National Skin Centre's Expand Facility Amid Patient Surge

In Response to Growing Demand, the New Space Promises Shorter Wait Times for Dermatological Care.

October 26, 2023 —The National Skin Centre (NSC) in Singapore has unveiled its expansive new facility, designed to address the surging demands of an aging population. The new structure, more than double the size of its predecessor, aims to cater to the projected 30% increase in annual attendance by 2030 and a 50% rise by 2040.

Median wait times for appointments at NSC have seen a decrease, now clocking in at under 50 days, a notable improvement from the previous under 60-day period. The center registered an outpatient attendance of roughly 280,000 in 2022.

“The aging demographic in Singapore is expected to usher in an increase in chronic skin conditions. Older patients, facing co-morbidities, often necessitate intricate care,” remarked Professor Tan Suat Hoon, the director of NSC, during the opening ceremony.

According to Professor Tan, the extended life expectancy in Singapore can result in prolonged exposure to the sun over a lifetime. This can significantly raise the chances of skin cancer in older individuals. The director further acknowledged the slight reduction in wait times but emphasised the need for continuous monitoring to maintain service quality.

Despite the global shift towards telemedicine, with NSC handling 555 teleconsultation cases in 2022, most patients still favour face-to-face consultations. The NSC’s new 10-story building on Mandalay Road, operational since June 2023, boasts 69 consultation rooms, a significant leap from the previous 40. It also features expanded day treatment facilities and novel skin research clinics.

Patients can now avail themselves of enhanced phototherapy services. The new ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) whole-body phototherapy cabin offers quicker treatment options for conditions like severe eczema, scleroderma, and mycosis fungoides. Dr. Eugene Tan, the chief of NSC’s phototherapy service, revealed that this service attends to 200–250 patients daily, a substantial fraction of the 1,000 patients NSC generally witnesses each day.

NSC’s offerings also now include a specialised skin allergy and therapy clinic. This innovative addition allows patients to receive intravenous medications without necessitating hospital referrals. As one of the globe’s most extensive dermatology centers, NSC caters to a multitude of skin conditions, from adult eczema and skin cancer to generalised itching. It oversees roughly 70% of all outpatient dermatology attendances within Singapore’s public healthcare institutions.

Given the Global Burden of Disease 2019 findings, skin and subcutaneous diseases rank eighth in non-fatal disease burdens in Singapore, accounting for years lived in disability.

Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, highlighted during his address at the opening ceremony that, apart from the natural aging process, global warming is another factor contributing to rising skin ailments in Singapore. The tropical weather, marked by heat and humidity, predisposes residents to a myriad of skin issues. He further underscored that the expansion of NSC forms part of a broader strategy to combat these challenges.

Emphasising the importance of primary care doctors in handling common skin conditions, Mr. Ong spoke of the Healthier SG preventive care program. NSC is set to provide extensive training to these professionals, bolstered by its graduate diploma in family practice dermatology program.

Telemedicine, particularly NSC’s tele-dermatology service, Tele-Derm, is expected to play an increasingly pivotal role. This initiative, piloted with the National Healthcare Group polyclinics in 2016, facilitates communication between polyclinic doctors and dermatologists. With a focus on elderly and immobile patients, Mr. Ong stressed the need for extended teleconsultations.

NSC, in tandem with addressing rising dermatological demands, remains committed to its research endeavors and is staunchly advocating for preventive skincare. Stay tuned to DEI for more updates.