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Key Milestones



​Year
​Event
​2023
​Prof William Hwang was presented National Outstanding Clinician Award and Prof Julian Thumboo received the National Outstanding Clinician Mentor Award.
​2022
​Prof Chan Choon Meng received the National Outstanding Clinician Educator Award and Prof Marcus Ong was presented with the National Outstanding Clinician Award.
​2021
​Prof Tan Hak Koon received the National Outstanding Clinician Educator Award and Assoc Prof Wong Kok Seng was presented with National Outstanding Clinician Mentor Award.
​2020
​Ms Patricia Yong, Deputy Director, Nursing, received the President's Award for Nurses 2020.
​2019​Ms Ang Shin Yuh, Assistant Director of Nursing, received the President's Award for Nurses 2019.
​Prof London Lucien Ooi was presented National Outstanding Clinician Mentor Award.

​2018


​1,000 and counting: SGH reaches milestone in deceased donor kidney transplant
​SGH performs Singapore’s first blood group incompatible living donor liver transplant
​Ms Goh Meh Meh, Deputy Director of Nursing, received the President's Nurse Award 2018.
​Prof Lim Boon Leng was presented National Outstanding Clinician Educator Award.

​2016

​SGH study found that co-testing programme improves detection rate of cervical cancer

2015

Prof Tan Puay Hoon was presented National Outstanding Clinician Award

Diabetes & Metabolism Centre began its operations.  

APN Lim Su Fee (Dr), was presented with President Nurses Award

2014

Singapore Scientists Discover Genetic Cause of Common Breast Tumours in Women

SGH received Joint Commission International (JCI) - Academic Medical Center accreditation.

2013

SGH and NTU develops, Mona Lisa, biospy tool to detect prostate cancer

SGH O&G developes a new procedure to help women in chemotherapy to preserve ovary

Academia - New iconic building for Diagnostics, Research and Healthcare Education opens officially on SGH Campus

SGH Transplant Centre began its operations at SGH Block 7, Level 1.

SGH Autoimmunity & Rheumatology Centre (ARC) began it's operation on 8 May 2013 and is the only centre in the region to provide a one-stop service dedicated to complex rheumatology and autoimmune disorders.

SGH researchers have found that therapeutic hypothermia when used on patients immediately after resuscitation can reduce chances of death and brain damage.

2012


SGH is first in South East Asia to be able to remove hard-to-reach cancers of the throat, tongue and tonsils using the daVinci robot-assisted surgical system to perform minimally invasive procedures.

First Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplant in Singapore

SGH to start world’s first trial to determine optimal time for delivering electrical shocks to cardiac arrest patients

A team of doctors in SGH Campus, identified and found a solution to a mutated gene in patients that lessens drug effects, and they can be given other forms of treatment.

SGH and Duke-NUS to start Singapore’s first trial of an antiviral medicine for treatment of dengue fever.

A study by O&G doctors, enable the early detection and diagnosis of clear cell ovarian cancer to allow patients to receive specific treatment earlier.

2011

SGH received Joint Commission International (JCI) Re-accreditation.

SGH and NCCS pioneers new non-invasive treatment for prostate cancer

Type I diabetes patients is able to manage their diabetes better with a new programme with DAFNE or Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating, first and only in Asia.

SGH was endorsed by WHO as one of the four Global Hand Hygiene Expert Centre

2010

First Dual-kidney transplant from an older donor

SGH is the first Magnet ® recognized hospital in Asia

$20 million clinical research unit, SingHealth Investigational Medicine Unit opens at SGH.

SGH implemented the world’s first fully integrated Bed Management System with RFID technology enables workflow automation that helps improves waiting time for admissions, capacity and caregiver effectiveness.

2009

SGH Bowyer Block which houses the SGH Museum has been designated a national monument

SGH and SingHealth launches its first bilingual health newspaper, Singapore Health

SGH, International SOS and Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore sign an agreement to develop emergency and general medical care programmes to upgrade the skills, knowledge and training capabilities of the medical professionals.

Kidney transplantation from the oldest living donor is performed.

SGH is the first to implement a new integrated radiology management solution as part of a ten-year commitment between Microsoft and SingHealth to improve patient care through healthcare technology innovation in Singapore.

SGH and National Heart Centre Singapore jointly performed Asia's first combined heart and liver transplant for a patient with Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy

SGH, Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel), and HSAGlobal pilot the Community Care Management Solution, an electronic health record and management system that enables remote monitoring of patients and islandwide access to medical records

The largest hospital-based hyperbaric facility is opened.

A dedicated centre for interventional radiology is launched.

2008

SGH launched its first integrated centre for lifestyle-related condiions- The Lifestyle Improvement & Fitness Enhancement (LIFE) Centre

A Singapore team led by A/ Prof Xiao Zhi Cheng from SGH makes key Alzheimer's discovery that could eventually lead to a cure for Alzheimer's disease.

2007

SGH launched the first patient newspaper, Outram Now.

Novalis system, a radiation therapy technique for brain cancer patients is installed at SGH

Khoo Teck Puat Neuro-Navigation Integrated (KTP-NNI) Operating Suites opens at SGH. It houses a new neuro-science centre, where for the first time, a full range of medical technologies- digitally integrated- will be on tap, from diagnosis through to treatment.

New three-dimensional imaging scanner, the O-Arm, arrives at SGH, making spinal operations safer at SGH.

Groundbreaking for new SGH Pathology Building kickstarts the building of state-of-the-art and centralised Pathology services at SGH.

2006

SGH celebrates its 185th Birthday

SGH launched the Postgraduate Allied Health Institute (PGAHI), Singapore's first postgraduate institute aimed at providing more focused and synergistic development programmes for the advancement and training of allied health professionals.

The orchid Dendrobium SGH is cultivated to mark SGH’s 185th birthday. Dendrobium SGH symbolizes the Hospital's status as a distinct regional centre of excellence, committed to uphold its slogan of 'A Tradition of Caring and Excellence'

Senior Nurse Clinician, Tan Siok Bee, was presented with the President's Nurse Award.

2005

SGH achieved Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. SGH is the largest teaching hospital in Asia to be accorded such a recognition

SGH achieved Business Continuity Management (BCM) certification.

The SGH Musuem was officially opened by His Excellency, President S R Nathan on 20 May

2004

Department of Pathology celebrates 100th anniversary

SGH became first hospital in the region to include Pain as the fifth vital sign

A centralised Drug and Poison Information Centre (DPIC) is established at SGH

A/Prof Anantharaman became the first doctor in Asia to be presented with the Fellowship of the International Federation of Emergency Medicine

SGH achieved OHSAS 180001 Certification

2003

The Department of Pathology received accreditation by College of American Pathologists (CAP)

Singapore's first Cyclotron installed at SGH

Establishment of Department of Behavioural Medicine

Establishment of Department of Rheumatology & Immnuology

SGH pioneered the Hair Apposition Technique, a new treatment for scalp wounds

The Dietetics & Nutrition Services Department became the first in-house kitchen in the healthcare industry to achieve the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification

Liver dialysis is introduced for patients suffering from acute liver failure

A/Prof Ho Lai Yun was presented with the Outstanding Paediatrician for Asia Award by the Association of Paediatric Societies in Southeast Asia Region (APSSEAR)

SGH wins three Asian Hospital Management Awards

Dr Ling Ai Ee received the Excellence Award at the 6th Asia Pacific Congress of Medical Virology

2002

A/Prof Patrick Tan was conferred the Excellence for Singapore Award 2002 for his outstanding pioneering efforts and unprecedented achievements in the field of Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant

World's first modified jaw advancement technique for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Asians is performed

Singapore's first case of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar disectomy (PLD) for slipped disc is performed

SGH wins two Asian Hospital Management Awards

First Decontamination Centre in Southeast Asia opens at SGH

Senior Nurse Manager, Lee Seok Pang, was presented with the President's Nurse Award.

2001

SGH celebrates its 180th Birthday

SGH successfully separated a pair of craniopagus conjoined twins from Nepal in a historical 97-hour long surgery

SGH performed the world's first case of cord blood transplant for a patient with Thalassaemia Major

The SGH Team for the Conjoined Twins Separation was conferred the Excellence for Singapore Award 2001

The world's first two cases of non-myeloablative cord blood transplants were performed, one for a patient with multiple myeloma and the second with acute myeloid leukaemia

Senior Breast Care Nurse Clinician Saraswathi Nagalingam became one of the two winners of the inaugural President's Nurse Award.

2000

Establishment of SGH ENT Centre

A combined team from the SGH ENT department and National Dental Centre performed the first bilateral maxillo-mandibular advancement operation in Southeast Asia

The first lung transplant in Singapore was carried out by a multidisciplinary team from SGH, National Heart Centre and National Cancer Centre

SGH joined the Singapore Health Services' network of polyclinics, hospitals and national centres, following the major re-organisation of the healthcare services of the nation into two clusters

SGH is presented with the Public Service Award for Organisational Excellence

A/Prof Francis Seow-Choen was presented with the Excellence for Singapore Award for his outstanding contributions to the training of international surgeons as well as for seminal research and surgical innovations in the field of colorectal surgery

Asia's first unicompartmental arthroplasty is performed

Singapore's first Minimally-invasive Vertebroplasty procedure for relief of backache is performed

SGH Team performed the world's first procedure of forearm attachment to shoulder blade is performed

1999

SGH celebrates its 10th anniversary of restructuring

Opening of SGH Life Support Training Centre

SGH achieved People Developer Standard

Dr Peter Eng from the Department of Endocrinology received the Knoll Thyroid Research Clinical Fellowship Award at the Annual Meeting of the American Endocrine Society held in June, in San Diego, USA

Establishment of SGH Haematology Centre

SGH achieved ISO 14001 certification

The Department of Renal Medicine and Department of Urology performed SGH's 1,000th kidney transplant

The first successful case of blastocyst transfer for IVF achieved by Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

The first human bilateral fetal brain transplanted for Parkinson's Disease in Asia was performed

1998

First stem cell transplant using unrelated cord blood is performed

SGH launches Evidence-based medicine

Opening of the new SGH Urology Centre

1997

Establishment of the SGH O&G Centre

The Institute of Advanced Nursing is established

SGH became a member of the Singapore Quality Class

Dr Charles Tsang from the Department of Colorectal Surgery became the first non-American to receive the Carl E Christenson Award as the outstanding Colorectal Resident by the University of Minnesota

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy is available for the first time in Southeast Asia for the management of tinnitus

1996

Singapore General Hospital celebrates 175 years of service to the nation

SGH achieved ISO9002 Certification

Asian Institute of Management conferred its prestigious AIM award on SGH for excelling in operation management.

Dr Tan Seang Beng from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery became the first surgeon from Asia to win the Hibb's award from the world renowned Scoliosis Research Society

1995

The world's first peripheral blood stem cell transplant from a matched unrelated donor to a Thalassaemia Major patient is carried out

Singapore Heart Centre is established at SGH

New Diabetes Centre provides one-stop treatment for the whole range of diabetic problems

A new endoscopic procedure that has revolutionised the removal of pituitary tumours is introduced

The two Orthopaedic Departments "C" and "O" are merged

The three general medical departments reorganised and the Departments of Endocrinology, Gastroenterology and Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine are established

1994

SGH established its Postgraduate Medical Institute

The SGH Brain Centre is established to integrate the services and programmes of Neurology and Neurosurgery at SGH

First transplant of a patient with high grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (Burkitt's type) using a high dose chemotherapy programme with peripheral stem cell rescue

Stereotactic radiosurgery is established for the first time in Singapore and ASEAN region

First paediatric renal transplant is carried out

First impaction bone grafting revision hip replacement

First sequential whole lung lavage under general anaesthesia and double lung ventilation performed on a patient with Pulmonary Alveolar Protelnosis, a rare lung disease

1993

New Neurology Department is established

New services introduced include an Asthma Clinic & Education Centre, Diabetic Foot Clinic and a CAPD (continuous ambulatory percutaneous dialysis) Centre

SGH is the first hospital in Asia to use virtual reality surgery to successfully remove brain tumours and arteriovenous malformations

Hand surgeons invented the Ambience Control Device used in post-operative recovery of patients with complicated microvascular reconstruction and replantation surgery

New surgical speech rehabilitation service is established for post-laryngectomy patients

Laparoscopic surgery is introduced for paediatric patients

1992

A surgical procedure in vaginal reconstruction devised by Plastic Surgeon Dr Julian Wee and Paediatric Surgeon Dr V T Joseph is termed "The Singapore Flap" and is adopted by doctors at the Mayo Clinic

The first arrhythmia patient is implanted with an automatic implantable cardioconverter defibrillator which administers electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm

The first selective rhizotomy for spastic cerebral palsy for the relief of pain or muscle spasm is performed successfully

The first reported pregnancy in Singapore from the transfer of embryo fertilised by microinjecting microsurgically retrieved epididymal sperm into the ovum

First successful pregnancy in a kidney patient on dialysis

First renal transplant involving a diabetic patient

Establishment of the SGH Urology Centre

Establishment of the SGH Endoscopy Centre

Introduction of computer-assisted neurosurgery for brain tumours, haemorrhagic strokes and epilepsy surgery

The GAMMAMED l2i, one of the most advanced High Dose Rate Afterloading Brachytherapy units is available at SGH

1991

Launch of the Young Investigaror's Award to encourage and recognise research efforts of doctors under 35-years of age

Department of Medical Oncology is established

Three new state-of-the-art digital cardiac laboratories are established. Coronary angioplasty at SGH has a success rate of 91 per cent, comparable to results in overseas centres

SGH is the first hospital in Southeast Asia to provide catheter ablation

The Development Assessment Clinic is established under the Department of Neonatology

The first spouse-to-spouse renal transplant is carried out

The first renal transplant involving a recipient with systemic lupus erythematosus is carried out

The Department of Plastic Surgery successfully uses cultured skin on two burns patients in a pilot study

1990

Singapore's first heart transplant is performed

SGH's first successful pregnancy achieved through ovum donation

First successful pregnancy in Asia achieved through surgical sperm retrieval

Asia's first percutaneous endoscopic cholecystectomy, the removal of gall bladder using an endoscope, is performed

SGH is the first hospital to launch an Annual Scientific Meeting

1989

SGH is the first government hospital to be restructured

Department of Colorectal Surgery is established

The Department of Clinical Research is set up to provide facilities and key personnel to guide and assist clinicians in laboratory-based research

The Oncology Centre is established at SGH to cater to the needs of cancer patients

The Department of Cardiology is the first in Singapore to introduce transoesophageal echo doppler studies

ENT surgeons perform the first cochlear implant surgery (which gives hearing to the profoundly deaf) in Southeast Asia

Laser Lithotripsy is introduced for treatment of ureteric stones

Department of Colorectal Surgery is the first in the region to provide anorectal physiology measurements for patients with colorectal problems

1988

SGH is the first hospital in Southeast Asia to provide cardiac arrhythmia surgery which corrects the abnormality in the rhythm of the heart

Department of Urology is established

1986

New departments of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Neonatology are established

Prenatal diagnosis of Thalassaemia is available for the first time in Singapore with the introduction of in-utero fetal sampling

1985

The new Department of Haematology is formed. The adult Bone Marrow Transplant programme is introduced

Hand Surgery Department is established

Cardiology Department embarks successfully on percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography (PTCA), a balloon procedure to open an obstruction or narrowing of a blood vessel

1984

Department of Nuclear Medicine gets its first gamma camera with microprocessor facilities

1983

A paediatric bone marrow transplant programme is established

SGH is the first public hospital to acquire a CT scanner - its diagnostic accuracy brings about a quantum leap in the practice of radiology

ENT surgeons perform the first laser surgery using carbon dioxide laser

1982

Establishment of coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) programme

First total knee replacement operation is performed

1981

The new Singapore General Hospital is opened by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew

The Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine and Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery are transferred back to SGH from TTSH

Paediatric Surgery is established as a separate department

Three linear accelerators are commissioned enabling the hospital to provide quality care for patients requiring radiotherapy

1980

First toe to thumb transplant is performed

Department of Nuclear Medicine is established

1978

The Accident & Emergency Department handles its first mass casualty disaster when a Greek tanker, Spyros, explodes and leaves 68 victims suffering from serious burns and blast injuries

 1977

Orthopaedic surgeons perform microvascular surgery - 23 reattachments are performed with 80 per cent success rate

1976

The living-related donor transplant programme is successful with the first two living-related renal transplants carried out

1975

Surgical Intensive Care Unit opens

Establishment of Self Dependency Dialysis Unit

1974

The Emergency Unit is redesignated as the Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department

A Gastroendoscopic Service is started

A Paediatric Surgery Unit is established under Department of Surgery

1973

Renal Unit becomes the Department of Renal Medicine

1972

The new Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department opens

1970

A Committee on Medical Specialisation is appointed by the government to make recommendations for development of medical specialties
A 10-bed Dialysis Unit is set up

Singapore's first renal transplant is performed

1969

Hospital charges are introduced for C class wards

1968

First two patients with chronic renal failure are started on regular haemodialysis
Department of Radiology is divided into two separate departments - Diagnostic Radiology and Radiotherapy

The Hospital is renamed Outram Road General Hospital

1967

Coronary Care Unit is established

1965

A third medical unit is set up

First open heart surgery is performed

1964

A new Emergency Unit opens

A radioisotope laboratory is established

1963

First five honorary Consultants appointed. They are Dr B H Sheares, Dr Yeoh Ghim Seng, Dr Seow Li Jin, Prof E S Monteiro and Dr Robert C K Loh

First cardiac laboratory set up

1961

Renal Unit is established

1960

First open-heart surgery under hypothermia is performed

1959

First closed heart surgery is performed

1958

Oral Sabin vaccine is successful against the polio epidemic

The new Burns Unit is completed

1957

ENT established as a specialty department

1956

Second orthopaedic department is established

1955

Carotid angiography used for the first time

Mistri Wing opens and two paediatric units move in

1954

Electroencephalography (EEG) is introduced

1951

ENT Unit is established under Surgical Unit B

Orthopaedic Surgery is recognised as a specialty

1948

Casualty & Outpatient Services set up

1947

The Unit System is introduced and instituted in all wards, classifying patients according to illnesses, rather than economic status

1946

The Upper, Middle and Lower Blocks are renamed Bowyer, Stanley and Norris Blocks respectively, in memory of long-serving doctors who died during the war

The maternity wing of the Hospital is transferred to Kandang Kerbau Hospital

1942

SGH is occupied by the Japanese Army

1934

Ophthalmology (the first specialty department) set up

1930

Blood Transfusion Service established under Pathology division

1929

Portable machine for electrocardiography (ECG) introduced

1926

Singapore General Hospital at Sepoy Lines is opened by Governor Sir Lawrence Guillemard. It is the seventh in the line of General Hospitals

1913

X-rays introduced into hospital practice

1907

First specialist appointment - Pathologist

1905

First medical school opens at Sepoy Lines

1898

First x-ray machine arrives in Singapore, but it is located in the Municipal Office, not the Hospital

1882

Sixth General Hospital opens at Sepoy Lines

1860

Fifth General Hospital opens at the Kandang Kerbau district

1845

Fourth General Hospital (also known as Seamen's Hospital) receives its first patient

1828

Third General Hospital opens

1822

Second General Hospital opens

1821

The first General Hospital opens