A/Prof Hey Hwee Weng Dennis is a Senior Consultant in spine surgery at the National University Spine Institute, practising at the National University Hospital and Alexandra Hospital. He is concurrently an Associate Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS, and chairs the Masters in Medicine (Orthopaedic Surgery) National Examinations Committee. His practice covers degenerative, deformity and other conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine.
Clinical focus
Spine surgery (back & neck).
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS (NUS), MMed (Ortho) (NUS), MCI (NUS), MRCSI, FRCSEd (Ortho).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: National University Spine Institute (NUSI) — Kent Ridge (National University Hospital)
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): National University Hospital; Alexandra Hospital
Getting to the clinic
A/Prof Hey Hwee Weng Dennis sees patients through the National University Spine Institute at the National University Hospital (NUH) in Kent Ridge, with a further hospital affiliation at Alexandra Hospital. NUH sits on the south-western edge of the island within the National University of Singapore medical campus.
- By MRT: Kent Ridge MRT (CC24) on the Circle Line connects directly to the hospital via a sheltered link; allow a short, mostly covered walk from the station to the specialist outpatient clinics.
- By bus: Several public bus routes serve the Kent Ridge and NUS area, stopping near the hospital and the wider university campus.
- By car or taxi: Taxi and ride-hailing drop-off points are signposted at the main hospital entrances. As a public hospital, NUH provides visitor carparks on site; charges and availability vary, so allow extra time during peak clinic hours.
If your appointment is at Alexandra Hospital instead, confirm the exact site and clinic block when you book, as the two campuses are some distance apart.
What spine surgery covers
Spine surgery focuses on conditions of the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) spine, alongside the thoracic spine and overall spinal alignment. A/Prof Hey’s stated focus spans degenerative, deformity and other spinal conditions. Common reasons people are referred include:
- Degenerative disc disease, slipped (herniated) discs and sciatica caused by nerve compression.
- Spinal stenosis, where narrowing of the spinal canal presses on nerves and causes leg pain or numbness.
- Spinal deformities such as scoliosis, which is a sideways curvature of the spine, and other alignment problems in adults and adolescents.
- Neck pain and arm symptoms arising from the cervical spine.
Not every spinal problem needs surgery. A spine surgeon assesses whether symptoms are likely to settle with non-surgical care such as physiotherapy, activity changes and pain management, and reserves operative treatment for cases where it is clearly indicated.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit usually begins with a detailed history: where the pain is, how long it has been present, what makes it better or worse, and whether there is any weakness, numbness or change in bladder or bowel control. The surgeon then examines your spine, posture, movement, reflexes and nerve function in the limbs.
Imaging is often central to spinal assessment. You may have, or be asked to arrange, X-rays, an MRI or a CT scan so the surgeon can see the discs, nerves and bony alignment. The discussion that follows weighs the benefits and risks of each option, from conservative management through to surgery, and what recovery typically involves.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification and any GP, polyclinic or specialist referral letter.
- Previous spine imaging — X-rays, MRI or CT scans — and any radiology reports, ideally on disc or via your records.
- A current list of medications and supplements, including any blood-thinning medicines.
- A written note of your symptoms, when they started, and how they affect walking, sleep and daily activities.
- A simple pain or symptom diary if your back or neck pain varies through the day, which can help clarify patterns.
After your consultation and follow-up
After the visit you will usually leave with a clear plan: this might be a trial of physiotherapy and medication, further imaging or nerve studies, or a discussion about surgery. Reports and scan results are typically shared at review appointments or through the hospital’s systems.
If surgery is recommended, follow-up continues through the operation and rehabilitation, with reviews to monitor healing and progress. For ongoing or complex spinal conditions, continuity of care matters, and you are always entitled to seek a second opinion before deciding on an operation. Seek urgent medical attention if you develop sudden severe weakness in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin, as these can signal a problem needing prompt assessment.
Booking, referrals and fees
As A/Prof Hey practises within a public hospital institute, a referral from a GP or polyclinic is commonly the route in and may help with subsidies for eligible patients; private referrals are also accepted at the relevant clinics. MediSave and MediShield Life, together with Integrated Shield Plans, may apply to eligible spinal procedures and inpatient stays within set limits, while outpatient consultations are often paid out of pocket. Fees vary with the complexity of care, so confirm current charges and your coverage with the clinic and your insurer before proceeding.
Common questions
Do I always need surgery for back or neck pain?
No. Many spinal conditions improve with non-surgical care, and surgery is generally considered only when symptoms are severe, persistent or involve nerve compression that is not settling.
Why might I need an MRI?
An MRI shows the discs, nerves and soft tissues in detail, helping the surgeon pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and plan treatment accurately.
Can scoliosis be treated in adults?
Adult spinal deformity is assessed individually. Management ranges from monitoring and physiotherapy to surgery, depending on the curve, symptoms and overall spinal balance.
What are red-flag symptoms I should not ignore?
Sudden leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin warrant urgent assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of orthopaedic surgeons in Singapore and our shortlist of orthopaedic clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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