Visiting the Emergency Department

CGH Emergency Department (ED) provides 24-hour service for trauma and non-trauma surgical and medical emergencies. 

Our care team attends to the most critical cases first. Priority of care is based on the severity or potential severity of the patient's condition, not based on the time of arrival. After triage at Level 1 of the ED, patients may be directed to Level 2 of the ED for medical care.

To reduce risk of infection, only one designated visitor per patient is allowed. Visitors accompanying patients to the ED will have to register at the screening counter before entering.
 

Improvement works around the ED

CGH will be carrying out works to its hospital campus to expand capacity, enhance care facilities, and advance care to meet the healthcare needs of the community. CGH is actively working to ensure care continuity while the main campus evolves.

From 20 May 2026, parts of the CGH Emergency Department will be undergoing improvement works. During this period, some of our services around the Main Building will be relocated. CGH seeks the understanding and support of patients, visitors, staff and residents as it strives to minimise disruptions and inconveniences.

Please click below for the updated locations of our care facilities and walkways, or follow the updated wayfinding signage on site.

Map of Main Building Level 1

What to bring

Please bring along your Identity Card, Work Permit, foreigner pass, or passport. For patients who do not have these documents on them, treatment will proceed and family members are advised to bring their documents as soon as possible. If you have a referral letter, please present it during registration.

Payment

Our Emergency Department attendance fee covers basic investigations and services. Non-standard services will incur additional charges. This attendance fee is not covered under MediSave.

Click here for Emergency Department Charges.

Waiting time

The waiting time depends on various factors including the seriousness of a patient's medical condition and the number of patients at the Emergency Department. If your condition has been assessed to require urgent medical attention at triage, you will be attended to earlier.

Non-emergency medical conditions

To ensure that patients receive timely care, the ED attends to cases in order of medical urgency. Patients with minor ailments or non-emergency concerns may need to wait longer for consultation.

Patients with non-emergency medical conditions can call the NurseFirst helpline (6262 6262) for advice on the appropriate treatment option. Trained triage nurses will assess your symptoms and will advise accordingly. This service is free and operates every day from 8:00am to 11:00pm, including public holidays.

List of non-emergency conditions

Book a GP appointment

The GPFirst programme encourages people with mild to moderate medical conditions to visit their GPs first, instead of visiting the ED.

Going to the GP first allows you to receive timely medical treatment for your condition and enables the Emergency Department to focus on more urgent cases requiring medical attention. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

List of GPs clinics (including GPFirst participating clinics)

Health Buddy

SingHealth’s Health Buddy app gives you direct access to health information and services at your convenience. It provides a database of conditions and health tips to help you better manage your health and well-being.

All patients are encouraged to verify and update their contact details on Health Buddy to facilitate contact and information sharing between our hospital staff and patients.