The National University Hospital (NUH) has launched the National University Centre for Trauma, leading the charge in holistic trauma care, outreach and prevention efforts. Each year, NUH attends to an average of 1,300 severe and critical trauma cases. These include 140 industrial accidents and 70 paediatric trauma incidents, making it one of the largest trauma centres in Singapore for such emergencies, and the only tertiary hospital looking after both adults and children.

The launch of the National University Centre for Trauma, officiated by Professor Kenneth Mak, Director-General of Health, Ministry of Health, signifies NUH’s commitment to providing a full spectrum of trauma care capabilities for both adults and children. 

Understanding the critical importance of addressing vulnerable populations, the Centre has prioritised outreach and education efforts among three key groups: children, older adults, and migrant workers. 

These groups are particularly susceptible to trauma incidents due to their unique vulnerabilities, children are prone to accidents due to their active nature, older adults are at higher risks of falls and other accidents due to age-related factors, and migrant workers due to the physical demands of their jobs.

According to data presented in the Workplace Safety and Health Report 2023, risky sectors such as construction, manufacturing and transportation & storage contributed to 60 per cent of fatal and major injuries last year. In addition, about one-third of people aged 65 and above in Singapore have suffered a fall at least once.

Additionally, NUH has rolled out a multi-disciplinary trauma clinic, which provides a one-stop centre for recovering trauma patients, as well as weekly patient-centred meetings to enhance trauma care, rehabilitation, and psychosocial recovery pathways.