Going tapless: Ng Teng Fong General Hospital redesigns ICUs for safety, sustainability
The hospital is also extending the life of its MRI scanners by upgrading them instead of replacing them fully to reduce electronic waste.
Singapore's Ng Teng Fong General Hospital has removed water taps and sinks from 44 of its adult intensive care units (ICUs), or more than half, to decrease contamination risks and save on water and energy costs. Healthcare workers now utilize alcohol-based hand rubs to maintain hygiene. The hospital, which operates 74 ICUs, plans to eliminate the sinks in the remaining units by the end of 2028.
Ng Kian Swan, the hospital's chief sustainability officer, highlighted that the healthcare sector is among the most polluting industries, urging the sector to cut its carbon footprint. Ng Teng Fong General Hospital's Sustainability and Environment Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary emphasized the importance of early climate preparedness for businesses to maintain operations and seize new opportunities.
Adjunct Assistant Professor Surinder Pada, the hospital's infectious diseases consultant, explained that sinks are often used to dispose of body fluids and clean equipment, which can increase contamination risks and spread harmful bacteria. The hospital estimates that removing the sinks will conserve 1.9 million liters of water annually, equivalent to three-quarters of an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and prevent around seven tonnes of carbon emissions per year, equivalent to removing six cars from the road.
The hospital is also extending the lifespan of MRI scanners by upgrading and repurposing them instead of fully replacing them, reducing electronic waste and conserving resources. By repurposing the scanners and replacing outdated components, the hospital can save about $2.9 million per scanner. The hospital has four MRI scanners, with one refurbished in 2024 and another expected in 2027.
The hospital is also replacing curtains in isolation and ICU rooms with smart privacy glass, eliminating the need to wash them and saving an estimated 100,000 liters of water per year.
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