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Milestones
2010  

CHAT (Community Health Assessment Team) was launched as part of the National Mental Health Blueprint to provide early detection and intervention for youths from Post-Secondary Education Institutions (PSEIs) and those who are out-of-school. Besides a one-stop centre located in the heart of Orchard Road that provides mental health resources, assessment and professional help, CHAT also developed an interactive portal ( www.youthinmind.sg), which engages youths online.

IMH trained its first batch of General Practitioners (GPs) under the part-time Graduate Diploma in Mental Health (GDMH) programme offered to local primary healthcare physicians. Jointly offered by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and the Division of Graduate Medical Studies, National University of Singapore (NUS), the programme provides a comprehensive and structured training programme for GPs in psychiatry and counselling.

The National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) clinic, located at IMH, was officially opened. A national initiative funded by the Ministry of Health, NAMS was set up to provide specialised treatment services for patients with behavioural and substance addictions.

IMH established the first local Centre for Mental Health Education (CMHE) which provides mental
health training and education for healthcare professionals, caregivers and the community. Equipped with the latest technologies, the CMHE also uses innovative teaching methodologies to enhance participants' learning.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to establish the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) - IMH Centre for Evidence Based Practices in Mental Health Care, located at the CMHE. IMH works closely with JBI to advance mental health evidence-based practices and research in the region.

2009  

The National Mental Health Blueprint was allocated an additional $35 million by the Ministry of Health (MOH), urging an inter-sectoral approach at the policy and operational level to look into aspects of education and prevention; early detection and treatment; and rehabilitation and reintegration.

The Secret Recipe outlet at IMH was launched by Mr Gerard Ee, Chairman of The National Kidney Foundation. This collaboration with Secret Recipe was established to provide vocational training and create job opportunities for patients of IMH.

The High Dependency Psychiatric Care Unit was established to provide close monitoring and management of acutely disturbed psychiatric and actively suicidal patients within a safe and secure
environment.

ROC-N-ASH (www.roc-n-ash.com) portal was developed to allow children, parents, educators and caregivers to learn about anxiety management and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The portal allows users access to resources such as role-play computer games, multimedia learning content and video clips for treatment and continual education.

IMH bagged three awards in three separate categories at the Asian Hospital Management Awards, and it represented the highest number of awards won by a hospital for the year.

Job Club, a one-stop vocational rehabilitation service that helps persons with mental illness to select, secure and keep a job, was officially launched.

The Research Division embarked on the Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS), a nationwide epidemiological study that aimed to establish the mental health status of the adult Singapore resident population. This project brought together international and local experts in this field for an extensive and comprehensive assessment of the nation's mental health.

2008 Description

IMH commemorated its 80th Anniversary with an "Ode to Wellness" charity concert that raised raised $310,000 in aid of the long-stay patients and needy out-patients of IMH for medical subsidies and
rehabilitation programmes. IMH also launched a commemorative book “Heartening Minds” which provided a glimpse of IMH’s vision and role in the nation’s mental health blueprint.

The inaugural Asia Pacific Psychiatric Rehabilitation Conference themed "Transforming Lives in Every Aspect Our Work" was presented as part of IMH's 80th Anniversary Celebrations.

Community Wellness Centre (CWC) opened to provide a onestop venue focusing on the continuum of care from prevention, to treatment and finally to rehabilitation.

The Early Psychosis Intervention and Prevention (EPIP) programme received one of the inaugural National Medical Excellence Awards 2008, conferred by MOH.

SWAP (Support for Wellness Achievement Programme) was launched at the CWC for individuals at risk of developing psychosis.

2007 Description

23-hour observation ward introduced at IMH/WH’s revamped emergency services provides timely interventions in a safe environment and reduces unnecessary inpatient admissions. A new Autism Clinic was established to treat children above five years of age suspected or diagnosed with autism. Multi-sensory therapy was introduced for elderly patients with dementia.

IMH won the most outstanding project award in the customer service category of the Asian Hospital Management Awards.

IMH successfully trained recovering patients who bagged the silver and bronze medals in the 7th International Abilympics, Japan.

The National Mental Health Blueprint was established by the Ministry of Health with a reinvestment fund of $88 million over 5 years to develop national capability in mental health services. Under the auspices of of MOH, IMH initiated the a number of community-based programmes targeted at the three main population segments - children, adults and the elderly.

2006 Description
Launch of Buangkok Green Medical Park by Minister for Health Mr Khaw Boon Wan to revamp the existing campus into a bustling medical hub.

IMH’s EPIP won the WHO State of Kuwait Health Promotion 2006 Award in recognition of its outstanding contribution to research in health promotion.

Dignity Links Ltd – a social enterprise partner set up Barista Express, an upmarket first-of-its-kind café in Singapore where people with psychiatric illnesses are provided transitional supportive employment in a business enterprise, operating in a commercial district.

Together with the Ministry of Health (MOH), IMH/WH implemented the Subutex Voluntary Rehabilitation Programme (SVRP) to help patients on Subutex wean off their dependence.

Digital Psychiatry 2009 vision was launched to transform the delivery of psychiatry services for excellent patient care through the use of information technology.
2005 Description
The Aged Psychiatry Community Assessment and Treatment Service (APCATS) was launched where a medical team conducts home visits for elderly patients who have difficulties commuting to IMH/WH for follow-up psychiatric treatment.

Milieu Therapy was introduced to all acute wards to help change the patient’s role from that of a passive recipient of care to that of an active participant.

IMH-GP Partnership Programme was initiated to support our strategic initiative for the right siting of care. This aims to provide affordable, convenient mental healthcare for stable patients with chronic mental illness with community-level General Practitioners. Fund-2-Work Scheme was launched to train recovered patients with appropriate skills that will help to integrate them back to society. IMH/WH became the first mental health institution in Asia to receive the Joint Commission International accreditation which benchmarks standards of care at IMH/WH with international standards
2004 Description
A Mobile Crisis Team was introduced by the Department of Community Psychiatry
2003 Description
The Department of Community Psychiatry was established with community based treatment provided by a multidisciplinary team of clinical staff.
2002 Description
A new specialist outpatient clinic was started to provide psychiatry services to non-subsidised patients in a private and conducive environment.

The Woodbridge Hospital Endowment Fund was set up to provide financial assistance to needy patients.
2001 Description
IMH collaborated with HPB to initiate the Mind Your Mind programme, a five-year public education programme with the focus on stress management.

IMH/WH embarked on the Stress Management Programme (ISMP) to serve the interests of our corporate clients.

Community Addiction Management Programme (CAMP) was launched to provide treatment for various addictions, including substance and non-substance addictions.

The Department of Academic Psychiatry was established. Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP) commenced to offer holistic comprehensive and accessible service for those with early psychosis.
2000 Description
The satellite Behavioural Medicine Clinic was started at the Health Promotion Board (HPB) Building in Outram to provide administrative support for Stress and Anxiety Disorders Clinic, Mood Disorders Clinic, Sleep Clinic, Psychotherapy Clinic and Weight Management Clinic.

IMH celebrated its new beginning as a restructured organisation under the National Healthcare Group.

The Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP) was started to reduce deterioration after the initial psychotic symptoms have manifested.

The Living Room, a cafeteria, was created by the Occupational Therapy Department to facilitate rehabilitative activities for IMH/WH patients in a socially pleasant and friendly environment
90s Description
1990

The first Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Clinic was started at Tampines Clinic.

The Alcohol Dependency Clinic and Alcohol Treatment Programme commenced at Alexandra and Mandalay Day Centres respectively.

1993 WH shifted from its Yio Chu Kang premises to the new building at Hougang, thus ushering a new era in psychiatric care. The hospital occupies 45 hectares of land of which 30 hectares have been developed. To facilitate the efficient operation and implementation of the National Mental Health Programme, Woodbridge Hospital was re-organised and the Institute of Mental Health/Woodbridge Hospital (IMH/WH) established.
1994 IMH/WH organised the first Emergency Behaviour Officers (EBO) course in Singapore in conjunction with the Ministry of Home Affairs to train officers from the public sector and uniformed organisations in rendering psychological support and assistance in disaster situations.
1995 IMH/WH started Emergency Psychiatry services to cater to those facing crises.
1998 IMH/WH prepared for the implementation of a new computerised Patient Administration System for outpatient and inpatient services, and the certification of the hospital for ISO 9002 Quality Management System in the provision of mental health care.

The Child Guidance Clinic (formerly known as the Child Psychiatric Clinic at Outram Road) moved to its new premises at the Institute of Health in March 1998. Two new clinics for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Child Abuse were introduced.

80s Description
1982 WH started to provide specialist training which leads to a Master of Medicine (Psychiatry) degree from the National University of Singapore.
1988 A Community Psychiatric Nursing (CPN) service was established.
An evening clinic was started at Woodbridge Hospital.
 
70s Description
1972

The Child Psychiatric Clinic became a full-time department.
The first psychiatric day centre in Singapore was opened.

1973

The drug lithium was first used to treat manic-depressive illness.
Modecate, a long acting neuroleptic, was used to treat schizophrenia.

1978 WH celebrated its 50th anniversary
1979 Inauguration of the psychiatric nurse practitioners scheme to help with the increasing attendance at the outpatient clinics.
 
60s Description
1965 A rehabilitation committee was formed
 
50s Description
1951 The Mental Hospital was renamed Woodbridge Hospital (WH).
1953 WH was recognised for the Conjoint Diploma in Psychological Medicine.
1954

Psychiatric School of Nursing set up.
Penicillin used to treat neurosyphilis.
Construction of four new blocks of two-storey buildings (which later became the Chronic Sick Unit) and one new block (Green Groves).

1956 Psychological services started.
A new three-storey Nurse Hostel was built.
1957

Outpatient clinics started at Bukit Timah, Paya Lebar and Kallang Dispensaries.

1958 Dr E C Winslow was Medical Superintendent (Acting) and Dr Burton Bradley was Medical Superintendent (on contract).
The antidepressants isocarboxazide and imipramine were introduced
 
40s Description
1942 About 500 mental patients were transferred to St John’s Island before Singapore surrendered to the Japanese forces. After Singapore’s surrender, 800 civilian casualties were transferred to the Mental Hospital, which was transformed into the Japanese Civilian and Military Hospital
1946 The Mental Hospital returned to its original function to house 440 mental patients.
1947 Dr B F Home introduced electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
 
30s Description
1931 Malaria treatment was used to treat General Paralysis of the Insane (GPI).
1935 Doctors were given the power to admit patients and voluntary treatment was allowed.
 
20s Description
1928 A new mental hospital was constructed and 1,030 patients were transferred to the ‘Mental Hospital’.
Dr E R Stone, Medical Superintendent from 1928 to 1934, introduced farm work in 1928.
 
 
   
     
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