Transform Care - National Healthcare Group Polyclinics

MCI (P) 081/09/2015
National Healthcare Group Polyclinics
A Member of the National Healthcare Group
Transform Care
2016 ISSUE 01
First Family Medicine Clinic in Singapore
to be handed over to private
General Practice
1 March 2016 marked an important milestone
for primary healthcare as the Ang Mo Kio Family
Medicine Clinic (AMK FMC) was officially handed
over from National Healthcare Group to Parkway
Shenton, making it the first FMC in Singapore to be
passed on to a private General Practice.
Read more on Page 2
FEATURES
CONTENTS
Empower for healthier living
NHGP has been reaching out to various communities and
neighbourhoods to engage residents and educate them on
the importance of healthy eating for festive occasions and in
managing conditions. They were also given handy tips and
nutrition information to help them make smarter food choices.
Read more on Page 4
Overseas experts visit NHGP
Celebrating Infection Control Week
2015 | Page 4
Minister of State, Dr Koh Poh Koon, visits
Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic | Page 6
Clementi Polyclinic hosts Dr Tan Wu Meng,
Advisor to Jurong GRC and Member of
Parliament | Page 6
AMK Library engagement session: Getting to
know the neighbours | Page 6
Under the Ministry of Health's Health Manpower Development
Plan – Visiting Experts scheme, Clinical Services Division,
Clinical Research Unit and Podiatry Services were honoured to
host visiting experts in the fields of primary care research and
podiatry respectively.
Diabetes Support Groups at Yishun and Ang
Mo Kio Polyclinics | Page 6
Read more on Page 5
2015 National Day Awards Investiture | Page 7
NHGP wins bizSAFE Partner Award 2016
Hougang staff visit Singapore leprosy
home | Page 7
Celebrating World Diabetes Day at Hougang
Polyclinic | Page 6
NHGP emerges as the first and only healthcare institution in
Singapore to receive the bizSAFE Partner Award 2016 from the
Workplace Safety & Health Council.
Read more on Page 7
Leading the way at the 8th ASEAN Para Games
NHGP, with the support from NHG Diagnostics (NHGD) and NHG
Pharmacy (NHGPh), led and set up the Games Medical Centre
at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel from 27 November to 10
December 2015.
Read more on Page 7
UPCOMING
Care of the Elderly Workshop | Page 8
General Practitioner's Assistant
Course | Page 8
02 FEATURE
Ang Mo Kio Family Medicine Clinic Handover Signing Ceremony. Seated from left: Ms Lim Yee Juan, Group Chief Financial Officer, National Healthcare Group and Director, Ang Mo Kio
Family Medicine Clinic; Professor Philip Choo, Group Chief Executive Officer, National Healthcare Group; Adjunct Associate Professor Chong Phui-Nah, Executive Director, Ang Mo Kio
Family Medicine Clinic and Chief Executive Officer, National Healthcare Group Polyclinics; Ms Veronica Allen, Chief Executive Officer, Parkway Shenton; Dr Lim Suet Wun, Group Chief
Operating Officer, Parkway Pantai.
Standing from left: Adjunct Associate Professor Chua Hong Choon, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer (Clinical), National Healthcare Group; Mrs Tan Ching Yee, Permanent
Secretary, Ministry of Health; Dr Tan See Leng, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Parkway Pantai; Dr Kelvin Loh, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Operations,
Parkway Pantai.
First Family Medicine Clinic in
Singapore to be handed over
to private General Practice
O
n 1 March 2016, the Ang Mo Kio Family Medicine Clinic (AMK
FMC) was officially handed over to Parkway Shenton after a
successful three-year collaboration with National Healthcare Group
(NHG). Guest-of-Honour, Mrs Tan Ching Yee, Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Health, witnessed the signing ceremony for the handover
held on 27 February 2016.
ensure that we can support Singaporeans' care needs," said Mrs Tan
Ching Yee during her speech at the event.
"Rapid ageing is the key driver of healthcare demand in Singapore.
Longer life expectancy and changing lifestyles also increase our
chances of being diagnosed with chronic diseases, such as diabetes
and hypertension. We need to transform the way we deliver care to
In line with the Ministry of Health's "One Singaporean, One Family
Doctor" vision, AMK FMC patients are reassured with familiar faces
as they are cared for by the same team of Family Physicians on every
visit. Over time, the Family Physicians establish a strong relationship
AMK FMC, while physically smaller in size compared to a polyclinic,
is adequately equipped to provide the same level of quality care to
patients just like the polyclinic. It has a dedicated team of Family
Physicians, Nurses, Allied Healthcare Professionals as well as
This public-private collaboration between NHG and Parkway Diagnostics and Pharmacy professionals to deliver comprehensive
Shenton started in May 2013. This primary care facility received team-based care, with a focus on chronic disease management.
strong support from National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGP)
in the areas of operations and management of the FMC. More than The success of the collaboration was a result of the synergy and
8,600 patients from Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic have made the decision to unique strengths of NHG, Parkway Shenton and NHGP. Dr Lew Yii
receive care at AMK FMC since its establishment. Of these, more than Jen, Senior Director of Clinical Services at NHGP said, "The staff
7,800 patients are already receiving care at AMK FMC. Some 96% of from Parkway Shenton learnt how we manage patients in a holistic
patients attended to at AMK FMC are patients with chronic illnesses manner. We also learnt how they (private operators) provide more
who require long-term care.
personalised services and manage patients in a smaller setting."
FEATURE 03
Guest-of-honour, Mrs Tan Ching Yee taken on a clinic tour.
NHG Pharmacy has been supporting Ang Mo Kio Family Medicine Clinic with its
pharmaceutical services and will continue to do so even after the handover.
Dr Tan (Left), Professor Choo and Mrs Tan (4th and 5th from left) talking to Mr and Mrs
Sreedharan (2nd and 3rd from left), patients who have been visiting AMK FMC since its
establishment in 2013.
Mrs Tan tries out the Diabetic Retinal Screening available at the clinic.
with their patients and acquire an in-depth knowledge of their
medical history, thus allowing them to provide more personalised
and better quality care.
The Family Physician is also able to shift from simply providing
illness care to wellness care and care for patients well beyond the
clinic walls by empowering them to take better care of their own
health. This also enables the Family Physician to better manage their
patients' conditions at the primary care level before they require
specialised or intensive treatment in the hospital.
At the handover ceremony, Adjunct Associate Professor Chong
Phui-Nah, Executive Director, AMK FMC and CEO, NHGP, shared
that a strong patient-doctor relationship at the heart of AMK
FMC collaboration was essential in the management of patients'
conditions. She added that the polyclinic patients who opt for care at
AMK FMC are able to access comprehensive, continued and personcentred care within their neighbourhood.
Currently, AMK FMC enjoys a high retention rate of 95%, indicating
a high satisfaction rate among its patients. Parkway Shenton is
optimistic in reinforcing this success and by end of 2016, patient
volume is expected to increase from 8,600 patients to 11,000 patients.
AMK FMC will also increase the number of Family Physicians from
three to five and carry on with their collaboration with NHGP to rightsite patients from the polyclinic to AMK FMC.
AMK FMC patients continue to benefit from the support from National
Healthcare Group Diagnostics (NHGD), National Healthcare Group
Pharmacy (NHGPh) and NHGP. The three institutions continue to
provide laboratory, pharmacy and dietetics services respectively,
under one roof at AMK FMC. Patients who qualify for the Community
Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) and Pioneer Generation Package (PG)
can continue to utilise their respective CHAS benefits at AMK FMC
even after the handover, while eligible patients are able to tap on
their Medisave to help defray their out of pocket expenses.
04 PROMOTE A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY
Empower for healthier living
NHGP has been reaching out to various communities and neighbourhoods to engage residents and educate
them on the importance of healthy eating. They were also given handy tips and nutrition information to
empower them to make smarter food choices.
Feasting without overeating
Dietitian, Chan Sau Ling, explaining to
residents on healthier food options.
Nee Soon South residents were treated to a nutrition talk by NHGP Dietitian, Ms Chan Sau Ling, in
Nee Soon South Wellness Centre on 28 November 2015. The talk was part of a string of healthy eating
programmes jointly organised by NHGP and Nee Soon South Wellness Center where residents learnt
how to eat healthily and prevent overeating during the festive season. The dietitian shared tips on
healthy eating, choosing healthier food choices as well as healthy cooking. Participants were surprised
by the amounts of energy, fat and sugar hidden in festive foods and drinks such as log cake, pudding
and eggnog. They walked away with lots of interesting food facts and useful health information.
Understanding what goes into festive treats
In a bid to better engage and reach out to patients on food nutrition at the polyclinics, NHGP Dietitians
and Health Promotion and Preventive Care Division produced slides containing nutrition information
on local goodies and festive favourites that were screened on the televisions at the patient waiting
areas. Screened at a 30-minute interval, the slides alternated between English, Chinese, Tamil and
Malay text throughout the day. Nutrition information on local snacks such as murukku, bak kwa and
pineapple tarts, were featured on the screens. Patients were also reminded on mindful eating and
given tips on how to prevent over-eating especially during family reunions and festive feastings.
An informative slide seen on the television
screen at patient waiting areas featuring
calorie content of Christmas goodies.
Let's talk about the three 'highs'
Hougang residents attending the talk on
high blood pressure, high blood sugar and
high cholesterol.
To involve our General Practitioner partners in our primary care transformation journey, NHGP Senior
Dietitian, Pauline Xie, conducted health promotion activities at Hougang Family Medicine Clinic @
Ci Yuan Community Club to help extend community engagement efforts beyond the walls of our
polyclinics. In line with Hougang Family Medicine Clinic's aim of encouraging residents in Hougang
to make healthy lifestyle choices, the residents were given a talk on health screenings and healthy
eating that can prevent and manage the three 'highs' – high blood pressure, high blood sugar and
high cholesterol.
Healthy eating for healthy ageing
NHGP together and its team of volunteers collaborated with Frontier Community Club to hold a health
talk for Pioneer residents on "Healthy Eating as You Age". Residents were informed of the importance
of a well-balanced diet through proper nutrition and food portions. Senior Dietitian, Ms Lynette
Goh, shared on appropriate food portions as well as tips on managing health conditions such as
osteoporosis and constipation that may emerge as we age and how to improve one's appetite. She also
addressed residents' questions pertaining to their own health, how they could make healthier food
choices and explained the best time to eat fruits as well as using vitamin supplements to replace food
and vegetables.
Senior Dietitian, Lynette Goh, answering a
resident's question on the use of vitamin
supplements as food replacements.
Celebrating Infection Control Week 2015
I
n conjunction with Infection Control Week, NHGP held activities at each of its nine
polyclinics to create and increase awareness on the importance of infection prevention
and control among staff, patients and visitors. Patients and visitors learnt how to practice
the six steps of hand hygiene through the demonstration sessions at the exhibition
booth. Messages on respiratory etiquette were inscribed on complimentary tissue packs
which were distributed to patients and visitors in the polyclinics.
The Infection Control Week served as an important platform for our healthcare workers
to empower patients and their families on the vital role of infection control in keeping the
healthcare environment safe for all.
A visitor taking part in the hand hygiene demonstration
conducted by NHGP staff.
ENGAGE HEALTHCARE STAKEHOLDERS 05
Overseas experts visit NHGP
Under the Ministry of Health's Health Manpower Development Plan – Visiting Experts scheme, NHGP Clinical
Services Division, Clinical Research Unit and Podiatry Services were honoured to host visiting experts in the
fields of primary care research and podiatry respectively. The divisions held tours at Bukit Batok Polyclinic
and introduced the experts to the Singapore healthcare systems. The visiting experts conducted lectures
and workshops for NHGP staff and colleagues from other healthcare institutions to learn and glean new
perspectives and skills.
Building our skills in primary care research
Professor Roger Jones, Emeritus Professor of General Practice at King's
College London, Editor of the British Journal of General Practice and
Provost of the South London Faculty of the Royal College of General
Practitioners, visited NHGP from 1 to 5 February 2016. He shared his
skills with members of NHGP Senior Management and discussed
primary care research and NHGP's work and initiatives in primary care.
A leading figure in the development of academic primary care,
Professor Jones' main research interests are in epidemiology and the
management of common gastrointestinal disorders. He has published
research on mental health, ethnicity and health, medical education
and medical ethics and is the editor-in-chief of the Oxford Textbook of
General Practice.
Professor Jones' visit to Singapore took him to Bukit Batok Polyclinic
and Family Medicine Academy where he learnt more about NHGP's
work in primary care, conducted several lectures and workshops on
research methodologies and medical writing and spoke at the Medical
Forum. He was impressed by the polyclinics' "well-trained medical
workforce" and the potential for clinical and health services research
afforded by the polyclinic system.
Early detection, early management and early access
for diabetic foot care
During his visit from 18 to 22 January 2016, Dr Gerry Rayman shared
his expertise on a wide range of clinical topics, including screening
and prevention of diabetic foot problems, patient education,
management of diabetic foot ulcers and new research in diabetic
neuropathy.
Dr Rayman is a Consultant Physician and Head of Service at the
Diabetes Centre, Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust. He is also the lead for the
NHS National Diabetes Inpatient Audit and Diabetic Foot Care as well
as specialist medical advisor to Diabetes UK.
He met with members of NHGP Senior Management and the Ministry
of Health to discuss recommendations for a sustainable model for
the management of the diabetic foot problem in primary care and
integrated care of the diabetic foot within the Regional Health System.
Dr Rayman provided inputs on the NHGP Podiatry Diabetes
Mellitus Foot Risk Stratification and interacted with clinicians and
administrators from primary care, hospitals, intermediate longterm care and AIC on the continuum of foot care across the various
healthcare settings. He also shared about Ipswich Touch Test and the
preliminary results of the UK National Diabetes Foot Care Audit.
Professor Roger Jones (9th from left) and Adjunct Associate Professor Chong Phui-Nah (10th from left) together with members of NHGP Senior Management at a discussion on primary
care research and initiatives.
Dr Gerry Rayman sharing his expertise on diabetic foot care during a meeting with members of NHGP Senior Management.
06 ENGAGE HEALTHCARE STAKEHOLDERS (CONTINUATION)
Visits and engagement to strengthen synergy
Minister of State, Dr Koh Poh Koon, visits Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic
Dr Koh Poh Koon, Minister of State for the Ministry of National Development and Ministry of
Trade and Industry, made his first visit to Ang Mo Kio (AMK) Polyclinic on 22 January 2016 in his
capacity as the newly appointed Advisor to Yio Chu Kang Constituency. NHGP CEO, Adjunct
Associate Professor, Chong Phui-Nah, hosted his visit and took him through a clinic tour with
AMK Polyclinic Head, Dr Christopher Chong, to provide a deeper understanding of NHGP
and AMK Polyclinic's role in serving the community as well as its redevelopment plans. His
visit concluded with a presentation by Dr Karen Ng, Regional Director (Central), Primary Care
Transformation Office.
The NHGP team takes a photo with Dr Koh Poh Koon
(seated in the middle), concluding the tour of Ang Mo
Kio Polyclinic.
Clementi Polyclinic hosts Dr Tan Wu Meng, Advisor to Jurong GRC and
Member of Parliament
Head of Clementi Polyclinic's Head, Dr Steven Chong,
(3rd from left) giving Dr Tan Wu Meng (2nd from left) a tour
of the clinic.
Dr Tan Wu Meng, Advisor and Member of Parliament representing the Jurong Group
Representation Constituency, accompanied by Mr Justin Foo, Chairman of Clementi Citizen's
Consultative Committee, visited Clementi Polyclinic on 13 January 2016. They were brought
on a guided tour of Clementi Polyclinic led by Clinic Head, Dr Steven Chong and the clinic
management team where they were given an overview of NHGP. They also met with NHGP
Senior Management to discuss possible ways to work together to meet the current and future
healthcare needs of Clementi residents and support population health.
AMK Library engagement session: Getting to know the neighbours
NHGP worked with Ang Mo Kio (AMK) Public Library to join its "Meet the Customers" session
on 6 December 2015. NHGP saw the session as a suitable platform to reach out to regular
library patrons to share more about AMK Polyclinic's upcoming construction plans, safety
measures and traffic re-directions. Dr Karen Ng, Head of AMK Polyclinic, shared about the
polyclinic redevelopment to over 20 patrons and addressed their feedback and queries. Dr
Ng also elaborated on what the new features at the redeveloped polyclinic would bring to the
community. The session concluded with a tea reception, where our NHGP staff further engaged
with patrons and librarians.
Dr Karen Ng together with staff from NHGP and Ang Mo
Kio Public Library at the "Meet the Customers" session.
06 PATIENT EMPOWERMENT
Diabetes support
groups at Yishun and
Ang Mo Kio Polyclinics
On 12 December 2015,
NHGP Dietitian, Chan Sau
Ling and Senior Dietitian,
Wong Yuefen, conducted
diabetes support group
sessions in Yishun and AMK
Polyclinics respectively.
Participants learning more on how to control
their blood sugar through food portion control
at the diabetes support groups.
The session at Yishun Polyclinic covered topics on controlling blood
sugar through appropriate food portions and choices. There was also a
cooking demonstration with three simple and tasty recipes - pinwheel
mini sandwiches, cold creamy oats and healthy chocolate drink.
At AMK Polyclinic, the session focused on understanding
carbohydrates. Participants were introduced to the concept of
carbohydrates and its effect on blood sugar levels, carbohydrate
sources, carbohydrate content of common local foods and
carbohydrate counting.
Participants also had opportunities to learn through hands-on
activities in planning a meal and reading food labels.
Celebrating World Diabetes
Day at Hougang Polyclinic
In conjunction with World
Diabetes Day, NHGP's Care
Managers (Nursing), Pharmacist
and Dietitian from Hougang
Polyclinic jointly conducted talks
and activities on 28 November
2015. The event was held to raise
awareness on diabetes among
the general public.
Dietitian, Ms Abbie Sim, demonstrating
the process of making rainbow salad to
participants at the Hougang Polyclinic.
The event commenced with a
warm welcome speech by Hougang Polyclinic Deputy Head, Dr Kong
Jing Wen. This was followed by an informative talk on "Healthy Feet
are Happy Feet" by Ms Vasanthi Ganesan, Principal Assistant Nurse,
Hougang Polyclinic. She shared useful tips on foot care such as good
hygiene and proper foot wear. Subsequently, Mr Anthony Yip, NHG
Pharmacist, discussed the different types of medications (oral and
injection agents) for diabetes treatment. The event concluded with
Ms Abbie Sim, NHGP Dietitian, who gave tips on healthy eating for
better blood sugar control using the "My Healthy Plate" concept. She
also conducted a cooking demonstration on making rainbow salad
using multigrain rice so that participants could replicate this recipe
at home.
PROVIDE QUALITY PATIENT CARE 07
Celebrating healthcare excellence
2015 National Day Awards Investiture
NHGP awardees receiving their
awards during the 2015 National Day
Awards Investiture.
Twelve staff from NHGP were honoured with Commendation, Efficiency and Long Service medals at the 2015
National Day Awards Investiture on 20 November 2015. They were among over 400 officers recognised by
Health Minister Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister of State Dr Lam Pin Min and Minister of State Mr Chee Hong Tat for
their significant contributions to the public service.
NHGP wins bizSAFE Partner Award 2016
NHGP received the bizSAFE Partner Award 2016 from the Workplace Safety &
Health Council, making it the first and only healthcare institution in Singapore to
receive this award.
NHGP CEO, Adjunct Associate Professor Chong Phui-Nah, received the award at
the bizSAFE Convention 2016 on 17 February 2016 for NHGP's quality measures
in Workplace Safety and Health (WSH). As a primary healthcare institution, WSH
standards are of paramount importance to NHGP's core business in delivering
effective and productive healthcare services to our patients. In a video broadcast
at the convention, Prof Chong shared how the organisation inculcates a strong
culture of staff and patient safety.
NHGP CEO, Adjunct Associate Professor Chong Phui-Nah, (2nd from left)
received the trophy for the bizSAFE Partner Award 2016.
BEYOND HEALTH PROMOTION AND CARE 07
Leading the way at the 8th ASEAN Para Games
NHGP, together with the support from NHGD and NHGPh, led and set up the Games Medical
Centre (GMC) at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel from 28 November to 10 December 2015.
As part of the Games Village concept, the GMC was the first touch point for all athletes and
delegates to receive prompt primary healthcare services and access to quality facilities. Hotel
rooms were converted to consultation and treatment rooms to facilitate these services. Besides
treating patients for common illnesses such as cold, cough or minor sports related injuries, the
GMC also provided ambulatory services for emergency cases.
The Games Medical Centre team from NHGP hosting
Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of the
Environment and Water Resources and Ministry of Health.
True to the Games' spirit, NHGP worked with colleagues from various public hospitals and
healthcare institutions coming together and providing expertise in sports medicine and
physiotherapy. The collaborative efforts and planning, which spanned six months, ensured the
smooth running of the GMC which was managed around the clock by a team of 50 medical staff,
supported by 60 NHGP staff and student volunteers from National University of Singapore's
Department of Pharmacy.
Hougang staff visit Singapore leprosy home
As part of their yearly commitment since 1999, staff from Hougang
Polyclinic made a trip down to visit residents at SILRA Home, also known
as Singapore Leprosy Association, on 12 December 2015. The Home houses
former leprosy victims and provides them with basic care and love with the
aim of improving their lives.
Dr Lee Eng Sing, Head of Hougang Polyclinic, gave an opening address
and introduced pet-assisted therapy to the residents. They also had fun
participating in a karaoke session performed by Hougang Polyclinic staff,
dancing to popular classics while others spontaneously showed off their
singing and flute-playing talents. The afternoon concluded with a round of
Christmas carolling.
This yearly event proved to be as beneficial to the staff as much as it was
enjoyable to the residents. It was also a great platform for staff to bond and
share the festive spirit with the less fortunate people.
Residents enjoying the Christmas Carols at the SILRA Home.
U P CO M I N G P C A CO U RS E S
Care of the Elderly Workshop
The Primary Care Academy offers a
training programme conducted by
experienced registered nurses to
equip you and your caregiver with
basic skills in caring for the elderly. If
you are a caregiver or employer of a
caregiver, this training programme
will enhance your ability and improve
your caregiver's skills in providing
excellent care to your loved ones.
The course covers:
 Hygiene and grooming
Feeding
 Waste handling
Date: 31 March 2016
Time: 10.00am – 5.00pm
Course Fee : $110 (excluding GST)
Venue: PCA Learning Centre
Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic Level 3, 2 Teck Whye Crescent
Singapore 688846
To register, please call 6496 6683 / 6496 6682 or
email secretariat@pca.sg
Communication
Safety
General Practitioner's Assistant Course - Foundational
The General Practitioner's (GP)
Assistant
Course
is
designed
specifically to prepare anyone who is
interested in working in a GP clinic,
as well as current GP assistants who
would like to raise the level of service
standard provided.
Date: 25 & 27 May 2016
Time: 1.30pm – 5.00pm
Course Fee : $180 (excluding GST)
Venue: PCA Learning Centre
Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic 2 Teck Whye Crescent
Singapore 688846
To register, please call 6496 6683 / 6496 6682
or email secretariat@pca.sg
The course covers:
 An overview of healthcare organisation in Singapore
 Role of GP's Assistant
 Fundamental concepts of patient care delivery
 Basic communication skills and delivery
Publisher Corporate Communications
National Healthcare Group Polyclinics
www.nhgp.com.sg
Basic measurement skills (Height, Weight, Tympanic and Digital
Axillary Temperature Taking, BMI Calculation and Waist Conference)
 Fundamentals of infection control in clinic settings
 Basics on how medication works and avoiding medication errors
Advisor
Dr Peter Chow
Chief Editor Goh Geok Ngoh
EditorialDoris Liew
Team
Cindy Chew
Jessica Sasayiah
For all editorial queries and
feedback, please email to
NHGP_CorpComms@nhgp.com.sg