GPs and CGH team up to encourage patients to see a GP first

SINGAPORE — Changi General Hospital (CGH) is offering a S$50 discount at its emergency department for patients who see a general practitioner (GP) first, under a programme aimed at encouraging people to first visit a GP if they have non-emergency conditions, instead of going directly to the hospital.

More than 132 GPs have joined GPFirst, a partnership involving GPs and general hospitals.

In the event where a patient who visits a GPFirst clinic has a condition serious enough to require referral to the hospital, the GP will administer a GPFirst referral form that the patient must bring with them, along with valid identification to the CGH Accident & Emergency Department.

To increase the awareness of the programme, a website has been set up for the members of the public to access information such as an updated list of GP clinics they could go to under this programme, as well as specific advice on common medical conditions which can be treated at home or at the GPs.

Correction: The original article stated that CGH would be offering a 50 per cent discount to patients referred by a GP. This is incorrect. They are offering a S$50 discount on emergency services. This article was edited at 5 pm on Jan 27, 2014.