Year Book
OVERVIEW OF PROJECT ENGAGEMENTS
energy. Your dedication continues to make this a reality.
To begin (it is not always an afternote), we have much respect and admiration of our Advisors and the Secretariat, for the faith and trust in SPAN – no number of words can express our immense gratitude.
In one sentence – Thanks to you, 2024 was a great year for SPAN with deeper and more meaningful interactions between patients and the healthcare teams. This was seen in the quality of discussion and exchange of views – an encouraging trend that needs to be sustained. Needless to say, SPAN was appreciated and recognised for the work that we do.
The third run of Singapore Health Patient Advocate Connection (SPACe) 2024 was especially heartwarming, tugging at the heartstrings of many. An unexpected and precious gift came from an event attendee in the form of a doodle that cleverly captured the essence of the whole event.
Extracts of local patient-turned-doctor Megan Loy's sharing have gained significant traction, extending beyond Lianhe Zaobao (a local Chinese newspaper). More recently, SingHealth's Group CEO Prof Ng Wai Hoe featured SPAN's work during a panel discussion at the Future of Health Summit 2024. Furthermore, SPACe 2023's success in winning poster awards at multiple prestigious events has reaffirmed its status as a signature SPAN event. These events include ELEVATE PX organised by The Beryl Institute (a global conference), Singapore Health Management Congress, and YouShine (a SingHealth HQ awards platform).
POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ADVOCACY SPACE
More SPAN@Institution (within SingHealth institutions)
Establishment of other advocacy groups such as Alliance of Patients’ Organizations Singapore (APOS) and OPEN Voices by NTU, LKC School of Medicine.
Increased awareness and calls for patient voices in the various projects and processes undertaken by healthcare folks
We view these emerging trends not as competition, but as complementary to SPAN's vision (Empowered Patients, Engaged Healthcare, Enhanced Patient Experience) The increasing avenues and opportunities to amplify the voices of patients and caregivers are inherently beneficial. After all, there's no one-size-fits-all approach in healthcare advocacy – many roads lead to Rome! We welcome and embrace this diversity, seeing it as a strength that enriches the overall landscape of patient and caregiver representation.
As Co-Chairs, we are committed to continual self-reflection, learning, and growth. In areas where we may have fallen short, we work diligently to identify gaps and take action. Our commitment is to ensure that SPAN remains relevant and continues to effectively serve its purpose.
MAKE DECISIONS TOGETHER
The formation of the Core Team (with more members) adds to the depth, expertise and experience to propel SPAN forward. We see the same energy that, in the right hands of the Core Team, can take ordinary members and create with it something extraordinary and memorable.
As we step into 2025, we are filled with hope and a renewed sense of purpose. We invite you to share your thoughts, participate in discussions and collaborate in initiatives. Let’s work together, as ONE SPAN to amplify the patient’s voice and enhance healthcare experiences. Some areas where you can play a part: Share and publish results of the Care Partnership in Singapore (CAPS) survey when it becomes avaliable
Continue to publicise the Patient and Healthcare Team Care PledgeTM to the masses, such as communities on the ground (e.g. patient organisations)
Expand engagement opportunities with key stakeholders, such as SPAN@Institutions, patient organisations and other key collaborators As Co-Chairs, we will continue to actively listen to your suggestions/inputs – the same request that we make of the healthcare professionals continuously reflect, learn and improve to keep SPAN relevant foster a stronger Core Team with diverse expertise to propel SPAN forward
“None of us is as good as ALL OF US together.”
We wish you and your loved ones a New Year filled with good health, happiness and fulfilment.
With love and appreciation, Josie/Kim Soon
Co-Chairs, SPAN
