Ms Teoh Yi, Senior Dietitian, NTFGH, highlighted that a high quality and diverse diet supports greater microbial diversity, beneficial bacteria, and the production of short-chain fatty acids, all of which are important for gut health.

She shared that for most healthy individuals, maintaining a balanced daily diet is sufficient to support gut health, and probiotics are only beneficial for specific conditions and strains. Random use of probiotics may not be helpful, as individual responses can vary.

Ms Teoh also advised choosing fermented foods without added sugar, fat, or additives, as packaged versions may contain hidden sugars and fats that can reduce their gut health benefits.

• Lianhe Zaobao, Fukan, Page 2, 19 May 2026, 不单靠补充益生菌 养肠关键在优质饮食 (Good gut health depends not only on probiotics, but also on a quality diet)

Dr Jasmine Tan, Medical Officer, Intensive Care Unit, NTFGH, shared her experience responding to an in-flight medical emergency involving a flight attendant with vomiting and breathing difficulties. With limited medical equipment and resources available onboard, she administered emergency treatment and later advised diverting the flight after the flight attendant's condition continued to deteriorate. Dr Tan said the experience reinforced the importance of teamwork and support systems in the hospital setting, where multidisciplinary assistance is readily available during emergencies, and motivated her to better equip herself for future situations.

• Mothership, 8 May 2026, 'The call is now yours, doctor': S'pore doctor on Turkish Airlines flight responds to sick cabin crew, makes 'heavy' call to divert flight alone

At this year’s National University Health System (NUHS) Carer’s Day at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, the South West Community Development Council announced that the South West Caregiver Assistance Fund will be increased from $800 to $1,000 to provide greater support for carers. NUHS also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Institute of Policy Studies at National University of Singapore to strengthen long-term collaboration on caregiving research and initiatives.

• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 16 May 2026, 缓解照护与经济压力 西南看护者援助金增至1000元 (To alleviate caregiving and financial burdens, South West Caregiver Support Fund increases cash grant amount to S$1,000)
• Shin Min Daily News, 16 May 2026, 顾肾 病衰 妻竭 失司 智机 父不 养言 ３弃 女 Kidney failure driver refuses to give up while caring for ill wife, father with dementia and three daughters)
  

A family member of an NTFGH patient expressed heartfelt appreciation for the care team in a compliment letter which highlighted the family’s positive experience. He expressed his commendation for two ophthalmology doctors for their professionalism and exceptional compassion during his wife’s consultations at NTFGH's A41 Eye Clinic. Despite the clinic’s busy schedule and long waiting times, both doctors conducted thorough and attentive assessments, maintained a consistently warm and respectful demeanour, and addressed the patient's concerns with care and clarity.

• Lianhe Zaobao, Page 14, 8 May 2026, 表扬黄廷方医院眼科医生 (Appreciation to ophthalmology team at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital)

Ms Jan Lim, Assistant Chief Operating Officer, NTFGH and JCH, reflected on her transition from technical leadership to an operational role, noting that true digital success lies not in the sophistication of coding and implementation, but in prioritising the people who use the technology. She shared examples illustrating that meaningful progress depends on whether people feel safe to speak up early, underscoring the importance of psychological safety in enabling genuine transformation.

In recognition of her leadership in driving organisation-wide digital transformation, the co-chair of NTFGH and JCH’s Digital Think Tank initiative received the Digital Leader of the Year Award at GovInsider’s Festival of Innovation in March 2026.

Ms Jazz Tan, Psychologist, NTFGH, shared that autism exists on a spectrum, and it can look very different from person to person. While awareness of autism has grown in recent years, many common myths and misconceptions remain.

She explained that individuals with autism can experience empathy but may express it differently, and suggested communicating more clearly and directly, rather than relying on hints or non-verbal cues when interacting with someone with autism.

She also elaborated that autism is a lifelong condition. It is not an illness that can be cured, but a difference in how a person develops and experiences the world. She emphasised the importance of recognising that different support may be needed at various stages of life. Showing understanding and offering support can make a meaningful difference for both individuals and their family.

In a Doctor’s Column published in Shin Min Daily News, Dr Heidi Chang, Consultant, Colorectal Surgery, NTFGH, highlighted the importance of colorectal cancer screening through the case of a 78-year-old man who was asymptomatic but tested positive on a faecal immunochemical test.

The patient underwent timely evaluation and minimally invasive surgery at NTFGH, recovered well, and continues regular follow up care after completing chemotherapy. Dr Chang emphasised that regular screening enables early detection even in the absence of symptoms, and that age alone should not deter screening or curative treatment, as outcomes depend on overall health, functional status, surgical approach and team based care.

Ms Sharon Loke, Speech Therapist, NTFGH, shared that persistent hoarseness lasting more than two to three weeks may indicate vocal cord damage and should not be ignored. Common risk factors include shouting, smoking, dehydration, allergies, and gastric reflux, which often interact to compound the damage.

Ms Loke highlighted lifestyle modifications, such as adequate hydration and reducing coffee and alcohol intake, as first-line management. If symptoms persist, she explained that voice therapy is typically the initial treatment, with medication for underlying conditions and surgery reserved for more severe cases.

• Lianhe Zaobao, Fukan, Page 2, 14 April 2026, 嗓音持续沙哑是警讯 注意补水控制胃酸倒流 (Persistent hoarseness is a warning sign: Stay hydrated and manage acid reflux)