New Centre for Digestive Health: Transforming Patient Care at NUH

National University Centre for Digestive Health: A Landmark in Care

The National University Hospital (NUH) has inaugurated the National University Centre for Digestive Health (NUCD), a pioneering facility aimed at advancing digestive health care. This new center focuses on improving early detection and treatment of digestive disorders, which are crucial aspects of overall health and well-being. Conditions like ulcers, liver disease, and colorectal disorders often remain undiagnosed until complications arise, making timely intervention essential.

The establishment of NUCD stems from a vision to consolidate digestive health services within NUH, providing patients with greater convenience and specialized care. This facility not only addresses the needs of NUH patients but also serves as a referral hub for complex cases from other institutions within the National University Health System.

Streamlined Patient Access

At NUCD, the patient care pathway is significantly enhanced, enabling swift cross-referrals to surgical specialties. Patients can now access various specialists on the same day, eliminating unnecessary waiting periods and minimizing the number of visits. This streamlined approach aims to hasten treatment decisions, leading to improved health outcomes.

In efforts to strengthen preventive care, NUCD has implemented comprehensive screening programs. A significant initiative involves the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score and fibroscan technology for identifying liver scarring in at-risk individuals. Collaborations with local polyclinics and general practitioners have led to screening over 12,000 high-risk patients since the program's launch in September 2022, allowing for earlier interventions and treatment.

Colorectal cancer, often dubbed a 'silent killer,' is another area of focus for NUCD. With its rising incidence in Singapore, the center is actively working to enhance colonoscopy procedures to improve the detection of precancerous conditions. The Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) is a key metric, and recent initiatives have resulted in a boost from 33.5% to an impressive 42.4%, surpassing recommended guidelines. This metric is critical, as higher ADR translates to reduced colorectal cancer risk through proactive polyp removal.

Innovations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Management

NUCD also incorporates the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Centre of Excellence, established in 2016, which caters to patients across all age groups. By offering home administration of intravenous biologics and point-of-care intestinal ultrasounds, the center has reduced the need for frequent hospital visits, greatly enhancing patient convenience.

In addition, the IBD center emphasizes personalized treatment through its translational precision medicine program, which provides access to clinical trials and novel therapies. It has also taken steps to educate healthcare professionals throughout the ASEAN region, hosting training programs that have reached over 100 attendees in the last five years.

“The launch of NUCD is a game-changer in digestive care,” stated Adj A/Prof Lee Guan Huei, Director of the Centre. The integration of advanced diagnostics, expert specialists, and cutting-edge technology aims to deliver faster, more accurate, and patient-centered care. Moreover, the centre is committed to pioneering research that explores innovative detection methods and therapies while advocating for early problem detection and effective treatment.

The National University Hospital serves as Singapore's premier university hospital and continues to play a vital role in healthcare innovation. With a legacy spanning over a century, NUH remains at the forefront of medical advancement, offering comprehensive care across multiple specialties under one roof, including the only pediatric kidney and liver transplant program in the country.

In conclusion, the National University Centre for Digestive Health marks a significant advancement in the way digestive conditions are addressed in Singapore. Through a strong focus on preventive care, patient convenience, and enhanced treatment methods, the center stands as a beacon of hope for patients in need of effective digestive health solutions.