REACHING Out - Thye Hua Kwan Hospital

Ang Mo Kio - Thye Hua Kwan Hospital
REACHING
Out
MICA (P) 03/11/2014 A Quarterly Newsletter, ISSUE NO. 01/2014
Photo (L to R): Dr Chan Kin Ming, Chairman, Ang Mo Kio–Thye Hua Kwan Hospital, congratulating
Healthcare Humanity Award Winner, Ward Manager, Mr Kevin Chiam; while Mr Lee Kim Siang, Chairman,
Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society, congratulates Nurses’ Merit Award Winner, Nursing Officer, Ms Jocelyn Ng.
HONOURING
OUR NURSES
Our Pillars of Patient Care
To honour and appreciate our
nurses for their hard work and
sincere care to patients, Ang Mo
Kio-Thye Hua Kwan Hospital (AMK
– THKH) celebrated Nurses’ Day on
August 1, 2014.
The
theme
of
this
year’s
celebration, “Safari of Care”, was
symbolic of the multi-faceted
approach of nursing in caring for
and motivating patients on their
journey to recovery at our Hospital.
Kicking off this year’s celebrations,
Mr S. Vivakanandan, CEO, AMK –
THKH, visited the wards to convey
his best wishes and present our
nurses and healthcare team with a
token of appreciation for their
commitment and contributions.
The celebrations continued with an
inspirational musical, performed by
Dr Gilbert Er, Service Registrar,
AMK-THKH, as a tribute to our
Nursing
Team’s
unflinching
perseverance in delivering quality
care to our patients.
Members of our Nursing Team then
took to the stage as well, with song
and dance numbers themed on the
principles of nursing care. (cont’d)
Healing Hands, Caring Hearts
Page 04
Our Staff
Achievements:
Inspiring Talents
Page 06/07
Understanding
Palliative Care /
A Caregiver’s Story:
Miss Ginny Sim
Page 08/09
What is Dementia /
A Patient’s Story:
Finding Joy at the
Sunshine Corner
02
NURSES’ DAY 2014
PERFORMANCES BY OUR STAFF FROM THE NURSING DEPARTMENT & MEDICAL SERVICES
Amid the cheers, the message from our nurses
was clear; their enthusiasm for the art and
science of nursing was as high as ever.
A total of 25 of our staff also received their five,
10 and 15-year long service awards respectively
in recognition for their commitment.
Our Healthcare Humanity Award winner, Mr
Kevin Chiam, Ward Manager and our Nurses’
Merit Award recipient, Ms Jocelyn Ng, Nursing
Officer, were also recognised for their dedication
and selfless contribution to nursing care by Mr
Lee Kim Siang, Chairman, Thye Hua Kwan
Moral Society.
Rounding off the celebrations, our Board of
Directors, Medifund Committee, CEO, Senior
Management and Nurse Managers got on stage
for a cake cutting ceremony to commemorate
the event.
“I am very happy that the celebrations brought
the AMK – THKH family together for a day of
fun. Celebrating the occasion with the rest of the
healthcare team made it extra special,” shared
Senior Staff Nurse Rajisupari, our Clinical
Instructor from the Department of Nursing
Administration.
Healing Hands, Caring Hearts
NURSES’ DAY 2014
CELEBRATING NURSES’ DAY 2014
AT ANG MO KIO - THYE HUA KWAN HOSPITAL
Our Board of Directors, Medifund Committee, CEO, Senior Management and Nurse Managers
gathered on stage for a cake cutting ceremony to commemorate the event.
Photo (L to R):
Mr Tan Chong Hai,
Member, Medifund Committee,
Mr Viva,
CEO, AMK-THKH,
Dr Chan Kin Ming,
Chairman, AMK-THKH,
Board of Directors,
Mr Lee Kim Siang, Chairman,
Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society,
Dr S Vasoo, Chairman,
Medifund Committee,
Mr M N Swami,
Member, Medifund Committee
Mr Ong Ser Huan,
Member, Board of Directors,
And our management staff
Recognizing the Commitment of our Long Serving Staff
Mdm Chelliah Tamilmani, Senior Health Attendant,
who received her 20-Year Long Service Award
from Dr Chan Kin Ming, Chairman, Board of
20-Year
Directors, AMk-THKH.
Service
“My colleagues are very helpful
Recipients
and this makes my job enjoyable at
this Hospital. I am happy to be part of
the AMK-THKH family and will continue
to carry out my duty to the best of my
ability”.
Dr Chan Kin Ming, Chairman, Board of Directors,
AMk- THKH presenting the 20-Year Long
Service Award to Mdm Dayang Bte Mustapha
Long
@ Dayang Rapiah, Senior Health Attendant, from
Nursing Department.
Award
“I love working at this hospital as
I have made many good friends over
my 20 years of work here. I love the
people I meet, the challenges and
opportunities that my job gives to
me. I look forward to more years
ahead”.
Healing Hands, Caring Hearts
03
04
STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS : INSPIRING TALENTS
OUR STAR AWARD RECIPIENT FOR THE SINGAPORE
HEALTH QUALITY SERVICE AWARD 2014
Mr Mazlan Bin Senawi, a Senior Therapy
Assistant, who made his career switch seven
years ago has never looked back, and he says
that it is one of the best decisions in his life.
As a Therapy Assistant, he assists therapists
by guiding his patients in therapy exercises
during their stay at the Hospital. Having an
affable nature, he strikes up conversations
with his patients easily and often brightens
their day with his smile and helpful personality.
Mr Mazlan Bin Senawi, a Senior Therapy Assistant, AMK-THKH
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
TO THE COMMUNITY
patient who has since been discharged.
Although Ms Fan has been a social worker for
more than 14 years, she shared that it has
been quite a journey against the odds. “We
have multiple roles to fulfill. This includes
coordinating
care
plans,
conducting
assessments
for
financial
assistance,
facilitating discharge and doubling up as a
mediator between our patients and their
families,” Ms Fan explained.
Ms Fan Loo Ching, Principal Medical
Social Worker, AMK-THKH
When Ms Fan started her stint at the
National University Hospital, she met many
illiterate elderly patients who required social
assistance but were unknowingly overlooked.
“I aimed to empower the needy elderly in
leading a happy and meaningful life during
their golden years. And I believe there are
opportunities to develop new services for the
elderly in the Intermediate and Long Term
Care (ILTC) sector”, says Ms Fan.
Her helpful and committed personality won her
a Gold award at the Singapore Health Quality
Service Award (SHQSA) 2014 this year. She
was described as a patient and helpful social
worker by many patients and their family
members. “Ms Fan helped my family tide over
the difficult period we went through. She was
prompt and effective in addressing our
concerns”, says Mr Edward Lin, the son of a
Despite these odds, Ms Fan feels rewarded
and happy for her patients when they are
ready to go home. “I find a sense of
satisfaction when I am able to work out a
suitable discharge plan that benefits the
patient,” shared Ms Fan.
Beyond contributing towards patient care, she
is also a mentor who leads her team in
exploring new initiatives and programmes to
enhance patient care. This includes initiating
the Community of Practice platform in relation
to elderly issues termed “Effecting Change
and
Driving
Improvement
Through
Galvanizing Knowledge and Resources for the
Elderly” (EDGE). Through this platform, AMKTHKH engages various social service
agencies to participate in talks, discussions
and networking sessions. The ultimate aim is
to form collaborations among the social
service agencies to address challenges that
we face, develop new services and enhance
our capability to care for our aging population.
Healing Hands, Caring Hearts
STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS : INSPIRING TALENTS
CHANGING PATHS,
TOUCHING LIVES
Ward Manager Mr Kevin Chiam gave up
running a student care centre to become a
nurse, after being inspired by the nurses who
took care of his father, who succumbed to
cancer years ago. He shared how words of
encouragement and true care imbued him with
mental strength to stand by his father during
their most difficult moments.
Mr Kevin Chiam receiving his award from Mr Gan Kim Yong,
Minister for Health at the Healthcare Humanity Award
ceremony on 14 May 2014
Since then, he believes in providing his
patients with positive words and unceasing
care to encourage them to stay strong during
their journey towards recovery. “I believe that I
will be able to provide the best care when I
truly understand my patients well,” said Kevin.
CARING FOR PATIENTS
WITH PASSION & LOVE
For Nursing Officer Ms Jocelyn Ng, proud
recipient of the Nurses’ Merit Award 2014, in
recognition of her outstanding performance
and dedication, nursing was never a career
she envisioned for herself as a teenager. This
changed when her grandfather was admitted
to Ang Mo Kio Community Hospital, as it was
called then.
“I was greatly inspired by the nurses who
helped my forlorn grandfather build up his
confidence. Their inspirational words and
sincere care for my grandfather perceptibly
improved his outlook. This combination of
professional expertise along with their heartfelt
care for patients made me decide that this
was the profession for me,” shared Jocelyn.
This initial experience has been an important
guiding principle in her daily professional life.
“They made me understand that one needs to
be passionate about nursing to provide the
best possible care to patients,” said Jocelyn.
Today, as a Nursing Officer who designs and
implements continuing education programmes
for nurses, Jocelyn is now a mentor, sharing
her experiences and professional expertise
with junior and aspiring nurses. It is a role she
approaches with relish. She elaborates that,
Ms Jocelyn Ng receiving her award from Mr Gan Kin Yong,
Minister of Health at the MOH award ceremony on
6 August 2014.
“continuing professional development of
nurses is fundamental in nursing care. Patients
now have better access to medical information
online, making it essential for us to expand our
knowledge and skills to meet the increasing
expectations of delivering better patient care”.
As an instructor, NO Jocelyn cites the most
important lesson she seeks to impart is
empathetic communication. “Communicating
with patients and their family members with
empathy gives one a better understanding of
the needs of patients and this enables us as
nurses to provide them with the best possible
care for our patients.” explained Jocelyn.
Healing Hands, Caring Hearts
05
06
PALLIATIVE CARE
UNDERSTANDING
PALLIATIVE CARE
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS
Ms Ginny Sim (left) sharing her caregiving experiences with Ms Gina Tan, a medical social worker of AMK-THKH.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is specialised medical care for
people with serious illnesses. It focuses on
providing patients with relief from the
symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious
illness. The goal is to improve the quality of
life for both our patients and their family
members.
Palliative care in Singapore has improved
dramatically over the years. With most
conventional
services
(inpatient
and
homecare hospices), the target group of
patients are those who have cancer and
have a prognosis of less than 3 months.
With the advancement of medical technology
and treatment options, the potential life span
of patients with cancer and other chronic
diseases has been extended. As a result,
there is an increasing need for pre-terminal
care in the following areas: pain
management, maintenance of physical
function, persistence in psychological
well-being, spiritual and emotional support.
The AMK - THKH Palliative Care Team
To meet the increasing need, AMK-THKH
formed the palliative care team, which is a
multi-disciplinary team
comprising
of
doctors, nurses and social workers in 2011.
Since then, the team has provided care and
support for 26 patients and their families,
including Mr Sim Kiok Bee and his family.
Read on as Miss Ginny Sim, sole caregiver
for Mr Sim, shares her experience.
Healing Hands, Caring Hearts
PALLIATIVE CARE
A CAREGIVER’S STORY
LOVE GIVES HER STRENGTH TO TAKE CARE
OF HER PARENTS WHOLEHEARTEDLY
It was early one morning that Miss Ginny
Sim, sole caregiver for her father, found him
lying on the floor of his bedroom writhing in
pain. Mr Sim Kiok Bee, 77, seemed to have
dislocated his hip bone. Shocked, Ginny
immediately called for an ambulance. It
turned out that her father had suffered a hip
fracture.
our palliative care team held several
discussions with Ginny and her mother to
identify the needs of the patient, as well as to
help the family cope with the situation.
Together with Ginny, the AMK-THKH
palliative care team also held a quiet meeting
with Mr Sim to break the bad news.
As
Mr
Sim
embarked on his
road to recovery, he
was transferred to
AMK-THKH
for
rehabilitation. Ginny
and
her
family
thought they could
be relieved as they
looked forward to
having Mr Sim back
on his feet again.
However, a chest
X-ray
check-up
after his week-long
Mr Sim Kiok Bee and his wife enjoying their dinner together at a family gathering.
stay at AMK-THKH
Mr Sim was accepting of his prognosis.
turned out to be their worst nightmare.
However, he was worried about his only
Mr Sim was diagnosed with a terminal
daughter as he will no longer be her pillar of
condition and a prognosis of less than a year
support. “My father’s love for me is
to live. Ginny, who was the only daughter of
unparalled and he always puts my interests
Mr Sim, broke down in tears upon learning
first. I am grateful to have a wonderful father
about his diagnosis.
like him”, shared Ginny. She recalled how her
“Thankfully, the AMK-THKH palliative care
father provided her with attention and support
team rendered me both emotional support
whenever she felt down and needed a
and care and become my extended family
listening ear.
who provided support and strength for me to
Being the only daughter, Ginny felt a sense of
go on. I would not be able to break the news
duty to take care of her aged parents. She
to my beloved father without their support”,
gave up her job as an operations manager to
expressed Ginny.
become a full-time caregiver four years ago
Charting an advanced care plan for Mr Sim,
and never regretted her decision. (cont’d)
Healing Hands, Caring Hearts
07
08
UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA
The role as a caregiver for Ginny became
tougher when Mr Sim was hospitalised. “It
was a mentally and physically stressful
journey. As the sole caregiver, one of the
most trying tasks for me was to balance my
time for both parents. My father had hoped to
see as much of me as possible after learning
that his days were numbered but my mother
also needed me,” explained Ginny.
“Caregiving can be very challenging and
stressful if you are managing alone,” she
added. “Having social support helped me
relieve stress and lightened my emotional
strain. I felt better after sharing with my
friends what I went through”.
Now, her main priority is taking good care of
her mother and spending as much time with
her as possible. She and her mother will be
moving into her step-sister’s home soon
because she wants her mother to have as
much love, care and support from her family
as possible.
UNDERSTANDING
DEMENTIA
What is Dementia?
Dementia is an illness that leads to the decline of the brain and its abilities in judgement,
language, planning, and behavior. It can affect adults of any age, although it is more likely to
occur in those above 65 years old.
According to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association, www.alz.org.sg, the prevalence rate of
people with dementia aged 65 years and above is about 6.2% and is projected to increase to
53,000 by 2020.
3 Common Misperceptions of Dementia
10 Warning Signs of Dementia













Dementia is just about forgetfulness
Dementia is part and parcel of old age
Nothing can be done to help the condition
The truth is, dementia is more than
forgetfulness. It diminishes a person's ability
to take care of himself/herself and causes
problems with planning and communication.
It also leads to changes in personality and
behavior. There are, however, a number of
effective interventions that can help manage
the symptoms and improve the quality of life
for the patient.
Memory loss that affects day-to-day functions
Difficulty doing familiar tasks
Misplacing things
Confusion about time and place
Problems communicating
Problems with abstract thinking
Poor or decreased judgement
Changes in mood or behaviour
Changes in personality
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Reducing Risks of Dementia




Stay mentally stimulated
Maintain an active social life
Eat a healthy diet
Keep physically active
Source: Health Promotion Board (HPB) website. For more information on dementia, please log on to www.hpb.gov.sg.
Healing Hands, Caring Hearts
UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA
A PATIENT’S STORY
FINDING JOY
AT AMK-THKH
SUNSHINE
CARE CORNER
Very often, family support is very
important to keep us strong and
stay encouraged during tough
times. Such support means even
more to Madam Lijah Bt Kairan,
76, a dementia patient who
suffered a hip fracture after a fall
at home.
In October 2013, Madam Lijah
underwent a hip operation at
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) where she
was also diagnosed to be suffering from early
dementia. Recognising her need for special
care
while
undergoing
rehabilitative
treatment, KTPH referred her to AMK-THKH.
Madam Lijah was one of our first few patients
warded at our Sunshine Corner, a homely
cubicle providing dementia care for our
patients as they undergo holistic rehabilitative
treatment
to
regain
their
functional
independence.
Madam Lijah’s family detected early signs of dementia
as she often recounted the past and suffered memory loss.
A typical day for Madam Lijah starts with a
range of functional activities. Assisted by our
nurse, she tidied her own bed, a daily routine
for her at home.
Her morning routine continued with light limb
exercises designed to help her regain her
functional independence. Guided by her
therapists, Madam Lijah participated in
activities involving sensory movement of her
hands and legs such as ball throwing, folding
plastic bags and even personal grooming.
What Madam Lijah enjoyed most was her
favourite dough kneading, one of the brain
simulation activities which took place in the
afternoon. These activities aim to slow down
cognitive decline by engaging patients in
activities such as drawing, painting and
playing games.
One by one, Madam Lijah transformed
assorted coloured dough into curry puffs
while she chatted with other patients at the
ward activity table. “She loves whipping up
dishes and baking curry puffs has always
been one of her specialties”, shared her
daughter, Madam Rohaya Bte Atan, 50.
Madam Lijah folding plastic bags together with her
daughter, Madam Rohaya Bt Atan at the ward
activity table.
(cont’d)
Healing Hands, Caring Hearts
09
10
UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA
“Other than the routine therapy programme,
the group activities conducted in the
afternoon were also very helpful for my mother.
She had become more cheerful after
participating in these activities as she likes to
make friends,” shared Madam Rohaya.
Madam Lijah, who has since been
discharged, was looking forward to a reunion
with her family. As she still recognises her
family members, Madam Rohaya, who is also
her caregiver shared that her family plans to
spend more time with her.
Madam Lijah kneading a piece of dough into a curry puff
with Staff Nurse Ailen Carlos .
“In preparation for my mother’s postdischarge care, I went through the caregiver
training. Mr Rohizad Bin Md. Jani, the
Nursing Officer encouraged us to engage my
mother in daily tasks such as cooking as a
form of support for my mother and also to
build up her self-value. We also want her to
lead a normal life as long as she can.”
expressed Madam Rohaya.
CARING FOR PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA
To cater to the increasing prevalence of patients with dementia, AMK-THKH
implemented an activities-based group therapy programme for dementia patients
rehabilitating at the Hospital in October 2013.
Partially funded by the TOTE Board Community Healthcare Fund, the programme
engages dementia patients in meaningful activities at the Sunshine Corner, a homely
cubicle for the care of dementia patients.
The activities that our patients are being engaged in are usually prescribed by the
Occupational Therapists. These activities are not merely activities but activities which
our patients engage in as their hobbies or had great mastery in. Engagement in these
meaningful activities would assist in the improvement of the patient’s self-esteem,
confidence and general well-being. This will ultimately help in the management of
behavioral and psychological symptoms suffered by dementia patients.
To create an enriching experience for our patients, the Hospital’s Service
Ambassadors and nurses also engage patients in daily activities such as art and
crafts and card playing sessions in the ward. They chat with patients and their family
members, thus promoting greater human interaction and enhancing patients’
experience during their stay with us.
CARING FOR CAREGIVERS OF DEMENTIA PATIENTS
Caring for dementia patients can be physically and emotionally stressful for the
caregivers. To equip caregivers in providing the best possible care for patients
post-discharge, AMK-THKH also provides caregiver training.
Healing Hands, Caring Hearts
UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA
TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS
OF DEMENTIA PATIENTS
BY MR ROHIZAD BIN MD. JANI, NURSING OFFICER
Caring for loved ones with dementia poses many challenges for families and caregivers. It is
easy to neglect your own needs when looking after loved ones with dementia. Here are some
tips to take care of your own health and emotional well-being.
Sources
of Help
 Every caregiver needs
support and a listening ear.
Get support from friends
and family as well as
professionals or a support
group where you can share
your
experiences
and
thoughts with people undergoing
the same experience.
 Know who you can turn to when
you need help e.g. the Alzheimer’s
Disease Association organises
Caregiver Support Group sessions
in English, Mandarin and Malay.
You can register via the Dementia
Helpline 63770700 or online at
http://www.alz.org.sg.
Family &
Friends
 Your financial and legal
situation may be affected if
you are caring for a person
with dementia. Depending
on the severity of the
dementia, a person with
dementia may still be able to grant
a lasting power of attorney to
someone to manage his or her
personal affairs and/or property.
 Look out for the benefits that
caregivers of dementia patients
are entitled to.
 If you are working and have to give
up your job either temporarily or
permanently, ensure that your
finance is sufficient to support you
and your loved ones.
 Having the responsibility
to care for loved ones with
dementia is physically and
emotionally demanding.
 Engage
other
family
members in the caregiving duties
right from the start so that the
responsibility does not lie solely with
you. They can help look after your
loved one with dementia while you
take a break.
 Always accept help from friends or
neighbours. Express your gratitude
to them for their support. Share with
them that you value their support
and that a chat with them or a
regular telephone call from them to
see how you are doing makes a
difference.
 Explain to family and close friends
how dementia can affect a person’s
behavior so that they understand
the apparent contradictions in the
behavior of the person.
Time for
Yourself
Legal &
Financial
 Exercise regularly.
Health
 Have
regular
health
checks and share with your
doctors the stress and
problems
you
are
experiencing. It is easier to tackle
depression at an early stage.
 Maintain a well-balanced diet. It will
help you feel and cope better.
 Have enough sleep. Share with
your doctors if you have difficulty
sleeping or resting.
A Pat on
the Back
 For
managing
situations.
difficult
 For
becoming
more
flexible and tolerant as well as
finding new strengths and skills
which you did not know you have.
 For being there for someone who
 Make sure you have time
needs you.
for yourself.
Healing Hands, Caring Hearts
11
12
OUR PATIENTS SAY IT BEST
OUR PATIENTS SAY IT BEST
“
Ling Yew Ming, Son of Madam Chan Mei Wah
The care team really went all out to help my mother achieve the rehabilitative goals they had set for
her. We appreciate their exemplary service in caring for her with their dedication, and attentiveness to
details.
Her stay at AMK-THKH helped her to integrate back to her normal life quickly with minimal
dependence on my family and her caregiver. The patient-centric approach is certainly an affirmation of
the excellent care service provided. The care team indeed provided my mother and family with a
memorable and positive experience at AMK-THKH!
Ms Dorothy Wong Yuet Lian
“
”
I would like to thank the dedicated AMK-THKH team for making my stay at AMK – THKH pleasant.
Upon admission to AMK-THKH, I was greeted warmly by Ms Cynthia Chan, and Ms Lim Pei Zhen,
Service Quality Executives and her team members were friendly and courteous. I also had the support
of wonderful doctors, Dr Derek Lim and Dr Urmila Agarwal, who were always available to address our
concerns and ensure our well-being.
I appreciated the care team members who were always ready to attend to our unending and
demanding needs with a smile. I am thankful to Sister Tan Chwee Say Moi, Nurse Manager, Ms Deval
Devi d/o Karnail Singh, Senior Staff Nurse and the angelic team of nurses who cared for us lovingly.
Sister Tan was a great team leader! Ms Deval Devi, a diligent and meticulous nurse, always placed
the interest of patients first and worked beyond her call of duty. I would also like to thank the therapy
team in the gym who played an important role in helping us integrate back into society.
My appreciation also goes to the Medical Social Workers who were very understanding. They took
time to talk with us and alleviated our concerns. My special thanks to Ms Gan Hui Ying, Medical Social
Work Associate who assisted me. Keep up the good work!
“
Mrs Mazlifa Abdul Rahim, Daughter of Madam Sabiah Sheikh Madar
”
My mother, Madam Sabiah Sheikh Madar, was a patient at the ‘Sunshine Corner’.
During her stay in the Hospital, my mother received good care from all the nurses. Mr Rohizad Bin Md.
Jani, Nursing Officer in charge of Sunshine Corner, supported my family emotionally and helped us to
identify the stages of dementia that my mother went through.
The nurses also displayed great dedication, patience and passion in attending to my mother’s daily
needs – from her daily medication, change of diapers, showering, treating my mother’s bedsores and
diaper rash to even dutifully changing mother’s lying position every 2 hours to avoid further bedsores.
The Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists also contributed greatly to my mother’s recovery,
working on her limbs, neck and seating posture so that my mother’s mobility was not limited. The
clinicians and dieticians also made sure that my mother’s heart and health remain in good shape.
My family and I are grateful to all the staff at AMK-THKH who contributed much towards my mother’s
recovery and made it easier for us to care for her now at home.
Healing Hands, Caring Hearts
”