50 health-care workers honoured

By DEWI SRIWAHYUTO

link: http://health.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20090526-143895.html

NURSE clinician Pong Lee Yeng, 41, is a source of comfort and strength to patients suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).

Besides taking care of them, she also accompanies them on field trips.

These trips, organised by the National Arthritis Foundation to raise their spirits, take patients to places of interest as far as Malacca in Malaysia.

She also comes up with money from her pocket to provide food for her patients and transport for them when they go for their medical examinations.

She said: "It makes me happy to see the patients being able to live their everyday life like a normal person, so whatever I give is out of the goodness of my heart."

She was among 50 health-care workers recognised and honoured for their efforts yesterday with the Healthcare Humanity Award at NTUC Auditorium.

President S R Nathan handed out the awards to the recipients for exemplifying extraordinary values towards patients.

Each award winner also received $1,500 in cash.

Another award winner, Dr Yap Wee See, 46, a senior consultant in respiratory medicine at TTSH, also goes the extra mile to make his patients understand their condition.

He does not just examine a patient and prescribe medication but also prepares a list of dos and don'ts, along with instructions, to let patients know how they should take care of themselves and what they can do if an emergency occurs.

He said: "I try my best to help patients in whatever way I can because they may really need help...I will try to make them feel comfortable by helping them to understand their current condition and situation."

Ms Jamie Lim Chuen, 42, an advanced practice nurse at TTSH, also won an award for her selflessness.

She went on missions to East Timor to treat villagers who suffered from conditions like worm infestation and other waterborne diseases.

"I love going to rural countries to help the people there because I don't want to help only in my homeland but in other countries as well, and seeing them happy makes nursing more fulfilling," she said.

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