Health x Wellness

ConvaCare Clinics opens first Asia Pacific clinic in Singapore

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ConvaCare Clinics seeks to deliver specialised wound and trauma care to Singaporeans living with a chronic wound or a stoma.

The clinic opens against the backdrop of Singapore’s ageing population as a contributing factor to an increase of chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer [1].

Conditions such as diabetes and colorectal cancer may result in the need for chronic wound and stoma care. Between 2000 and 2017 [1], Singapore saw over 124,000 wound related cases. In 2017, chronic wounds were the most common among citizens aged 50 and above.

For people living with diabetes, the risk of developing a foot ulcer that may require chronic wound care is as high as 25 percent [2]. The Clinic can help manage the complications related to chronic health conditions that might lead to cost reductions for the healthcare systems and patients. For example, diabetic foot ulcers in Singaporeans living with diabetes are estimated to account for 15-25 percent of healthcare costs for treating diabetes.

A stoma is an opening made surgically for the bowel to connect directly to the abdominal wall surface, and may be temporary or permanent. Common reasons for a stoma include complicated colorectal cancer (the most common type of cancer in Singapore), bladder cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) and diverticulitis. Despite advances in surgery, serious colorectal conditions still require patients to live with a stoma.

Singaporeans living with a chronic wound or a stoma require specialised care, and the needs of every patient are different.

Dr Lai Jiunn Herng, Colorectal Surgeon and Director of Lai Endoscopy & Colorectal Surgery, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre

At least 30 percent of patients with chronic wounds have experienced depressive symptoms or anxiety [3], while 50 percent of people with a stoma reported higher than normal levels of anxiety, and 16 percent have experienced mild to moderate levels of depression [4].

Stoma patients also experience a deterioration in quality of life as their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functions are affected, and the right self-care and psychoeducational interventions are crucial [5].

According to the World Health Organization, having integrated and patient-centred care in the community can lead to improved outcomes in depression among chronic care patients [6].

Allowing access to care for patients in an environment that they are familiar has been proven to improve health outcomes, and we look forward to serving Singaporeans living with a chronic wound or a stoma via our team of highly skilled specialists

Mr Supratim Bose, President & Chief Operating Officer, Global Emerging Markets
ConvaCare Clinics

The clinic will use a comprehensive clinical model to provide community-level and specialised care to patients. This model is complementary to care received in the hospital setting. The specialised care looks to improve clinical outcomes and reduce the burden of healthcare costs.

Location and more information

ConvaCare Clinics is located in Novena. People living with a chronic wound or stoma can visit www.convacareclinics.com for more information.


[1] Goh OQ, et al. (2020). Incidence of chronic wounds in Singapore, a multiethnic Asian country, between 2000 and 2017: a restrospective cohort study using a nationwide claims database. Dermatology 10(9).

[2] Andrews K, et al. (2015). Wound management of chronic diabetic foot ulcers: from the basics to regenerative medicine. Prosthetics and Orthotics International 39(1): 29-39.

[3] Renner R, Erfurt-Berge C. (2017). Depression and quality of life in patients with chronic wounds: ways to measure their influence and their effect on daily life. Chronic Wound Care Management and Research 2017(4):143-151.

[4] Ayaz-Alkaya S. (2018). Overview of psychosocial problems in individuals with stoma: A review of literature. International Wound Journal 16(1):243-249.

[5] Lim SH, et al. (2019). A qualitative evaluation of the STOMA psychosocial intervention programme for colorectal cancer patients with stoma. J Adv Nurs 75:108-118.

[6] Nurjono M, et al. (2020). Shifting care from hospital to community, a strategy to integrate care in Singapore: process evaluation of implementation fidelity. BMC Health Services Research 20:452.

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