MEDIA RELEASE

Singapore, 10 February 2023 – In 2023, Changi General Hospital celebrates 88 years of trusted care for the community, transforming care delivery and innovating healthcare for tomorrow. With a rich heritage of clinical excellence and care by a multi-disciplinary, dedicated team of healthcare professionals for the community, the hospital has evolved to become an academic medical institution committed to medical research and education, clinical innovation, caring for more than 1 million people in Singapore.

Celebrating a legacy of clinical excellence and trusted care since 1935

2          Today, CGH kicks off its 88^th anniversary with the unveiling of its 88^th anniversary logo and the launch of a call to collect from the community, their fond memories of CGH and its legacy of care for them through all the years.

3          Tracing its roots back to 1935, the hospital has come a long way standing on the shoulders of its predecessors - Changi Hospital and Toa Payoh Hospital (photos in Annex A).

4          The old British Royal Air Force Hospital built in the naval base at Changi had undergone transformation during the Second World War and post-war to eventually become Changi Hospital. Even back then, Changi was an area recognised as well-suited for relaxation and recreation – a place conducive for the healing of both body and mind.  Thomson Road Hospital, which was later renamed Toa Payoh Hospital in the 1970s, served the then new towns including Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio, Yishun, Serangoon and Bishan to meet rapidly growing healthcare needs. With the introduction of more medical services and increasing patients, Changi Hospital merged with Toa Payoh Hospital to become what is known today as Changi General Hospital.

6          The CGH 88^th anniversary logo, with symbolic "hand" and "heart" icons, encapsulates the continual commitment, dedication and passion of the hospital care team in providing care that matters at every touchpoint, from the moment patients enter the hospital, to their recovery and return home to their families. The skyline of the hospital within the logo depicts the transformational work of CGH, as "Your Trusted Care Partner, Innovating Healthcare for Tomorrow", since its founding in 1935.

7          To honour the decades of contributions and experiences, CGH launches the Memories of CGH – Legacy of Care initiative to call upon former staff and patients, as well as members of the public, to share their treasured memories and memorabilia of CGH, the former Toa Payoh Hospital and Changi Hospital. The closing date for entries is 8 April 2023.

​ Watch the video on sharing of memories by CGH staff

​ Members of the public can submit their memories via this form

Leading in research, innovation and education for better health and healthcare

8          Driving research, innovation and education, CGH has consistently leveraged technology and robotics to enhance its care for patients, and has also made foray into non-traditional research areas that will help extend its reach in, and care for the community.

9          Today, CGH received a gift of S$300,000 from Singapore Teochew Foundation to its CGH Health Fund in support of the research and education efforts towards Correctional Medicine in Singapore. A developing medical discipline around the world, Correctional Medicine encompasses the holistic delivery of healthcare to the inmate community, and plays a key role in social rehabilitation. With the conviction that effective reintegration into society requires good health, the Correctional Medicine programme led by CGH aims to professionalise the practice, achieve evidence-based and quality care in an efficient and effective manner, and help ensure the continuity of care post-release. 

10        The gift will contribute to the formalisation of knowledge and capability-building for healthcare professionals; the development of a vibrant eco-system for continual growth; and advancement in research and innovation to address complex issues in correctional medicine.

11        Mr James Teo, Chairman, Singapore Teochew Foundation presented the cheque to Professor Ng Wai Hoe, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CGH, in the presence of Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information and Ministry of National Development, and Advisor to East Coast GRC GROs, who was the Guest of Honour at the presentation ceremony on 10 February 2023.

From left to right: Mr James Teo, Chairman, Singapore Teochew Foundation,
Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information and Ministry of National Development, and Advisor to East Coast GRC GROs,
Professor Ng Wai Hoe, CEO, CGH and Dr David Ng, CEO, SingHealth Polyclinics

12        Professor Ng Wai Hoe, CEO, CGH, said: "The dynamic care transformation that the hospital has championed and continues to drive today, is testament to the lasting heritage and legacy of dedicated and trusted care by generations of our CGH family, which has benefitted countless patients.  2023 marks the milestone celebration of 88 years of trusted care, achievements and partnerships with our community, patients and staff – past and present – as One CGH.

13        "We are also heartened by the strong support of the community, and generous gift from the Singapore Teochew Foundation, augmenting CGH's stalwart efforts in caring for its communities. Research, innovation and education will remain the bedrock of our clinical excellence and care as we forge ahead as the trusted care partner, innovating healthcare for the future of medicine."

14        To date, CGH's 88^th anniversary fundraising efforts have raised over S$1 million.