Let us help you find what you’re looking for
SingHealth Patient Advocacy Network (SPAN)
Synonym(s):
About the SingHealth Patient Advocacy Network (SPAN)
The SingHealth Patient Advocacy Network (SPAN) is a self-driven network of patients and caregivers that represents the collective voice of patients. Established in March 2017, SPAN works closely with the SingHealth Office of Patient Experience, SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute for Patient Safety & Quality and SingHealth Nursing to advance patient partnership in transformative care, education, research and service design.
“As a double cancer survivor living with a permanent stoma, I have seen firsthand how patient voices can turn lived experience into real change. Through SPAN, we are helping pioneer a new model of healthcare in Singapore, where patients are recognised not just as recipients of care, but as partners in improving care, research and education.”
Mr Ellil Mathiyan
Co-Chair, SPAN
“Being diagnosed with vasculitis, a rare autoimmune disease, at 19 taught me that no one should have to navigate healthcare alone. As part of SPAN, I have seen how patients and caregivers can transform lived experience into a powerful force for change, helping to shape a more empathetic and inclusive healthcare system.”
Ms Sherry Soon
Co-Chair, SPAN
Since its inception, SPAN Advocates have partnered healthcare teams on over 300 improvement projects, contributing lived experiences and insights to shape healthcare delivery across SingHealth. Their impact spans multiple areas, from helping co-design new healthcare facilities and services, to improving communication through the Plain English Glossary, a patient-friendly resource developed with patient support groups and healthcare teams to make healthcare language more accessible and easier to understand.
SPAN Plain English Glossary
During the COVID-19 pandemic, SPAN supported healthcare teams through community outreach efforts, including mobilising more than 800 volunteers within two days to provide translation support in ten key languages spoken by migrant workers. SPAN also partnered community organisations to advocate kindness and support for healthcare workers.
Your Safety, Our Priority
Care is a partnership, and mutual respect and understanding help us provide safe and compassionate care for everyone. Co-developed with SPAN, this video serves as a reminder that safe and compassionate care is a shared responsibility. While healthcare journeys can sometimes be challenging, mutual understanding, respect and cooperation help create a safer and more supportive environment for patients, caregivers and staff alike.
Together, we can create supportive spaces for a more holistic healing experience that is safer and better for all.
Stay Healthy The Easy Way
Get trusted health advice, offers and more.
Stay Ahead in Healthcare Industry
Subscribe to our exclusive updates for healthcare professionals.
Keep Healthy With
HealthXchange
Health Videos
Follow SingHealth
© 2026 Singapore Health Services Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.