24/7 medicine collection on trial in Marine Parade

MARINE Parade Polyclinic, which closed for renovation in May last year, will officially reopen on May 18 with expanded facilities plus a 24/7 prescription pick-up service in the works.

The previous infrastructure of the polyclinic, which opened in 1977 and was last renovated in late 2008, "posed challenges in catering to the health needs of our ageing population", Agnes Koong Ying Leng, clinic director of SingHealth Polyclinics Marine Parade, told My Paper.

After the revamp, the polyclinic has now doubled in size and has more registration counters, consultation rooms and more space for waiting areas.

A new medication pick-up service, called Pilbox, where patients or their caregivers can collect their prescription refills around the clock, is also being piloted.

Patients were previously referred to nearby polyclinics for x-rays but these can now be done in-house.

The frequency of other services such as pap smears and family planning counselling has been increased.

Chia Kim Hua, a patient at the polyclinic, said the new layout is "well-planned".

"It is very spacious after the redevelopment, especially near the entrance at level 1," he added.

Elsewhere, Punggol residents can look forward to the upcoming Punggol Polyclinic in Oasis Terraces, next to Oasis LRT station.

"The age-friendly clinic will be equipped with lifts and low ramps for wheelchair and pram access," said a SingHealth spokesman.

The new polyclinic will have special services such as physiotherapy and podiatry. Punggol Polyclinic will also "house larger modules for dental, women and children's health services to cater to the needs of the community".

Over at Bedok Polyclinic, new features are in the pipeline.

A new care delivery model will be introduced, where a regular team of doctors and nurses will ensure coordination and continuity of care for patients.

New technology will also be introduced for patients to self-manage their conditions.

Services such as radiology, physiotherapy and podiatry will also be offered.

lydialam@sph.com.sg

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