Chairman’s Message

Embracing Innovation

Innovation remains a cornerstone of our journey of improving clinical outcomes and caring for patients and their families. This year, we moved towards embracing new technologies such as Respiree Tele-monitoring, use of Virtual Reality (VR) for our Day Care clients as well as robots to augment the clinical care for our patients. Through these cutting-edge technologies, we aim to enhance patient care and monitor vital signs more efficiently. Additionally, our Pharmacy Automation project has streamlined medication management, ensuring that our patients receive timely and accurate prescriptions, thereby improving safety and efficacy in medication administration.

Integrated Palliative Care

Our Integrated Palliative Care Programme stands as a testament to our commitment to seamless and comprehensive care. By integrating services across various settings, we ensure that our patients receive consistent and personalised care tailored to their unique needs. This programme has allowed us to deliver holistic care that addresses not only the physical but also the emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual well-being of our patients. The success of this programme is evident in the positive outcomes for patients with end-stage organ failure, who have reported improved quality of life and symptom management.

Home Care Expansion

In a significant move to extend our reach and impact, we announced the expansion of our Home Care services to serve patients island-wide from 1 April 2024. This expansion will allow us to bring our compassionate care to more homes, ensuring that patients can receive the support they need in the comfort and familiarity of their home environment. This initiative aligns with the national focus on increasing community-based care and supports the growing preference for home-based end-of-life care.

Pilot Capitation Funding Model

One year into our pilot capitation funding model, we have observed promising progress. This model has provided us with the flexibility to tailor care based on patients’ needs and conditions, reducing administrative burdens and improving care delivery efficiency. The initial results have been encouraging, and we remain committed to refining and expanding this model to enhance patient outcomes and sustainability. This innovative approach has the potential to transform the way palliative care is funded and delivered, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and efficiently to meet the needs of our patients.

Research and Education

Our dedication to research and education continues to drive our mission forward. Dover Park Hospice, in collaboration with the Palliative Care Centre for Excellence in Research and Education (PalC), has made significant contributions to palliative care research, including studies on non-cancer illnesses and the effectiveness of community palliative care models. Our training and education programmes have also grown, with new courses and accreditations empowering healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality palliative care. Of particular note is the Master of Science in Holistic Palliative Care (HoPE) programme in palliative care launched with the Nanyang Technological University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and the National Healthcare Group (NHG). PalC has been instrumental in advancing palliative care knowledge and practice through its comprehensive training programmes, workshops, and conferences. These initiatives have not only equipped healthcare professionals with the necessary skills but have also fostered a collaborative learning environment, promoting exchange of ideas and best practices.

Supporting the Nation

Aligned with the 2023 National Strategy for Palliative Care, Dover Park Hospice has laid stronger foundations for the palliative care community. We have focused on enhancing access, quality, and the care environment by expanding Home Care, integrating services, and leveraging technology, in direct support of the national strategy’s goals. DPH is proud to be at the forefront of this national effort, working collaboratively with other stakeholders to ensure that all individuals with life-limiting illnesses have access to the compassionate and comprehensive care that they deserve.
Penning this message as the Chairman of Dover Park Hospice for the last time, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated Council members, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners. Your unwavering support and commitment have been instrumental in our achievements. As we look ahead, let us continue to innovate, integrate, and expand our services to meet the evolving needs of our patients and their families. Together, we can create moments that matter.