Steps Taken when IMH Patient Fails to Attend Appointments Repeatedly

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Health what are the actions taken by the Institute of Mental Health when a patient fails to attend appointments repeatedly.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Patients who fail to attend their appointments will be checked on and followed up with phone calls. Higher-risk patients will be assigned designated case managers to closely monitor their appointment and treatment adherence. If required, IMH staff will perform a home visit.

Patients who are required by law to undergo treatment at IMH may be admitted mandatorily for inpatient management if they default on their appointments and fail to adhere to the outpatient treatment plan.