JUL SEP mosaic 2018

SHARING RECOGNISING BEDBOUND KNOWLEDGE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE NO MORE Advancing healthcare Highlights from Long Service Continental Hospitals in Awards in puts a patient on his feet

Heart of Healthcare Celebrating our nurses, the bright sparks in humanity!

A Parkway Pantai Publication

EDITOR’S NOTE

BEACONS OF HEALTHCARE Our nurses will bright up your day and bring on the smiles.

his issue of Mosaic homes in on our nurses and their achievements and contributions as Parkway Pantai celebrates Nurses’ Day across its various markets (Page 10). We applaud all our nurses who serve Tat the frontlines and who continually inspire us with their altruism and passion.

Our heartiest congratulations to Mona Soh, who is the first private sector nurse in Singapore to receive the prestigious President’s Award for Nurses (Page 14), and our four recipients of the Singapore Ministry of Health Nurses’ Merit Awards (Page 16).

They exemplify the good work of our nursing workforce as they go about providing round-the-clock comfort and care to our patients.

As a healthcare provider, people are central to our success. We catch up with three Long Service Award recipients from Singapore Operations Division (Page 34) and recognise the excellent job of a neurosurgeon in who brought a patient in despair back from the brink (Page 38). Follow us on

People, passion and pride – these are certainly worth mosaicparkwaypantai celebrating.

Staff can also contribute stories on Mosaic Yammer.

www.yammer.com/ parkwaypantai.com Lim Bee Ling

01 Contents

JUL SEP 2018

20 04

14

OUR WORK OUR HIGHLIGHTS 20 THE BEST MINDS IN THE BUSINESS GLENEAGLES HONG 04 Chief Executive Officer KONG TURNS ONE of Singapore Operations Marking a successful first Division talks about year with a celebratory healthcare innovation on dinner. national television. OUR FOCUS 06 GOOD RUN A GATHERING OF Parkway Health and 22 08 DNA OF A PARKWAY LIKE MINDS Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu PANTAI NURSE Malaysia Operations run for a good cause. Elaine Ng, Group Director Division holds two of Nursing, explains what symposiums to facilitate KEEPING STAFF 07 it means to be a Parkway industry learning. ENGAGED Pantai nurse. Staff town halls in EXPANDING PRESENCE Singapore, India and China. 26 14 DRIVEN TO EXCEL IN CHINA Mona Soh becomes the Launch of Shenton Health first nurse from the private brand and an upcoming 25- sector to win the President’s bed hospital in Shanghai. Award for Nurses in 2018. A HEARTFELT 27 INSPIRATION TO LIVE BY ANNIVERSARY 16 Meet our four winners of Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu the 2018 Ministry of Health celebrates 3rd anniversary Nurses’ Merit Awards. with children.

02 JUL-SEP 2018 THE TEAM

Editor-at-large Lim Bee Ling

Editorial Advisor Janet Low

Copy Editors Angeline Ang Alvina Soh Jaime Kwek

Editorial & Design 40 Bold Ink Media Pte Ltd mosaic JUL - SEP 2018

JUL SEP mosaic 2018

SHARING RECOGNISING BEDBOUND KNOWLEDGE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE NO MORE Advancing healthcare Highlights from Long Service Continental Hospitals in Malaysia Awards in Singapore puts a patient on his feet

38 Heart of Healthcare Celebrating our nurses, the bright sparks in humanity!

A Parkway Pantai Publication OUR PEOPLE ON THE COVER This cover design depicts Parkway Pantai’s 30 A TRUE STUDENT tribute to nurses OF LIFE everywhere. Dr Chia Chung King continues his quest for education and knowledge Mosaic is published quarterly by as a gastroenterologist. Parkway Pantai Limited and printed by Toppan Security Printing Pte Ltd. OUR LIFESTYLE All rights reserved. No portion of this MIND OVER MATTER publication may be reproduced without 32 the written permission of the publisher. WHEN IT COMES KEEP ALLERGIES We take every care and precaution TO CANCER 40 to ensure that information published AT BAY in Mosaic is accurate at the time of How Dr Mastura Md Yusof publication, but Parkway Pantai cannot Learn more about common guarantee its accuracy and we may realised her ambition to be change the information at any time allergies from Paediatrician without prior notice. The information a clinical Oncologist. contained in Mosaic magazine is not an Dr Lee Bee Wah. invitation to invest in the shares, or any other products or services or otherwise THANKFUL FOR A NEW deal in these or enter into a contract 38 42 ALL THAT BUZZ with “Parkway Pantai” or any other LEASE OF LIFE What every health junkie Parkway Pantai Company. A heart-warming patient Parkway Pantai Limited, TripleOne should know about. Somerset, 111 Somerset Road #15-01, story of courage, duty and Singapore 238164. Tel: (+65) 6307 7880 Fax: (+65) 6738 7341. ©Parkway Pantai gratitude. Limited 2018. This publication and information contained herein is strictly for internal use only and contains Parkway Pantai proprietary information which is restricted to Parkway Pantai employees and within the Parkway Pantai Group. Access to, use or copying by non-Parkway Pantai employees in any form or other, is strictly prohibited. For information about Parkway Pantai, visit www.parkwaypantai.com. All information correct as of date of print.

Parkway Pantai Limited Company Registration No. 201106772W MCI (P) 051/02/2018

03 Our Highlights

A rocking good evening for everyone as Gleneagles comes together to celebrate.

Getting Hands-on Gleneagles

Gleneagles Hong Kong held its first Hand Hygiene Day for staff Hong Kong Turns One! on 16 May 2018. Through interactive booth games, the staff learned key hand hygiene concepts such as the seven steps to To mark its first year of operations, Gleneagles Hong proper hand washing and the five moments of hand hygiene. Kong held an appreciation dinner on 19 April 2018 to thank its people for their contributions. The event is part of the hospital’s ongoing efforts to promote and enforce hand hygiene through professional training, More than 500 staff and 60 doctors enjoyed managerial support and behavioral awareness. a memorable evening, celebrating with many teammates who have received awards that evening.

The evening was topped off by a showcase of talent from Gleneagles Hong Kong’s very own. Orthopaedic Ward Nurse Anthony Ng performed two Chopin masterpieces on piano. Cardiologist Dr Tse Tak Sun and his band dished out familiar Canto pop songs, wrapping up the celebrations with his rendition of a local favourite, meaningfully dubbed ‘Gleneagles needs you’. Handy tips for staff.

04 JUL-SEP 2018 Awards Galore

One of the best Gleneagles Hong Kong was named one of the 2017 Best 50 Hospitals in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area on 13 July 2018. Ranked 26th by healthcare management and Double research centre Asclepius Healthcare, the hospital was Wins assessed on medical expertise, Gleaneagles Hong Kong is recognised resource allocation, operations as one of the top 50 best hospitals in Congratulations to Tan Sri and academic impact. the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Dato’ Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman, Greater Bay Area. Emeritus President, IMU Group Internationally recognised and former Chairman of IHH Gleneagles won Healthcare for being conferred the International Hospital of the the prestigious BIM Professional Year at the International Medical Excellence Award for the Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ) Awards on and Healthcare Category by 23 May 2018. It also walked the Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia on away with The Best Marketing 24 July 2018. The award Initiative for its ‘Less Pain, recognises his outstanding More Gain - Minimally Invasive contributions to the medical and Surgery’ campaign and the Highly healthcare industry. Commended Award for Excellence Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur bags three awards at the IMTJ Awards in Customer Service. Ceremony 2018. In the same week, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Abu Bakar also received the MSN Fellowship Award by the Malaysian Society of Nephrology for his significant and pioneering role in the development of nephrology in Malaysia.

Dr Ravindra Mohan receives an Excellence Award for his contributions to advancement of ocular trauma.

Dr Ravindra Mohan, Senior Consultant, Eye for Ophthalmology and Occuloplasty Surgery at Gleneagles Global Health City, Excellence Perumbakkam received an Excellence Award for his contribution to the advancement of Ocular Trauma in India. He was honoured at an Awards Ceremony during the Ocular

TraumaCON Annual Conference held in Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman is conferred Chennai from 13 to 15 July 2018. the BIM Professional Excellence Award.

05 Our Highlights

The Parkway team is all smiles at the Family Run.

Get the Word Out

With Gleneagles Chengdu Hospital scheduled to open in 2019, the hospital team increased its efforts to raise awareness for Parkway Pantai’s All in the Family first hospital in mainland China. The 350-bed facility was introduced ParkwayHealth China returned as a sponsor for the More Than Aware by Dr Wang Yi, Chief Executive Annual Family Fun Run in Shanghai. Fielding a team of 30 runners on Officer, at the grand opening of 12 May 2018 to raise funds and promote breast cancer prevention and the Perennial International Health recovery, the Greater China Operations Division also provided first aid and Medical Hub on 1 June 2018. support during the event. Huang Zangcai, Director of Nursing, also participated in a public health forum to provide background on the hospital’s nursing care model and its state-of-the-art intensive care unit. Dr Tan See Leng, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Parkway Pantai, paid a surprise visit to the hospital team at the event.

Noel Cheah and team giving a thumbs up. All Out for UNICEF

For the third year running, Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu sponsored the highly anticipated UNICEF Borneo Marathon. Providing ambulance and medical assistance for the event on 6 May 2018, the hospital was also represented by a team of 30 led by Noel Cheah, its Chief Dr Tan See Leng (middle) joining the Executive Officer. Gleneagles Chengdu team at the event booth in Chengdu.

06 JUL-SEP 2018 Keeping Staff Engaged

Singapore At the Singapore Operations

Division’s mid-year staff town Singapore’s hall on 25 June 2018, Phua Tien mid-year town Beng, its Chief Executive Officer, hall featured the three key pillars shared ‘One Dragon Boat’, ‘Think of ‘One Dragon Different’ and ‘Create Value’ - Boat’, ‘Think Different’ and three key pillars to steer the ‘Create Value’. Singapore team forward. After presenting prizes to recipients of the 2018 Singapore Quality Awards, he also participated in a Q&A panel discussion with Linus Tham, Group Chief Information Officer; Elaine Ng, Group Director of Nursing and Yeo Swee Har, Vice President, Head of Human Capital Management.

China Honouring Long Service Award The Greater China Operations Dr Lim Suet Wun (right) recipients. Division held its town hall in and Dr Ajay Bakashi (left) speaking to a full house Shanghai on 24 July 2018. at the India Town Hall. Themed ‘Marching On Together’, the session was opened by Paul Gregersen, its Chief Executive Officer, with other staff sharing India Bakshi, Chief Executive Officer, the latest developments, The Continental Hospitals in India Operations Division. During including the progress of new Hyderabad, India, hosted its town the town hall, special focus was hospital projects in Chengdu and hall for staff on 23 July 2018. The given to the company’s growth Shanghai. The day also featured event was led by Dr Lim Suet Wun, plans in India including the recent a Long Service Awards Ceremony Group Chief Operating Officer, IHH bid by IHH Healthcare for Fortis where 32 staff were honoured for Healthcare, as well as Dr Ajay Healthcare. achieving service milestones.

07 Our Focus PASSION

DNA of a Parkway Pantai Nurse Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing round the clock care and comfort to patients. For Parkway Pantai, that means maintaining high standards for a 8,000-strong nursing workforce that spans five countries. Mosaic speaks to Elaine Ng, Parkway Pantai’s Group Director of Nursing, to find out more.

What makes a Parkway We held a competition in 2015 for We envision our nurses taking Pantai nurse? nurses from our four hospitals on increasingly complex roles One who is passionate, in Singapore. The winning to meet the evolving healthcare independent and resilient – team from Mount Elizabeth landscape. always willing to go the extra Novena’s Intensive Care Unit mile without ever compromising came up with the three tenets How has the role of nurses patient safety and quality of care. of Professionalism, Expertise changed over the years? and Advocacy to form the Nursing has evolved What does the Parkway foundations of Parkway Pantai tremendously due to Pantai Nursing nursing. improvements in patient care Philosophy means to our and safety. There is noticeable nurses? How do you envision the growth in leadership positions, Our Nursing Philosophy future of nursing? new nursing specialties and roles, embodies our professional We aspire to be trailblazers for greater training and educational values. It’s special because it the nursing profession, further opportunities, along with was developed by nurses for strengthening our reputation for technological advancements. nurses. It aims to instill pride excellence. No matter where we and a sense of ownership in our operate in, our hospitals should Nursing education is much more nurses, encouraging them to always be the preferred choice for structured and comprehensive uphold strong values and ethics. patients, doctors and employees. than before. There are

Examining Parkway Pantai’s Nursing Workforce

Male 13% Others 4% India 23% Singapore 27% Degree and Master 37%

Distribution of nursing workforce Education across Gender Level geographies

Hong Kong 4%

China 1% Malaysia 45% Female 87% Diploma and Advance Diploma 58%

08 JUL-SEP 2018 opportunities for training and development both locally and overseas, with many specialty and management freely. This fields and tracks for career enables us to quickly resolve advancement. problems and work efficiently.

Technology also continues to We also leverage multiple redefine patient care, so we platforms, such as focus group need to prepare our nurses sessions and team building by constantly updating our activities to engage our nurses curriculum and teaching to ensure their voices are always strategies. heard.

What makes Parkway We are transparent in terms of Pantai a good employer career tracks and progression for for nurses? all grades of staff. Progression We see constant communication, is always based on attitude, engagement and transparency as commitment and competency. our key strengths. Nurses can move up their desired career track as long as Open communication means they display ability and qualify nurses can approach their leaders for the role.

PARKWAY PANTAI NURSING PHILOSOPHY

PROFESSIONALISM EXPERTISE is about ADVOCACY redefines is defined as lifelong learning and the nurse-patient establishing caring keeping oneself up to relationship by having and therapeutic date with evidence- nurses advocate relationships with based knowledge and patient rights and team members and skills for the delivery empowering patients patients actively and of efficient, safe and in the process to make collaboratively. quality care. decisions in the best interest of their health.

09 Our Focus PASSION

A Toast to Our Nurses Everywhere Around the world and across all the markets we operate in, Parkway Pantai takes a moment to celebrate our nurses - the heart of healthcare.

Continental Hospitals’ nursing team getting together to commemorate International Nurses’ Day.

India As a show of appreciation to the dedicated nursing teams that serve in India, 12 May 2018 was specially set aside to celebrate International Nurses’ Day.

Across our 10 hospitals and feeder centres in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai, doctors, colleagues and management joined in to express their gratitude to the nurses, the compassion, sacrifice and Showing appreciation to thanking them for their tireless devotion that they bring to their the nurses at Gleneagles contributions and acknowledging work. Global Health City.

10 JUL-SEP 2018 Senior Management of the Malaysia Operations Division performing a song for the nurses.

Malaysia The Malaysia Operations Division held its first Central Nurses’ Day celebration on 14 May 2018, honouring nurses across all its facilities with a day of fun and entertainment. given out to exceptional nurses. Joe Sim, its Chief Executive The event was capped off with a Officer, and his management cake-cutting ceremony and lucky team broke into song with a draw, making it a memorable heartfelt tribute to more than 250 celebration. nurses present. He was joined by Elaine Ng, Group Director of Across Malaysia, Parkway Nursing, for the launch of the Pantai continue to honour their Nurses’ Handbook. wonderful nursing teams by organising facility celebrations The nurses themselves went into for International Nurses’ Day. Dance action with a showcase of modern performances and cultural dances, bringing all Thanking them for being the true were among the many attendees to their feet. backbone of healthcare, staff highlights of and management at the various the day. The celebration also featured facilities showed their gratitude commendation awards that were to the nurses.

Festivities included a host of Nurses’ Day awards ceremonies, cake-cutting festivities in ceremonies, lucky draws and various hospitals in Ipoh (right), presentations of commemorative Penang (bottom gifts, with games, dances and left) and Ayer Keroh (bottom musical performances providing right). light-hearted entertainment.

11 Our Focus PASSION

Dirk Schraven, Chief Executive Officer, Gleneagles Hongkong, addressing the staff before the tea party in the hospital’s bistro (right).

The Greater China Operations Division gets together to celebrate their nursing team.

team awards were handed out, including Best Uniform and Grooming Standards, Best The day also included a series of China Telephone Etiquette, and Most games centred on nursing, along Gleneagles Chengdu and Chengdu Appreciated. Shenton Clinic organised a with educational activities that touched on infection control and special Nurses’ Day celebration Speaking to the nurses, Dirk proper hand hygiene. on 11 May 2018. Schraven, Chief Executive Officer, Gleneagles Hong Kong, Festivities began with an opening Hong Kong highlighted the three C’s that speech from Huang Zangcai, Gleneagles Hong Kong characterise the nursing team – Director of Nursing. Dr Wang celebrated International Care for Patients, Collaboration to Yi, Chief Executive Officer, Nurses’ Day by hosting a tea achieve common goals and Can- Gleneagles Chengdu Hospital party at Gleneagles Bistro on do spirit. He called for continued followed by showing appreciation 11 May 2018. Recognising the efforts to foster team spirit and on behalf of all colleagues – nurses who provide constant the further enhancement of thanking the nurses for their care, compassion and support services to meet an even greater invaluable contribution. to all patients, a number of range of patient needs.

12 JUL-SEP 2018 (left) Cake cutting at Singapore’s International Nurses’ Day celebrations. (below) A ‘Trashion’ Fashion Show was all in a day’s fun.

Stars of Mediacorp’s Singapore ‘You Can Be The Singapore Operations An Angel 3’ visiting Division held its annual Central Mount Nurses’ Day celebrations on Elizabeth 27 July 2018 at Marriot Tang Hospital. Plaza Hotel. Paying tribute to the nurses, Elaine Ng, Group Director of Nursing, and Phua Tien Beng, its Chief Executive Officer, thanked the team for their hard work, passion and dedication.

The event was made more meaningful by the presentation featured outfits created from of awards to outstanding nurses, recycled material. together with the launch of the second victim support In addition to the annual programme and the unveiling of festivities, the cast from the new nurse uniforms. Mediacorp’s ‘You Can Be An Angel 3’ visited Mount Elizabeth Entertainment for the day Hospital on 1 August 2018. Stars saw performances from the of the Singaporean nursing drama nurses themselves, including Zoe Tay, Aileen Tan, Bonnie impersonations of famous Loo and Jazreel Low, spent the personalities. There was even a morning delighting the nurses Actress Zoe Tay taking a wefie with nurses and staff at the event. ‘Trashion’ fashion contest that with stories, photos and gifts.

13 Our Focus PASSION

As a nurse, we are first and foremost a patient advocate. What keeps me going is the trust that patients place in us to help them through difficult times. I am proud to be a nurse and I make it my mission to help fellow nurses achieve their full potential. - Mona Soh, recipient of the 2018 President’s Award for Nurses

14 JUL-SEP 2018 Driven to Excel Drive, determination and an enduring passion for nursing led Mona Soh to become the first nurse from the private sector to win the President’s Award for Mona is also passionate about Nurses in 2018. developing the next generation of nurses and nurse leaders. She helped established the Nursing Leader’s Programme which is “Winning this award is now part of the curriculum for affirmation and recognition of Nurse Managers and nurses our work and I hope it will help with high potential across ontributions by nurses raise the profile of private sector Parkway Pantai’s four hospitals in private healthcare nurses and Parkway Pantai.” in Singapore. She also works were acknowledged closely with nurse educators to as Mona Soh from A satisfying career constantly revamp the preceptor C Mona was 17 years old when she Parkway Pantai joined five peers training programme and nursing from restructured hospitals to took up a career in nursing to help competency framework, ensuring receive the President’s Award ease the financial burden on her that they remain evidence-based for Nurses at the Istana on parents. Since then she has never and up to date. 25 July 2018. looked back, committing to “doing what you love, and loving what Mona also contributes to nursing The highest accolade in the you do”. at the national level as an active nursing profession, the national member on numerous boards and award recognises nurses After 19 years as a nurse in national nursing committees, who have made significant the public sector, Mona joined including the Singapore Nursing contributions to the community, Parkway Pantai in 2012. Starting Board and the NUS-MOH Nursing displaying outstanding as the Deputy Director of Nursing Advisory Committee. She has competence, leadership and at , also served on the boards of innovation. she was promoted to Director of School of Nursing and Curtin Nursing in 2013. University’s School of Nursing “It came as a pleasant surprise and Midwifery. because the award has always Leading a team of nine nurse been given to nurses from leaders to oversee more than Since 1 July this year, Mona has the public sector, creating a 700 nurses on the ground, Mona taken on a new role as Director of misconception that nurses set clear strategic directions to Nursing for from the private sector do ensure they deliver the high level as part of the senior leadership not contribute as much to the of care that patients have come rotation to develop staff and profession,” said Mona. to expect. build expertise.

15 Our Focus PASSION

Inspirations to Live By Four exemplary nurses from Singapore Operations Division have won the 2018 Ministry of Health Nurses’ Merit Award. All in the family Mosaic finds out what motivates them. For Audrey, nursing is a family affair. She discovered her own calling early in life, and never had to look far for inspiration.

AUDREY MALINI BRAMPY “I was always inspired by my mother,” Audrey declared. “She was a dedicated nurse with a burning Nurse Manager, Mount Elizabeth Hospital passion for her profession. And here I am today, fulfilling her legacy.” Leading by example In her 33 years as a nurse, Nurse Manager Audrey Audrey’s husband is a nurse as well. Sharing a Malini Brampy has encountered plenty. A midwife common vocation has brought her family closer for 21 years, she knows it takes passion and together. commitment to succeed. She has made it her mission to teach and inspire others. “I remember walking my son home from school when we encountered a pregnant lady who went “I have come a long way to be into labour. Thankfully, I was at the right place at an experienced and skilled the right time to respond to the emergency, and nurse, thanks to nurturing I safely delivered the baby on the spot. I guess I mentors and seniors. Now I try must have inspired my son, because I am proud my best to set an example for to say he is a nurse and he carries on my legacy,” younger colleagues. It is about she fondly recalled. building trust and delivering the highest standards of care with as much professionalism and heart as possible,” she said. I always strive to provide excellent service and safe quality care in order to ensure the best clinical outcomes for my patients, I find fulfilment in making a difference in the lives of others.

16 JUL-SEP 2018 DENISE MEGAN TAN Senior Nurse Manager, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital

Virtues of versatility Senior Nurse Manager Denise Megan Tan’s nursing journey began in the Orthopedic Ward at a public hospital. Since then, she has been trained as an I try my best to sustain Asthma Counsellor, Pain Nurse and Stoma Nurse. At Parkway Pantai, Denise has assumed various roles a positive team at the hospital, from setting up new wards to taking dynamic. This means the lead on new initiatives. She also participates in trying to instil a sense work groups and projects as a trainer, helping to guide and empower younger nurses. of resilience in the team and encouraging “I believe that dedication and personal integrity are them to work towards a the foremost qualities for a successful nurse. My journey has taken me through the many facets of common vision. the nursing profession over the last 19 years, leading me to serve as a counsellor in several capacities to both patients and staff,” Denise skills and try my best to show them the value shared. of education and lifelong learning.”

“Versatility is vital in Team comes first this profession, and that “I believe that teamwork and camaraderie are means to constantly the backbone of a team’s success, and for me innovate and grow,” she that means being there for one another and added. “I encourage my working together to achieve our objectives,” team to develop their said Denise.

A past winner of the Inspiring Nurse Leader Award, Denise takes pride in her role as a leader and always tries to set an example for her team to follow. From making an effort to keep track of their birthdays, to participating in events such as day trips on the weekends, she always endeavours to go the extra mile for her team.

“I was inspired by my mother, who was always helpful to people in need. She taught me the value of dedication and the merits of keeping a positive outlook on things.”

17 Our Focus PASSION

NG KIM LENG Nurse Manager, Gleneagles Hospital

One good turn “When I was younger, I was admitted to the hospital. This includes providing basic health checks and Experiencing first-hand the dedication and patience counselling for the needy in Nepal, Sri Lanka, of the nurses who cared for me was a true eye- Indonesia and East Timor. Kim Leng even travelled opener,” recalled Nurse Manager Ng Kim Leng. to the Philippines in the wake of the Mount Pinatubo disaster where she worked as a volunteer to help Having been on the receiving end of another’s assist with relief efforts. kindness has certainly shaped her life. From acting as a lead preceptor mentoring new staff on clinical “Nursing has taught me the value of commitment, standards, professionalism and service, to serving compassion, patience and self-awareness”, she as an abortion counsellor to support patients in smiled. “Nurses are the first line of patient care, need, Kim Leng approaches each day as a chance and if one is willing to work for the benefit of others to return the same compassion and generosity of then it can be a calling that is truly worth pursuing.” care she once experienced as a patient.

Selflessness is its own reward Kim Leng’s desire to do good extends far beyond the hospital walls. Counting travel and mission trips among her personal passions, she has ventured outside of Singapore to help the less fortunate.

I’m always thankful for the chance to give back to society and now I can count many rewarding and enriching experiences throughout my 36 years in nursing.

18 JUL-SEP 2018 HAN JOKE MOI Assistant Director of Nursing,

Making experience count 50 years of nursing experience counts for a lot. Nursing is a deeply That is what Assistant Director of Nursing Han Joke fulfilling profession. Moi brings to the table and more. After working in Every day brings nursing across a wide variety of disciplines, she is currently in charge of the Intensive Care Unit, new challenges, but I Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Accident & promise they will all Emergency department at Parkway East Hospital. be rewarding.

“For 50 years, I have seen many patients through their best and worst moments. I find nursing exciting and challenging. I never get bored as I handle different patients and solve problems each day,” she affirmed. In case of emergency A strong advocate of quality patient care, It always counts to have a medical professional workplace safety for nurses and clinical in the family. In Joke Moi’s case, it was her risk management, Joke Moi plays mother who always tried to encourage her and an instrumental role in training her siblings to pursue a career in nursing. nurses. From encouraging staff to pursue continuous “My mother used to tell us stories about her education and further friend who was a midwife”, she recalled. “She develop their skillset, to has great admiration and respect for her as my coaching junior nurses in four siblings were all delivered by her. I was the subtleties of patient deeply inspired about the vital role her friend care and management, she plays in healthcare and decided that I would always makes herself available take up nursing.” to address their problems – sharing her knowledge This wound up being the difference between life and experience and death for one of her brothers, who suffered whenever she can. a heart attack at home. Luckily for him, Joke Moi was on hand to save the day.

“That was probably one of the most memorable events in my career as a nurse. I successfully resuscitated my brother who had a sudden cardiac arrest at home. I am proud to say that I saved his life which amazed even the cardiologist.”

19 Our Work

The Best Minds in the Business Phua Tien Beng, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Operations Division, was a guest panelist on Channel NewsAsia’s current affairs show ‘Perspectives’ on 11 May 2018.

ilmed in front of a live Defining innovative (from left) Phua Tien Beng, audience, the hour- healthcare Chief Executive Officer, long episode engaged Innovation is about bringing an idea Singapore Operations Division, Gillian Tee, Co- various experts from or new invention into practice and founder and Chief Executive F Officer, Homage, Raman the healthcare industry on an turning it into a product or service Singh, Chief Executive open dialogue about innovative that has value to the consumer. As the Officer, Mundipharma, healthcare and a host of related cost of healthcare rises, I think the role Dr Stephen Chan, Chief issues. Here are some of the of innovative is to enhance healthcare, Medical Informatics Officer, Woodlands Health Campus insights Tien Beng shared in increasing not only accessibility but and Sharon Tong, Moderator, the programme. also sustainability in the long run. Channel NewsAsia.

20 JUL-SEP 2018 Tien Beng having a quick chat with Mediacorp radio station 938Now.

Role of technology Technology can help us match or surpass the expectations of our patients. This means more personalised and precise treatment so we can empower patients. It also means becoming more predictive instead of reactive in the care we provide. For Parkway Pantai, this means embracing artificial intelligence and genomics.

Raising healthcare standards by Primary and be sustainable in the long-run, it leveraging innovation preventative care has to be a collaborative effort, ASEAN is not one single A lot of resources focus on requiring input from various homogeneous market and cutting-edge medical treatment stakeholders in the industry. different rates of development and new technology. The Such collaborations can benefit throughout the region translate resources need to shift more the industry through costs into different priorities. For the towards primary care and reduction and time efficiency. private sector, taking on a role in preventive care where more Due to the varying levels of development will involve sharing people will be impacted and infrastructure, resources and knowledge and expertise, while can benefit. manpower capabilities within also helping to implement best ASEAN, knowledge transfer practices, management and Collaboration to between countries will help to governance to help elevate overall benefit ASEAN ensure that we are able to advance standards throughout the region. For innovation in healthcare to as a region.

21 Our Work

A Gathering of Like Minds Parkway Pantai’s Malaysia Operations Division continues its efforts to advance healthcare, organising two symposiums to encourage medical dialogue and knowledge sharing.

New foray practicality of modern molecular (from left) Mohd Hareff Bin Muhammed, Chief In Kuala Lumpur, Pantai Premier technologies to aid clinicians in Executive Officer, Pantai Pathology hosted the inaugural their patient management. Premier Pathology, and expert panellists at the Molecular Pathology Symposium first Molecular Pathology on 22 July 2018 at the Hilton In his opening address, Mohd Symposium. Petaling Jaya. Themed ‘Embracing Hareeff Bin Muhammed, Chief Personalised Medicine’, the event Executive Officer, Pantai Premier brought together more than 150 Pathology said, “The number local and international medical of people receiving a cancer specialists, academics and diagnosis is expected to increase researchers, to discuss the current to nearly 24 million cases by 2035 trends in oncology as well as the worldwide. There is continuous

22 JUL-SEP 2018 Finding out the latest developments in personalised medicine.

need for patients to have access to effective cancer treatment and A multidisciplinary the innovation within molecular approach is important. diagnostics help deliver this goal.” Hence, our aim was to provide a forum with The symposium was organised the current and latest into five specialty-driven developments that will sessions. Proceedings concluded aid towards a better with an in-depth panel discussion patient outcome. focusing on updates and - Mohd Hareeff Bin Muhammed, A covergence of specialists, academics and researchers. challenges in the molecular Chief Executive Officer, Pantai diagnostic era. Premier Pathology

Daniel Wong, Chairman, Medical Cheers to a successful GP Symposium. Staying ahead Over the weekend of 21 and and Dental Advisory Committee. 22 July 2018, 115 general The two-day symposium was practitioners from across Malaysia highlighted by a series of medical gathered in Melaka at the Ramada updates delivered by Pantai Plaza for the GP Symposium Hospital Ayer Keroh consultants Dr organised by Pantai Hospital G Dharmindra, Dr Mohd Hamizzuri, Ayer Keroh. Dr Ava Tay, Dr Daniel Wong, Dr Ahmad Riaz, Dr Muventhiran, Themed ‘Updates for Primary Care Dr Ruban Kanesalingam and Dr A solid turn out at the GP Symposium by Pantai Hospital II’, the event was opened by Dr Khairussaleh. Ayer Keroh.

23 Our Work

Tailor-made Innovation Through its precision medicine arm Angsana Molecular & Diagnostics, Parkway Pantai is leveraging genomics to customise patient treatment and improve outcomes.

ngsana Molecular & Diagnostics introduces MammaPrint and A TM Pharmacogenomics (PGxOne Plus) - genetic tests for breast cancer and drug screening.

Increased confidence The focus of MammaPrint is the analysis of the 70 genes closely associated with the natural history of breast cancer, identifying patients previously With precision selected for chemotherapy who medicine and may not have significant benefit from it. In a clinical trial, the use molecular of MammaPrint was found to be diagnostics, we able to spare up to 46% of early empower doctors stage breast cancer patients from to make informed potentially painful chemotherapy. and personalised Maximum advantage treatment plans The PGxOneTM Plus test Dr See Hui Ti, Medical Oncologist based on the screens 50 well-established at Parkway Cancer Centre, characteristics of pharmacogenomic genes, to Mount Elizabeth Hospital, said, individual patients, maximise drug efficacy in “MammaPrint provides clinically reducing the risk of individuals while minimising actionable information for overtreatment. adverse drug reactions. By patients and their oncologists predicting how patients will - Dr Daniel Tan, Chief to make informed, confident Executive Officer, respond to drug therapy based on decisions about their treatments, ParkwayHealth Laboratory their individual genetic makeup, when it comes to foregoing and Angsana Molecular & the test enables doctors to make Diagnostics Laboratory. chemotherapy. The gains are effective treatment decisions, considerable, in the quality of ensuring the right drug at the life and cost benefit.” right dose.

24 JUL-SEP 2018 Heart’s in the Right Place Gleneagles Global Hospitals put out call to quit smoking on ‘World No Tobacco Day’.

n conjunction with ‘World No Decoding the design Tobacco Day’ on 31 May 2018, To convey the message that terrain of trees and water – Gleneagles Global Hospitals wellbeing is linked to our emphasing the negative impact launched the ‘S.O.O.N - Quit surroundings, campaign visuals smoking and tobacco use has I depicted lungs as dense urban on the human body. Facts Tobacco’ initiative. Countering sprawl and the heart as lush and statistics underlining the a rising social problem that greenery. The dull, monotonous devastating harms of tobacco affects more than 120 million greys of the buildings and streets consumption are included in the are contrasted by the forested S.O.O.N. campaign material. people in India, S.O.O.N. (Save Our Organs Now) was a month- long campaign focusing on heart health.

Although the harmful effects of smoking and other forms of tobacco use are well known, cessation attempts are often unsuccessful. According to data from the Foundation for a Smoke- Free World, 70% of smokers in India are aware of the dangers. However, more than half of them were unsuccessful in their attempt to quit smoking.

Affecting individuals of all backgrounds and ages, tobacco STOP use is particularly detrimental 70% 51% 25% for young adults. According to SMOKING of smokers of smokers of smokers use the World Health Organisation, BEFORE know that plan to quit. e-cigarette or smoking adversely affected youth IT’S TOO smoking is vaping device dangerous. to cut down on physically and psychologically LATE. smoking. smoking. leading to a host of lifestyle related issues. Division, said, “We want to create and arm them with precautions Dr Ajay Bakshi, Chief Executive awareness among the masses and remedies to fight this rising Officer, India Operations about the dangers of smoking epidemic.”

25 Our Work

Expanding Presence in China Parkway Pantai continues to widen access to quality healthcare in mainland China, with the launch of a new clinic brand and a new 25-bed hospital in People’s Square.

On 1 June 2018, the former It will offer comprehensive Shanghai Hong Qiao Medical services including cardiology, Center was rebranded and orthopaedics, internal launched as Shanghai Shenton medicine, surgery, gynaecology, Health Clinic. The refurnished reproductive health and fertility, clinic on Gubei Road provides paediatrics and ear, nose and primary care services to patients throat. Facilities include three of all ages by internationally- Operating Rooms, two Labour, trained physicians specialising Delivery and Recovery rooms, in family medicine, children and two High Dependency Unit Launch of women’s health and chronic beds, Nursery and Infant Shenton Health Clinics disease management. Observation Beds, a Laboratory Greater China Operations and Pharmacy. Division launched a new clinic New hospital brand in China, Shenton Health, in People’s Square Parkway Pantai’s other hospital which caters to the local Chinese. Come mid-2019, Parkway Pantai in Shanghai – the 450-bed will open a 25-bed hospital in multi-specialty Gleneagles The first clinic opened in People’s Square, Shanghai. Shanghai Hospital located in New Chengdu on 12 March 2018. Hongqiao – is under construction Located in the city centre, it Occupying over 5,400 square and is expected to open in 2020. provides a wide range of services meters across four levels in including family medicine, Huaxu Building, the new hospital Work is also underway to gynaecology, ophthalmology, will be home to the existing operationalise the 350-bed dental, ear, nose and throat and ParkwayHealth Inpatient and Gleneagles Chengdu Hospital traditional Chinese medicine. Specialty Centre in Luwan. in 2019.

26 JUL-SEP 2018 A Heartfelt Anniversary It was all about the children at Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu’s fun-filled 3rd Anniversary celebrations.

o commemorate its third anniversary, Gleneagles Kota T Kinabalu organised the Bright & Brilliant Kids Day on 1 July 2018 for some 70 children from five local non-governmental organisations - Persatuan CHILD Sabah, Sabah Cheshire Home, Persatuan Sindrom Down KK, Matahari Intervention Centre and Seri Mengasih Centre.

Graced by Sabah’s Health and Stephen Wong, Sabah’s Health and Well-Being Minister (fourth from right), People’s Well-Being Minister together with hospital staff presenting a cash donation to one of the participating organisations. Stephen Wong, who was representing the Chief Minister The hospital also gave the of Sabah, the event engaged children free eye, hearing and the children in a day of fun and speech assessments, along with games. Entertainment included duit raya or green packets with We are fortunate colouring activities, balloon token cash to take home. Each to have the sculpting and face painting and participating organisation also opportunity to a delightful magic show. received a cash donation. serve the people of Sabah for The three years now. children were Thank you all for engaged in a day of entrusting us with fun events, your healthcare including a magic needs. show. - Noel Cheah, Chief Executive Officer, Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu

27 Our Work

Giving Youth a Chance By giving students the chance to experience the rigours of the healthcare industry, Parkway East Hospital’s ‘Medical High School’ helps pave the way for future success.

ow in its third year A big thumbs up to running, Parkway East hands-on learning. Hospital’s ‘Medical N High School’ is a one- day medical training programme that gives students an up-close look at the spectrum of healthcare roles within a hospital. Held on 19 and 20 May 2018, the event challenged 180 students aged Dr Kok Chuan, between 15 and 20 with a host Chief Executive of medical emergency scenarios, Officer, Parkway East Hospital giving them actual hands-on addressing the healthcare experience. youths.

28 JUL-SEP 2018 Medical High School participants posing with Dr Kok Chuan after completing the programme.

For the first time, 20 programme slots were reserved for underprivileged teens from the Children’s Wishing Well – a Student Advisory Centre initiative dedicated to supporting students Eager participants from low income households in enjoying a busy day of Singapore. fun-filled learning.

Joining students from secondary schools, polytechnics, international high schools and Working in the We also want to operating theatre, junior colleges, the participants ensure that anyone students were were rotated through six who has an interest taught to operate different stations including the medical equipment. in healthcare gets an operating theatres and emergency equal opportunity to resuscitation bays, where they learnt to operate sophisticated experience and pursue medical equipment and tried their their aspirations in hand at resuscitation, laparoscopic healthcare. These imaging and sealing tissue. The students today may day concluded with some friendly well be the healthcare competition, as participants professionals of challenged each other by putting tomorrow. their newly acquired knowledge - Dr Kok Chuan, Chief Executive and skills to the test. Officer, Parkway East Hospital

29 Our People

A True Another case involved a patient suffering from severe Student of Life stomach pains. The case was so extreme that Dr Chia initially feared a rupture. Even For Dr Chia Chung King, the quest after multiple scans and the for knowledge has provided the initial course of treatment, the greatest opportunity to put people patient’s symptoms returned. Upon further investigation, Dr and patients first. my patients about their health Chia suspected that the cause and how they can get better,” he was enlarged blood vessels revealed. in the brain - irritating the patient’s mind into manifesting Within a clinical setting, Dr Chia abdominal pains. While some likens himself to a detective – colleagues were sceptical of the ife can sometimes albeit one of a medical variety. link, Dr Chia’s suspicions were unfold in unexpected Investigation and deduction confirmed by a neurosurgeon. ways. Dr Chia Chung are integral to his work as a Acting quickly, he managed to King had always wanted gastroenterologist and he takes L save the patient’s life, sending to be a teacher but life took him pride in unravelling the problems her for emergency surgery to down a different path. Excelling of all his patients. resolve the underlying issue. in school opened doors, leading him first to become a doctor, As Dr Chia describes it, “The As no two patients are ever before eventually specialising essential thing between a doctor alike, Dr Chia continues to in gastroenterology. Still, his and a patient is trust. You must embrace the challenges of his dreams of teaching never faded. be honest and have the patient’s chosen profession. After all, Instead they simply came true in interest at heart. And more investigation and study are all more ways than he had initially importantly, they must be able in a day’s work. imagined. to see and recognise that.”

A people-person and problem- These pillars have formed the solver by nature, Dr Chia basis of his approach to his MORE ABOUT always has a penchant for work. One instance involved THE DOCTOR helping others. Today, that has a patient suffering from acid A devoted father of five, translated into a successful reflux. While performing a Dr Chia credits a supportive private practice in which he scope, Dr Chia noticed that the family and good life balance as the cornerstones of his helps to solve the problems patient was snoring quite a bit success. His wife gave up facing his patients. Even though during the procedure. Linking her own career to devote he works more in a clinic than the two symptoms, Dr Chia was her time to their children in a classroom, he continues to able to pinpoint the snoring, or and home and Dr Chia is find that teaching encompasses Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, as quick to praise her, “My wife is my biggest supporter. a large part of his job. the cause for acid problem – not She works harder than I do, only solving the reflux problem, but I do work hard too.” “The thing I enjoy the most in but also helping the patient my clinical practice is teaching diagnose another ailment.

30 JUL-SEP 2018 The best investment one can make I have always believed that you must invest in yourself. My advice is to attempt to learn a new discipline every four to five years. Learning a new set of skills is a great trick to keep life interesting. Lifelong learning is important and if possible, you should not keep to your own field because breadth and depth are vital in the quest for knowledge.

31 Our People

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to becoming an oncologist? There are only about 110 oncologists in Malaysia to cater to a population of more than 30 million. On top of that, there is unequal distribution of cancer or oncology centres in the country. I hope to see better access to standard care for all Malaysians and the setting up of multidisciplinary facilities in all corners of the country.

32 JUL-SEP 2018 “What this means is that patients expect to be informed of treatment options and available resources for the best possible Mind Over care, before making decisions with their doctors. As doctors, we have to communicate the trajectory of the cancer, Matter When It constructing management plans in relevant and meaningful ways,” Dr Mastura says.

Comes to Cancer Dr Mastura also hopes that the future brings increased public Dr Mastura Md Yusof, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, awareness on the evolution Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, talks about her determination that has occurred in the field to specialise in oncology and provide meaningful support to of oncology. Survival outcomes patients with cancer. have improved as a result of better screening strategies, r Mastura Md Yusof chemotherapy, targeted early detection and accurate has made a career therapies, biological therapies, diagnosis, along with advanced by defying the odds. hormones and immunotherapy, staging, treatment and research In doing so, she has she treats patients with solid strategies. Some cancers at D tumours such as breast, lung, certain stages may not be become one of the few female clinical oncologists in Malaysia head and neck, colorectal and curable, but they are certainly today. gynecological cancers. treatable.

Back in 1998 when Dr Mastura Making it her mission to For Dr Mastura, her philosophy graduated with a Bachelor remain up-to-date, Dr is to continue fighting for as of Medicine and Bachelor Mastura positions herself at long as one lives. She extends of Surgery, there were only the forefront of oncology to this belief to her patients, 30 clinical oncologists in the ensure cutting-edge knowledge encouraging them to see country and facilities to treat and skill is available to her themselves as living with cancer cancer were not as advanced as patients. She participates in instead of dying from cancer. To they are today. Oncology was active clinical research on her, this is the first step towards seen as a challenging field but various cancers types and better care. this only fueled Dr Mastura to works with other experts to want to pursue a career in the conduct clinical trials on the MORE ABOUT specialty. integration of systemic therapy THE DOCTOR and radiotherapy. My name is Dr Mastura Fast forward 20 years later and Md Yusof and I have been Dr Mastura remains passionate In recent years, there has been a Clinical Oncologist about clinical oncology. a shift from physician-centred since 2009. Becoming an oncologist is one of the best care to patient-centred care. decisions I have ever made. I As a clinical oncologist, Dr In this regard, more than just still find the field thrilling and Mastura is trained in the offering compassion, help fascinating. And I know even assessment, treatment and and motivation, Dr Mastura over the next 10-20 years I further care of patients with always tries to consider the will continue my pursuit of cancer using both systemic circumstances and cultural providing the best possible care to cancer patients. therapy and radiotherapy. beliefs of each patient and their Using radiation therapy, families.

33 Our People

Recognising Distinguished Service Honouring career achievements and celebrating individuals whose commitment and loyalty have been instrumental to the ongoing success of Singapore Operations Division.

he 2018 edition saw The special commemorative Smiles all a total of 772 Long around for the gold coin issued award winners Service Awards for the first time who have been given out, of which in 2018. instrumental T to the ongoing 52 were Golden Years Service success of Awards. This year also marked Singapore Operations the first time that a special Division. commemorative gold coin was conferred to awardees with 30 honoured for reaching long years of service and beyond. service milestones - Phua Loyalty and Tien Beng, Chief Executive commitment is The guestlist for the Award Officer, Singapore Operations something valued Ceremony on 27 April 2018 Division, Dr Kok Chuan, Chief heavily by the included Dr Tan See Leng, Executive Officer, Parkway organisation. Managing Director and East Hospital, and Stephens Lo, We will continue Chief Executive Officer, IHH Chief Executive Officer, Mount to make sure we Healthcare, Dr Lim Suet Wun, Elizabeth Novena Hospital. retain the best Group Chief Operating Officer, staff to bring IHH Healthcare and Low Soon The rewards of a Parkway the organisation Teck, Group Chief Financial Pantai career was the focus forward together. Officer, IHH Healthcare. of the day, as reflected in Tien - Phua Tien Beng, Chief Executive Officer, Beng’s speech and a special Singapore Operations Three members of Senior video showcase of award Division Management were also recipients.

34 JUL-SEP 2018 I’m an Intensive Care Unit Nurse Manager but now I work more as a Nurse Administrator as the Head of Department for the Intensive Care Unit and Transplant Unit, which keeps me busy but is something I come to enjoy.

at the Intensive Care Unit where she is now a Nurse Manager.

Although working in the other departments was rewarding, it was in the ICU that she found her true calling. The journey she takes with each patient gives Patricia the most fulfilment.

PATRICIA TAN HUI PENG Today, after 25 years of service, Patricia continues to focus on professional growth through PATRICIA TAN HUI PENG Her decision to pursue nursing lifelong learning. To keep up with Nurse Manager, was inspired by an aunt who the latest treatment, techniques Intensive Care Unit, worked as a school nurse. and advances in medical Gleneagles Hospital Beyond the smart look of the technology, she has undertaken Long Service Awards - courses that include a specialist 25 Years uniform, it was the respect and admiration that come with the Diploma in Health Education at When the time came to choose job that compelled her to make Republic Polytechnic, and even a career, Patricia Tan knew nursing her own life’s work. leadership training courses. she wanted something that promised action. Determined not Patricia first joined Gleneagles Through yoga, Patricia balances to be stuck in a boring job or a Hospital in 1992 as an Accident her hectic work life. She ventures monotonous career, she decided & Emergency Junior Staff around the region for yoga and to become a nurse. And nothing Nurse. Since then, she has meditation retreats – enjoying about her life has been routine served stints in the medical the tranquillity of nature to since. ward before finally settling in recharge mind, body and spirit.

35 Our People

NG LAI CHENG a calling. She started out at a Chief Embryologist, restructured hospital before Mount Elizabeth Hospital joining Mount Elizabeth Hospital Long Service Award - in 2002. 15 Years

When Ng Lai Cheng was young, Finding true fulfilment in someone prophesied her life helping couples successfully would be filled with many have children, Lai Cheng has I’ve always children. The prediction came witnessed first-hand the loved children, true, not as a mother of two, but transformative effect that such whether it is in her role as Chief Embryologist. a meaningful event can have for working, playing her patients. or taking care For Lai Cheng, clinical of them, that is embryology has always been She puts her heart and soul into why I am happy doing what i do.

her work, building relationships with each patient that extends even after pregnancy and birth.

Yet her professional life is not without its challenges. From the stress and tension of having to deliver bad news to patients, to the heartache that comes with unsuccessful cases, she takes it all in stride.

As the head of the Mount Elizabeth Fertility Centre, she oversees the training of her team, mentoring them on the finer points of the job, including preparing them for patient counselling.

In her spare time, Lai Cheng enjoys reading and traveling. A nature-lover with an adventurous spirit, she has holidayed to New Zealand, China, Japan, the United States. Also a devoted Christian, she gives her time to the church NG LAI CHENG where she is involved in the Children’s Ministry.

36 JUL-SEP 2018 My family has always been behind my choice to continue working, in fact they have been encouraging me to keep working until I feel it is the right time to stop.

idea of working at a hospital. Eventually, she landed at Mount Elizabeth Hospital at the suggestion of a friend.

Three and a half decades later, her time at the hospital has been enriched by the many friendships she has built along the way, with doctors, nurses and even patients. Poh Hong takes pleasure in the simple things that life has to offer. As she makes her way through her

CHUA POH HONG day, being greeted by calls of ‘Auntie’ always brings a smile to her face.

CHUA POH HONG happy and positive outlook on Outside of work, family, friends Attendant, life. After all, the spritely 76- and food are all central to Poh Environmental Services, year old’s ability to look on the Hong’s life. A grandmother Mount Elizabeth Hospital bright side of things has served of three, she travels around Golden Years - 12 Years her well. Singapore with a group of close Good advice counts for so friends in search of the best much more when it comes from Seeking a lively work local food. She also volunteers someone with significant life environment where she could her time at the temple, where experiences. That is why young meet people from different she works in the kitchen helping people take heed when Chua Poh walks of life, Poh Hong had prepare meals for the less Hong tells them to maintain a always been intrigued by the fortunate.

37 Our People

38 JUL-SEP 2018 of the disk. “Early detection is Thankful for very important for this condition because the more the patient delays it, the lesser his chances a New Lease of recovery,” he advised. The surgery went well and after only two days, Kiran was able to walk again – much to his of Life surprise. Such was the extent of Kiran’s gratitude and relief that A heartfelt story of courage and renewal, about a he felt compelled to show his patient who nearly lost hope and the doctor who appreciation to Dr Rajashekar. helped restore him. Leaving him a heartfelt message, Kiran wrote, “I thought this was the end of my life and I would be bedbound forever. Words are not or better or worse, a Becoming increasingly enough to express how thankful life can change in an dependent on his wife and I am to Dr Rajashekhar.” instant. In September unable to continue working, 2017, Kiran Kumar Kiran’s physical ailments For Dr Rajashekar, helping a F were compounded by mental patient in need was its own Gutta was 30 years old and newly married when things anguish. As he started to reward. “Despite our hard work, took an unexpected turn for seek help to alleviate his pain, stress and our attempt to give a the worse. It started with Kiran encountered only a dire better life, positive reviews often discomfort in his right leg, prognosis – that he might not stay between the four walls or and things only worsened be able to walk again, unless he fail to reach the concerned from there. Kiran tried his endured two gruelling years of doctor. So when a patient shows best to carry on with daily life, treatment. genuine appreciation, it is all the but within a month the pain more meaningful.” and numbness had spread to He first consulted a his back leaving him severely physiotherapist but it did not debilitated. help much. After extensive MORE ABOUT research, Kiran came across THE SURVIVOR As Kiran recalled, “I thought Continental Hospitals in My name is Kiran Kumar the pain was temporary and Hyderabad where he sought Gutta and I am a happily would heal by itself. Then the expertise of Dr Rajashekar married IT employee. I enjoy it got worse, until it was as Reddy. eating out and the company though hundreds of needles of friends and family. I can were attacking me, leaving According to Dr Rajashekar, personally attest that one me in excruciating pain and Consultant Neurology and Spine should never take their health for granted, particularly after darkness. At that point, any Surgeon, Kiran was diagnosed my harrowing experience movement would cause more with lumbar disc disease, caused overcoming Lumbar Disk pain, and only lying down by abnormal postures and day- Disease. would bring some form of to-day activities that affect the relief.” spine leading to the dehydration

39 Our Lifestyle

Keep allergies llergies are one of the most common chronic health conditions in the at bay A world, affecting people of all ages. In children, understanding Indispensable information and Introduction of these foods to infants allergies and identifying their causes may be considered from as early important insights to help your child are the best way to stay ahead of as four to six months of age if the stay a step ahead of common allergies. the problem. infant has moderately severe atopic eczema/dermatitis. What are the most common allergies? What precautions should In tropical climate, the most common parents take before environmental allergen is the dust introducing common mite. In temperate and seasonal allergens to their children? climates, pollen allergies are more Care needs to be taken in case the prevalent. child may already have developed allergy to these foods as this may The specific types of food causing result in an acute allergic reaction allergies vary with age. Eggs and upon first introduction. cow’s milk allergy occurs most commonly in infants. In older Allergy screening tests should also children, crustacean shellfish allergy be considered before the food is is the most common, while peanut introduced. and nut allergy is increasingly a cause of severe allergic reactions How can allergies be requiring emergency visits or managed? hospitalisation. At home, children with food allergies should be told to avoid the offending At what age should food. Parents and caregivers must common allergens be also learn how to manage an acute introduced to children? allergic reaction. Recently, management of food allergies has moved from avoidance Hospitals and clinics can help of food allergens to timely but diagnose allergies and educate controlled introduction. Research parents and caregivers on how to has shown that introducing common manage them. food allergens such as peanuts and eggs in a controlled fashion (regular How to test for allergens? intake at least three times a week or This is done either by the detection Contributed by of IgE antibody to these foods in the Dr Lee Bah Wah, daily in fixed doses) could help to Paediatrician, prevent the development of these blood or by skin prick test. These will Mount Elizabeth Hospital food allergies. aid in the diagnosis of food allergy.

40 JUL-SEP 2018 41 Our Lifestyle

All

That Pro-biotics We have been told about the benefits of consuming pro- biotics. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials on how Buzz to make a pro-biotic-rich brew in the comfort of your Coconut oil Check out these new trends kitchen. Examples include Coconut oil has come a long that have gotten health junkies kimchi, tempeh and kombucha way from its ‘bad boy’ days in (fermented tea). Kombucha everywhere excited. the 1970s to 1980s due to its particularly has hipster appeal saturated fat content. Recent because you can customise the research has shown that not flavours with a bevy of fresh all saturated fats are bad for fruit juices to add dimension. the heart. Virgin coconut oil’s Consuming a glass of kombucha unprocessed saturated fats are a day can promote good gut flori now considered healthy. It also which your body will thank you contains lauric acid which has for it. been touted to help the body Source: clevelandclinic.org combat infections, but most importantly, the oil’s medium chain fatty acids help stimulate the body’s metabolism and trim excess body fat. Source: Harvard.edu

Nootropics Although not a household name, nootropics are essentially brain-boosting supplements. These mood enhancers offer anti-fatigue properties which is appropriate for individuals working frenetically in our digital age. You can get your dose of healthy nootropics from foods such as dark green vegetables, eggs, chocolate, coffee, green tea, blueberries, fatty fish. Source: Mindlab Pro

42 JUL-SEP 2018 Intermittent fasting E-cigarettes Move over Atkins Diet! They may seem Intermittent fasting is taking the like a healthier dieting world by storm. Several alternative to medical studies have deduced smoking, but recent that not eating anything for 16 studies conducted hours and then eating anything on e-cigarettes have for the next eight hours have proven that the vapour been proven to help individuals can damage human lungs and lose weight. Studies have bladder cells. Particularly in the former, some users shown that individuals who fast of e-cigarettes have been diagnosed to have “popcorn intermittently lost 3 to 8 per lungs”. The culprit is diacetyl – a chemical flavouring cent of weight naturally over used in e-cigarettes which causes irritation in the the course of 3 to 24 weeks, tiny air sacs in the lungs. a process that they could not Source: Lung.org have been done so effectively AI & Robotics with other diets. Basically, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and intermittent fasting helps the robots are becoming major body undergo a metabolic healthcare trends in the coming switch where the liver’s energy years. AI and robots work stores are depleted, thereby hand in hand to deliver more using stored fats for energy. Osteoarthritis accurate diagnostic results, better workflow productivity, Source: University of Florida It is touted to be and process automation. health one of human kind’s Robots are not only reputable most debilitating for patient safety, they are chronic conditions known to take over time- that affects millions consuming menial tasks, so across the world. hospital staff can manage more Researchers have critical issues. Robots together identified FoxO1 proteins with AI software are not only found in cartilage to prevent, treating elderly folks, they are treat and even stop the disease from developing. proving to be useful in aspects These beneficial proteins are key in joint health. of rehabilitation and physical Now that’s good news for osteoarthritis sufferers therapy. everywhere! Source: Price Water Coopers Source: Science Translation Medicine

Food Pyramid… wrong! The Food Pyramid started in the United States in 1992 and was preached to laymen that fat was the number one enemy. Fast forward to 2018, the culprit for obesity is now carbohydrates, particularly simple carbohydrates from processed foods, noodles and breads. Another flaw of the Food Pyramid that was not made clear then was all carbohydrates are not the same. In fact, eating good fats is now considered healthier than consuming refined carbohydrates. The revised Food Pyramid is also about focusing on lean proteins and practising portion control. Source: healthyway.com

43 Listing

OUR HEALTHCARE NETWORK IN THE REGION

Hospitals

BRUNEI CHENNAI MALAYSIA PANTAI HOSPITAL SINGAPORE GLENEAGLES GLOBAL CHERAS HEALTH CITY, MSQH accredited GLENEAGLES JPMC PERUMBAKKAM GLENEAGLES GLENEAGLES HOSPITAL NABH accredited KOTA KINABALU PANTAI HOSPITAL JCI accredited MSQH accredited IPOH HONG KONG HYDERABAD MSQH accredited MOUNT ELIZABETH CONTINENTAL HOSPITALS GLENEAGLES HOSPITAL (ORCHARD) JCI, NABH accredited KUALA LUMPUR PANTAI HOSPITAL JCI accredited KLANG GLENEAGLES HONG KONG JCI, MSQH accredited AWARE GLENEAGLES MSQH accredited MOUNT ELIZABETH GLOBAL HOSPITALS, GLENEAGLES MEDINI NOVENA HOSPITAL L.B.NAGAR MSQH accredited PANTAI HOSPITAL JCI accredited INDIA NABH accredited KUALA LUMPUR GLENEAGLES PENANG JCI, MSQH accredited PARKWAY EAST HOSPITAL GLENEAGLES GLOBAL JCI, MSQH accredited JCI accredited BENGALURU HOSPITALS, LAKDI-KA-PUL PANTAI HOSPITAL BGS GLENEAGLES GLOBAL PANTAI HOSPITAL MANJUNG HOSPITALS, KENGERI KOLKATA AMPANG MSQH accredited UAE NABH accredited APOLLO GLENEAGLES MSQH accredited HOSPITAL PANTAI HOSPITAL GLENEAGLES GLOBAL JCI, NABH accredited PANTAI HOSPITAL PENANG HOSPITALS, AYER KEROH MSQH accredited DANAT AL EMARAT RICHMOND ROAD MUMBAI MSQH accredited HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN GLENEAGLES GLOBAL PANTAI HOSPITAL AND CHILDREN HOSPITALS, PAREL PANTAI HOSPITAL SUNGAI PETANI BATU PAHAT MSQH accredited MSQH accredited

Medical Clinics

CHINA HONG QIAO MEDICAL HONG KONG MALAYSIA A&E / 24-HOUR WALK IN CENTER CLINICS (All 4 hospitals) JIN QIAO MEDICAL BEIJING PARKWAYHEALTH KUALA LUMPUR AND DENTAL CENTER ANG MO KIO FAMILY CHAO WAI MEDICAL CENTRAL HONG KONG TWIN TOWERS MEDICAL MEDICAL CLINIC CENTER MEDICAL CENTER CENTRE XINTIANDI SPECIALTY AND INPATIENT CENTER MARITIME MEDICAL JINGSHUN MEDICAL SERVICES CENTER SHANGHAI CENTRE INDIA SINGAPORE MEDICAL AND DENTAL NIPPON MEDICAL CARE CHENGDU CENTERS CHENGDU SHENTON CHENNAI PARKWAY SHENTON HEALTH CLINIC SHANGHAI JIN MAO GLENEAGLES GLOBAL CLINICS SHANGHAI TOWER MEDICAL CENTER CLINIC, ADYAR GLENEAGLES MEDICAL PARKWAY EXECUTIVE SUZHOU AND SURGICAL CENTER HEALTH SCREENING SIP MEDICAL AND DENTAL CENTER SHENTON HEALTH

Ancillary Medical Services

HONG KONG INDIA MALAYSIA SINGAPORE PARKWAY COLLEGE

iXCHANGE ANGSANA MOLECULAR APOLLO GLENEAGLES PANTAI INTERGRATED PARKWAYHEALTH ANGSANA MOLECULAR AND DIAGNOSTICS PET-CT CENTRE REHAB LABORATORY AND DIAGNOSTICS PANTAI PREMIER PARKWAYHEALTH PATHOLOGY RADIOLOGY

Information is correct as of February 2018