The programme also benefits the health cluster by alleviating some of the burden on hospital resources, freeing up beds for those who need them most.

“Just like in a hospital ward, our doctors do daily ward rounds, either virtually via video call or through in-home visits,” explained Dr Stephanie Ko, the Lead for NUHS@Home. “Our nurses visit patients to administer drip medication and take blood tests, and our physiotherapists can visit them at home for therapy sessions. We can also bring patients back to the hospital for additional scans or procedures.

“Patients are referred to NUHS@Home by their doctors. The NUHS@Home team of doctors and nurses will speak with the patient and explain all programme details. Once admission is confirmed, the patient is sent home, sometimes as early as the same day. A chat group is set up with the patient and their next of kin for fast and easy communication between them and the medical team. There is also a 24/7 hotline that patients can call if necessary. All this happens for the duration of recovery until the patient is well enough to be discharged.”

Since its inception, the programme has served about 3,000 patients, offering a modern alternative to traditional hospital stays.

A patient’s story: Mr Mohamed Sulaiman’s journey home

When a road accident left 33-year-old Mohamed Sulaiman S/O Mohamed Seraaj with multiple fractures, he braced himself for months in a hospital bed. But thanks to NUHS@Home, he got to do something many patients can only wish for – recover at home.

Dr Chua Chun En, a Consultant from the National University Hospital (NUH) and NUHS@Home who oversaw Mr Sulaiman’s care, explained how the programme facilitated his recovery.

“For patients recovering from polytrauma, NUHS@Home acts as a bridge to faster healing,” said Dr Chua. “Being in a familiar environment not only reduces stress but also lowers the risk of hospital-acquired infections. Home rehabilitation allows patients to move more freely, engage in functional activities in real-life settings and recover with the support of their loved ones.”

Before Mr Sulaiman was discharged, the NUHS@Home team made sure he had everything he needed for a smooth recovery. He was equipped with a care kit, which included devices such as a thermometer and oximeter to monitor his vital signs.

“Going home was a relief. My mum wanted me to stay in the hospital, but I knew I’d feel better in my own space,” Mr Sulaiman shared.

During his home hospitalisation, he had daily video consultations with NUHS@Home team and logged his vitals online. While his mother initially had concerns about the programme, Mr Sulaiman quickly gained confidence in the care he received.

When he developed a bladder infection, a doctor arranged a home visit, prescribed antibiotics and had them delivered directly to his doorstep – eliminating the need for a hospital trip.

Mr Sulaiman’s physiotherapy was tailored to his home environment, using familiar furniture and fixtures as part of his rehabilitation. Simple adjustments, such as securing a resistance band to a window grille or positioning a chair for support, made exercises more accessible and effective.

“By integrating therapy into the home setting, we help patients regain mobility in a way that feels natural to them,” shared Ms Chen Fang Qi, Physiotherapy Lead, NUHS@Home.

Rehabilitation extended beyond the home. Under the guidance of a physiotherapist, Mr Sulaiman practised walking at the void deck and in other community spaces – preparing him to confidently return to daily life.

The support he received did not stop with medical care. His family was able to assist him during recovery, and he could enjoy the comfort of home-cooked meals – something no hospital food could replicate.

One of Mr Sulaiman’s initial concerns was the cost of receiving hospital-level care at home. However, he quickly learnt that NUHS@Home patients are considered hospital inpatients, making them eligible for insurance coverage and government subsidies such as MediSave and MediShield.

“Once I realised I was still covered under inpatient insurance, I felt at ease,” he shared.

Patients are billed according to their hospital ward class, and Singapore citizens and permanent residents are eligible for financial support options.

Now back at work as a pharmacy technician, Mr Sulaiman credited his smooth recovery to the care he received through NUHS@Home.

In consultation with Dr Stephanie Ko, Lead, NUHS@Home, NUHS, and Consultant, Division of Advanced Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, NUH; Dr Chua Chun En, Consultant, Division of Advanced Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, NUH; and Ms Chen Fangqi, Senior Physiotherapist, Department of Rehabilitation, NUH.