AHA magazine 2017 Issue 3

ISSUE

THREE 2017

A D V O C A T E S F O R H E A LT H I N A C T I O N

Our latest news & expert views

LET’S FIGHT DIABETES!

MCI (P) 193/03/2017

KNOW WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MANAGE THE DISEASE AND ENJOY QUALITY OF LIFE

I GO MEAT-FREE, GET HEALTHIER P4 I PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SKIN CANCER P12 I COMMUNITY SPIRIT AT KAMPUNG ADMIRALTY P14 I KTPH STAFF WIN TOP AWARDS P17

PUBLISHER

CONTENTS

ISSUE THREE 2017

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group in the north of Singapore. It comprises Admiralty Medical Centre, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Yishun Community Hospital. It also includes extensions such as Wellness Kampung.

EDITORIAL TEAM Caroline Lim Margaret Perry Sabrina Ng www.ktph.com.sg 90 Yishun Central Singapore 768828

6

COVER

Tel: (65) 6555 8000 Email: enquiry@alexandrahealth.com.sg

BEAT DIABETES TOGETHER

PUBLISHING AGENT

Learn to manage this chronic disease REGIONAL MANAGING DIRECTOR

3

HEALTH BUZZ Latest wellness tips

14

NEWS & NOTES Happenings at Yishun Health

Lee Walsh

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Sarin Wee

EXECUTIVE CONTENT DIRECTOR

Rod Mackenzie

CONTENT DIRECTOR

Ming Rodrigues CONTRIBUTORS

Joyce Ong Y.T. April Zara Chua SENIOR ART DIRECTOR

Ginny Gay

PROJECT MANAGER

Doreen Lau Email:

yourcontent@publicitas.com

4

WELLNESS Get healthier with a meat-free diet

12

FEATURE Know your skin

17

INSPIRE Our award-winning KTPH staff

AHa is the official bi-monthly publication of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (Co. Reg. No. 200717564H) and is produced by NewBase Content (Co. Reg. No. 200715901E). All rights to this publication are reserved and no part may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this newsletter is accurate and up to date, the editorial team will not be responsible for errors due to information received. Opinions expressed are that of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the publishers.

Printed by KHL Printing Co. MCI (P) 193/03/2017

3 HEALTH BUZZ

TRENDS, TIPS AND IDEAS TO INSPIRE A BETTER YOU BEWARE THE KETO DIET

The high-fat, low-carb Ketogenic diet is making a comeback. The idea behind this diet is to get your body into a state called ketosis (similar to fasting), where your body is so low on carbohydrates it starts burning its own body fat for energy. Although the Keto diet does result in weight loss, it is only short-term and not sustainable. It can also lead to muscle loss, harm the heart, and deprive the brain of its preferred source of fuel – carbohydrates. Consult a medical professional or your dietitian first before embarking on this diet.

Smartwatches and activity trackers are becoming more popular as they let you monitor your health, fitness goals and even sleep quality anytime, anywhere.

Next time you go for a medical appointment, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes, share the information with your doctors so they can better tailor your treatment plan.

Beat food coma

Feeling sleepy after lunch? Research is divided on whether this is caused by eating too much carbohydrates and sugar, or excessive protein and salt intake. Nonetheless, beat this energy slump by taking a walk half an hour after eating. Having breakfast also helps – you’ll be less hungry by lunchtime, and less likely to overeat. Also, drink at least eight glasses of water a day as dehydration causes your energy levels to drop.

BE GRATEFUL, BE WELL >

The key to better health may be as easy as practising gratitude. Research has shown that keeping a gratitude journal can improve a person’s resilience, well-being and sleep. It can also boost feelings of happiness whilst reducing negative emotions such as envy and regret.

When writing in your journal (once or twice a week is enough), describe in detail the people you are thankful for and picture your life without these blessings.

4 WELLNESS

GO VEGETARIAN… ONCE A WEEK! Start the week meat-free for better health and a more sustainable environment

BY HEDY CHENG, DIETITIAN, NUTRITION AND DIETETICS, KTPH

A

diet rich in vegetables and grains – with little or no meat – offers many health benefits, as multiple research have shown. However, many people find it hard to give up meat entirely. The truth is, you don’t have to. All it takes is going meatless just once a week for you to enjoy better, long-term health.

Meatless Monday is a global initiative co-founded by The Monday Campaigns

and the Center for a Livable Future (CLF) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the United States. Since its inception in 2003, it has been adopted by about 36 countries, all with the goal of reducing meat consumption and adopting healthier, environmentally friendly diets – simply by committing to a plant-based diet every Monday.

Here are six reasons to go meat-free: 1

3

Combat obesity Research shows that a plantbased diet is generally lower in calories and in turn, can help you achieve a lower body mass index (BMI). BMI determines if a person has a healthy weight based on their height; the higher the number, the higher the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

However, vegetarian diets may not be healthy if it is not balanced. Ensure you are still getting the nourishment you need. For example, you can find protein in tofu, egg, quinoa or beans instead of meat.

Lower the risk of diabetes Vegans, who avoid all animal products, and lacto-ovovegetarians, who include eggs and dairy in their diets, were found to be 62 per cent and 38 per cent less likely to develop diabetes, respectively.

This suggests that people with Type 2 diabetes can benefit from vegetarian diets as it may control their blood glucose levels.

In general, eating more fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

2 Prevent cardiovascular diseases Vegetarians have a 13–19 per cent decreased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and coronary artery disease as their diets help lower risk factors such as abdominal obesity, high cholesterol and blood pressure, and improve organ and body functions.

4

6

Minimise your carbon footprint According to the United Nations, the meat industry generates nearly onefifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions – far more than emissions from transportation.

Plant-based diets are more environmentally friendly because they require fewer natural resources – like water and fossil fuels – to produce, thereby minimising environmental damage.

Reduce dependence on fossil fuels About 40 calories of fossil fuel energy go into every calorie of beef produced from rearing cattle in the United States, compared to the 2.2 calories needed to produce one calorie of plant-based protein.

5 Conserve more water Much more water is needed by livestock than plants. An estimated 13,000 – 15,000 litres of water go to produce one kilo of beef, while it only takes about 500 litres of water to produce one kilo of potatoes.

5 EAT WELL

XIAO BAI CAI RAW SALAD

PRODUCED BY KTPH NUTRITION & DIETETICS AND FOOD SERVICES

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Method

300g xiao bai cai

1. Wash the xiao bai cai well.

4 tbsp red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar 4 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds 2 tbsp mixed nuts, chopped

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING)

Run under warm water and soak for 5 minutes.

2. Drain and pat dry with a

clean tissue.

3. Cut the xiao bai cai into

shreds and place in a large mixing bowl.

4. Add red wine vinegar or

balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.

5. Mix and toss the salad well.

6. Top the salad with sunflower

or pumpkin seeds, chopped nuts and mixed dried fruit.

7. Place the salad in the fridge

for 30 minutes. Serve cold.

2 tbsp mixed dried fruit

Energy 250kcal Carbohydrate 6g Protein 5g Fat 23g Saturated fat 3g Cholesterol 0mg Dietary fibre 4g Sodium 69mg

NEWS & NOTES

KTPH IS FIRST SINGAPORE HOSPITAL TO LAUNCH MEATLESS MONDAY

BY SABRINA NG, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

K

hoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) became the first local hospital to start a Meatless Monday campaign through a three-day educational roadshow at KTPH held in March 2017. Alexandra Health System (AHS) dietitians were present at the event to educate staff and the public about the benefits of a plant-based diet. They also conducted a nutrition forum for the public and a GP Symposium for medical practitioners.

The public forum on nutrition was aimed at teaching participants how to create balanced meatless diets, reduce and recycle food waste, and grow edible plants at home.

AHS also launched their “Garden-toTable” recipe cards – developed by KTPH dietitians and chefs, Wellness Kampung staff and gardening volunteers – featuring easy-to-make healthy and tasty plant-based meals. At the GP Symposium, special guest speaker, Dr Lin Ming-Nan from Taiwan Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital, spoke on “Sustainability and Health”, while AHS dietitians updated doctors on the latest research on plant-based diets and gave them tips on healthy eating to share with their patients.

The roadshow saw 340 people pledge to go meat-free once a week.

BEAT DIABETES 6

FEATURE

TOGETHER WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CHRONIC DISEASE TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CONDITION

BY MULTIDISCIPLINARY DIABETES TEAM, ADMIRALTY MEDICAL CENTRE

7 FEATURE

Major Types of Diabetes TYPE 1

Usually diagnosed in children and young adults, Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s own immune system destroys cells in the pancreas, which is responsible for the production of insulin needed to break glucose down. There is currently no cure. Patients will need to take insulin injections for the rest of their lives and maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep blood sugar levels within healthy range.

TYPE 2

D

iabetes is fast becoming a national health concern.

Today, some 400,000 people in Singapore aged 18 and above – or one in nine people – are living with the disease.

One-third of those affected are people aged over 60, while one in three have a lifetime risk of developing the disease. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), an estimated one million people in Singapore will have diabetes by 2050.

The rapid rise and seriousness of the disease prompted Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to raise the red flag on diabetes in his National Day Rally 2017 speech on 20 August. He called on Singaporeans to be even more proactive in battling the illness.

“Eat right, exercise more, get your health checked regularly and think twice about picking up that can of soft drink. It takes effort and discipline, but it can be done,” he said.

The silent disease

Often referred to as diabetes mellitus, diabetes occurs when the body cannot maintain healthy

glucose (a form of sugar) levels.

To function efficiently, our bodies must convert glucose found in food into energy. But to do this conversion, insulin – a hormone produced by the pancreas – is needed.

When your body cannot produce sufficient insulin or, for some reason, the cells in the body are resistant to insulin, glucose is unable to get into the cells and tissues that need it. This causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream. For some people, this can give rise to symptoms such as increased thirst, a frequent urge to urinate, blurred vision or feeling tired most of the time, and even weight loss despite being hungrier and eating more than usual. For others, the symptoms of diabetes may go undetected and they are diagnosed only during routine health screening.

Over time, if diabetes is not managed properly and abnormally high blood glucose levels are left unchecked, many of the health problems associated with diabetes can occur. A major problem is when small

If diabetes is not managed properly and abnormally high blood glucose levels are left unchecked, many health risks associated with diabetes can occur, such as kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks, even blindness and lower limb amputations.

Occurring when the body develops insulin resistance – which leads to a build-up of glucose in the blood – Type 2 diabetes is caused by factors such as genes, obesity and poor lifestyle habits like being sedentary, drinking too much alcohol and smoking.

While symptoms are hard to spot and can go undiagnosed for years, it can be prevented and treated by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

GESTATIONAL DIABETES

It develops during pregnancy when expectant mothers have insufficient insulin to break glucose down. Left untreated, it may cause complications for newborns, and may put the child at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. It can be controlled with the right diet and exercise, and most women’s blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery. But the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is high for women who have had gestational diabetes, so they should be screened regularly for diabetes.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Blurred vision • Frequent infections • Excessive urination • Extreme fatigue • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet • Wounds that take a long time to heal

8 FEATURE

SPECIALIST CARE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD blood vessels that carry blood throughout the body get clogged up and blood cannot get to where it needs to be. This can potentially lead to serious, long-term health risks such as blindness, kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks, and lower limb amputations.

How healthy are you?

Besides maintaining a healthy lifestyle, awareness and early detection are key to prevent complications associated with diabetes. In April last year, MOH declared war on diabetes and set up the Diabetes Prevention and Care Taskforce to educate Singaporeans about the disease in three main areas: healthy living and prevention, screening and follow up, and disease management.

And this September, nearly two million Singaporeans aged 40 years and above became eligible for a basic health screening that costs just $5 or less under the Enhanced Screen for Life programme. They can now be screened for diseases like diabetes, as well as high cholesterol, cervical and colorectal cancers, and high blood pressure at any of the more than 1,000 clinics on the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS).

“Don’t take the attitude that it is better not to know,” said PM Lee in his speech. “You must want to know, because if you know about your condition, you can do something about it. Genes play a part, but your choices make a difference.”

J

oining the fight against diabetes is the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Diabetes Centre, which moved to Admiralty Medical Centre (AdMC) from KTPH in July 2017, in an effort to bring specialist care closer to the community.

The Centre focuses on treating complex diabetes cases, and has a multidisciplinary team that treats patients referred by general practitioners (GPs) and polyclinics. Treatments are adjusted to target each patient’s needs, and patients are also educated on self-care and how to manage their condition.

Where possible, patients are referred back to their GP or the polyclinic to continue their maintenance treatments, while more complex cases like Type 1 diabetes are co-managed.

The Centre also works closely with community partners and government agencies to ensure patients have access to the resources they need to manage their diabetes.

One such patient is Mr Tan KH, 62, who has been living with diabetes for more than 20 years.

His oral medication was no longer effective and he was referred to a KTPH diabetes specialist who prescribed him insulin therapy.

However, Mr Tan lived in a hostel and didn’t have a fridge, which is needed for insulin storage.

Through the Centre, the doctor referred him to a KTPH medical social worker who helped him apply for a rental flat. He received the keys to his rental flat last year, bought a fridge and was able to start insulin therapy. Mr Tan’s blood sugar is now in the optimal range, putting him in good stead for preventing long-term complications.

9 FEATURE

FIVE PILLARS OF DIABETES SELF-CARE

Diet, Exercise, Support, Monitoring, Medication – or DESMM. Created by the multidisciplinary diabetes team from Admiralty Medical Centre (AdMC), these are the five pillars of diabetes care presented as interactive displays at the Diabetes Centre to educate patients on the fundamentals of taking better care of their health to manage the disease

1

Diet

Singaporeans today are consuming more calories, from a daily average of 2,100 calories in 1998 to 2,600 calories in 2010.

Excessive calorie intake leads to obesity, which is one of the top causes of diabetes.

It’s important to eat a low-calorie, healthy, balanced diet that includes wholegrains, meat, fish, dairy and plenty of plant-based food choices (see Go Vegetarian... Once A Week, page 4). Your body breaks down the carbohydrates in the food you eat to glucose – different foods have different amounts of carbohydrates, which will affect your blood glucose levels. Spread your meals throughout the day to keep your energy levels steady and prevent erratic spikes in your blood glucose levels.

2

Exercise

Just 30 minutes of physical activity a day can improve your blood glucose levels in the long term. Encourage family members or friends to exercise with you for extra motivation and get fit together. If you smoke, it’s best to quit.

4

Monitoring

Actively monitor and record your blood glucose levels, as well as weight and blood pressure.

Understanding how different foods affect your blood glucose levels on a daily basis can compel you to change your dietary habits.

People with diabetes are more prone to blood vessel damage in their feet, eyes and kidneys, so be sure to go for regular health check-ups.

3

Support

Enjoying quality of life while living with diabetes is easier when you have a strong support network. Let your family and friends know you have diabetes and how important their support is to you. Join a diabetes support group to connect with people who can give extra motivation and encouragement.

5

Medication

Knowing how your medications are working and taking them at the right time can help you manage your diabetes better and keep you safe from any side effects.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns regarding your medications.

10 FEATURE

GADGETS

BETTER CA 2

M

aintaining stable blood glucose levels and keeping them within the normal range can feel like walking a tightrope. But with recent advances in diabetes technology and devices, it may be easier to control your blood glucose levels. Testing your glucose level helps you understand the link between blood glucose, food, exercise and medications (oral medications or insulin), and maintaining healthy blood glucose is your best defence against developing long-term diabetes-related complications.

Diabetes technology is advancing every day. Clinical trials are underway to develop the “artificial pancreas�, which is a device that combines an insulin pump, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an inbuilt computer programme. It is designed to regulate blood glucose levels for people with Type 1 diabetes by administering the correct amount of insulin when the body needs it. More advanced systems can improve glucose control and transform the lives of those living with diabetes.

With the support of devices that can help you closely monitor your diabetes and more importantly, arm you with the knowledge on how to manage your condition, you can enjoy quality of life like everyone else. People with diabetes are also encouraged to learn more about their condition by participating in education programmes specific to Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

The Diabetes Centre at Admiralty Medical Centre conducts diabetes education programmes tailored to the needs of the individual.

Continuous glucose monitor (CGM)

1

Blood glucose monitor

You can measure your blood glucose levels by performing a finger prick using a lancing pen and placing your blood onto a test strip. The test strip is put into the monitor, which then gives a glucose reading. There is a range of models available.

Choose one that suits your needs and budget. Additional features that may be useful include large visual displays for easy reading and an automated bolus calculator that calculates the amount of short-acting insulin needed for a meal.

It measures and generates blood glucose readings every five minutes and gives you greater insight into glucose patterns and trends throughout the day and night. It comprises a sensor that is inserted into the skin (usually over the abdomen) that measures blood glucose levels in the tissue fluid. A finger prick glucose measurement is required to calibrate the sensor and ensure accuracy.

11 FEATURE

FOR

ARE There are two types of CGM: • Real-time CGM provides alerts when glucose is high or low. This allows you to make decisions on insulin dosing, diet and physical activity on the go. • Professional CGM helps your healthcare provider understand your glucose profile and make treatment and lifestyle recommendations if necessary. The sensor is worn for six days then returned to the clinic for the stored data to be downloaded. You will not be aware of your blood glucose readings.

DR ESTER YEOH, CONSULTANT ENDOCRINOLOGIST AT THE DIABETES CENTRE AT ADMIRALTY MEDICAL CENTRE, IDENTIFIES SOME KEY DIABETES DEVICES, WHAT THEY DO AND HOW THEY HELP

3

Flash glucose monitor (FGM)

It enables you to test your blood glucose levels without pricking your finger.

A sensor is placed into the skin of the upper arm to measure blood glucose levels in the tissue fluid.

A reader then reflects the current blood glucose level when held over the sensor.

Similar to CGM, this device is useful in detecting trends and patterns throughout the day. It can also provide you with trend arrows to show whether levels are going up, down or changing slowly.

4

Insulin pump

This insulin delivery device is worn 24 hours a day. A fine flexible plastic cannula or needle is inserted just below the skin to deliver insulin to the body. Unlike the required multiple daily injections of insulin (four to five a day), this plastic cannula or needle only needs to be changed once every three days. The pump is programmed according to individual needs to supply a small, steady rate of insulin and whenever food is

consumed, the pump can be instructed to deliver a surge of insulin into the body through the fine tubing, without requiring additional injections. Different pumps have different features and pricing. Some can be paired with a real-time CGM (sensor-augmented pump) to enable the pump to alert you when blood glucose levels are too high or low, and even suspend insulin delivery to avoid hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose).

12 FEATURE

KNOW

FIND OUT HOW TO DETECT SKIN CANCER EARLY TO GIVE YOURSELF THE BEST CHANCE OF RECOVERY

BY DR AMANDA TAN EN-PEI, ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT, OTOLARYNGOLOGY (ENT), KTPH

YOUR SKIN

13 FEATURE

S

kin cancer is currently the sixth most common cancer among men in Singapore and the seventh most common among women here, according to the Singapore Cancer Registry in 2015. There are three types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form here – it typically occurs on the facial region, and manifests as a bump, patch, or sore that bleeds, oozes, crusts, and does not heal after a month. Squamous cell carcinoma is the next most common skin cancer in Singapore. It appears most often on exposed body parts like the neck and is often characterised as a scaly red patch, wart-like growth or sore that sometimes crusts or bleeds. This may develop in old scars or areas of previous trauma or inflammation. Melanoma is less common among Asians than Caucasians as Asians generally tend to have darker skin tones; however, this type of cancer can be the deadliest as it spreads the fastest.

Lower your risks

Among Asian ethnic groups, skin cancer rates are three times higher in fairer-skinned Chinese than Malays and Indians, who generally have darker complexions. With melanoma, age and genetics may put you at greater risk.

Despite the probability, all skin types are vulnerable to skin cancer regardless of skin colour.

Factors that put you at high risk of skin cancer include overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, immunosuppression (for example, in the case of diabetes mellitus) and chronic non-healing wounds. However, if detected early, skin cancer can be treated. Pay careful attention to any suspicious moles, spots and growths on your body – especially on your hands, soles of feet and under the nails – and consult a doctor if you notice anything unusual. If necessary, our doctors would advise a simple punch biopsy – where a small sample of the skin is removed for microscopic evaluation. This can be done in the clinic under local anaesthesia. Ultimately, prevention is better than cure, and what is preventable is overexposure to the sun. Here are two simple ways to take care of your skin:

Step 1: Avoid the sun and use sunscreen

• Avoid being under direct sunlight during the hottest times of the day – which is 10am to 4pm.

• If you must be in the sun, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure, and reapply at least every two hours while outdoors, or immediately after sweating or swimming.

Step 2: Choose the right sunscreen

• Choose one that offers protection from both UVA (causes photo-ageing) and UVB (causes sunburn) radiation. Sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher is recommended for extended outdoor activities.

Use water-resistant sunscreen for swimming or if you sweat profusely.

• Without any sunscreen, your skin will start to redden after 20 minutes of sun exposure. With an SPF 30 sunscreen, you will be able to stay in the sun 30 times longer without getting burned.

Get to know your skin and take the necessary precautions to keep skin cancer at bay.

THE ABCDE RULE

EXAMINE YOUR SKIN FROM HEAD TO TOE REGULARLY, AND LOOK OUT FOR THESE SIGNS THAT MAY POINT TO SKIN CANCER:

A

SYMMETRY

Benign moles are typically symmetrical – when halved, each half of the mole is equal.

Asymmetrical moles that appear to have unequal halves may be a sign of melanoma.

B

ORDERS

Benign moles have smooth, even borders while the outer edges of malignant moles tend to be uneven, with scalloped or fringed edges.

C

OLOUR

A mole that is very dark in colour – dark brown, tan or black – or has different shades may be malignant and should be checked by a doctor.

D

IAMETER

Measure your moles regularly and take note of their size. Moles 6mm or larger are more likely to be malignant.

E

VOLVING

Have you noticed a change in the size, shape and/or colour of any of your moles?

If you do, see a doctor immediately. A benign mole can turn into a melanoma. Other possible symptoms are bleeding and itch.

14 NEWS & NOTES

COMMUNITY DAY @ KAMPUNG ADMIRALTY HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE FACILITIES, ALONG WITH A SENSE OF COMMUNITY, AWAIT RESIDENTS AT THIS NEW MIXED DEVELOPMENT

BY SABRINA NG, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

15 NEWS & NOTES

R

esidents in Admiralty got a taste of Wellness Kampungs, a glimpse into the Share-aPot Programme, and enjoyed free eye checks during the soft launch of Kampung Admiralty on 12 August 2017. Titled Community Day @ Kampung Admiralty, the event was graced by Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Transport and Adviser to Sembawang GROs. Kampung Admiralty, a new mixed development under HDB, is conveniently located next to Admiralty MRT station. It comprises studio apartments that are adapted for the elderly, shopping and F&B outlets, and the Admiralty Medical

Centre (AdMC), which provides medical and surgical services run by clinical departments from Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. It is designed to evoke the kampung “gotong royong” or community spirit of the 60s and 70s through its gathering spaces and shared community plaza. As part of the launch, the AdMC also opened its doors to the community.

Residents stopped by exhibition booths where they learned more about community initiatives and programmes. Other Kampung Admiralty stakeholders also participated in the exhibition, including the Land Transport Authority, National Environment Agency, National Parks Board and HDB.

Bringing What’s Specialist Available Care to the at AdMC: Community • Diabetes Centre

The AdMC was set up within Kampung Admiralty to provide convenient holistic care to residents.

Its Diabetes Centre helps patients manage their condition by educating them about the chronic illness and providing support

• Day Surgery • Eye Centre • Laboratory

• Radiology (X-ray) • Surgery Clinic • Rehabilitation Centre • Ear Nose Throat Clinic • Orthopaedic Clinic

Facing page: AdMC’s welcoming ambience. This page (clockwise from main image): Minister Khaw (fourth from left) toured AdMC and learned about its vision and initiatives to promote self-management of diabetes; Kampung Admiralty mixed development; residents at the exhibition booths during the event

16 NEWS & NOTES

O WE SALUTE OUR NURSES!

BY CLAIRE OOI, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

n 1 August 2017, AHS celebrated Nurses’ Day to show gratitude and appreciation to our nurses for the difference they make in the lives of patients and their families.

In the lead-up to the

In acknowledgement of their hard work, AHS Acting GCEO Prof Pang Weng Sun and KTPH CEO Mrs Chew Kwee Tiang, delivered flowers to nurses in the hospital

celebrations, the Nurses’ Day Committee held a T-shirt design competition. The winning design was printed onto T-shirts and sold to staff to raise funds for our adopted charities. AHS Chairman Ms Jennie Chua presented the proceeds from the sale of the limited-edition T-shirts to two of our adopted charities – Sree Narayana Mission Home for the Aged Sick, and Villa Francis Home for the Aged – during the celebrations that were held in the KTPH auditorium. Each charity received a cheque for $8,000.

In a joint message, Ms Low Beng Hoi, Chief Nurse, and Mdm Chua Gek Choo, Director of Nursing, encouraged nurses to deliver the best patient care, despite the challenges that come with the changing times and seasons, “We hope you will continue to find purpose and joy in your work. We wish all our nurses a happy Nurses’ Day!”

BRINGING ADVANCE CARE PLAN CONVERSATIONS TO THE COMMUNITY

BY EVON TAY, ADVANCE CARE PLANNING

I

t is never too early to discuss your care preferences with family and friends. This was the message emphasised to residents at the first Advance Care Plan (ACP) clinic conducted at Wellness Kampung @ 765 Nee Soon Central on 6 July 2017.

Previously, efforts were focused on helping patients with advanced illness and chronic disease start end-of-life conversations in hospitals. Now, the objective is to encourage people to talk about this before a health crisis occurs, so as to give themselves and their loved ones peace of mind knowing a clear plan is in place. The ACP clinic at Nee Soon Central was one of the first steps in bringing such conversations to the community.

Conducted in both English and

Mandarin, the clinic offered a suite of eldercare activities and health literacy talks, and ACP workbooks were handed out to residents to get them to write down their care preferences and consider issues such as how important it is to be able to take care of themselves.

When ready, residents can sign up for an appointment with an ACP facilitator who will guide them to understand, reflect upon, and discuss their goals, values and beliefs before making a decision on their care choices. ACP clinics run every Thursday afternoon from 2-5pm at Wellness Kampung @ 765 Nee Soon Central. Those interested in learning more about ACP can register with staff at the Wellness Kampung and make an appointment.

Nurse Clinician Sim Lai Kiow (centre) is part of the team that facilitates ACP conversations with residents in the community

17 INSPIRE

TOP HONOURS Our dedicated professionals from Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) have been recognised in two distinguished awards this year

Excellence in Public Service Awards 2017

To celebrate the efforts of staff working in the public sector, the Public Service Division organises the annual Excellence in Public Service Awards. These awards recognise public officers for outstanding service and public organisations’ achievements in organisational excellence and implementing best practices. On 19 May, five KTPH staff members were honoured and received their awards from Mr Peter Ho, Head of Civil Service

PS21 STAR SERVICE AWARD A. THERESA INPATIENT HCA, WARD B85 As a Healthcare Assistant, Theresa carries out basic patient care and assists nurses. However, she consistently goes beyond the call of duty for her patients, even willingly assisting them after office hours and using her own money to buy things for them so they can enjoy a pleasant stay in the hospital. She even paid the taxi fare for a patient who could not afford it but had difficulties taking the bus due to a leg injury. Theresa truly exemplifies service excellence.

“No words can express how I feel about receiving this award. I thank God for giving me the strength to take care of patients who inspire me everyday – I witness their perseverance, their battle against illness, their willpower to stay positive and to become independent once again.”

MS A. THERESA

18 INSPIRE

Excellence in Public Service Awards 2017 PS21 STAR SERVICE TEAM AWARD AHS PHYSIO STARS: NG LIH YEN, SENIOR PRINCIPAL PHYSIOTHERAPIST; CHUA YING LYNN, SENIOR PRINCIPAL PHYSIOTHERAPIST; SIU KA FAI KYLIE, SENIOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST; HENG ZHI YAN MELISSA, SENIOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST AHS Physio Stars comprises four physiotherapists who each have expertise in different aspects of rehabilitative care. When a patient with a spinal injury came to the KTPH Eye Clinic and could not be transferred without a hoist, the team immediately sprang into action to assist the clinic despite having a full patient load. They brought a hoist and a recliner wheelchair for the patient so he could comfortably sit through his eye examination. During the entire procedure, the team also remained with the patient to monitor his blood pressure and comfort level.

“Due to the patient’s condition, it was challenging transferring him.

Though it wasn’t part of our usual duty, we managed as we wanted to ensure the patient got to his eye examination.

We didn’t expect to receive any compliments, let alone this team award – we are humbled and grateful.”

MS NG LIH YEN

HEALTH

AWARD

For many staff in healthcare, their work is more than a job – it is a calling. Staff often go the extra mile to offer care and comfort to the sick and infirm. The annual Courage Fund Healthcare Humanity Awards recognises outstanding healthcare workers across Singapore for their dedication to patient care, and aims to raise awareness, public recognition and respect for the healthcare profession. On 25 April, two KTPH staff members were among the 98 award winners who received their award from Minister for Health Mr Gan Kim Yong

HCARE HUMANITY

DS 2017 DR COLIN TEO CHANG PENG HEAD & SENIOR CONSULTANT, UROLOGY Dr Colin Teo leads the Department of Urology at KTPH. He strongly advocates safe and effective treatment options for his patients, combining medical expertise with compassion and a personal touch.

Despite a very hectic schedule, Dr Teo makes time to volunteer for medical missions. He has led disaster relief missions to countries affected by tsunamis and earthquakes,

helping to set up mobile theatres to support local hospitals. He recently volunteered for a medical mission to Hyderabad, India and plans to go on another to Thailand next year. With the aim of providing sustainable medical humanitarian support, Dr Teo established a cluster-wide project titled ‘Mission ATHENA’, which stands for AHS Team for Humanitarian Effort and National Assistance. More than 200 have signed up to volunteer for this cause.

“I receive this award on behalf of every fellow humanitarian volunteer who shares my belief in rolling up our sleeves to serve the less privileged and sick with responsible compassion, engaging each of them with our hearts: One by One, Face to Face.”

DR COLIN TEO

“I am humbled to receive the award and I owe it to my patients who have helped me in my journey in becoming a better person and nurse.”

MS SANGEETHA

SANGEETHA D/O SODIMANI NURSE CLINICIAN Sangeetha is a Nurse Clinician in a surgical/orthopaedic ward. Known for being a soft-spoken and kindhearted nurse who cares deeply for her patients, Sangeetha often develops such a close bond with them that she would offer her own time to help them overcome problems they face during their transition back home. An example of this was when she had a patient who was discharged after having a tracheostomy. A tracheostomy involves creating an opening in the neck in order to place a tube into a

person’s windpipe to allow air to enter the lungs. Sangeetha spent time patiently teaching the family how to care for the patient until everyone was comfortable with looking after the patient at home.

Outside of work, Sangeetha contributes both her time and resources to help the needy. This includes going on mission trips to less developed areas in Laos, China and Cambodia, where she provides basic medical aid or education to villagers.

Sangeetha also volunteers locally at the Rainbow Centre where she supports teachers in lessons for young adults with severe multiple disabilities.

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