Opening Address by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health, at the Opening Ceremony of SIMTAC, on 18 July 2012, 3.00pm, at Tan Tock Seng Hospital

1.     I am delighted to be here to open the National Healthcare Group’s (NHG) Simulation and Integrated Medical Training Advancement Centre or SIMTAC at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. This is a key milestone in NHG’s advancement of training capabilities in their continuing efforts to improve patient care. This is also a significant chapter in Singapore’s healthcare industry.

2.     SIMTAC is a 1,000 square metre facility equipped with simulation wards, clinics Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Resuscitation and Operating Rooms. They are supported by state-of-the-art computerised interactive simulators, and equipped with interactive video recording and playback systems to facilitate trainees’ learning.

3.     Simulation is a training format that has been extensively – and successfully – used in other professions, especially the aviation industry. It can effectively develop and improve professional capabilities through experiential learning, in a training environment that is safe, controlled, and highly replicable for the desired outcomes. Using simulation, trainees have the opportunity to practise and hone their skills in a controlled, close-to-real-life, but simulated environment. This will help build their confidence. Trainers will also be better able to monitor and coach their trainees.

4.     The application of simulation in Healthcare Education is a relatively recent development. However, there is already great momentum worldwide amongst healthcare educational institutions, to expand its potential as a training format, and also as a developmental tool for new ways to deliver care in teams. I am heartened that this development has already taken root in various healthcare institutions, medical schools and health sciences schools in Singapore.

5.     At SIMTAC, simulation will also be used for experimentation and research innovation. For instance, new or improved treatment procedures or care delivery processes can be tested and refined in a simulated environment, before being applied on real patients in the wards or clinics.

6.     Using SIMTAC as a hub, NHG will adopt a systemic approach in advancing Simulation and Integrated Training amongst its staff and students from all the various disciplines. It will support TTSH’s goal to further its inter-professional training objectives and enhance collaborative team practices.

7.     As NHG is the principal clinical partner for the new Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, we look forward to more exciting developments with SIMTAC which will add tremendous value to the educational collaboration in this partnership and benefit . future medical students.

8.     Our clinical leadership understands how important it is to maintain a high level of operational readiness across an expanding workforce, through a robust and sustainable training system. This system must cater not only to new healthcare workers, but also provide continual training for practising clinicians from a multitude of disciplines and work environments. With a rapidly ageing population, demands on our healthcare system and healthcare professionals will increase. Patients will increasingly have multiple and complex needs wherever they access our medical facilities. We need Regional Healthcare Systems and Acute Hospitals like TTSH, to continually evolve and innovate to meet the challenges of our greying population. The establishment of SIMTAC is timely in enhancing the skills of our healthcare professionals who must have the capabilities to deliver excellent care in every situation.

9.      I wish SIMTAC every success in advancing simulation and integrated training for healthcare staff so as to improve care for patients in Singapore. Ministry of Health will continue to support developments such as SIMTAC, as we stay committed to ensuring that healthcare here is of high quality, is affordable and accessible.

10.     It is my pleasure to now declare SIMTAC open. Thank you.