Heritage Gallery
There are five zones within the KWSH Heritage Gallery. They are demarcated based on the theory of the Five Elements, a fundamental concept in the practice of the Traditional Chinese Medicine. The five zones are organized in the sequence of metal, water, wood, fire and earth respectively.
Metal zone: Milestones of Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital since 1850s and how that shaped KWSH’s development over the decades
Some of the key milestones introduced in this exhibition zone includes the founding of the Hospital, operations during the Japanese Occupation, the completion of the construction of KWSH Main Ward Building, extension of KWSH services to the public regardless of race, religion or dialect group and the expiration of KWSH’s 99 year land lease in 2010.
Water zone: Voyage to Southeast Asia: our forefathers’ journey from China to Singapore, which explores the origins of the hospital
Today, in the 21st century, many medical institutions stand tall in the island city. It is hard to imagine that more than a century ago, Singapore was a bustling port city with 300,000 living here but medical services was sorely lacking. After being approached by the Colonial Government, a group of Cantonese businessmen decided to set up KWSH in 1910. By 1911, KWSH begun operations and provided free outpatient services to the public. Free hospitalization services were also provided for immigrants from the Cantonese prefectures of Guangzhou, Huizhou and Zhaoqing.
Wood zone: Beyond Dollars and Cents, a representation of growth that charts the development of the hospital and its significant contributions to society.
The Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital Ordinance outlined that the Hospital would provide free consultation services, medication and hospitalization with the help of public donations. From the onset, KWSH offered both Chinese and Western medical treatment. Going beyond its duty, KWSH even provided free funeral services for the deceased with no loved ones as it recognized that funeral rituals are an important part of Chinese social life.
Fire zone: as a symbol of Passion to go beyond, showcases the hospital’s efforts to better serve its community through constant improvement of its services and facilities
Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital is always adjusting its operations to fit the needs of its times. This includes retiring its maternity service in order to meet other healthcare demands in 1965. KWSH has also broadened its services into areas such as: expanded Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre, a Day Rehabilitation Centre, Home care Services to help homebound elderly. Besides that, KWSH is quick to hop on the bandwagon of technology to upgrade its facilities and better serve patients.
Earth zone: In the spirit of service, the land on which KWSH was rooted and flourished, highlights the hospital’s determination to carry on its legacy and forge an even brighter future.
Behind the ability to provide the best care for our patients over the past 107 years is the unwavering support from our volunteers and donors. This segment of the Gallery salutes KWSH’s volunteers and donors for their support over the past century as it embarks on its second century of providing excellent healthcare for the community.