CLASS C WARDS

CLASS C WARDS

**

(Patient profile): **

5.

Mr Sam Tan Chin Siong asked the Minister for Health for the last three years, what has been the profile of patients using Class C wards in restructured hospitals, in terms of types of housing and/or income levels and how does the Class C patients' profile compare to the national profile of the population.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The most recent profile study was done in 2004, which captured some income data. Based on this study, the profile of the Class C patients in acute hospitals is tabulated below:

** Breakdown by Per Capita Household Income **

Population Profile by Per Capita Household Income

|

% of Class C Patients

---|---

Lowest 20th Percentile

|

33%

20th - 40th Percentile

|

25%

40th - 60th Percentile

|

19%

60th - 80th Percentile

|

14%

Highest 20th Percentile

|

9%

For instance, 9% of Class C patients were from the top 20th income households, while 33% were from the lowest 20th income households.

Column: 849