MEDIA RELEASE EMBARGOED TILL 18 NOVEMBER 2011, 6.30PM

17 November 2011

PROMISING ENROLLED NURSES RECEIVE HIGHEST ACCOLADE IN

Ten outstanding enrolled nurses in Singapore will be recognised for their exemplary performance and dedication to the nursing profession at the 5th Tan Chin Tuan Nursing Award ceremony today.

The top three winners will receive their well-deserved awards from Health Minister Gan Kim Yong at the ceremony to be held at the National University Hospital. They will each receive a gold medallion and a cash prize of $2,000.

Ranked among the best in nursing profession, the nominees were handpicked by their employers from both public and private hospitals. They then had to go through two rounds of shortlisting by panels consisting of nursing professionals, healthcare academics and community leaders.

Founded by the D.S. Lee Foundation, and the brainchild of Dr Della Lee, the Tan Chin Tuan Nursing Award was set up in memory of the late eminent banker and philanthropist, Tan Sri (Dr) Tan Chin Tuan, who was known for his dedication and generosity. The Tan Chin Tuan Nursing Award is the highest accolade for enrolled nurses in Singapore.

This year‟s event is organised by the National University Hospital, on behalf of the D.S. Lee Foundation.

Annex A: List of finalists

Top Three Winners 1st Chow Yuet Kuen Doreen, Enrolled Nurse, 2nd Leow Siew Tin, Principal Enrolled Nurse, Singapore General Hospital 3rd Neng Noorliza D/O Neng Ismail, Senior Assistant Nurse, National University Hospital

Merit Award Recipients (not in any particular order) Goh Bee Bee Jasmine, Principal Asst Nurse, NHG Polyclinics Heng Siam Keow Joyce, Staff Midwife, KK Women's & Children's Hospital Malliga D/O Selvaraju, Principal Enrolled Nurse, Alexandra Hospital (Jurong Health) Nang Nyunt Nyunt Kyi, Enrolled Nurse, Econ Healthcare Group (Buangkok) Ng Puay Hong Angie, Senior Enrolled Nurse, Singapore National Eye Centre Noraini Bte Ali, Senior Enrolled Nurse, Tan Hui Eng, Principal Enrolled Nurse,

Annex B: Citations of Top Three Winners

First Prize Chow Yuet Kuen Doreen Enrolled Nurse Mount Elizabeth Hospital

With an unwavering dedication to her job and to her patients, Doreen has outshone all the nominees to emerge the clear winner, earning top spot in the 5th Tan Chin Tuan Nursing Award. She is the first Enrolled Nurse from a private healthcare provider in Singapore to garner the prestigious accolade.

At the Behaviourial Unit in Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Doreen works with psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, and registered nurses, to provide care and support to patients, young and old, who suffer from a wide-range of psychiatric and psychological disorders. The foundation for Doreen‟s success has been her motivation to constantly seek ways to upgrade her skills through reading and training, which has resulted in her ability to demonstrate excellent knowledge in her role and responsibilities.

Besides a strong work ethic and commitment to her job, Doreen is well-liked and is seen as a leader and motivator by her colleagues. She is generous in sharing her knowledge with her team and in guiding them to deliver beyond what is required for the good of the patients. She is creative with ideas and in developing fresh activities ranging from simple games to wellness and rehabilitation exercises to help patients better manage their own conditions. Blessed with excellent interpersonal skills, Doreen offers much-needed emotional support as they overcome these challenges.

“Being a nurse and caring for my patients and my staff best matches the divine design and calling in my life. I am privileged and honoured to be the first enrolled nurse from the private sector to win this award. It is really the fruit of my labour.” -- Doreen Chow Yuet Kuen

Second Prize Leow Siew Tin Principal Enrolled Nurse Singapore General Hospital

An enrolled nurse with 28 years of experience, Siew Tin willingly sacrifices her personal time for her patients. She is intensely committed to supporting the parents of her young patients diagnosed with Thalassaemia, a genetic condition. Besides caring for these children, Siew Tin hopes to help them lead their life to the fullest. She often goes the extra mile for her cancer patients who have no relatives or friends in Singapore by spending time with them after work and even buying them food using her own money.

Siew Tin‟s dedication to the nursing profession and her contributions in volunteer work have earned her second place in the 5th Tan Chin Nursing Award.

”My role and personal mission is to continue to groom new nurses to care with a heart and to find pride in nursing.” -- Leow Siew Tin

Third Prize Neng Noorliza D/O Neng Ismail Senior Assistant Nurse National University Hospital

By often going beyond her call of duty, Neng has not only won the hearts of many patients but the same of her nursing colleagues and doctors.

A dedicated and selfless role model, Neng always puts the needs of her patients and others before her own. She is an excellent team player, often taking new enrolled nurses and healthcare assistants under her wing. A highly motivated individual, Neng strives to excel in all that she does and to provide the best quality care for her patients.

Having completed her Advance Medical-Surgical Nursing Course last year, Neng is now equipped to perform more duties. Her career aspiration is to continue pursuing her studies and progress in her nursing career.

"It has been my ambition since young to become a nurse when I grow up. Today, I am truly honoured and happy to receive this award as it serves as a recognition for my work. One of Steve Job‟s popular quotes is to „follow your heart‟. Therefore I will continue to love what I do and to do my best for my patients.” -- Neng Noorliza D/O Neng Ismail

Media Contacts

Goh Sze Ling Corporate Communications National University Hospital DID: (65) 6772 5118 Email: [email protected]

Junaidah Hameed Singapore General Hospital Communications DID: (65) 6321 3553 Email: [email protected]

Janet Low Limited Group Corporate Communications DID: (65) 6349 5764 Email: [email protected]