Support for Nurses Undertaking Caregiving for Their Families

Dr Tan Yia Swam asked the Minister for Health (a) how does the Ministry support local nurses in undertaking caregiving for their families; and (b) how does the Ministry support foreign nurses who may have dependants that they need to provide caregiving for.

In line with the Employment Act and Child Development Co-Savings Act, local and foreign nurses working in public and private healthcare institutions in Singapore are entitled to various types of leave, including annual leave, maternity leave and childcare leave. Further, the Child Development Co-Savings Act provides paternity leave and unpaid infant care leave if the child is a Singapore Citizen.

There is also support that is extended to all staff, including foreign nurses. To support staff with care responsibilities, public healthcare institutions and some private sector employers also offer family care leave and flexible work arrangements (FWAs) such as staggered hours, compressed work week and flexi-load, subject to the organisation's requirements. There are also childcare centres located onsite in certain hospitals for the staff to enrol their children while at work.