POV: I was a hospital patient without the hospital

Published on 14 September 2025

After being warded for a fever that refused to break, I was given an option: Stay in hospital or continue treatment at home – with the same medical care. This is what it was like to be a patient under NUHS@Home.

By Denyse Yeo, NUHS@Home patient

After a routine gynaecological procedure at the National University Hospital (NUH) at the end of July 2024, I developed a high fever and was told to go to A&E if it crossed a certain threshold. At NUH’s emergency department, tests were done, and I was admitted for observation. 

One night turned into two, then six, as my fever spiked and fell unpredictably while my white blood cell count plummeted. I was put on intravenous (IV) antibiotics, and while I was not in pain, I spent most of my time alternating between naps – the meds made me drowsy – and staring at the hospital ceiling, waiting to be discharged. 

That was when a doctor mentioned NUH@Home – a programme that allows patients to continue their “hospital stay” from home, under the same medical supervision and at ward prices. I agreed immediately. The idea of recovering in my own space was an easy “yes”.

Still warded, just not in the hospital  

On the day of my “transfer” from a hospital ward to my home – now officially considered my new “bed” – I was added to a group chat with an NUHS@Home care team and given a thorough briefing. My ambulance was a ride-hailing service, covered by the hospital. Once home, my care continued seamlessly. 

Every morning, a friendly nurse arrived at my doorstep to check my vitals, administer IV antibiotics and run any necessary blood tests. I had to submit my health readings via a simple form in the chat three times a day and attend two to three mandatory video calls with a doctor.

Since I was still technically hospitalised, I was not allowed to leave my flat. Apart from that rule, it just felt like recovering from a nasty bout of flu at home. I felt reassured to have my partner around for support when he got back from work. Our cat, Bingka, took an intense interest in my treatment, sitting beside me during check-ups and blood tests, coolly watching the nurses insert their needles as if she were part of the team.

Bingka perched beside me on the sofa, calmly observing as the nurse set up my IV drip.

Home sweet home

Not everything at home was like a hospital ward – and that was okay. When it came time to set up my IV drip, the nurse got creative. Without a hospital-grade stand, she suggested improvising with my tall clothes-drying rack. It turned out to be perfect – the right height, stable, on wheels – and repurposed as medical equipment.

And then there were the perks. At home, I could welcome visitors whenever I liked, with no restrictions on visiting hours. Friends and family dropped by for coffee or dinner, making the days pass faster. I could also order food delivery whenever I wanted. With a teh-O in hand, I watched hours of streaming TV and movies on my own screen. Honestly, I felt a bit spoilt.

A spread of tea-time hawker treats my friend brought over – carrot cake, soon kueh and you tiao.

Looking back, NUH@Home was a practical alternative for cases like mine – where hospital-level care was necessary, but round-the-clock monitoring in a ward was not. The process was smooth, communication was easy, and while I was still technically hospitalised, I got to recover in a way that felt a lot more like home – with a feline nurse included.

Click here to find out more about NUHS@Home.

In consultation with NUHS@Home.