Often referred to as "KK" amongst locals,[3] it is the birthplace of a sizeable proportion of Singaporeans, delivering over half of total newborns in the country as early as 1938.

[3] While the hospital initially started as one catering to health care for women, mainly for gynecology and obstetrics, it has since expanded its role.

[3] During World War II, KKH became an emergency general hospital for the population when Japan attacked Singapore.

[4] As a result of a restructuring exercise in the local healthcare scene, the hospital became a member of the Singapore Health Services on 1 April 2000.

[4] In 2003, the old premises were marked as a historical site by the National Heritage Board,[2] a tribute to an institution that has been the birthplace of over 1.2 million Singaporeans since its inception.