Continuum of Care for Residents Displaced by Revocations of Nursing Home Licences

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health regarding residents displaced due to nursing home licence revocations (a) what support is provided to residents and families during the relocation process in terms of psychological support, and transport arrangements; and (b) what protocols are in place to ensure that interim care providers maintain the same standard of care as required by the Ministry.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The safety and welfare of residents are our utmost priority. To ensure a safe and smooth transition when a nursing home licence is revoked, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) engages residents and families to explain the relocation process, understand their care needs and support them in identifying suitable alternative nursing homes. AIC also provides reassurance to affected residents and families during the transition process and will refer them to relevant partners for additional support where necessary. The transferring nursing home is responsible for making the necessary relocation arrangements with the receiving nursing home. This includes bearing the costs of transportation and any required medical assessments, as well as handing over relevant medical information.

To ensure continuity and quality of care, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has appointed Vanguard Healthcare Pte Ltd, an entity under MOH Holdings, as the interim care provider to care for affected residents before they are transferred to their new nursing homes. Like all licenced nursing homes, Vanguard Healthcare is required to comply with the regulatory standards under the Healthcare Services Act. MOH works closely with Vanguard Healthcare to monitor the residents' care during the interim period, oversee the transfer process and ensure that any identified issues are promptly addressed.