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About NUHCS

Milestones, Achievements & Awards

Milestones, Achievements & Awards

2018

Establishment of the Chia Boon Lock Memorial Fund
To honour and continue the noble work of the late Prof. Chia Boon Lock, the Chia Boon Lock Memorial Fund is being set up to support doctors and medical students in their education and research.
Discovery of a Key Molecule: Progress for Heart Failure Treatment
The Cardiovascular Research Institute at National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS) discovered that a group of molecules known as chondroitin sulfate, normally found only in connective tissues such as the cartilage, accumulates in heart tissue and causes chronic inflammation in patients with heart failure.
Accreditation as Training Centre by Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS)
It is a great honour for NUH to be the first in South East Asia to receive the status of an accreditated training centre by the APHRS. The accreditation recognizes the high-quality education and training courses in cardiac electrophysiology and pacing that we have been organising since 2007.
Champion of American College of Cardiology 2018 (ACC.18) International Fellow-in-training (FIT) Jeopardy Competition
The NUHCS team, comprising of Dr. Sim Hui Wen, Dr. Christopher Koo and Dr. Eugene Tan, represented Singapore in the inaugural international fellow-in-training (FIT) jeopardy competition during ACC.18 in Orlando, USA from 10th to 12th March 2018. They emerged as the winner of the inaugural international FIT jeopardy competition.
Winners of C-factor Jeopardy Challenge at the Singapore Cardiac Society's (SCS) 30th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) 2018
The NUHCS team comprising Dr. Laureen Wang, Dr. Thet Khaing and Dr. Lim Ying Hao, won the C-factor Jeopardy Challenge at ASM 2018 by a large margin and will be representing Singapore at another Jeopardy Challenge at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) meeting in 2019.
NUHCS Celebrates 10th Anniversary!
NUHCS officially launched the year-long celebration of our 10th Anniversary at the sculpture garden on 25 June 2018. It was marked by the unveiling of a large clinic wall facade featuring NUHCS staff and services, as well as a tree planting ceremony.
Participation in NDP 2018 as Marching Contingent
NUHCS proudly formed a significant proportion of the marching contingent from NUHS for the NDP 2018 to celebrate Singapore's 53rd birthday.

2017

Launch of the Lung Surgery Centre
Integration of Cardiovascular Services between National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS) and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH)
In January 2017, the Ministry of Health announced the regrouping of Singapore's six Regional Health Systems (RHS) into three integrated clusters. The regrouping has led to an integration of NUHCS's and NTFGH's cardiology division. The integration also provided a broadened platform for professional development through cross-learnings.
Endorsement of the Sydney Brenner Fund
The Sydney Brenner Fund was established to help needy heart patients at the National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS), where Nobel Laureate Dr. Sydney Brenner was treated after he was diagnosed with heart disease. Realising how fortunate he is in being able to afford treatment, he recovered and resolved to give back by endorsing the Sydney Brenner Fund - his way of helping the underprivileged receive the treatment they need.
Launch of the Aortic Centre
To provide up-to-date and evidence-based management and aortic disease to the nation, a dedicated Aortic Centre was introduced in National University Heart Centre, Singapore, in 2017. As a one-stop centre for the diagnosis, screening and management of aortic disease, it willl take on a multi-collaborative approach by bringing together a multi-disciplinary team comprising cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, intenventional radiologists and cardiologists.
Securing of Open Fund - Large Collaborative Grant
To tackle heart failure as a national issue, the Cardiovascular Research Institute clinched a $25 million Open Fund - Large Collaborative Grant under National Medical Research Council (NMRC) working alongside NHCS, NUHCS, NTU, multiple A*STAR research institutes and multiple industry partners. This grant will launch a major national research initiative addressing Singapore's emerging epidemic of premature arterial disease from epidemology and basic vascular biology all the way through to therapeutic interventions.
Securing of the Third National Medical Research Council (NMRC) Grant
The Cardiovascular Research Institute successfully won the third grant (2017-2021) worth $10 million over four years.
Securing of Collaborative Centre Grants with National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS)
The Cardiovascular Research Institute acquired one of National Medical Research Council (NMRC)'s newly created collborative Centre Grants. Worth S$7 million over four years, the grant specifically supports clinical research projects conducted in partnership between NUHCS and NHCS, emphasising a new era of productive cooperation between the country's two Heart Centres.
Discovery of a New Way to Wrap and Protect Proteins
Asst. Prof. Chester Drum and his team discovered a finding that may aid in the treatment of diseases by encapsulating proteins inside a thermostable protein shell.

2016

Launch of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Retrieval Service

Launched in January 2016, the service provides the transfer of patients from other hospitals. When ECMO needs to be initiated, the team brings the equipment needed and assists to transfer the patient to NUHCS via an ambulance.
The service was created to help patients from other hospitals that do not offer ECMO.
Launch of Sports Cardiology Programme
NUHCS launched our Sports Cardiology programme in 2016. We work closely with National University Hospital's Sports Centre to provide cardiology assessment and multidisciplinary care for athletes and active individuals.
First Two Melody TPV Therapy Procedures in Singapore
In 2016, NUHCS succesfully performed our first two Melody TPV Therapy procedures jointly with the Division of Paediatric Cardiology National University Hospital.

2015

Asia Pacific's First Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT)
Formed in 2015, the National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS) PERT is a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, emergency, and intensive care physicians, haematologists and radiologists, which can be activated 24/7 to deliver timely, individualised care for PE patients.
Formation of Western STEMI Network

In order to provide timely, efficient and cost-effective services to patients with 'classic' heart attacks, National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS) has worked with Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH) to develop the Western STEMI network. Resources are consolidated from the two healthcare systems by providing a common on-call pool of interventional cardiologists and catheterisation laboratory emergency response team at NUHCS after office hours.
This creative and innovative collaboration, which follows American and European guidelines, not only serves patients with heart attacks in Western Singapore, but also represents a significant paradigm shift in the healthcare delivery model.
Formation of APN-led Cardiac Diabetes Clinic

In order to cater to the increasing patient load, National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS) collaborated with the endocrinologists to develop a cardio-metabolic clinic. Thereafter, the APN-led Cardiac Diabetes Clinic (ACDC) service was started from April 2015.
Beyond glucose control, the service aims to holistically optimise cardiovascular risk factors and provide secondary prevention screenings for cardiac patients with poorly controlled diabetes.

2014

Introduction of Telehealth Blood Pressure Monitoring Service

The NUHCS, in conjunction with MyHealth Sentinel, has set up Singapore’s first integrated telehealth monitoring service. This service extends the reach of healthcare monitoring from the hospital to the home for patients with hypertension, heart failure and poorly controlled diabetes on insulin.
These patients are sent home with an internet gateway and a bluetooth enabled blood pressure (BP) set, weighing scale or
glucometer. The set up is simple for the elderly with no need for wifi or mobile phone configuration. Patients can simply plug in and use. Monitoring at home enables their readings to be sent to the hospital, where dedicated nurses are assigned to track their
follow-up.

Since its inception in February 2014, it has monitored 800 patients to date.
Launch of the Heart Failure Transitional Care (TC) Programme
Launched in February 2014, the Heart Failure Transitional Care (TC) Programme was established to facilitate safe, smooth and quality transitions for heart failure patients from hospital to family setting.
Under the TC programme, the APNs and TC nurses actively provide review, management and education to selected inpatient and outpatient heart failure patients.

2013

Introduction of Robotic Catheter Ablation Service
The advanced technology in the Electrophysiology (EP) Robotic Catheter system provides unique enhanced navigational precision and stability to manoeuvre a percutaneous catheter. It provides a degree of control which is not possible with a standard manually operated catheter. Additionally, it allows for direct measurement of the force applied to the heart surface through the ablation catheter.
Securing of 4-year Centre Grant for Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI)

Cardiovascular Research Institute won a new 4-year Centre Grant of S$10million. The centre's capable team of clinical and basic scientists led by Prof. A Mark Richards have secured the grant to be devoted to research on "HEART FAILURE: mechanisms, markers and management."
Started new catheter ablation service using the Hansen Sensei-X system

2012

Opening of the Hybrid Operating Theatre

The “Hybrid” operating theatre at NUHCS combines all the features of a standard operating room with state of the art imaging. It’s a glimpse into the future of surgery and sets a new standard of care for patients with cardiovascular disease.

The Hybrid OT also opens up doors to new procedures, such as branched endografts for thoracoabdominal aneurysms and percutaneous heart valve repair, for which imaging is crucial.
Start of the Mitraclip Mitral Valve Repair Programme

2011

Launch of the Women’s Heart Health Programme
A common disease in men, the nature of heart disease in women varies significantly.

Some conditions affect more women than men, such as diastolic heart failure, Apical Ballooning Syndrome or “Broken Heart Syndrome”. Even when the disease is similar, presenting symptoms may be less obvious in women or the underlying mechanisms may differ. Factors such as menopause also have a greater impact and increases a woman’s risk of developing heart disease.

In view of such differences, the National University Heart Centre, Singapore has introduced for the first time in Singapore, a Women’s Heart health programme dedicated to women with and at risk of heart disease.
Formation of Division of Thoracic Surgery
The Division of Thoracic Surgery is established to bring our
services to the next peak of excellence. We aim to create a center of excellence in Thoracic Surgery serving patients in Singapore and beyond. The formation of this Division forges a strong identity of thoracic surgery within NUH and affirms its status as a mature and distinct specialty.
Opening Of the new premises of National University Heart Centre, Singapore

The new three storey block in the main building, just at the doorstep of the new Circle Line Kent Ridge MRT station, brings together several departments that used to be scattered across the hospital grounds. The Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery departments and the Cardiovascular Research Institute, to name a few, now come under one roof.
Launch of Magnetic Resonance Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Service
Magnetic resonance myocardial perfusion imaging service started at the National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS) in 2011.

2010

The Cardiovascular Research Institute clinched its very first NMRC Grant in 2010, having started the planning and writing for the grant throughout the mid to late part of 2009. The Centre Grant, along with NUHCS's start-up support, helped building CVRI's foundation.
Launch of the Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) Programme
The MICS programme involves using an enhanced technique of using smaller incisions and tools for heart surgery. Due to smaller incisions, there is less trauma to the body and less blood loss, which leads to decreased length of hospital stay. The programme is backed by a clinical and basic research team, which reviews data and helps further advance MICS technologies in the lab, with funding support from National Medical Research Council.
Securing of Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) Grant for "Bench to Bedside" Translational Cardiovascular Research
The NUHCS/CVRI has been successful in securing a Centre Grant to pursue “bench to bedside” translational cardiovascular research. Led by Prof Mark Richards, Director, Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) of NUHS, and four theme Principal Investigators, Assoc Prof Ling Lieng Hsi, Assoc Prof Shirley Ooi, Assoc Prof Theodore Kofidis and Prof Carolyn Lam, the Grant of some $6 million over an initial 2 years (with the potential for further support for up to 5 years overall) will underpin a programme of research involving up to 100 investigators and collaborators aimed at improving the ability to detect and to manage a range of heart disease.
Launch of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) programme
The first week of November 2010 marked a milestone for the National University Heart Centre with launch of the transcatheter aortic valve implantation programme and the successful therapy of patients with aortic valve stenosis.
National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS) performed its first robotic Heart Valve Surgery.

2009

The world’s first Uniportal VATS lobectomy was performed by thoracic doctors in 2009 at NUHCS.
Launch of the Left Atrial Appendage Programme

2008

First Press Conference of National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS) in December
Announcement of Name Change for Cardiovascular Centre
In March 2008, the National University Health System (NUHS) announced that the Ministry of Health approved the naming of Cardiovascular Centre in NUH as the National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS)

2007

Establishment of National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS)
National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS) brings together cardiac specialists and experts from a multitude of medical and surgical disciplines to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to the treatment of heart problems. It is set up by the National University Health System (NUHS) to meet the growing need for expert care to look after the increasing number of people suffering from heart disease.
Opening of Angiography Centre

2006

Launch of Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) service
Cardiac CT service was officially launched in National University Heart Centre, Singapore with a Siemens Somatom Sensation 64-detector CT scanner.
Accreditation of Vascular Training Programme
Our Vascular Training Programme was accreditated by Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).
Acquisition of Biplane Flat Panel Imaging System

The cardiac catheterisation laboratory acquired a new biplane flat panel imaging system for use in diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular procedures.
Introduction of Multi-slice Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography
Multi-slice (64-slice) Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography was introduced on 1 April 2006; a collaborative project between the Department of Diagnostic Imaging and the Cardiac Department.

2004

Won national accolade for Cardiology Information System
Opening of Clinic H to provide dedicated care for our heart patients
Launch of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Programme
Official launch of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Programme by The Heart Institute. Managed by a multi-disciplinary team and a group of trained nurses, this programme offers specialised cardiac care and treatment to adult patients with this condition.
Launch of Adult Congenital and Structural Programme
Official launch of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Programme by The Heart Institute. Managed by a multi-disciplinary team and a group of trained nurses, this programme offers specialised cardiac care and treatment to adult patients with this condition.

This is the first of such specialised service in Singapore and Southeast Asia

2002

Opening of the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit Ward
Opening of the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit ward with 11 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds and 4 High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds by Dr. Balaji Sadasivan, then Minister of State for the Ministry of the Environment (2001 - 2003).

2001

Formation of The Heart Institute

The Heart Institute (THI) @ National University Health System was formed, comprising cardiology and cardiac surgery at NUH, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Alexandra Hospital and National Healthcare Group (NHG) polyclinics.
Opening of Cardiac Centre (now known as Cardiac Clinic)
The Cardiac Centre was set up in March 2001 to bring a comprehensive range of cardiac services, both non-invasive and invasive procedures, to a more accessible location and conducive ambience for the benefit of our patients. It has also expanded its capacity to cater to the needs of more patients. And with the opening of the new Invasive Catheterisation suite, that allows both coronary and peripheral intervention work, patients that need catheterization can now get an immediate appointment.

1990

Launch of Cardiac Rehabilitation programme at National University Hospital (NUH)

Established in the late 1990s, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme (CRP) at National University Hospital (NUH) is characterised with a provisional comprehensive long term services involving medical evaluation, prescriptive exercise; cardiac risk factor modification, education, counselling and behavioural interventions
Opening of 12-bed Coronary Care Unit

1989

Formation of Cardiac Dept, National University Hospital

1986

Formation of Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS)
The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, under the Department of Surgery, NUH was formed. It is now known as the Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS). NUH performed its first coronary bypass graft surgery.

1985

Cardiac Surgery, coronary angioplasty and ambulatory blood pressure were introduced.

1981

Electrophysiology started in NUH.

1976

M-mode echocardiology started in NUH.

1967

The Coronary Care Unit (CCU) was established.

1964

Cardiac catheterization was introduced.

2019/12/04

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2018/05/30