Care at NUH

Paediatrics

2024/12/06

Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children's Medical Institute

The KTP-NUCMI is the paediatric arm of the National University Hospital and comprises the Departments of Paediatrics, Paediatric Surgery and Neonatology. We provide comprehensive and specialised medical and surgical services for newborns, children and adolescents, and are the only public hospital in Singapore that offers paediatric kidney and liver transplant programmes. Through a generous gift from the estate of Khoo Teck Puat, we have set up an integrated outpatient facility with medical, diagnostic and rehabilitation services.

As the principal teaching facility of the Department of Paediatrics, NUS Medicine, KTP-NUCMI is the primary institution for paediatric medical education in Singapore.

In addition to delivering undergraduate and postgraduate medical education in paediatrics to doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, KTP-NUCMI is committed to advancing paediatric scientific research in Singapore and the Southeast Asia region.

KTP-NUCMI is a part of the National University Centre for Women and Children (NUWoC), a national university specialist centre that aims to empower women, children and their families to lead healthier lives.

Our Vision

To be the Paediatric Centre of Excellence, to Shape Child Health for the Future.

We strive to achieve this through:

 

  • Delivering quality and safe care
  • Providing excellent clinical services
  • Leading research that translates to enhanced management and treatment
  • Providing excellent training and education to healthcare workers and the public
  • Collaborating with academic, scientific and community partners
  • Delivering care in a child-friendly and family-centred environment

Our Mission

To Advance Child Health by Integrating Excellent Clinical Care, Research and Education.

Our History

Maternal and childhood healthcare in Singapore saw significant development beginning in the early 1900s. The first dedicated paediatrician was appointed in the 1920s. In 1932, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) established Singapore’s first separate ward for sick children. Before this, children who were admitted to hospital – most critically ill children died before even reaching – were cared for alongside adults. Click here to read the article on the history of paediatrics in Singapore.

Mistri Wing for childrenMistri Wing wards

Post World War II, thanks to a $1 million donation from Mr NR Mistri, SGH constructed the Mistri Wing in 1955, a four-storey building dedicated to paediatric care. The Medical School of the then University of Singapore, located on the SGH campus, established the University Department of Paediatrics in 1962, with Professor Wong Hock Boon as its first Founding Professor of Paediatrics. The department’s clinical, teaching and research activities were primarily conducted in the Mistri Wing.

Video courtesy of The SGH Museum

In 1980, following a merger with Nanyang University, the University of Singapore was renamed the National University of Singapore (NUS). The NUS Campus, along with the newly built NUH, moved to Kent Ridge. The Department of Paediatrics joined them in 1985.

In 2005, the Medical School of NUS was renamed the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine). In 2008, NUS Medicine, NUH and the NUS Faculty of Dentistry integrated under the governance of the National University Health System (NUHS).

The Department of Paediatrics became the Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children's Medical Institute (KTP-NUCMI) in 2010, in recognition of a generous donation from the estate of Khoo Teck Puat to support the advancement of paediatric education, research and patient care.

In 2022, KTP-NUCMI celebrated 60 Years of Child Health, marking six decades of transformative contributions to paediatrics, clinical care, education and translational research.

Our Founding Father - Emeritus Professor Wong Hock Boon (1923 - 2008)
Professor Wong Hock Boon
Professor Wong Hock Boon

Emeritus Professor Wong Hock Boon, the founder of the Department of Paediatrics, NUS, led the department from its inception in 1962 until his retirement in 1988. Known as the Father of Paediatrics in Singapore, he left a legacy of excellence in teaching, research and clinical care. His dedication extended beyond Singapore, benefiting children in neighbouring countries. Emeritus Professor Wong trained and mentored a generation of paediatricians, significantly influencing the field.

His Achievements
  • Received the Guinness Award for Scientific Achievement in 1980.
  • Awarded the 'Most Outstanding Paediatrician in Asia' by APPSEAR (Association of Paediatric Societies of the South East Asian Region) in 1985.
  • Conducted pioneering research on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in newborns, greatly reducing the incidence of kernicterus in Singapore and the region.
  • Discovered three haemoglobinopathies: Hb Singapore, Hb J Singapore, and Hb J Meerut.
  • Won the inaugural National Science and Technology Award in 1987 from the National Science and Technology Board (currently known as the Agency for Science, Technology and Research).
His Contributions
  • Founding Professor of the Department of Paediatrics, NUS.
  • Promoted breastfeeding to combat childhood malnutrition and infantile diarrhoeal diseases in the region.
  • Initiated the annual Master of Medicine Course.
  • Published hundreds of scientific papers in prestigious medical journals.
  • Donated $1.5 million as an endowment for a Professorship in Paediatrics at NUS.
  • Quak, S. H. & Yip, C. L. (2009). In Memoriam: Emeritus Professor Wong Hock Boon. Annal's, Academy of Medicine, Singapore. Retrieved from http://www.annals.edu.sg/pdf/38VolNo3Mar2009/V38N3p287.pdf
Our Team
Head, KTP-NUCMI
Head, Department of Paediatrics
Head, Department of Paediatric Surgery
Head, Department of Neonatology
Deputy Heads, Department of Paediatrics
Division Heads, Department of Paediatrics
Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children’s Medical Institute
Facade

Since 14 January 2019, our outpatient paediatric services have been centralised in a one-stop centre, made possible by a generous donation from the estate of Khoo Teck Puat.

This new centre is designed to create a therapeutic, child-centric and family-friendly environment. The ‘playscape’ design concept, inspired by nature, stimulates a child’s physical, mental and emotional development, encouraging interaction and creativity. This ethos is evident from the moment one enters the arrival atrium, creating a holistic care experience for children and their families.

Connected And Patient-Focused

Our 10-storey outpatient centre stands out with its 14-metre-high arrival atrium. This design ensures a clear separation of vehicular and pedestrian flow for safe access and smooth registration.

The spacious atrium is intuitively arranged to guide visitors arriving by various modes of transports or from other buildings within the Kent Ridge campus. A linkway on the fourth level connects the new centre to the Main Building, integrating it with existing inpatient facilities and services. This design enhances operational efficiency and focuses on two key aspects of the visit: one-stop convenience and a positive experience for children.

Child-Friendly and Family-Centred

Our aim is to make paediatric consultations a pleasant experience for both the child and their caregiver.

Level 7 waiting areaLevel 8 waiting area

Your child and family will first be greeted with an explosion of colours at our city-themed atrium. The journey to the upper storeys sees a nature-themed reception and waiting areas which will lead to the outdoor playground.

Consult RoomConsultation

Traditional seating and room configuration are replaced by modular furniture that serve as play objects and resting areas. The sky gardens are adjacent to the waiting areas on every floor. This access to daylight and the outdoors creates a therapeutic environment integral for a healing experience.

Level 6 PlaygroundLevel 7 Playground

Waiting time is translated into play time in the themed (i.e. rainforest, savannah, arctic) waiting area as the child climbs, crawls, interacts and explores the theme-inspired features within observatory vicinity of the parents.

Our new centre aims to change the experience of a visit to the hospital for both the child as well as the accompanying caregiver. We hope to change the way paediatric care is delivered in Singapore, to elevate healthcare for children and adolescents, and to improve health outcomes for the future.

Directions to Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute

Click here (PDF, 9.59 MB) for directions on how to get to the Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute from Kent Ridge Station (Circle Line), where to alight if arriving by car as well as where to park.

Frequently Asked Questions
General

Why did we move?

We have consolidated our outpatient clinical services, pharmacy, diagnostic and rehabilitation services within a one-stop centre as part of our expansion plans. The aim is also to create a child-friendly and family-centred environment to enhance the experience of a visit to the hospital for both the child as well as the accompanying caregiver.

What are the paediatric services not seen in the Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute?

Our Viva-University Children's Cancer Centre will remain at Medical Centre. The Paediatric Day Therapy and Shaw-NKF Children's Kidney Centre will also remain at their current locations. Patients visiting the Dental, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat or Neuroscience clinics can continue to do so at the respective locations. Paediatric speech therapy communication / services will still be seen at Main Building Level 1, Rehabilitation Centre.

When do I go to the Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute for my appointments?

If you have been going to Children's Clinic A, Children's Clinic Annex, Baby and Child Clinic or Rehabilitation Centre (paediatrics) for your appointments before 14 January 2019, please proceed to the Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute for your appointments from now onwards.

Getting Here

How do I get to the Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute?

Please refer to our directional guide here (PDF, 652 KB) if you are walking from Kent Ridge Station (Circle Line) or arriving by car. Follow the hospital signages to get to our centre.

If I am coming by train, how do I make my way to the new centre?

Alight at Kent Ridge Station (Circle Line) and walk towards the Main Building Lobby B. Make a left turn at the ATM machines and continue walking towards Kent Ridge Wing. Walk towards Lift Lobby 7 of Kent Ridge Wing Level 1. The directional signages will lead you to the new centre.

Is there a taxi stand or drop-off/pick up point?

There is no taxi stand but we have a drop-off/pick-up point at the new centre. If you are using private hire transport (e.g. Grab) or taxi, please indicate 'Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute' as the location.

Where is the nearest carpark?

You may park at Kent Ridge Wing carpark (Basement and Level 1) or Medical Centre (Levels 5, 6, 7, 7A).

NUH now has a visitor management system (VMS) to register visitors and patients. Do I have to register myself/my child in order to come for my/my child's appointment at the Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute?

You do not need to register via the VMS if you are coming to the Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute during our operational hours.

Amenities

Are there breastfeeding / diaper changing rooms in this centre?

There are 7 breastfeeding rooms located at the Lobby as well as on Levels 6, 7 and 8 near the restrooms.

Where are the nearest food courts?

The centre does not have F&B outlets. There are 2 Kopitiam Food Courts located at Main Building Level 1 and Medical Centre Level 5 respectively.

Where are the nearest ATM machines?

ATMs for POSB, UOB and OCBC are located at Main Building Level 1. Click here for more information on other amenities in the hospital.

Appointments

Will there be an SMS reminder to prompt me for my/my child's appointment?

Yes, you will receive the standard SMS reminder about 3 working days before your appointment. It will indicate 'Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute' on the SMS.

How will I be notified of the change in consultation venue?

Your SMS reminder for upcoming appointments, referral card or letter will reflect the name of the new building.

Who should I contact to change my appointment?

Please call the main appointment hotline at 6908 2222 or email to [email protected] to change your appointment.

Patient Journey

Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute will be adopting the 1-Queue System. It is an integrated system that generates one queue number which lists down all the service points for your appointment.

When you arrive, you will receive one queue number upon registration. This queue number is the same number throughout your appointment from registration to payment. The ticket will list down the location(s) of your consultation and/or procedures. Your last stop is the pharmacy if you have medicines to collect before making payment. This will help to streamline processes for a smoother patient journey with us.

Our Facilities
Clinics and Centres
Wards
  • Ward 24 (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
  • Ward 29 (Neonatal High Dependency Unit)
  • Ward 45
  • Ward 46 (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit and High Dependency)
  • Ward 47
  • Ward 48 (Sunshine Nursery)
  • Ward 8B
  • Ward 9A (Rainbow Nursery)
  • Ward 9B
Others
  • Ronald McDonald House® and Ronald McDonald Family Room® at NUH
  • Diagnostic Imaging (Space Station)

For more information on our facilities, please click here.

Our Research

At KTP-NUCMI, we aim to use research to improve the care of our patients. Our collaborative approach to research has paved the way for innovative ideas to emerge, nurture and translate to patient care. 

Department of Paediatrics 

Our translational research focuses on the following major areas: 

  • Allergy
  • Biomedical Data Science (BiDS)
  • Cardiac Function and Genomic in the Young (CiTY)
  • Cardiovascular Genetics
  • Development and Behavioural Paediatrics
  • DoHAD/Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO)
  • Endocrinology
  • Haematology, Oncology & Blood/Marrow Transplantation
  • Childhood Leukaemia
  • Immunopathology & Cell Therapy
  • Renal Immunology & Genetics
  • Human Genetics
  • Molecular Genetics & Genomics
  • Health-Related Quality of Life

Achievements

  • Successfully obtained research grant funding amounting to over  $21.8 million over the last five years (2018 to 2022) in Singapore.
  • Produced more than 780 research publications from 2018 to 2022, with over 300 published in journals with high impact factors (IF ≥ 5).
  • Set up a centre for leukaemia diagnosis and monitoring at NUS with a donation of $8 million from the Children's Cancer Foundation, Viva Foundation for Children with Cancer and the Tote Board. 
  • Awarded four patents from 2011 to 2013. An additional three patent applications focusing on the NKG2D-DAP10-CD3 receptor, the CD16V-41BB-CD3 receptor and the membrane-bound IL-15 method were filed in 2014 and 2019 respectively. 
  • Received numerous international and local awards for research.

Appointments

  • Our staff sit on various journal editorial boards, of which 85% are international journals.
  • Our staff are also active members and leaders in local ethics review committees, research grant committees, and various bioethics committees.
  • We play a key role as Co-Chair for the Policy & Ethics Review Board of the HUGO-Pan Asian SNP Initiative.

Research Training

  • We regularly provide research training in molecular biology and genetic epidemiology to visiting scientists from the region such as Mahidol University (Thailand), Food and Nutrition Research Institute, and the Department of Science and Technology (Philippines). 
  • Our principal investigators serve as mentors and examiners to pre-tertiary students for H3 examinations, Science Research Programme and Biomedical Research Programme.

Department of Paediatric Surgery

We endeavour to conduct studies that contribute directly to improving patient care or answer specific targeted research questions that may have a future impact on clinical outcomes.

Members

Our research is conducted by all full-time clinical staff. The emphasis is to enhance impact through collaborative research with other clinical and basic science departments within NUS.

Achievements 

  • Vanguard Award at the Asian Transplantation Week (Seoul, 2022)
    • Excellent Outcomes in Living-related Kidney Transplantation in Children 15kg or less - Experience from a Tertiary Paediatric Referral Centre in Singapore

Recent Publications

  • Congenital H-fistula without oesophageal atresia -Point of Technique. Mali VP, Loh WS, Teo YM, Ng YPM. Asian J Surg. 2021; 44:1197-8.
  • Percutaneous transhepatic interventional therapy of portal vein stenosis in paediatric liver transplantation: A systematic review of efficacy and safety. Kyaw L, Lai NM, Iyer SG, Loh DSKL, Loh SEK, Mali VP. Pediatr Transplant. 2022;26: e14187.
  • Paediatric living-donor liver and kidney transplantation during COVID-19.Mali VP, Aw M, Ng KH, Karthik SV, Tan M, Teo S, Lau PYW, Nyo YL, Loh DSKL, Tiong HY, Quak SH, Yap HK. Ann Acad Med Singap. 2022; 51:119-121.
  • Mesothelioma with ALK gene mutations in two pediatric patients: Clinical course and outcome. Kimpo MS, Francisco KL, Chong QT, Lian DWQ, Lin NY, Mali V, Loh DL, Prabhakaran K. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2022;69: e29544.
  • International Liver Transplantation Society Global Census: First Look at Pediatric Liver Transplantation Activity Around the World. Rodriguez-Davalos MI, Lopez-Verdugo F, Kasahara M, Muiesan P, Reddy MS, Flores-Huidobro Martinez A, Xia Q, Hong JC, Niemann CU, Seda-Neto J, Miloh TA, Yi NJ, Mazariegos GV, Ng VL, Esquivel CO, Lerut J, Rela M; Pediatric Liver Transplantation Global Census Group. Transplantation. 2023.

Invited Speaker

  • Paediatric Liver Transplantation – Looking back, Moving forward at the Second Interhospital Conference, JR Reyes Memorial Medical Centre, Manila, in conjunction with the Philippines Society of Pediatric Surgeons (2022) 
  • Paediatric Kidney Transplantation in Bangladesh – Hurdles and Ways to Overcome at the Paediatric Nephrology Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (2022) 
  • Surgical Challenges in Paediatric Kidney Transplantation at the First International Urology Conference and Workshop, Dhaka, Bangladesh (2022) 
  • Paediatric Liver Tumour Surgery at the St Jude Viva (Asia-Pacific) Paediatric Oncology Virtual Conference (2022) 
  • Hypospadias Repair and After Surgery Discussion of Cases at the Philippines Society of Paediatric Surgery, National Children’s Hospital, JR Meyes Memorial Medical Centre, Manila (2022) 

Department of Neonatology

Our research focuses on many different aspects of neonatology, as our work involve both well infants as well as sick premature infants. 

Click here to find out more about our research. 

Our Education
Medical Undergraduates

KTP-NUCMI and the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine's Department of Paediatrics hosts the following educational activities:

  • Paediatric training for Phase III to Phase V (Year 3 to 5) undergraduates from NUS Medicine
  • Clinical and research electives for NUS Medicine as well as overseas medical students
  • Job shadowing for pre-university students considering a medical career

Education

Paediatric training in NUS Medicine consists of three paediatric postings across Phases III to V, which provide experiential learning for students. The primary goal is to prepare future physicians to excel in clinical practice involving children and adolescents. 

Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare Professionals

As the primary paediatric teaching institution of NUS Medicine, KTP-NUCMI plays a crucial role in training the next generation of doctors and specialists. This training includes structured training programmes for local and regional young doctors, as well as keeping healthcare professionals informed about advancements in paediatric care through symposiums. Our programmes include: 

Click here to find out more about our paediatric trainings.

Elective Opportunities

KTP-NUCMI hosts clinical electives and research electives for both NUS Medicine and non-NUS medical students.

For NUS medical students, clinical electives are available to Phase IV (Year 4) students, while research electives are open to all students regardless of their exposure to clinical training. Students may refer to the electives instructions by the School, or the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme website for more information.

For non-NUS medical students, students in Year 3 and above may apply. For more information on how to apply for electives, please refer to this website.

Health Tips and Useful Information

For COVID-19 related tips and resources, click here.

Stay tuned for more health resources and updates.

Community Outreach

Overseas Outreach

Our overseas outreach programmes include:

  • Retinoblastoma Programme in Mindanao Island
  • Project Sothea in Cambodia
  • Neonatal Capacity Building Programme in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Click here to learn more about our overseas outreach programmes.

Paediatric Ethics and Advocacy Committee (PEACe)

PEACe is an operational unit within KTP-NUCMI established in 2013 to systematically address the ethical challenges that arise from the medical care of as well as research involving children. It comprises clinical and nursing staff from KTP-NUCMI and professional staff from the Centre for Biomedical Ethics in the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. A generous donation from the estate of Khoo Teck Puat enabled the KTP-NUCMI to establish PEACe, the first of its kind in the region. 

Advancement in clinical practice, research, and scholarship, raise fundamental ethical questions of how to enhance the best interests of the child, minimise harm and assure distributive justice. In addition, demographic trends have resulted in an increase in the diversity of the social, religious and cultural backgrounds of the patients and the parents that we manage; this diversity is expected to widen in the coming years. This ethical awareness and sensibility regarding different perspectives and values and the ability to understand and constructively question them is vital for medical progress. Unresolved ethical issues will threaten the trust in the doctor-patient-family relationships.  

Vision 

Excellence in ethical care of children.

Aim 

To enhance the medical care of children and their families through ethical practices and advocacy in Singapore and the region. 

Goals 

  • Provide paediatric ethics consultation service. 
  • Educate paediatricians, nurses, allied health professionals and students on contemporary ethical issues in paediatric healthcare. These issues include end-of-life decision-making and palliative care, dilemmas in neonatal and paediatrics intensive care, challenges in ambulatory care settings, mental health, stem cell and organ transplantation, bio banking, genetic testing and engineering, expanded newborn screening, informed consent, resource allocation and paediatric research. 
  • Advance scholarship in paediatric ethics through empirical research and publication.
  • Develop humanistic solutions to ethical issues in paediatric patient care. 
  • Establish links and collaborations with other paediatric ethics centres. 

Our Team

The seven-member team from NUHS includes: 

  • Emeritus Professor Roy Joseph – Paediatrician, Neonatologist, Director of PEACe 
  • Dr Teresa Tan – Paediatrician, General Ambulatory Paediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Palliative Care 

Activities 

  • Monthly meetings where PEACe members study common ethical dilemmas, develop ethical reasoning skills and identify relevant and local perspectives that will influence decision making 
  • Respond to referrals for advice on ethical issues.
  • Joint activities with the Paediatric Ethics Programme at the Centre for Biomedical Ethics, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.

Our members also teach the following:

  • Residents Core Education Module on Ethics, Law and Professionalism
  • Medical Undergraduate Tutorials in Health Ethics, Law and Professionalism
Contact Us
Appointments

Click here to make, change or cancel your appointment with us.

Administrative Contacts

Only for non-appointment and non-patient matters
For appointment matters, please click on the link above (in the Appointments section) or call (65) 6908 2222.

Department of Paediatrics
Tel:(65) 6772 4420 / 4415
Email:[email protected]
Department of Neonatology
Tel:(65) 6772 5075
Email:[email protected]
Department of Paediatric Surgery
Tel:(65) 6772 2418
Email:[email protected]
Other Contacts
Paediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Service
Tel:(65) 6772 6561
Email:Ms Doris Tan (BMT Coordinator)
[email protected]
National University Center for Organ Transplantation (NUCOT)
Tel:(65) 6772 2930 / 4864
Fax:(65) 6774 5212
Email:[email protected]

Click here for more information about the National University Center for Organ Transplantation (NUCOT).

Hearing Test (in Sunshine Nursery, Ward 48)
Tel:(65) 9724 8736 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 6.00pm)
Tel:(65) 6772 5483/ 5496 (Saturday, Sunday or Public Holidays)
Breastfeeding Helpline
Tel:(65) 9722 0376
Financial Support

The NUH Children's Fund, managed by NUHS Fund, raises monies for financially disadvantaged children seeking treatment at KTP-NUCMI. Your donation can make a difference to the lives of the needy patients.

Find out more about NUH Children's Fund and how you can donate here.

Last updated on
Best viewed with Chrome 79.0, Edge 112.0, Firefox 61.0, Safari 11
National University Health System
  • National University Hospital
  • Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
  • Alexandra Hospital
  • Jurong Community Hospital
  • National University Polyclinics
  • Jurong Medical Centre
  • National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
  • National University Heart Centre, Singapore
  • National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore
  • NUHS Diagnostics
  • NUHS Pharmacy
  • Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
  • Faculty of Dentistry
  • Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health
Back to Top