SINGAPORE — When the authorities were looking for land near the National University Hospital (NUH) to build an MRT station about 14 years ago, the hospital offered the site where its old car park was located.

Although NUH had planned only for a seven-storey complex to be built above the proposed Kent Ridge MRT station, it was challenged to explore its options and maximise land use. Today, a new 19-storey medical centre stands in place of the old car park.

Touted as a one-stop centre for various specialist outpatient and clinical support services, the new building aims to provide more convenience to patients.

Speaking at the centre’s official opening ceremony yesterday, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong noted the importance of developing patient-centric designs for Singapore’s healthcare facilities.

“Building infrastructure capacity is important, but we must also integrate the care and design of our healthcare facilities to better serve the needs of older and less mobile patients,” he said.

The new medical centre, which costs about S$500 million, is part of the Government’s plans to expand healthcare capacity under the Healthcare 2020 Masterplan. It has been in operation since last July and has had more than 120,000 patient visits to date.

With a total floor area of 72,000 sq m, about the size of 10 football fields, it is able to offer patients greater convenience by providing multiple services, essential clinical facilities (such as imaging, dietetics and pharmacy) and specialist outpatient clinics within the same building.

Not only would such a set-up allow better patient care, Mr Gan said, it would also reduce unnecessary patient transfer from one building to another.

Previously, some patients visiting NUH had to shuttle back and forth between different buildings when seeking treatment. For example, they had to consult breast-cancer specialists at the Kent Ridge Wing, walk over to the main building for diagnostics tests, then head back to the wing to see the specialists again.

Now, patients can consult their doctors, have mammograms done and receive counselling within the Breast Care Centre.

As it is sited right above the MRT station, the medical centre also provides greater accessibility, especially for elderly patients who travel by public transport, said NUH Chief Executive Officer Joe Sim.

In the past, those visiting the hospital had to take a train to Buona Vista MRT Station and board a shuttle bus that would take them there.