The Singapore healthcare system uses a three-tiered structure—consisting of primary, secondary, and tertiary care—to provide comprehensive and accessible services to the population. And although these levels are all designed to deliver excellent healthcare, they each have their own distinct roles.
Let’s delve into more detail about the differences among a primary, secondary, and tertiary hospital, as well as clinics and other healthcare establishments in Singapore.
Primary Healthcare
A primary healthcare establishment serves as the initial point of contact for individuals seeking medical services. Its main focus is providing preventive measures, promoting good health, and the management of common health issues.
What Healthcare Establishments Fall Under this Level?
- Polyclinics. These facilities offer a range of services, including general medical care, preventive health services, and the management of common health concerns. They serve as accessible hubs for individuals seeking routine check-ups and basic healthcare services.
- General Practitioner Clinics. A private general practitioner or GP clinic offers general medical consultations, vaccinations, and basic diagnostic tests. Their personalised approach makes them a primary choice for individuals seeking ongoing healthcare support.
- Community Health Centres. Community health centres offer healthcare services and health promotion initiatives that provide a holistic approach to wellness within the community.
Who Are Involved?
- General Practitioners (GPs). A GP is a healthcare provider that primarily offers general medical care, preventive services, and initial diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses.
- Nurses. Nurses play a crucial role in primary healthcare settings, providing vaccinations, health screenings, health education, and basic patient care. Their presence contributes to the overall effectiveness of primary care services.
- Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners. Physician assistants and nurse practitioners provide primary care services under the supervision of a physician. Their roles may include conducting examinations, prescribing medications, and offering patient education.
- Health Educators. Health educators focus on promoting health and preventing illnesses. They provide information on healthy lifestyle choices and disease prevention strategies, as well as help facilitate community health programs.
Secondary Healthcare
Secondary healthcare caters to a range of complex medical conditions that go beyond the scope of primary care. This level involves a diverse set of healthcare professionals and establishments dedicated to providing advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical services.
What Healthcare Establishments Fall Under this Level?
- Private and Public Hospitals. These types of healthcare facilities offer a broad spectrum of medical care, including surgeries, specialised diagnostics, and the treatment of complex medical conditions.
- Specialist Outpatient Clinics. Specialist outpatient clinics are equipped to provide specific medical services such as cardiology, orthopaedics, and dermatology. These clinics may be located within public hospitals or private establishments.
- Private Specialist Clinics. These facilities provide specialised medical services offered by doctors with expertise in specific fields. They’re for patients seeking more personalised and private healthcare options.
Who Are Involved?
- Surgeons. These healthcare professionals perform a variety of surgical procedures, ranging from routine surgeries, such as coronary artery bypass, to more complex interventions, like craniectomy.
- Gynaecologists. Gynaecologists provide specialised care for women of all ages. They play a vital role in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the female reproductive system.
- Anaesthesiologists. Anaesthesiologists administer anaesthesia to help manage patients’ pain during surgical procedures. Their specialisation ensures the safety of those undergoing surgery, as even the slightest deviation from the required amount of anaesthetic drugs can result in complications or even death.
Tertiary Healthcare
This level of healthcare represents the highest level of specialised and advanced medical care. It’s reserved for individuals with rare and severe medical conditions that require highly specialised expertise, advanced technologies, and comprehensive interventions.
What Healthcare Establishments Fall Under this Level?
- Tertiary Care Hospitals. Tertiary care hospitals are highly specialised medical centres that provide advanced treatments, services, and interventions for complex and rare medical conditions. The National University Hospital (NUH) is an example of a tertiary care hospital in Singapore.
- Specialised Hospitals. Some hospitals are dedicated to specific areas of healthcare, such as cancer treatment centres or neurosurgical hospitals. There are also tertiary maternity clinics, which provide care for women and babies who experience complications during and after birth.
- Organ Transplant Centres. These types of clinics provide advanced surgical procedures for organ transplants, including heart, liver, kidney, and lung transplants.
Who Are Involved?
- Transplant Surgeon. Transplant surgeons focus on organ transplantation, performing intricate surgeries involved in transplanting organs from donors to recipients.
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Staff. Tertiary healthcare often requires a dedicated team for intensive care. This team includes critical care specialists, ICU nurses, and respiratory therapists who manage patients with severe and complex medical conditions.
- Rehabilitation Specialists. Rehabilitation specialists may be involved in tertiary care to support the recovery and rehabilitation of patients recovering from complex surgeries or medical interventions to optimise the patient’s quality of life post-treatment.
Understanding the three-tiered structure of the healthcare system allows you to choose which healthcare establishment or facility to go to when faced with a medical concern. This ensures that you get timely access to the right type of care.
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