MCI (P) 081/09/2015

National Healthcare Group Polyclinics A Member of the National Healthcare Group Transform Care 2016 ISSUE 01

First Family Medicine Clinic in to be handed over to private General Practice 1 March 2016 marked an important milestone for primary healthcare as the Ang Mo Kio Family Medicine Clinic (AMK FMC) was officially handed over from National Healthcare Group to Parkway Shenton, making it the first FMC in Singapore to be passed on to a private General Practice.

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FEATURES CONTENTS Empower for healthier living Celebrating Infection Control Week NHGP has been reaching out to various communities and 2015 | Page 4 neighbourhoods to engage residents and educate them on Minister of State, Dr , visits the importance of healthy eating for festive occasions and in Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic | Page 6 managing conditions. They were also given handy tips and nutrition information to help them make smarter food choices. Clementi Polyclinic hosts Dr , Advisor to Jurong GRC and Member of Read more on Page 4 Parliament | Page 6 AMK Library engagement session: Getting to Overseas experts visit NHGP know the neighbours | Page 6 Under the Ministry of Health's Health Manpower Development Diabetes Support Groups at Yishun and Ang Plan – Visiting Experts scheme, Clinical Services Division, Mo Kio Polyclinics | Page 6 Clinical Research Unit and Podiatry Services were honoured to host visiting experts in the fields of primary care research and Celebrating World Diabetes Day at Hougang podiatry respectively. Polyclinic | Page 6 Read more on Page 5 2015 National Day Awards Investiture | Page 7 Hougang staff visit Singapore leprosy NHGP wins bizSAFE Partner Award 2016 home | Page 7 NHGP emerges as the first and only healthcare institution in Singapore to receive the bizSAFE Partner Award 2016 from the Workplace Safety & Health Council. Read more on Page 7

Leading the way at the 8th ASEAN Para Games UPCOMING NHGP, with the support from NHG Diagnostics (NHGD) and NHG Pharmacy (NHGPh), led and set up the Games Medical Centre Care of the Elderly Workshop | Page 8 at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel from 27 November to 10 December 2015. General Practitioner's Assistant Course | Page 8 Read more on Page 7 02 FEATURE

Ang Mo Kio Family Medicine Clinic Handover Signing Ceremony. Seated from left: Ms Lim Yee Juan, Group Chief Financial Officer, National Healthcare Group and Director, Ang Mo Kio Family Medicine Clinic; Professor Philip Choo, Group Chief Executive Officer, National Healthcare Group; Adjunct Associate Professor Chong Phui-Nah, Executive Director, Ang Mo Kio Family Medicine Clinic and Chief Executive Officer, National Healthcare Group Polyclinics; Ms Veronica Allen, Chief Executive Officer, Parkway Shenton; Dr Lim Suet Wun, Group Chief Operating Officer, Parkway Pantai.

Standing from left: Adjunct Associate Professor Chua Hong Choon, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer (Clinical), National Healthcare Group; Mrs Tan Ching Yee, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; Dr , Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Parkway Pantai; Dr Kelvin Loh, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Operations, Parkway Pantai. First Family Medicine Clinic in Singapore to be handed over to private General Practice

n 1 March 2016, the Ang Mo Kio Family Medicine Clinic (AMK ensure that we can support Singaporeans' care needs," said Mrs Tan OFMC) was officially handed over to Parkway Shenton after a Ching Yee during her speech at the event. successful three-year collaboration with National Healthcare Group (NHG). Guest-of-Honour, Mrs Tan Ching Yee, Permanent Secretary, AMK FMC, while physically smaller in size compared to a polyclinic, Ministry of Health, witnessed the signing ceremony for the handover is adequately equipped to provide the same level of quality care to held on 27 February 2016. patients just like the polyclinic. It has a dedicated team of Family , Nurses, Allied Healthcare Professionals as well as This public-private collaboration between NHG and Parkway Diagnostics and Pharmacy professionals to deliver comprehensive Shenton started in May 2013. This primary care facility received team-based care, with a focus on chronic disease management. strong support from National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGP) in the areas of operations and management of the FMC. More than The success of the collaboration was a result of the synergy and 8,600 patients from Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic have made the decision to unique strengths of NHG, Parkway Shenton and NHGP. Dr Lew Yii receive care at AMK FMC since its establishment. Of these, more than Jen, Senior Director of Clinical Services at NHGP said, "The staff 7,800 patients are already receiving care at AMK FMC. Some 96% of from Parkway Shenton learnt how we manage patients in a holistic patients attended to at AMK FMC are patients with chronic illnesses manner. We also learnt how they (private operators) provide more who require long-term care. personalised services and manage patients in a smaller setting."

"Rapid ageing is the key driver of healthcare demand in Singapore. In line with the Ministry of Health's "One Singaporean, One Family Longer life expectancy and changing lifestyles also increase our Doctor" vision, AMK FMC patients are reassured with familiar faces chances of being diagnosed with chronic diseases, such as diabetes as they are cared for by the same team of Family Physicians on every and hypertension. We need to transform the way we deliver care to visit. Over time, the Family Physicians establish a strong relationship FEATURE 03

Guest-of-honour, Mrs Tan Ching Yee taken on a clinic tour. NHG Pharmacy has been supporting Ang Mo Kio Family Medicine Clinic with its pharmaceutical services and will continue to do so even after the handover.

Dr Tan (Left), Professor Choo and Mrs Tan (4th and 5th from left) talking to Mr and Mrs Mrs Tan tries out the Diabetic Retinal Screening available at the clinic. Sreedharan (2nd and 3rd from left), patients who have been visiting AMK FMC since its establishment in 2013. with their patients and acquire an in-depth knowledge of their Currently, AMK FMC enjoys a high retention rate of 95%, indicating medical history, thus allowing them to provide more personalised a high satisfaction rate among its patients. Parkway Shenton is and better quality care. optimistic in reinforcing this success and by end of 2016, patient volume is expected to increase from 8,600 patients to 11,000 patients. The Family is also able to shift from simply providing AMK FMC will also increase the number of Family Physicians from illness care to wellness care and care for patients well beyond the three to five and carry on with their collaboration with NHGP to right- clinic walls by empowering them to take better care of their own site patients from the polyclinic to AMK FMC. health. This also enables the Family Physician to better manage their patients' conditions at the primary care level before they require AMK FMC patients continue to benefit from the support from National specialised or intensive treatment in the hospital. Healthcare Group Diagnostics (NHGD), National Healthcare Group Pharmacy (NHGPh) and NHGP. The three institutions continue to At the handover ceremony, Adjunct Associate Professor Chong provide laboratory, pharmacy and dietetics services respectively, Phui-Nah, Executive Director, AMK FMC and CEO, NHGP, shared under one roof at AMK FMC. Patients who qualify for the Community that a strong patient-doctor relationship at the heart of AMK Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) and Pioneer Generation Package (PG) FMC collaboration was essential in the management of patients' can continue to utilise their respective CHAS benefits at AMK FMC conditions. She added that the polyclinic patients who opt for care at even after the handover, while eligible patients are able to tap on AMK FMC are able to access comprehensive, continued and person- their Medisave to help defray their out of pocket expenses. centred care within their neighbourhood. 04 PROMOTE A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY Empower for healthier living

NHGP has been reaching out to various communities and neighbourhoods to engage residents and educate them on the importance of healthy eating. They were also given handy tips and nutrition information to empower them to make smarter food choices.

Feasting without overeating Nee Soon South residents were treated to a nutrition talk by NHGP Dietitian, Ms Chan Sau Ling, in Nee Soon South Wellness Centre on 28 November 2015. The talk was part of a string of healthy eating programmes jointly organised by NHGP and Nee Soon South Wellness Center where residents learnt how to eat healthily and prevent overeating during the festive season. The dietitian shared tips on healthy eating, choosing healthier food choices as well as healthy cooking. Participants were surprised Dietitian, Chan Sau Ling, explaining to by the amounts of energy, fat and sugar hidden in festive foods and drinks such as log cake, pudding residents on healthier food options. and eggnog. They walked away with lots of interesting food facts and useful health information.

Understanding what goes into festive treats In a bid to better engage and reach out to patients on food nutrition at the polyclinics, NHGP Dietitians and Health Promotion and Preventive Care Division produced slides containing nutrition information on local goodies and festive favourites that were screened on the televisions at the patient waiting areas. Screened at a 30-minute interval, the slides alternated between English, Chinese, Tamil and Malay text throughout the day. Nutrition information on local snacks such as murukku, bak kwa and An informative slide seen on the television pineapple tarts, were featured on the screens. Patients were also reminded on mindful eating and screen at patient waiting areas featuring given tips on how to prevent over-eating especially during family reunions and festive feastings. calorie content of Christmas goodies.

Let's talk about the three 'highs' To involve our General Practitioner partners in our primary care transformation journey, NHGP Senior Dietitian, Pauline Xie, conducted health promotion activities at Hougang Family Medicine Clinic @ Ci Yuan Community Club to help extend community engagement efforts beyond the walls of our polyclinics. In line with Hougang Family Medicine Clinic's aim of encouraging residents in Hougang to make healthy lifestyle choices, the residents were given a talk on health screenings and healthy Hougang residents attending the talk on eating that can prevent and manage the three 'highs' – high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol. high cholesterol.

Healthy eating for healthy ageing NHGP together and its team of volunteers collaborated with Frontier Community Club to hold a health talk for Pioneer residents on "Healthy Eating as You Age". Residents were informed of the importance of a well-balanced diet through proper nutrition and food portions. Senior Dietitian, Ms Lynette Goh, shared on appropriate food portions as well as tips on managing health conditions such as osteoporosis and constipation that may emerge as we age and how to improve one's appetite. She also addressed residents' questions pertaining to their own health, how they could make healthier food Senior Dietitian, Lynette Goh, answering a choices and explained the best time to eat fruits as well as using vitamin supplements to replace food resident's question on the use of vitamin supplements as food replacements. and vegetables.

Celebrating Infection Control Week 2015

n conjunction with Infection Control Week, NHGP held activities at each of its nine Ipolyclinics to create and increase awareness on the importance of infection prevention and control among staff, patients and visitors. Patients and visitors learnt how to practice the six steps of hand hygiene through the demonstration sessions at the exhibition booth. Messages on respiratory etiquette were inscribed on complimentary tissue packs which were distributed to patients and visitors in the polyclinics.

The Infection Control Week served as an important platform for our healthcare workers to empower patients and their families on the vital role of infection control in keeping the healthcare environment safe for all. A visitor taking part in the hand hygiene demonstration conducted by NHGP staff. ENGAGE HEALTHCARE STAKEHOLDERS 05 Overseas experts visit NHGP

Under the Ministry of Health's Health Manpower Development Plan – Visiting Experts scheme, NHGP Clinical Services Division, Clinical Research Unit and Podiatry Services were honoured to host visiting experts in the fields of primary care research and podiatry respectively. The divisions held tours at Bukit Batok Polyclinic and introduced the experts to the Singapore healthcare systems. The visiting experts conducted lectures and workshops for NHGP staff and colleagues from other healthcare institutions to learn and glean new perspectives and skills.

Building our skills in primary care research Early detection, early management and early access for diabetic foot care Professor Roger Jones, Emeritus Professor of General Practice at King's College London, Editor of the British Journal of General Practice and During his visit from 18 to 22 January 2016, Dr Gerry Rayman shared Provost of the South London Faculty of the Royal College of General his expertise on a wide range of clinical topics, including screening Practitioners, visited NHGP from 1 to 5 February 2016. He shared his and prevention of diabetic foot problems, patient education, skills with members of NHGP Senior Management and discussed management of diabetic foot ulcers and new research in diabetic primary care research and NHGP's work and initiatives in primary care. neuropathy.

A leading figure in the development of academic primary care, Dr Rayman is a Consultant Physician and Head of Service at the Professor Jones' main research interests are in epidemiology and the Diabetes Centre, Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust. He is also the lead for the management of common gastrointestinal disorders. He has published NHS National Diabetes Inpatient Audit and Diabetic Foot Care as well research on mental health, ethnicity and health, medical education as specialist medical advisor to Diabetes UK. and medical ethics and is the editor-in-chief of the Oxford Textbook of General Practice. He met with members of NHGP Senior Management and the Ministry of Health to discuss recommendations for a sustainable model for Professor Jones' visit to Singapore took him to Bukit Batok Polyclinic the management of the diabetic foot problem in primary care and and Family Medicine Academy where he learnt more about NHGP's integrated care of the diabetic foot within the Regional Health System. work in primary care, conducted several lectures and workshops on research methodologies and medical writing and spoke at the Medical Dr Rayman provided inputs on the NHGP Podiatry Diabetes Forum. He was impressed by the polyclinics' "well-trained medical Mellitus Foot Risk Stratification and interacted with clinicians and workforce" and the potential for clinical and health services research administrators from primary care, hospitals, intermediate long- afforded by the polyclinic system. term care and AIC on the continuum of foot care across the various healthcare settings. He also shared about Ipswich Touch Test and the preliminary results of the UK National Diabetes Foot Care Audit.

Professor Roger Jones (9th from left) and Adjunct Associate Professor Chong Phui-Nah (10th from left) together with members of NHGP Senior Management at a discussion on primary care research and initiatives.

Dr Gerry Rayman sharing his expertise on diabetic foot care during a meeting with members of NHGP Senior Management. 06 ENGAGE HEALTHCARE STAKEHOLDERS (CONTINUATION)

Visits and engagement to strengthen synergy Minister of State, Dr Koh Poh Koon, visits Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic Dr Koh Poh Koon, Minister of State for the Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Trade and Industry, made his first visit to Ang Mo Kio (AMK) Polyclinic on 22 January 2016 in his capacity as the newly appointed Advisor to Yio Chu Kang Constituency. NHGP CEO, Adjunct Associate Professor, Chong Phui-Nah, hosted his visit and took him through a clinic tour with AMK Polyclinic Head, Dr Christopher Chong, to provide a deeper understanding of NHGP and AMK Polyclinic's role in serving the community as well as its redevelopment plans. His visit concluded with a presentation by Dr Karen Ng, Regional Director (Central), Primary Care The NHGP team takes a photo with Dr Koh Poh Koon Transformation Office. (seated in the middle), concluding the tour of Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic.

Clementi Polyclinic hosts Dr Tan Wu Meng, Advisor to Jurong GRC and Member of Parliament Dr Tan Wu Meng, Advisor and Member of Parliament representing the Jurong Group Representation Constituency, accompanied by Mr Justin Foo, Chairman of Clementi Citizen's Consultative Committee, visited Clementi Polyclinic on 13 January 2016. They were brought on a guided tour of Clementi Polyclinic led by Clinic Head, Dr Steven Chong and the clinic

Head of Clementi Polyclinic's Head, Dr Steven Chong, management team where they were given an overview of NHGP. They also met with NHGP (3rd from left) giving Dr Tan Wu Meng (2nd from left) a tour Senior Management to discuss possible ways to work together to meet the current and future of the clinic. healthcare needs of Clementi residents and support population health.

AMK Library engagement session: Getting to know the neighbours NHGP worked with Ang Mo Kio (AMK) Public Library to join its "Meet the Customers" session on 6 December 2015. NHGP saw the session as a suitable platform to reach out to regular library patrons to share more about AMK Polyclinic's upcoming construction plans, safety measures and traffic re-directions. Dr Karen Ng, Head of AMK Polyclinic, shared about the polyclinic redevelopment to over 20 patrons and addressed their feedback and queries. Dr

Ng also elaborated on what the new features at the redeveloped polyclinic would bring to the Dr Karen Ng together with staff from NHGP and Ang Mo community. The session concluded with a tea reception, where our NHGP staff further engaged Kio Public Library at the "Meet the Customers" session. with patrons and librarians.

06 PATIENT EMPOWERMENT

Diabetes support Celebrating World Diabetes groups at Yishun and Day at Hougang Polyclinic Ang Mo Kio Polyclinics In conjunction with World Diabetes Day, NHGP's Care On 12 December 2015, Managers (Nursing), Pharmacist NHGP Dietitian, Chan Sau and Dietitian from Hougang Ling and Senior Dietitian, Polyclinic jointly conducted talks Wong Yuefen, conducted and activities on 28 November diabetes support group 2015. The event was held to raise sessions in Yishun and AMK Participants learning more on how to control awareness on diabetes among Polyclinics respectively. their blood sugar through food portion control the general public. Dietitian, Ms Abbie Sim, demonstrating at the diabetes support groups. the process of making rainbow salad to participants at the Hougang Polyclinic. The session at Yishun Polyclinic covered topics on controlling blood The event commenced with a sugar through appropriate food portions and choices. There was also a warm welcome speech by Hougang Polyclinic Deputy Head, Dr Kong cooking demonstration with three simple and tasty recipes - pinwheel Jing Wen. This was followed by an informative talk on "Healthy Feet mini sandwiches, cold creamy oats and healthy chocolate drink. are Happy Feet" by Ms Vasanthi Ganesan, Principal Assistant Nurse, Hougang Polyclinic. She shared useful tips on foot care such as good At AMK Polyclinic, the session focused on understanding hygiene and proper foot wear. Subsequently, Mr Anthony Yip, NHG carbohydrates. Participants were introduced to the concept of Pharmacist, discussed the different types of medications (oral and carbohydrates and its effect on blood sugar levels, carbohydrate injection agents) for diabetes treatment. The event concluded with sources, carbohydrate content of common local foods and Ms Abbie Sim, NHGP Dietitian, who gave tips on healthy eating for carbohydrate counting. better blood sugar control using the "My Healthy Plate" concept. She also conducted a cooking demonstration on making rainbow salad Participants also had opportunities to learn through hands-on using multigrain rice so that participants could replicate this recipe activities in planning a meal and reading food labels. at home. PROVIDE QUALITY PATIENT CARE 07

Celebrating healthcare excellence 2015 National Day Awards Investiture Twelve staff from NHGP were honoured with Commendation, Efficiency and Long Service medals at the 2015 National Day Awards Investiture on 20 November 2015. They were among over 400 officers recognised by Health Minister Mr , Minister of State Dr and Minister of State Mr for NHGP awardees receiving their their significant contributions to the public service. awards during the 2015 National Day Awards Investiture.

NHGP wins bizSAFE Partner Award 2016 NHGP received the bizSAFE Partner Award 2016 from the Workplace Safety & Health Council, making it the first and only healthcare institution in Singapore to receive this award.

NHGP CEO, Adjunct Associate Professor Chong Phui-Nah, received the award at the bizSAFE Convention 2016 on 17 February 2016 for NHGP's quality measures in Workplace Safety and Health (WSH). As a primary healthcare institution, WSH standards are of paramount importance to NHGP's core business in delivering effective and productive healthcare services to our patients. In a video broadcast at the convention, Prof Chong shared how the organisation inculcates a strong culture of staff and patient safety. NHGP CEO, Adjunct Associate Professor Chong Phui-Nah, (2nd from left) received the trophy for the bizSAFE Partner Award 2016.

BEYOND HEALTH PROMOTION AND CARE 07

Leading the way at the 8th ASEAN Para Games

NHGP, together with the support from NHGD and NHGPh, led and set up the Games Medical Centre (GMC) at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel from 28 November to 10 December 2015.

As part of the Games Village concept, the GMC was the first touch point for all athletes and delegates to receive prompt primary healthcare services and access to quality facilities. Hotel rooms were converted to consultation and treatment rooms to facilitate these services. Besides treating patients for common illnesses such as cold, cough or minor sports related injuries, the GMC also provided ambulatory services for emergency cases.

True to the Games' spirit, NHGP worked with colleagues from various public hospitals and healthcare institutions coming together and providing expertise in sports medicine and The Games Medical Centre team from NHGP hosting physiotherapy. The collaborative efforts and planning, which spanned six months, ensured the Dr , Senior Minister of State, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and Ministry of Health. smooth running of the GMC which was managed around the clock by a team of 50 medical staff, supported by 60 NHGP staff and student volunteers from National University of Singapore's Department of Pharmacy. Hougang staff visit Singapore leprosy home

As part of their yearly commitment since 1999, staff from Hougang Polyclinic made a trip down to visit residents at SILRA Home, also known as Singapore Leprosy Association, on 12 December 2015. The Home houses former leprosy victims and provides them with basic care and love with the aim of improving their lives.

Dr Lee Eng Sing, Head of Hougang Polyclinic, gave an opening address and introduced pet-assisted therapy to the residents. They also had fun participating in a karaoke session performed by Hougang Polyclinic staff, dancing to popular classics while others spontaneously showed off their singing and flute-playing talents. The afternoon concluded with a round of Christmas carolling.

This yearly event proved to be as beneficial to the staff as much as it was enjoyable to the residents. It was also a great platform for staff to bond and share the festive spirit with the less fortunate people. Residents enjoying the Christmas Carols at the SILRA Home. UPCOMING PCA COURSES

Care of the Elderly Workshop

The Primary Care Academy offers a Date : 31 March 2016 training programme conducted by Time : 10.00am – 5.00pm experienced registered nurses to Course Fee : $110 (excluding GST) equip you and your caregiver with basic skills in caring for the elderly. If Venue : PCA Learning Centre you are a caregiver or employer of a Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic caregiver, this training programme Level 3, 2 Teck Whye Crescent will enhance your ability and improve Singapore 688846 your caregiver's skills in providing excellent care to your loved ones. To register, please call 6496 6683 / 6496 6682 or email [email protected]

The course covers:  Hygiene and grooming  Communication  Feeding  Safety  Waste handling

General Practitioner's Assistant Course - Foundational

The General Practitioner's (GP) Date : 25 & 27 May 2016 Assistant Course is designed Time : 1.30pm – 5.00pm specifically to prepare anyone who is Course Fee : $180 (excluding GST) interested in working in a GP clinic, as well as current GP assistants who Venue : PCA Learning Centre would like to raise the level of service Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic standard provided. 2 Teck Whye Crescent Singapore 688846

To register, please call 6496 6683 / 6496 6682 or email [email protected]

The course covers:  An overview of healthcare organisation in Singapore  Basic measurement skills (Height, Weight, Tympanic and Digital  Role of GP's Assistant Axillary Temperature Taking, BMI Calculation and Waist Conference)  Fundamental concepts of patient care delivery  Fundamentals of infection control in clinic settings  Basic communication skills and delivery  Basics on how medication works and avoiding medication errors

Publisher Corporate Communications Advisor Dr Peter Chow For all editorial queries and National Healthcare Group Polyclinics Chief Editor Goh Geok Ngoh feedback, please email to www.nhgp.com.sg Editorial Doris Liew [email protected] Team Cindy Chew Jessica Sasayiah