Medical Highlights | KK Women's and Children's Hospital

2022

The Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines for Early Childhood is launched to set a strong foundation for healthy lifestyle behaviours and good long-term health outcomes in young children under seven years of age, and improve national health.

2021

The Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines for Children and Adolescents is launched to improve health and promote adoption of healthy lifestyle habits for children and adolescents aged seven to 18 years of age.
KKH and SGH launch FertStart, a research study supported by the Prime Minister’s Office. It investigates strategies to improve fertility knowledge and parenthood intentions in couples, with the aim to encourage young couples to start their family early and boost birth rates.
KKH launches the one-STop Obstetric high RisK (STORK) Centre to provide integrated care for women with complex and high risk pregnancies, to meet the increasing demand for holistic tertiary-level obstetric care.
KKH opens the Musculoskeletal Centre and Eye Centre - one-stop facilities that deliver early and preventive care, and management of orthopaedic and spine as well as eye conditions.
KKH and other institutions, with collaborators from Cambridge University, identify live microbes across fetal organs that stimulate activation of fetal T-cells during the second trimester of gestation. This has broad implications on the establishment of immune competency and priming before birth.

2020

KKH launches Singapore's first set of guidelines on physical activity and exercise during pregnancy, to improve health outcomes of mother and child.
KKH offers teleconsultation to medically eligible patients as an effort to continue provision of care during COVID-19.
KKH Infectious Disease Service find that a generally well infant with COVID-19 can contaminate the environment, in particular, the surfaces closer to the child’s bed with the virus. Findings were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
A research study collaboration by KKH’s Department of Reproductive Medicine; with scientists from A*STAR’s Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN) and researchers in China, have debunked the assumption that immune system cells in the body are of the same origin during fetal development. The findings of this study have been published in the scientific journal, Nature.
KKH Department of Emergency Medicine publish an article on the Emergeny Department’s (ED) experience with adapting to the unique challenges of COVID-19. The article was published in the Emergency Medicine Journal.
KKH-developed novel clinical protocol to screen and triage women with threatened miscarriages, is published in Scientific Reports. This safe and effective protocol revolutionised the management of women with threatened miscarriage, and is readily adapted for use with only a single blood test.
A multidisciplinary team at KKH devise the SMART (Skin Mark clipped Axillary nodes Removal Technique) surgical technique to enhance the safety and cost-effectiveness of lymph node removal for women with advanced stage breast cancer.
Researchers and clinician-scientists from KKH and collaborating institutions identify a pivotal “fetal-like” reprogramming of the tumour ecosystem, where liver cancers adopt a fetal-like environment to escape immune surveillance and grow more aggressively.
KKH and collaborating institutions discover that mothers can pass allergies to offspring while they are developing in the womb. The finding is reported in Science, and hints at why infants exhibit allergies early in life, and suggests possible interventions.
The Singapore Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research Network (SORN), is established by KKH, SGH and the National University Hospital (NUH) to improve health outcomes of future generations of women, children and families in Singapore.

2019

Utilising 3D-printing technology, the paediatric Lower Limb Discrepancy (LLD) and Deformity Clinic at KKH is able to carry out a range of intervention and reconstruction options for a wide spectrum of complex and rare lower limb discrepancies and deformities in children.
As part of a four-year collaboration between SingHealth, Singapore International Foundation (SIF) and Foundation for the Development of Children with Special Needs (YPAC) Jakarta, a team of KKH occupational therapists will provide occupational therapy training for 50 SPED practitioners from YPAC Jakarta and other local institutions, with the potential to benefit an estimated 1,700 children with special needs and their families.
A study conducted by KKH and National University of Singapore's (NUS) Faculty of Engineering shows that a world's first novel artificial intelligence (AI)-powered ultrasound guided automated spinal landmark identification system, called uSINETM, enhances patient care by improving the accuracy and success rate of first attempt needle insertion during spinal anaesthesia. Led by KKH, in collaboration with researchers from the NUS Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, uSINETM is a novel technology that uses ultrasound imaging and AI to automatically identify the spinal level of insertion and the midline, so that the spinal needle insertion involved during spinal anaesthesia can be more precise and require fewer attempts.
A study by KKH together with the National University of Singapore, has found that first exposure earlier than 18 months of age to screen devices – such as smartphones, tablets, videogame consoles, television, etc. – and the presence of multiple screen devices in the bedroom, are associated with elevated sleep disruption and emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) in preschool children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
BRIDGES (Bringing Research Innovations in Diagnosing GEnetic Diseases in Singapore), a collaboration between the Genetics Service at KKH and genomics research institutes including SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Precision Medicine (PRISM) and A*STAR; facilitates integrated diagnosis, clinical care and support for patients and families with genetic disorders. It enables more accurate genetic counselling and risk assessment for future pregnancies, as well as streamlined management.

2018

Singapore’s first clinical guidelines on managing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women is launched at the inaugural Singapore Diabetes in Pregnancy Conference, organised by KKH. The hospital also led in the development of the guidelines, which guides obstetricians and gynaecologists in providing evidence-based care.
To complement the VIVA-KKH Paediatric Brain and Solid Tumour Programme, KKH opens training programmes in surgery and pathology for regional fellowships to enhance inter-institutional collaboration, to reach out to the broader population of healthcare specialists, especially in fields like paediatric surgery and pathology, in the Southeast Asian region, as well as integrate training and education into the healthcare and research activities.
Findings of a study by the KKH Department of Reproductive Medicine which examines day-night caloric intake, fasting intervals and eating episodes in pregnant women and infants, has led to the discovery of implications on metabolic health associated with predominantly night-time caloric intake – a modifiable risk factor against future health problems.
A study led by University College London, the KKH and National University Health System in Singapore has found that a fatal neurodegenerative condition known as Gaucher disease can be prevented in mice following fetal gene therapy. Scientists used a viral vector to deliver genetic material into the brains of fetal mice carrying neuropathic Gaucher disease, caused by mutations in fatty chemicals called glucocerebrosides (GBA). Mice who received the gene therapy exhibited less brain degeneration and survived considerably longer than untreated mice.
KKH launches RapidSeq (Rapid Genomic Sequencing test) with the aim to provide a genetic diagnosis within two weeks for critically-ill patients at KKH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Children’s Intensive Care Unit who are suspected to have a genetic disorder. In contrast, for traditional methods of genetic testing, a waiting period of three months is usual.
KKH develops Singapore’s first national clinical guidelines for the management of neonatal jaundice, with the aim of providing clinical guidance and a unified and standardised treatment approach to enhance the quality of care for newborn babies.

2017

The universal Lynch Syndrome Screening Programme was established in February 2017 for all patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer, regardless of age, based on the recommendation by the Society of Gynaecologic Oncology. This programme will change the lives of women with the inherited disorder and their families through early laboratory-based screening, counselling and long-term surveillance.
KKH is one of the first to introduce video consultation for patients in four services – Paediatric Eczema Pharmacy Follow-up and Consulting, Paediatric Home Care Services, Lactation Consultation Services and Speech Therapy Services.
Scientists from KKH and A*STAR in Singapore have made a breakthrough discovery that fetal immunity develops as early as the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, and the fetal immune system has a special mechanism to avoid rejection of the mother’s cells. These findings represent a landmark shift in the understanding of the human immune development and also provide insights into the immune mechanisms involved in some pregnancy-related illnesses and developmental diseases such as gestational diabetes mellitus, recurrent spontaneous miscarriage, and necrotising enterocolitis. This new insight also lays the foundation for future immune-directed therapies.
Findings of a study by KKH Department of Emergency Medicine showed that the most severe head injuries in children result from vehicle incidents. Falls were the most common cause, mainly from tumbling off a sofa or an adult's bed.
KKH launches Singapore’s Donor Human Milk Bank programme to provide a ready supply of safe, pasteurised human breast milk for premature and sick babies.
The Integrated Platform for Research in Advancing Metabolic Health Outcomes in Women and Children (IPRAMHO) is established to conduct research towards lowering the risk of metabolic health issues such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in future generations.
Minimal Scar Mastectomy (MSM), a novel technique of nipple-sparing mastectomy without reconstruction, is innovated at KKH by Dr Lim Geok Hoon, Consultant at KKH’s Breast Department; for select patients with breast cancer. MSM enables the preservation of the nipple-areolar complex, with a more cosmetically-pleasant concealed scar, which has been shown to improve the psychological well-being of patients.

2016

Findings of a study by KKH Department of Emergency Medicine showed an upward trend of submersion incidents involving children from the period of January 2011 to December 2015, with one in ten cases resulting in drowning death. Children of pre-school age are also most vulnerable to submersion injuries, with the data reflecting that more than 76 per cent of those with submersion injuries were children aged six years and below.
The Cardiac Centre, consisting of the Cardiology Service and Cardiothoracic Surgery Service at KKH has adopted the use of three-dimensional (3D) printed heart models to enhance the planning of clinical management leading to improved outcomes for complex congenital heart conditions. KKH is the first in Asia to use these 3D printed heart models for medical training and education.

2015

KKH collaborates with Innovfusion, a Singapore-based medical device venture, to translate the technology behind a clinically-proven analgesia delivery system invented by the hospital into a range of commercially-available smart infusion pumps that can customise a personalised pain relief regimen for patients.
To pioneer safer care in global vaccine delivery, KKH collaborates with World Health Organization (WHO) to investigate the relationship between measles-containing vaccines and two associated adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) – immune thrombocytopenic purpura and aseptic meningitis.
KKH launches Southeast Asia’s first accredited chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) diagnostic test, to aid the diagnosis of genetic disorders in babies and children.
KKH introduces a DNA screening test to identify patients who are allergic to carbamazepine – an anticonvulsant medication commonly used in the management of paediatric epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
KKH, Singapore Institute for Clinical Science (SICS) of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the National University Health System (NUHS) launch Singapore’s first large-scale pre-conception study named “S-PRESTO” – short for Singapore PREconception Study of long-Term maternal and child Outcomes. The study, led by KKH, will involve 1,000 local couples to investigate the effects that nutrition, lifestyle, mental health, and other environmental factors may have before and during pregnancy on the eventual health and socio-emotional outcomes of the mother and baby.
KKH launches the Singapore Endometriosis Research Network (SERN), leading a multi-institutional research into the leading cause of menstrual pain and infertility. SERN seeks to establish the first biorepository matched to clinical outcomes in an Asian population, to facilitate the study of a larger population of patients with endometriosis, and a broader spectrum of cases.
In a major breakthrough in pharmacy automation, KKH introduces the world’s first robotic medication management system with the ability to autoload, pick, assemble and label bottles. In another industry first, this system includes a unique flag labeling feature that enables patients to read the original medication labels on the bottles to reference drug facts and ingredients. With patent-pending technologies, this integrated system clinches awards for ‘Outstanding ICT Innovation’ at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society – Elsevier Awards, ‘Best Innovative Use of Infocomm Technology (Public Sector)’ at the Singapore Information Technology Federation Awards, ‘Health and Well-being’ at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards.
The ‘Practical Obstetrics and Gynaecology Handbook: for O&G Clinicians and General Practitioners (2nd Edition)’ , produced by KKH clinicians bags the “Highly Commendable” award at the British Medical Association (BMA) Book Awards in September 2015. The handbook received outstanding reviews.
Findings of a local study conducted by KKH and Duke-NUS Medical School (Duke-NUS) indicate higher detection rates when all pregnant women are screened for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), allowing for more timely and cost-effective intervention. Corroborating recent recommendations of studies in other developed countries, the study also found that routine GDM screening is a cost-effective approach to reduce the complications of GDM in Singapore, compared to targeted screening or no screening at all.
KKH Senior Resident with the SingHealth Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBGYN) Residency Programme, Dr Serene Thain becomes the first Singaporean doctor in 28 years to win the MRCOG Prize Medal (Gold) – attaining the highest score amongst all candidates worldwide at the Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists Part two examinations in November 2015.

2014

New trial results affirm that the world’s first Double Intravenous Vasopressor Automated (DIVA) System enables better maternal blood pressure management during caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Developed by doctors at KKH, the novel DIVA System provides real-time detection and rapid response to low blood pressure and/or slow heart rate, auto-administering a precise amount of the recommended vasopressor.
KKH leads the way as the first hospital in Singapore to establish a dedicated resuscitation code for cardiac arrest in pregnant women, termed CODE RED.
KKH successfully performs the first paediatric transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in Singapore.
Clinicians from KKH lead the production of a practical obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) handbook for medical practitioners. The ‘Practical Obstetrics and Gynaecology Handbook – for O&G Clinicians and General Practitioners (2nd Edition)’ provides simple, practical and cost-effective guidelines for the management of common O&G conditions in Singapore.
The Cardiothoracic Surgery team from KKH successfully performs a complex Rastelli-Senning surgical procedure to repair the heart of a 16-year-old patient with a rare congenital abnormality called congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA).
KKH Campus Director, Education Office and Senior Consultant, Respiratory Medicine Service, Professor Chay Oh Moh was conferred the National Outstanding Clinician Mentor Award under the National Medical Excellence Awards in August 2014 for her distinguished and outstanding contributions as a mentor, teacher, researcher and clinician to the development of paediatric medicine in Singapore.
KKH is accredited by the National Resuscitation Council of Singapore (NRCS) as a neonatal resuscitation training centre for healthcare professionals involved in the delivery and care of a newborn.

2013

Dr Kevin Lim, Chairman of the Division of Surgery, and his team of staff from KKH and Duke-NUS clinch the Best Clinical Presentation Award at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society in Athens, with their presentation titled "Percutaneous pin removal in children in the outpatient setting - is analgesia necessary?".
Professor Tan Kok Hian receives the Benjamin Henry Sheares Gold Medal Award for outstanding research work and contributions in the field of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
KKH pilots the Double Intravenous Vasopressor Automated (DIVA) System, the world’s first non-invasive, fully-automated system to enhance the management of blood pressure in women undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. The DIVA System detects and rapidly responds to low blood pressure and/or slow heart rate by automatically administering a precise amount of the recommended medication (vasopressor) to manage reduced blood pressure.
KKH's Neurology Service and Pharmacy Department develop the Epilepsy Action Plan, an illustrated first aid instructional guide that empowers caregivers to provide prompt first aid for children in the event of a seizure. Caregivers affirm that the Epilepsy Action Plan aids knowledge retention and enables self-management.

2012

Professor George Yeo Seow Heong (Chief of Obstetrics; Head and Senior Consultant of the Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine; Director of the Antenatal Diagnostic Centre; and Director of Research, OBGYN ACP) receives the National Outstanding Clinician Mentor Award for his contributions as a mentor, teacher, researcher and clinician in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Maternal Fetal Medicine) in Singapore.
KKH launches the first Neonatal and Paediatric Extra-corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Programme in Singapore.
KKH performs the ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure on a foetus with a prenatally-diagnosed epignathus (an extremely rare type of oropharyngeal tumour) obstructing the airway. The procedure was done by a multidisciplinary team, and is the ideal intervention for foetal airway obstruction.
The Surgical Counting and Operating Theatre Tracking (SCOTT) system piloted by KKH uses radio-frequency identification to eliminate the risk of surgical gauzes or instruments being accidentally left in a patient, providing a significant enhancement to patient safety. The system earns KKH the "Most Innovative Use of Infocomm Technology (Public Sector)" award at the National Infocomm Awards 2012, presented by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore.
The Department of Child Development's Mission I'mPossible (MIP) programme is adopted by the Ministry of Social and Family Development after a successful three-year pilot. MIP provides a model of integrated care (detection and intervention) for pre-schoolers with mild developmental needs and helps ready them for mainstream schools.

2011

KKH is the first site in Asia chosen to host the Paediatrics Trial Network (PTN), for the study of pharmacokinetics of understudied drugs administered to children per standard of care.
New KKH Endometriosis Centre treats and counsels women who suffer from endometriosis and its associated problems. The Endometriosis Centre is staffed by specialists in gynaecology, pain management and colorectal surgery to provide a holistic, multidisciplinary service for women with the painful and often under-diagnosed condition. Every year, KKH treats approximately 1,200 women with endometriosis-related problems.
KKH launches Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA), a new service offered to male patients who are found to have no sperm when they ejaculate. TESA is a much safer and cost effective alternative to the conventional method of sperm retrieval.

2010

KKH releases finding on a groundbreaking study on optimal gestational weight gain for Asian women. Conducted in collaboration with Duke-NUS, preliminary findings indicate that maternal or gestational weight gain may depend on the pre-pregnancy weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) of the mother-to-be. A woman’s weight and weight gain before and during pregnancy may increase the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension and complications of birth outcomes.
Adj Prof Tan Kok Hian, Chair of Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KKH, receives the National Outstanding Clinical Quality Activist Award, 2010, in honour of his groundbreaking work in clinical improvement, particularly in the area of perinatal care.
KKH’s Closed Loop Medication Management (CLMM) systemimproves operational efficiency and patient safety by allowing for a common view of inpatients’ medication information at each point of care. In particular, drug orders can now be verified by pharmacists on a 24-hour basis, with preliminary results showing 97% verification of medication in less than 30 minutes.
The new KKH Department of Child Development (KKHDCD) clinic at the St Andrew’s Community Hospital (SACH) in Simei supports intervention and treatment for preschoolers with developmental needs by bringing together expertise in paediatrics, psychiatry and neuroscience in one-community accessible location. This collaboration is in conjunction with REACH (Response, Early Intervention and Assessment in Community Mental Health) East and the Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences’ Neurocognitive Development Centre.
KKH sets up first-of-its-kind Bowel Management Programme and Clinic in Singapore aimed at helping children with severe constipation due to congenital anomalies by teaching parents how to manage the associated problems and the resulting social stigma. Patients and their parents benefit from early detection and management, which also helps the children to lead as normal a life as possible.

2009

KKH Gynaecological Oncology Consultants the first in Singapore to perform laparoscopic radical hysterectomy, a minimally invasive alternative to conventional open radical hysterectomy.
The KKH Sleep Disorders Centre became the first sleep service in Asia to be accredited by the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) and the Australasian Sleep Association (ASA) in managing sleep disorders in children.
KKH Perinatal Team wins the UAE Health Foundation Prize for its outstanding work in the health development.
KKH is the first in Asia Pacific to use the next generation digital mammography system, MammoDiagnost DR.
KKH’s accreditation with the Joint Commission International (JCI) is renewed in January 2009, reaffirming the hospital’s adherence to internationally benchmarked standards in patient safety and care.

2008

KKH broke new ground in medical care when it performed the first removal of choledochal cysts in children through laparoscopy in Singapore. This is conventionally carried out through open surgery.
KKH became the first accredited treatment centre in Asia for SpineCor, a corrective brace for idiopathic scoliosis.
KKH was the first in Southeast Asia to use the Intra-Thecal Baclofen (ITB) pump, a new neurosurgical treatment for children with spasticity.
Dr Kevin Lim, Consultant, Orthopaedic Surgery, is the first certified Ponseti–trained physician in Singapore. The Ponseti Method is used for the treatment of clubfoot in children.
KKH Perinatal Team wins National Clinical Excellence Team Award.
National Outstanding Clinician Mentor awarded to Prof Lee Eng Hin, Head and Senior Consultant of Orthopaedic Surgery at KKH, at the Inaugural National Medical Excellence Awards.
KKH starts Southeast Asia’s First Pain Management Service for Women and Children.

2007

KKH performs Southeast Asia's first open-heart microsurgery on premature infants weighing just over 1kg.
KKH opens the KK Eye-Centre, Singapore’s only eye centre for children.
KKH Children’s Cancer centre was redeveloped and opened as one of the largest in South East Asia.

2006

The first successful stem cell transplant for children using unrelated cord blood from Singapore’s cord blood bank is performed by KKH.
KK Urogynaecology Centre performs the first Tension-free Vaginal-SECUR (TVT-SECUR) procedure in Asia which can further reduce the risk & morbidity of surgery.

2005

For the fourth time in five years, a KKH nurse receives the prestigious President’s Award for Nurses. Lactation consultant Cynthia Pang, whose name is synonymous with breastfeeding in Singapore, received her award for her dedication and significant contribution to increasing the nation’s breastfeeding rate.

2004

KK Urogynaecology Centre performs the first Tension-free Vaginal Tape-Obturator (TVT-O) procedure in Asia, and since then, it has performed more than 1,000 TVT-O procedures.
KKH doctors can now spend more time with patients needing colposcopy, with MediScan®, a new computerised data and image archival system. The first of its kind in Asia, the system allows doctors to capture high quality photographs and videos of the cervix. It was developed with KKH doctors’ input.
The KKH DNA Laboratory receives the ISO 17025 SAC-SINGLAS Accreditation.
KKH became the first hospital in the Asia Pacific region to receive the Asian Hospital Management Award (AHMA) for Patient Safety and Risk Management. The hospital won the award for the series of measures undertaken to proactively improve the safety of women in labour and their newborns by identifying and managing potential risks (such as death to the mother and baby) in the Delivery Suite. So successful is the program in ensuring patient safety that KKH’s perinatal mortality rate is 4.92 per 1,000 births - one of the lowest in the world. In addition, KKH’s eclampsia rate has significantly dropped to 6.9 per 100,000 deliveries, likely the lowest for a tertiary maternity hospital. Eclampsia is the condition of maternal convulsion fits due to hypertension in pregnancy. The AHMA is widely regarded as the premier hospital management award program in the Asia Pacific region.
Using Doppler ultrasound, KKH is one of few centres in the world, and the only one in Singapore, to routinely look for artery-artery anastomosis (AAA) in monochorionic pregnanies (where identical twins share the same placenta with blood vessels connecting the umbilical cords). The presence of AAA indicates a lower risk of developing Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), and also a higher survival rate even if TTTS does develop. This new technique would facilitate the selection of treatment options.
KKH's Department of Diagnostic Imaging is accredited as a training centre for paediatric radiology by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR), as part of a complete radiology training scheme at National University Hospital. It is the only such accredited paediatric radiology training centre outside of Australia and New Zealand. Local and foreign doctors who wish to train in paediatric radiology for their Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiology (FRANZCR) can now receive world class training form KKH's Diagnostic Imaging Department.

2003

On 23 March, KKH paediatricians and nurses set up the paediatric satellite facility for paediatric Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) patients at SARS Central - Tan Tock Seng Hospital. One month later, the hospital's obstetrician-gynaecologists, neonatologists and nurses set up the obstetrics facility there to look after non-emergency deliveries of suspect or probably SARS patients.
KKH's Laboratory is awarded the ISO 17025 accreditation, a leading international laboratory accreditation scheme, by the Singapore Accrediation Council-Singapore Laboratory Accreditation Scheme. Users of KKH's Laboratory can be assured that it meets international standards in test methods and procedures, accuracy of equipment and its quality management system.
Neonatal and developmental paediatrician A/Prof Ho Lai Yun is awarded the Outstanding Paediatrician in Asia Award by the Association of Paediatric Societies of the Southeast Asian Region (APSSEAR). Given only once every three years, the award is in recognition of A/Prof Ho's outstanding contribution in paediatrics and child health. APSSEAR has more than 20 members comprising countries like India, Australia, the ASEAN nations, China, Japan etc.
For the third time in four years, a KKH nurse receives the President's Award for Nurses. Assistant Director of Nursing Pang Nguk Lan received her trophy from President SR Nathan.

2002

KKH's IVF Centre introduces a new technique - Laser Assisted Hatching - to boost pregnancy rates for couples undergoing in-vitro fertilisation. The new method helps the embryo to "hatch" itself to the lining of the uterus, thus enhancing the chances of a pregnancy. It is used to facilitate the implantation process in selective women. A laser microscope is used to create a small hole in the zona to assist the embryo to "hatch". Laser assisted hatching is superior to past techniques, as laser technology is more accurate and reliable, and is also faster and easier to use. The laser can be programmed to create precise holes in the zona that are of the exact same size.
KKH's paediatric heart doctors close a pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (a rare condition resulting in cyanosis) with an Amplatzer device, and two large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with Amplatzer devices. The doctors are the first in Singapore to perform transcatheter occlusion with an Amplatzer device.
KK Gynaecological Cancer Centre is the only centre in Singapore and Asia to participate in the HPV Vaccine Trial - FUTURE II Study. This is a worldwide trial on a vaccine to protect women against the human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer.

2001

For the first time in Singapore, women can opt for a sterilisation approach that does not involve any incisions - Essure pbc (permanent birth control). The procedure, which takes about 30 minutes, does not require incision, general anaesthesia or overnight hospitalisation. Before, there had only been two forms of permanent birth control available for couples - surgical tubal ligation and vasectomy.
KKH's Director of Nursing Lee Yoke Lan receives the President's Award for Nurses.

2000

KKH cancer paediatricians' research success in paediatric neuroblastoma enables doctors to characterise the neuroblastoma cancer cell and understand how it behaves. This leads to an improved, tailored treatment regime for the child. By carefully selecting the children and tailoring the chemotherapy appropriately, the doctors are able to minimise the side effects and morbidity for the children, without compromising on the outcome. Armed with this experience in paediatric neuroblastoma research, KKH is now expanding its expertise into leukaemia by working on the TEL-AML1 gene in the leukaemia cell in children.
A landmark study by KKH's Urogynaecology Unit reveals that 90% of patients with stress urinary incontinence who underwent a new surgical technique called Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT) recovered fully, faced fewer complications and required shorter recovery time, compared to the standard surgical procedure - Burch Colposuspension. The study is the first in Southeast Asia and second in Asia (after Taiwan).
KKH’s Gynaecological Cancer Centre is accredited as a recognised training centre for fellows pursuing the Certificate/Diploma in Gynaecological Oncology of the Royal Australian-New Zealand College of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (RANZCOG). This is the first time an O&G subspecialty centre in Singapore is recognised by an international college of O&G. Within the O&G arena, the RANZCOG is recognised and highly regarded worldwide.
A team of doctors at KKH finds a way to tell if a baby with biliary atresia needs a liver transplant. Biliary atresia is a condition in which poorly formed bile ducts prevent the bile from draining from the liver. This could result in scarring of the liver and stunted growth in babies, so quick treatment is essential. The doctors found that babies whose liver tissues show certain microscopic features are unlikely to benefit from the Kasai operation – a standard operation for babies with biliary atresia. These babies are likely to need an early liver transplant to survive. The test indicates which babies need transplants urgently.
Nurse Manager Cher Sok Kew receives the inaugural President's Award for Nurses. This is a national award given to exemplary nurses for their outstanding work performance and contributions to the profession and community.

1999

KKH develops a single investigative method using high resolution ultrasound to diagnose biliary atresia in infants. The method, presented in a paper at the 42^nd Annual Meeting of the Society for Paediatric Radiology, earns the Best Clinical Research Paper award – making Singapore the first Asian country to win this accolade. Early diagnosis of biliary atresia is essential for corrective surgery to be successful.
KKH becomes the first hospital in Asia to perform an endo anal pull-through for Hirschsprung’s disease. Traditionally, laparotomy surgery is performed around 1 month of age. Now, surgery can be done as early as in the first week of life. Hirschsprung’s disease is a congenital condition where a muscle in the colon fails to function normally, resulting in an accumulation of faeces.
KKH is the first hospital in Southeast Asia to use the Microwave Endometrial Ablation (MEA) procedure to treat heavy menstruation. MEA is suitable for patients who have completed their families, and where other medication has not helped.
In labour analgesia, KKH scores another first in Singapore by offering Patient Controlled Epidural Analgesia.

1998

KKH is the first hospital in Singapore to offer the Tension Free Vaginal Tape operation. It is a treatment option for urinary incontinence. This makes Singapore the first country/region in Asia after Taiwan to do so.
KKH's paediatric surgeons use ovarian sparing surgery to remove ovarian tumours in young girls, without taking out the whole ovary, as is the conventional practice among children's hospitals worldwide. Doing so preserves the endocrine function, which allows the patient to go through normal growth and puberty. The patient's capacity to conceive later is also preserved.

1997

Doctors at KKH come up with a new technique, Combined Spinal Epidural Anaesthesia, a 'mobile' epidural analgesia. This new method of pain relief allows a woman in labour full mobility and consciousness while easing her pain.

1996

First under-500 g baby to survive for four months outside the mother’s womb in Singapore is well enough to leave for home from KKH.

1995

First Laparoscopic Tubal Reanastomosis in Singapore is carried out. The minimally invasive procedure rejoins the severed fallopian tubes, reversing sterilisation.

1994

KKH's Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine is recognised by both the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Radiologists for training in obstetric ultrasonography. This makes it one of the first two centres outside the United Kingdom to be awarded such recognition.

1993

Singapore witnesses the first intrauterine blood transfusion for a baby while it is still in its mother’s womb. The baby was anaemic due to Rh disease.

1992

KKH performs Singapore’s first Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH).

1987

First woman in Singapore who went on a luteinizing hormone pump programme (LHRH) delivers a baby girl at KKH.

1986

Asia’s first Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer (GIFT) baby is born at KKH.

1983

Asia’s first in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) or test tube baby is delivered at KKH.

1966

Work on trophoblastic disease at KKH is awarded the coveted Blair Bell Lectureship and the Edgar Gentilli Prize of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). World attention turns yet again to KKH and Singapore.

1965

Worldwide recognition is accorded to the Paediatric Unit’s Prof Wong Hock Boon and Dr WR Brown, a Research Associate of the Hooper Foundation, after they completed their work on kernicterus in Singapore. As a result of this work, all newborns in Singapore are now screened for Glucose-6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

1964 - 65

KKH is the first in Singapore to use lung surfactant drug in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome.

1963

KKH earns accreditation from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). For the first time, aspiring gynaecologists no longer have to do their training in the United Kingdom but could do it entirely in Singapore.