Western STEMI Network - A Nexus of Care for Patients

At the heart of Singapore's western health cluster is the Western ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Network, a joint effort with National University Hospital (NUH) Emergency Department, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

A Tripartite Collaboration

The Western STEMI Network is a collaborative protocol system involving National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS), NUH Emergency Department, NTFGH as well as SCDF.

The network aims to:

• Centralise the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) service delivery in NUHCS for the western health cluster.
• Build a clinically efficient and cost-effective service based in a tertiary cardiac centre, well supported by disciplines including critical cardiac care and cardiothoracic surgery.

Progress and Achievements

The network was developed when NTFGH was based at the Alexandra Campus and saw a smooth transition of service to its permanent site in Jurong on 30 June 2015. Since the introduction of the Western STEMI Network, despite the increasing number of heart patients, the median treatment time for transferred patients has shortened significantly in a year. Recently, the Western STEMI Network has achieved recognition by the NUHS- Mochtar Riady Pinaccle Award, and will strive to form the foundation for future acute cardiac services within the cluster.

By: Dr. Loh Poay Huan