Singapore hospital increases early exercise for critically ill children

KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) in Singapore has implemented the Let’s MoveEM programme to help critically ill children recover faster from intensive care.

The initiative focuses on early mobilisation, family involvement, and nutrition to combat Post-Intensive Care syndrome. This syndrome can lead to long-term physical and mental health impairments in 50% to 80% of intensive care survivors. Joel Lim, who heads the children's intensive care unit (CICU) at KKH, leads a team of nurses and physiotherapists in the programme.

The team treats delirium as a vital sign, screening 60% of critically ill children for the condition to identify risks early. By encouraging patients to move within 72 hours of admission, the staff aims to reduce the time children spend on mechanical ventilation and prevent issues with breathing, swallowing, and movement. The hospital reported that the rate of patients on respiratory support who receive early mobilisation grew from 44% in 2021 to 60% in 2024.

The programme also incorporates family-centred care, where parents stay with children to provide emotional support and participate in activities. For example, a 12-year-old patient named Michelle Poh was able to return to school after a two-month stay in the CICU following her treatment.