Click here to watch the video of the new Deck on 9

People-first isn’t just a phrase, it’s a promise. SGH has been putting more resources to bring this promise to life, creating an environment where our colleagues can imagine, connect and recharge. It recently refurbished its staff areas, Deck on 9 and Getaway (former staff lounge), located at Block 6 Level 9. First known as the Void Deck in the 1980s, the space was refreshed and renamed Deck on 9 in 2008, before undergoing this latest transformation. 

The Getaway offers a comfortable environment for rest and work. Featuring over 80 seats for co-working, the refreshed Getaway also includes a multi-purpose room that doubles as a dance studio, as well as co-working pods for focused work or small group discussions. 

The event space, Deck on 9, has been upgraded with wrap-around pillar LCD panels and a woofed-up AV system for an enhanced event experience which also enables virtual livestreaming. The Deck on 9 is already open, while the Staff Lounge will welcome staff from 3 November 2025. Together, these spaces aim to create a more engaging and uplifting environment for all who work at SGH.  

Special thanks to the dedication of colleagues from Facilities Development, Environmental Services, Worklife (HR), Office of Wellbeing, Environmental Health Safety, Infection Control and Epidemiology, Operations, Finance, Communications for the development of the new spaces. 

Behind this transformation is a passionate team of colleagues from various departments who turned vision into reality. They share what went into making these new spaces a reality: 

Louis Tan, Assistant Project Director, Facilities Development

What was your role in this project? 
I was the project manager for the renovation works for Deck on 9 and the Staff Lounge. My team and I handled the planning, budgeting, appointment of consultants and contractors, and the supervision of the works. 

We also reviewed the design and materials used, to make it more enjoyable for our colleagues when using the facilities.  For example, we selected a timber flooring system for the Multi-purpose Room and Dance Studio that provides shock absorption to reduce injury risk, and the right amount of friction to prevent tripping or slipping. The upper layer of the floor is treated with a special material to reduce the growth of germs and bacteria — an important feature in a hospital setting. The wall panels also absorb sound for better acoustics. 

Were there any unique challenges during the design and planning stage? 
Ahe biggest challenge was noise control during hacking works, as the Isolation Ward is directly below and the rooms where the junior doctors can rest when they are on-call at night are adjacent to Deck on 9. We worked closely with the contractor to use special tools that reduce vibration to minimise noise. 

Gary Ong, Senior Assistant Director, Office of Well-being

What was your department’s role in this project? 
The Office of Hospital Experience was involved to ensure that the well-being spaces were thoughtfully designed to create a positive and uplifting environment for our colleagues. We wanted the space to feel warm and inviting — not sterile. You’ll find nature-inspired wallpaper, and neon signage that make the lounge feel like a refreshing getaway. 

What is one thing staff can look forward to most? 
Definitely the Staff Lounge! Every detail was designed with staff comfort in mind — from the colour palette that promotes calmness, to the furniture we chose. The sofas have high backs so staff can lean back for a good rest, thick cushions for comfort, and cooling fabric that’s easy to clean. Even the chairs were selected for sturdiness and stability. It’s a place to truly unwind. 

Tan Yoke Chang, Assistant Manager, Worklife Unit 

What was Worklife/HR’s responsibility in this project?

We considered staff needs and feedback and worked with the Facilities Development and Interior Design teams to finalise the lounge layout. Based on staff request for more seating, 80 seats were added, expanding the dining and rest zones. Two work pods were also added for discussions or online meetings. A useful feature is the electrical power points with integrated USB ports (Type A and C) near the seats so staff can easily charge their laptops, phones and other devices. 

How does the new Staff Lounge support staff well-being? 
This Staff Lounge is a complete makeover since the last renovation in 2009. An important change is the accessibility to staff 24/7, with card access entry.  Night-shift staff can grab a bite from the vending machines, or rest at the cosy Wellness Enclave that now has it’s own room for privacy.  The beautifully transformed Staff Lounge shows the attention and importance placed on staff well-being in SGH.   

Michelle Choh, Senior Assistant Manager, Communications 

Why was the Communications Department involved in this project? 

The Communications team played a key role in shaping the vision of Block 6 Level 9. From naming of the spaces, to developing the visual identity and suggesting a more robust Audio/Video system. Our role was to ensure that the touchpoints and new facilities reflected the intent of a space for colleagues to imagine and connect.

What role did collaboration play in bringing this project to life? 
Collaboration was key. We worked with many departments — from Infection Prevention & Epidemiology to Environmental Services and Facilities Development. Each brought different needs and ideas, but our guiding question was always, “How will this best serve our staff?” That focus helped us find common ground and make meaningful design choices. 

If you could describe the new Staff Lounge in three words, what would they be? 
Innovative, Inclusive, Invigorating. 

It’s innovative because it redefines staff spaces with modular designs – we can rearrange the furniture to adapt to various activities from brainstorming sessions to wellness breaks. 

It’s inclusive because we surveyed staff across departments for their input on the design and even the names of the spaces, ensuring it feels like it belongs to everyone. 

And it’s invigorating — a space that recharges body, mind, and spirit, fostering creativity, connection, and well-being. 

Thoughtfully designed by staff, for staff, the refreshed Block 6 Level 9 stands as a commitment to SGH’s people-first approach. Here’s to more ideas imagined, connections made and moments of joy at work. 

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