singapore health
MAY – JUN 2014
Helping patient with difficult test
Recently, I was at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) for an oesophageal manometry test, which involved passing a small tube through the nose, down the oesophagus and into the stomach. I dreaded taking the test – it wasn’t pleasant – as I am very sensitive to pain and physical discomfort, and prone to vomiting. The moment the tube reached my stomach, I immediately felt like vomiting. However, Ms Eileen Ngai Yee Lin, Senior Staff Nurse, Gut and Liver Lab, SGH, comforted me with words of encouragement. Throughout the procedure, she kept assuring me, telling me to relax and stay calm. Her words and tone of voice had a calming effect on me. I was also amazed at her ability to do so many things at the same time. She was focusing on getting accurate readings from the instrument, while encouraging me and keeping me calm. I was ready to break out in a panic! Although the procedure took a short time, it seemed endless. I was conscious of a hard tube in my throat that couldn’t be swallowed away. But Ms Ngai helped me to complete the test. It is staff like Ms Ngai who make patients’ visits to the hospital less scary and more welcoming. She is a model nurse, with the passion and heart to serve patients. Thank you, Ms Ngai, for your utmost patience, understanding, dedication and professionalism in carrying out your duties. Ms J Kairos
This letter wins a bottle of Ultra Selenium (60 capsules). The product, worth $68.50, is sponsored by United Pharma Pte. Ltd.
Getting to the new heart centre
Now that the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) has moved, how do I get to its new location from the main SGH block?
NHCS
says
You can take the pedestrian underpass near SGH Block 4 to Basement 1 of the new NHCS
building. At the entrance of Block 4, follow the directions to the underpass. Take the escalator or the lift to the underpass which will lead you to the heart centre’s lift lobby C. Alternatively, you can take the campus shuttle bus service. It stops in front of the new building, and this is the last stop on the shuttle bus route. For further details, please refer to the NHCS website at www.nhcs.com.sg.
Financial help for gum treatment
I am a diabetic patient, recently referred to the National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) because of severe gum disease. I am required to return frequently for routine gum treatment, but feel burdened by the costs even though I am a subsidised patient. I am a retiree, with no active income and no children for financial support. I cannot use Medisave because gum treatment is a non-surgical procedure. How do I get financial assistance?
NDCS
You may be eligible for Medifund, which was set up by the government to provide affordable health care to all Singaporeans. In April 2013, the Minis t r y of H ealt h e x te n d e d i t s Medifund reach to the NDCS. Medifund works like a financial safety net to help needy Singaporeans who face difficulties with medical or dental expenses even with government subsidies. To ask for Medifund, please approach our counter staff. Your eligibility will be assessed and if Medifund is necessary, our staff will make an appointment for you to meet a medical social worker, who will review your application and recommend your case to the NDCS’s Medifund committee for approval.
says
Waiting for a nursing home bed
After my elderly relative’s condition stabilised following a stroke, we were advised to move her to a community hospital or nursing home for further rehabilitation. We want to place her in a facility that is nearest our home, but have been told that we have to wait for a bed. Why can’t SGH get us a place straight away?
a patient needs to be SGH When cared for in a nursing home or
says
community hospital, a medical social worker will help to apply for a place for him. Acceptance to a community hospital or nursing home depends on a number of criteria set by the facility, including whether there is a vacancy. The Agency for Integrated Care, which oversees the allocation of nursing home beds, will try to accommodate patients’ requests subject to the limited number of nursing home beds. For more details, go to www.silverpages.sg.
I had a crack on my front denture and was very happy with the treatment I received at the National Dental Centre Singapore. I want to thank Dr Eric Yap, Visiting Clinician, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Ms Aisha Begum Hussein, Dental Assistant, and Ms Tan Kai Xin, Dental Technician, Department of Laboratory Works, who went out of their way to get it fixed within an hour and a half. Thank you so much for your effort. - Ms AM Tan
tributes
your say
18
My mother had an electroencephalography test scheduled at the National Neuroscience Institute’s Neurodiagnostic Laboratory. Ms Linda Yong, Senior Medical Techologist, attended to us. She patiently explained the entire test process, as I was concerned with the condition of my mother’s skin after the last test. Ms Yong not only performed the test with confidence and care, but also shared her experiences with us, helping to correct certain misconceptions we had about the effects of the test. I am very impressed with the excellent service we received. - Mdm LH Yeo I went for hand surgery under Dr Andrew Tan recently and would like to thank the ward nurses, doctors and theatre nurses of the SGH Ambulatory Surgery Centre. A s this was my f irst surgical operation, I was very anxious and worried. But your staff did an excellent job of reassuring and calming me. One theatre nurse held my hand while an IV needle was being inserted. As someone with a fear of needles, I very much appreciated that gesture. One of my anaesthetists also went the extra mile by calling me to check if I had any side effects from the anaesthesia, and addressed some of my worries. - Mr R Mak I would like to commend Ms Lim Bee Na, Principal Enrolled Nurse, Urology Centre, SGH. She is a model nurse – very patient, well-mannered and caring. She put me at ease during my procedure, and had a smile on her face throughout. - Ms H Tan
a b o u t yo u r h e a lth e x pe r i e n c e a n d w i n a pr i z e fo r b e s t le t te r Letters must include your full name, address and phone number. Singapore Health reserves the right to edit letters and not all letters will be published. Write to editor@sgh.com.sg or The Editor, Singapore Health, Singapore General Hospital, Communications Department, Outram Road, Singapore 169608, or talk to us on Facebook. The winner will receive a box of Kyäni SunriseTM (30 packs) and a bottle of Kyäni SunsetTM (90 softgels). The products, worth $160, are sponsored by Kyäni Singapore Pte. Ltd.