Upgraded Geylang Polyclinic reopens with focus on elderly patients

Upgraded Geylang Polyclinic reopens with focus on elderly patients

    By Try Sutrisno Foo
    POSTED: 04 May 2013 9:06 PM
   
Geylang Polyclinic re-opens after a four-month makeover, boasting a new layout which cuts down the total time taken for one visit.

SINGAPORE: Geylang Polyclinic re-opens after a four-month makeover and it promises to serve elderly patients better.

The polyclinic also boasts a new layout which cuts down the total time taken for one visit.

New features in the polyclinic which are elderly friendly included easy lift access, a room for exercise classes, and large signs to guide visitors.

Some 28 per cent of the polyclinic's patients are above the age of 65.

Dr Gilbert Tan, the Clinic Director of Geylang Polyclinic, said when attending to patients in a general clinic, sometimes doctors find it difficult to address chronic medical problems - such as high blood pressure and diabetes - together with elderly conditions such as osteoporosis or even fall risks.

So now Geylang Polyclinic has a 'Geriatric Centre' which is dedicated to elderly patients suffering from osteoporosis and dementia.

The polyclinic's new layout, which clusters various clinical services into different zones within the building, also means shorter waiting times for patients.

The polyclinic now also has two pharmacies so that patients can expect shorter queues for their medication.

A patient at the polyclinic, Saminathan Thanaletchimi, said: "Last time, it was very crowded, you go back very late (after seeing) the doctor. Now it's very easy to go back home - very fast.

"Last time, it was very hard to walk in. Now, got space to move."

The polyclinic is also the first under the SingHealth cluster, housing a dedicated centre to train doctors in Family Medicine.

- CNA/al

- wong chee tat :)