14
singapore he alth
NOV⁄ DEC 2011
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Confusing queue numbers at clinics As a frequent visitor to Singapore General Hospital’s (SGH) specialist clinics, I am puzzled by the numbering system. Patients are given a queue number that reflects their appointment time. For instance, 1030 for a 10.30am appointment and 1400 for a 2pm appointment. This means patients with the same appointment time, but seeing different doctors in different rooms, will have similar queue numbers. The only thing that differentiates the queue numbers of patients with the same appointment time is the number of the room printed above the queue number. For aged or illiterate patients, this numbering system can be confusing.
Would it be better to issue all patients in each clinic with a unique, unrepeated sequential number? - Mr John Hoe Koo Cheng
Every day, 3,000 patients come to SGH to be seen at its various Specialist Outpatient Clinics. The current queue numbering system allows our staff at the clinics to keep track of patients with appointment times. Patients are seen according to their appointment times, and the queue number reflects the scheduled appointment time. Even if a patient is early for a 10.30am appointment and registers at 9am, the queue number will still reflect the given appoint-
ment time. This is to avoid a situation where many patients come for their appointments early to try to be seen first. The current system allows the clinics to manage their patient load more efficiently and fairly, and keep waiting time short while accommodating a few more appointments for urgent reviews. We welcome your suggestion to improve the numbering system. Coincidentally, SGH is studying a new system to make it easier for patients to check their queue numbers.
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Tributes I’m a new patient at Marine Parade Polyclinic and was recently encouraged by my doctor to have a pap smear done. As it was my first one, I was understandably nervous but, thanks to the reassuring and friendly help of polyclinic midwife Ms Tan Chee Eng and senior staff nurse Ms Zainah Bee, the test was made easier for me and they put me at ease. Simple gestures by these nurses have made Marine Parade Polyclinic stand out not only as a place with great service, but also as one that serves from the heart. - Mdm June Ng
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Singapore General Hospital Grace Nwe For a nursing or nurse’s aid job in Singapore, does the hospital recognise a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science (B.NSc) from Assumption University in Thailand? Like · Comment · Sep 12 at 11.35am 3 people like this Singapore General Hospital To apply to SGH for all nursing-related jobs, applicants must have certification that is recognised by Singapore Nursing Board. You can find the list of recognised certifications for nurses at www.snb.gov.sg.
Kath Leen Lentija Hi, may I know if SGH is hiring registered nurses? And what are the qualifications that you are looking for? Thanks. Like · Comment · Sep 6 at 1.18pm 2 people like this Singapore General Hospital Hi Kath, generally for all nurses, we require a National ITE Certificate or degree/diploma in nursing from a recognised institution. If you are interested to join us, you may send us your resume or find out more at www.sgh.com.sg/joinus.
Two trips for prescription I have cardiovascular problems which require daily medication. I went to the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) to get a repeat prescription, but was told it would take two to three working days before I could pick up my prescription and medication. I had to make two trips and take time off work twice to get a repeat prescription. NHCS should review its processes to make it easier for patients to get their repeat prescriptions. Patient safety is of paramount importance to us. To issue a repeat prescription, our doctor has to review the patient’s medical records to ensure the most current prescription is dispensed. As a national centre for cardiovascular disease, NHCS handles the highest cardiac workload in Singapore and, thus, our doctors may not be able to attend to requests for repeat prescriptions immediately. To minimise inconvenience, we encourage patients to place their requests via phone, and pick up the prescription when it is ready. Alternatively, patients may request for the medicines to be delivered to them for a fee.
Rushed down but couldn’t register Three days after giving birth, I had a skin problem and went to Sengkang Polyclinic for a checkup. The website stated that registration closed at 12pm, so I rushed down and was there at 11.35am. However, I was informed that registration had been closed because the clinic was overcrowded. I was told to come back for the afternoon session. I think it is not fair for people like me, who rush down in time for the morning session, to be sent away like that!
I usually don’t read health or medical information but was pleasantly surprised with Singapore Health. I particularly hope you can expand the space given to Fitness and FYI. - Mr H.C. Swee
I would like to convey my sincere appreciation and commendation to Mr Chang Wei Terk, Pharmacist, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), for going beyond the hours of duty to serve me. I took a second dose of 3mg warfarin by mistake one evening and panicked. Not knowing what to do, I called Mr Chang for advice. To my surprise, Mr Chang, who was on holiday in Malaysia, answered and advised me about my problem, putting me at ease. His selfless concern, thoughtfulness and care for his patients are really extraordinary. He is not only an asset to SGH, but also an angel to his patients. - Mdm KS Pang
We try our best to attend to as many patients as possible daily. When the clinic is crowded, we close registration to ensure our doctors have sufficient time, in the interest of patient safety, to provide appropriate treatment and care for each patient. The last registration for all SingHealth polyclinics is at 4pm. But emergency cases will be attended to immediately. Our clinics are particularly busy on the eve of public holidays and the day after, Mondays and Saturdays. The public can check the number of patients in the clinic via Queue Watch at the SHP website – http://polyclinic.singhealth.com.sg.