading.

Visitor Experience Tip

To make the most of your visit:

• Plan Ahead: Try to arrive at the beginning of visiting hours to maximize your time.
• Be Considerate: Keep visits brief if the patient is tired, and always follow hospital guidelines.

Visitor Registration Process

Sengkang General Hospital has implemented an Automated Visitor Management System to streamline the process of managing visitors, ensuring safety and efficiency.

This system is crucial for maintaining control over the number of visitors at any given time, facilitating contact tracing, and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Required Information for Registration

To register as a visitor at Sengkang General Hospital, you will need the following information:

1. Identification Documents:
   • National Registration Identity Card (NRIC)
   • Employment Pass
   • Singapore driving license
   • Senior Citizen EZ-link card
   • Student EZ-link card
2. Patient Information:
   • Patient’s surname and name
   • Ward, room, and bed number
3. Contact Information:
   • A valid local mobile number

This information helps the hospital keep accurate records and ensure that only authorized visitors are allowed access to the wards.

Steps to Register

Visitor Registration Counters

Visitors can register at the Visitor Registration Counters located at various points in the hospital. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to register:

1. Approach the Registration Counter:
   • Upon arrival, head to the nearest visitor registration counter.
2. Provide Required Information:
   • Present your identification documents and provide the necessary patient information.
3. Complete the Registration:
   • The staff will input your details into the system and provide you with a visitor pass.

Self-Registration Kiosks

For added convenience, Sengkang General Hospital also offers Self-Registration Kiosks. These kiosks are designed for quick and easy registration. Here’s how to use them:

1. Locate a Kiosk:
   • Find a self-registration kiosk within the hospital premises.
2. Follow On-Screen Instructions:
   • Enter your identification details and patient information as prompted by the kiosk.
3. Receive Your Visitor Pass:
   • Once the registration is complete, the kiosk will print a visitor pass for you.

FAQs About Visitor Registration

What if a Visitor Forgets Their Identification Card?

If a visitor forgets their identification card, they can approach the registration counter for assistance. The staff will help verify the visitor’s identity and complete the registration process manually.

What if the Visitor Cannot Remember the Patient Details?

Due to the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), the hospital cannot disclose patient information. Visitors are encouraged to contact the patient’s next-of-kin or family members for the necessary details before arriving at the hospital.

Benefits of the Automated Visitor Management System

1. Enhanced Security: Ensures that only authorized individuals have access to patient wards.
2. Efficient Visitor Flow: Reduces waiting times and congestion in the hospital.
3. Facilitates Contact Tracing: Helps track visitors in case of a need for contact tracing during pandemics or other health crises.

Current Visitor Policies

COVID-19 Guidelines

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sengkang General Hospital has established strict guidelines to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. These policies are designed to minimize the risk of infection and to protect vulnerable individuals within the hospital.

Mask-Wearing and Self-Testing

• Mask-Wearing: All visitors and caregivers entering indoor patient-facing areas within the hospital are required to wear a mask at all times. This policy helps to reduce the spread of airborne pathogens and ensures a safer environment for everyone.
• Self-Testing: Visitors are encouraged to perform an Antigen Rapid Test (ART) before visiting patients. This precaution helps to identify asymptomatic carriers of the virus and prevents potential outbreaks within the hospital​.

Restrictions for Symptomatic Visitors

Visitors exhibiting flu-like symptoms, or those who are feeling unwell, are strongly advised to refrain from visiting the hospital.

Additionally, individuals awaiting COVID-19 test results are not permitted to visit patients until they receive a negative result. This measure helps to prevent the inadvertent spread of illnesses within the hospital​.

Number of Visitors

To ensure patient safety and comfort, Sengkang General Hospital has imposed restrictions on the number of visitors allowed at any one time:

• General Wards: A maximum of two visitors is allowed at a patient’s bedside during visiting hours. Visits should be limited to 30 minutes to allow more patients to receive visitors without overcrowding the wards.
• ICU and High Dependency Wards: The same limit of two visitors applies to these sensitive areas to minimize the risk of infection and ensure that critically ill patients receive the care they need without unnecessary disruptions.

Special Circumstances

Exceptions for Palliative Care Patients

In cases involving palliative care, where emotional support from family is crucial, exceptions can be made to the standard visitor policies. Patients in palliative care may be allowed more visitors or extended visiting hours under specific conditions.

These exceptions are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the medical and administrative staff to ensure the best possible care for the patient​.

Social Circumstances

Certain social circumstances, such as patients who are single parents or those experiencing depression due to prolonged hospital stays, may warrant special considerations.

In such cases, hospital staff, including doctors, nurses, and medical social workers, will evaluate the situation and inform the Visitor Services ahead of the visit to make the necessary arrangements.

Compliance and Enforcement

The hospital strictly enforces these visitor policies to maintain a safe and supportive environment.

Visitors are expected to comply with all guidelines, and non-compliance may result in restricted visitation rights.

Hospital staff are trained to handle such situations delicately, ensuring that the health and safety of all patients and visitors are prioritized.

Visiting Different Wards

Sengkang General Hospital is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for all patients.

The general wards are designed to accommodate a variety of patients with different medical needs, and visiting these wards comes with specific guidelines to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.

Visiting Hours for General Wards

The visiting hours for general wards at Sengkang General Hospital are as follows:

• 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
• 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

These hours are set to balance patient rest and recovery with the benefits of social visits. Visitors are encouraged to adhere strictly to these times to help maintain a peaceful and orderly ward environment.

Guidelines for General Ward Visits

To ensure the safety and comfort of patients, visitors should follow these guidelines:

• Limit of Two Visitors: A maximum of two visitors are allowed at the bedside at any given time. This policy helps reduce congestion and noise in the wards, creating a more restful environment for patients.
• Duration of Visit: Visits should be kept brief, ideally around 30 minutes, to avoid tiring the patient and to give other visitors a chance to visit.
• Mask-Wearing: All visitors must wear masks at all times within the hospital premises. This is crucial for infection control and protecting vulnerable patients​.

Visiting ICU and High Dependency Wards

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Units (HDUs) at Sengkang General Hospital cater to critically ill patients who require constant monitoring and specialized care. Visiting these units involves stricter protocols to ensure patient safety and minimize disruptions.

Visiting Hours for ICU and HDU

• 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
• 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

These visiting hours are consistent with those for general wards, providing a uniform schedule across the hospital.

Special Considerations for ICU and HDU Visits

1. Restricted Visitor Numbers: Only two visitors are allowed at a patient’s bedside at any one time, similar to the general wards. This restriction helps maintain a controlled and quiet environment essential for the recovery of critically ill patients.
2. Short Visits: Due to the fragile condition of patients in the ICU and HDU, visits should be kept as short as possible to minimize stress and fatigue.
3. Health Precautions: Visitors must adhere to strict health precautions, including mask-wearing and hand sanitization before and after visiting. This is especially important in these sensitive areas to prevent the spread of infections​.

Visiting Isolation Wards

Isolation wards are designated for patients with highly infectious diseases, requiring stringent infection control measures. Visiting these wards involves additional precautions to protect both the patients and visitors.

Visiting Hours for Isolation Wards

Visiting hours for isolation wards are typically the same as for other wards, but with additional restrictions based on the patient’s condition and the type of infectious disease.

Guidelines for Isolation Ward Visits

1. Protective Gear: Visitors must wear appropriate protective gear, such as gowns, gloves, and masks, as provided by the hospital. This gear must be worn correctly at all times to prevent the spread of infection.
2. Limited Access: Access to isolation wards is strictly controlled, and visitors must follow all instructions from healthcare staff. This includes adhering to designated visiting times and limits on the number of visitors.
3. Health Screening: Visitors may be required to undergo health screening before entering the isolation ward to ensure they do not carry any infectious diseases that could pose a risk to patients​.

Special Circumstances for Visiting

Palliative Care Patients

For patients in palliative care, the hospital may allow more flexible visiting arrangements to provide essential emotional support from family and friends. This could include extended visiting hours or a greater number of visitors, assessed on a case-by-case basis by medical staff.

Social Circumstances

In special social circumstances, such as when a patient is a single parent or experiencing significant emotional distress, the hospital may grant exceptions to standard visiting policies.

These decisions are made by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and social workers, who will inform Visitor Services of any special arrangements.

Facilities and Amenities for Visitors

Parking Information

Sengkang General Hospital offers ample parking facilities for visitors, ensuring convenient access to the hospital. The parking area is designed to accommodate a large number of vehicles, with clear signage and easy access to the hospital entrances.

Parking Rates

The hospital has structured its parking rates to be affordable and visitor-friendly. Here’s a breakdown of the current parking rates:

These rates are designed to ensure that visitors can stay as long as necessary without worrying about exorbitant parking fees. Additionally, the hospital offers a maximum daily rate, providing cost savings for visitors who need to stay for extended periods.

Payment Methods

Visitors can pay for parking using various methods, including:

• Cash: Payment can be made at automated payment machines located within the parking facility.
• Credit/Debit Cards: Most major credit and debit cards are accepted at the payment machines.
• EZ-Link Card: For those using public transport cards, payment can also be made using the EZ-Link card for added convenience.

On-site Amenities

Sengkang General Hospital is equipped with a range of amenities to make the visit more comfortable and convenient for visitors. These facilities are aimed at providing a pleasant experience while ensuring that all essential needs are met.

Food and Beverage Options

The hospital has several food and beverage outlets that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Some of the options available include:

• Cafeteria: Serving a range of hot meals, snacks, and beverages.
• Vending Machines: Available on multiple floors, offering drinks and light snacks.
• Retail Outlets: Small shops selling sandwiches, salads, and other quick meals.

These outlets ensure that visitors have access to nutritious and affordable meals without having to leave the hospital premises.

Restrooms and Waiting Areas

The hospital provides clean and well-maintained restrooms and waiting areas throughout the facility. These areas are equipped with comfortable seating, ensuring that visitors can rest and wait in comfort.

The restrooms are regularly sanitized, and there are designated areas for families to wait while their loved ones receive medical care.

Visitor Experience Tips

To enhance your visit to Sengkang General Hospital, consider the following tips:

1. Arrive Early: Allow extra time for parking and registration, especially during peak visiting hours.
2. Use Available Amenities: Take advantage of the food and beverage outlets and comfortable waiting areas to make your visit more pleasant.
3. Plan Ahead: Check the hospital’s website or contact the visitor information desk for any updates on visiting policies or amenities before your visit.

Getting in Touch with Sengkang General Hospital

Contact Details

Sengkang General Hospital offers multiple avenues for visitors and patients to get in touch with the hospital staff for various inquiries. Whether you need to make an appointment, ask a question, or provide feedback, the hospital ensures that all communication channels are accessible and responsive.

Phone Numbers

For general inquiries, appointments, and specific department contacts, the hospital provides several phone numbers:

• General Inquiries: +65 6930 6000
• Appointment Hotline: +65 6930 6000
• Emergency Department: +65 6930 6000 (24-hour hotline)

These contact numbers are staffed by knowledgeable personnel who can assist with a wide range of inquiries, from visiting hours to detailed questions about patient care.

Email Addresses

For non-urgent inquiries, visitors and patients can also reach out via email. This method is particularly useful for sending detailed questions or providing feedback:

• General Inquiries: [email protected]
• Feedback and Compliments: [email protected]

Email responses are typically handled within one to two business days, ensuring timely and efficient communication.

Online Resources

Sengkang General Hospital’s website is a comprehensive resource for all information related to the hospital’s services, visitor information, and patient care. The website includes sections on:

• Visiting Hours and Policies: Detailed guidelines and schedules for visiting different wards.
• Patient Services: Information on admissions, billing, and various patient support services.
• Healthcare Services: An overview of the hospital’s specialties and medical services.

Visitors can access these resources at any time to find answers to common questions and stay informed about hospital policies and updates.

Social Media Presence

Sengkang General Hospital maintains an active presence on social media platforms, providing updates, health tips, and important announcements. Following the hospital on social media is a great way to stay connected and receive real-time information:

• Facebook: Sengkang General Hospital on Facebook
• Twitter: @SKH_Singapore
• Website: https://www.skh.com.sg/

Social media platforms also allow for quick interaction with the hospital’s communication team, making it easier to get responses to questions and concerns.

Visitor Information Desk

For immediate assistance during your visit, the hospital has a dedicated Visitor Information Desk located at the main entrance. Staffed by helpful personnel, this desk provides:

• Information on Visiting Hours and Policies: Get the latest updates on visiting hours and any special restrictions.
• Directions and Maps: Assistance with navigating the hospital’s facilities.
• General Inquiries: Answers to common questions and support for visitor needs.

Sengkang General Hospital, a leading healthcare facility in Singapore, prioritizes both patient care and visitor experience through well-structured visiting hours, efficient registration processes, and stringent visitor policies.

This comprehensive guide has covered the essential aspects of visiting the hospital, ensuring that visitors are well-informed and can make the most of their visit while adhering to hospital guidelines.

Thank you for reading, and we hope this guide has been helpful in preparing you for your visit to Sengkang General Hospital.