St Luke's, Lien Foundation Launch GP-Led Palliative Care Initiative

St Luke's Hospital and the Lien Foundation have partnered to establish an innovative palliative care model that empowers general practitioners to deliver end-of-life support directly to patients in community settings. The initiative seeks to bridge a critical gap in Singapore's healthcare system by integrating palliative expertise into primary care, allowing more patients to access specialist guidance without requiring hospital referrals.

The $2.2 million funding from the Lien Foundation will support the programme's implementation and sustainability. By equipping GPs with training, resources and clinical support, the collaboration aims to improve access to palliative services across diverse patient populations, particularly those managing advanced illnesses in their own homes.

The model represents a shift in Singapore's approach to end-of-life care, recognising the role primary healthcare providers can play in delivering compassionate, person-centred treatment. St Luke's will provide clinical oversight and professional development for participating general practitioners, ensuring quality standards are maintained across the network.

The initiative aligns with broader healthcare objectives to strengthen community-based care and reduce pressure on hospital systems. Officials expect the programme to create a sustainable framework for palliative care delivery that can be scaled across Singapore's healthcare network.