TTSH and SAF Medical Corps Inked MOU on Traumatology

The lifesaving skills of SAF medics and doctors play a crucial role in all SAF operations and training.  The SAF has also played a leading role in the development of trauma care training at the national level.  This includes the accreditation of paramedic training to international standards, as well as ensuring that all its medical officers are trained in Advanced Trauma Life Support and battlefield injury management.
 
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was established on 18 Oct 07 between the SAF Medical Corps and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) for collaboration in the field of Traumatology.  It covers collaboration in training, as well as the exchange of professional knowledge and joint research.
 
The MOU signing ceremony was officiated by the SAF Chief of Medical Corps, RADM (DR) John Wong, and Chairman Medical Board, TTSH, A/Prof Philip Choo.  It was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Force, LG Desmond Kuek, and CEO TTSH and National Healthcare Group, Dr Lim Suet Wun, as well as senior staff from both SAF and TTSH.
 
The MOU underscores the excellent working relationship between SAF and TTSH and serves to enhance both parties' commitment to collaborate in the field of Traumatology.

This is a joint media release by Singapore Armed Forces and Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

FACTSHEET (MOU Signing between the Singapore Armed Forces and Tan Tock Seng Hospital)

1. SAF Medical Corps and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) will be collaborating in the development of Traumatology in Singapore.  This is especially relevant to the SAF to raise its Field Surgical Capabilities for combat units, e.g. Combat Support Hospitals and Naval Ship Hospitals.  Through this collaboration, SAF medical and surgical specialists will undergo enhanced training benchmarked to international standards.
   
   
2. A Memorandum of Understanding has been drafted to formalise the various initiatives to be undertaken. It serves to enhance both parties' commitment to these initiatives and collaboration.
   
   
3. TTSH sees the largest number of trauma patients annually in Singapore, and its trauma management protocols are benchmarked against international standards. It conducts accredited trauma management courses, including the Definitive Surgical Trauma Care (DSTC) Course. The DSTC course provides surgeons with the necessary skills to perform damage control surgery in major trauma, which has been shown to improve survival rates. TTSH is the only hospital in Singapore that conducts this course.
   
   Collaboration
   
   
4. As part of the MoU, all NS and regular surgeons in the SAF will attend the DSTC course as part of their professional training.  A batch of 12 surgeons will attend the DSTC in November 2007. From next year, the SAF Medical Corps will conduct a military module of the DSTC, which focuses on combat injuries and performing surgery in an austere environment. Such initiatives will greatly enhance the treatment of casualties in war, as well as in humanitarian assistance and peace support missions.  
   
   
5. Another initiative is the attachment of SAF medical personnel to specialist departments in TTSH for currency training and knowledge sharing. This will enhance the professional development and technical skills of SAF doctors, nursing officers and combat medics.
   
   
6. Collaborative research in the field of Traumatology will be another important component of this partnership. This ensures that new practices in trauma care are based on the latest medical evidence and developments. In the recent International Surgical Congress 2007 held in Montreal, Canada, trauma surgeons from SAF and TTSH won the Best Free Paper and Best Poster awards, respectively.

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