The hospital recently participated in the 12th ERAS® World Congress, showcasing its early experience with the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) programme.

The strong progress the team has made earned recognition from MOH Director-General of Health, Prof Kenneth Mak, in his opening address for our early adoption in Singapore’s private healthcare sector.

Initially used for total knee replacement surgeries, the programme is now applied to total hip replacements and selected procedures in other specialties.

The principle behind ERAS is simple: the better prepared a patient is before surgery, and the more coordinated their care during and after it, the faster and more safely they recover.

For example, the previous average length of hospital stay for total knee replacement surgery was four days. After introducing ERAS, the average length of stay now has been reduced to around two days.

More than a clinical protocol, ERAS reflects a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach that brings together surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, physiotherapists and dietitians to support patients throughout their care journey. From pre-surgery preparation to post-operative recovery, this approach enables safer procedures, faster mobilisation and shorter hospital stays.

Early outcomes are encouraging, with patients experiencing quicker recovery and earlier discharge, supported by less invasive techniques and structured care pathways. Ongoing investments, including a new hybrid operating theatre, are further strengthening capabilities in minimally invasive surgery and complex care.

With an ageing population across Singapore and the region, this progress reflects IHH Healthcare’s commitment to delivering patient-first care through teamwork, continuous learning and the adoption of best practices to improve outcomes across our network.