Medical Operations and Oversight

The Unit for Pre-Hospital Emergency Care (UPEC) is a critical entity in Singapore’s healthcare system, focusing on the leadership, governance, and accountability of pre-hospital emergency care (PEC). Its structured approach ensures the delivery of high-quality emergency medical services. Here’s a breakdown of its key responsibilities and contributions:

Key Responsibilities of UPEC:

1. Establishing Leadership and Ownership:
   • UPEC provides strategic direction for pre-hospital emergency care, ensuring that all agencies involved operate under a unified vision.
   • It establishes clear governance structures with well-defined roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities across multiple stakeholders, including emergency medical services (EMS), hospitals, and other healthcare providers.
   • This leadership fosters coordination and collaboration among agencies, reducing fragmentation and improving system efficiency.
2. Implementing a Formal Medical Oversight System:
   • UPEC oversees the development and implementation of policies and protocols to standardise pre-hospital care practices and ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks
   • This system ensures that all pre-hospital care providers operate within a consistent and evidence-based framework, enhancing the quality of care delivered to patients.
3. Ensuring Continuous Audit and Quality Assurance:
   • UPEC conducts systematic reviews, audits, and evaluations of pre-hospital care practices to ensure they align with the latest clinical guidelines and best practices.
   • It identifies areas for improvement and implements corrective measures to enhance service delivery.
   • This focus on continuous quality improvement helps maintain high standards of care and adapts to evolving medical knowledge and technologies.

Contributions of UPEC:

• Enhanced Patient Safety: By standardising practices and ensuring compliance with clinical guidelines, UPEC minimises errors and improves patient outcomes during emergencies.
• Strengthened Inter-Agency Collaboration: UPEC’s leadership fosters seamless coordination among various agencies, ensuring a cohesive response to emergencies.
• Effective Management of PEC System: Through governance, oversight, and quality assurance, UPEC ensures that Singapore’s pre-hospital emergency care system remains efficient, responsive, and patient-centred.