Five bottles of beer a day at age 10

​Launched in July 2023, NTFGH’s Alcohol-Related Frequent Attenders (ARFA) programme helps people struggling with alcohol abuse who frequently end up at the emergency department. First piloted at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in 2020, the ARFA programme has shown positive results and has since been adopted by other hospitals. A team on the programme typically consists of an emergency department doctor, a staff nurse and two medical social workers.

Ms Sarah Nanayakara, Senior Medical Social Worker, NTFGH, explained that one of the biggest challenges is contacting patients. She shared that some patients do not have mobile phones and have difficulty maintaining appointments when their drinking habits are erratic. Hence, the team tries to be flexible in engaging patients by looking for them at neighbourhood spots they frequent or opportunistically engaging them if they show up in the hospital. The team also tends to talk to patients during pockets of time when they are sober, and to get them to reflect on the impact of drinking excessively.

Orang muda, kaum Adam perlu waspada barah usus besar (Young people, men need to be aware of colon cancer)

Clinical Assistant Professor Christopher Keh, Senior Consultant, Colorectal Surgery, NTFGH, highlighted that colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in Singapore and that there is an increasing trend of colorectal cancer among young adults globally. Clin Asst Prof Keh discussed the treatment options available and stressed the importance of early detection through screening in improving colorectal cancer outcomes.

Dr Muhammed Isa Bin Jusoff Albar, Resident Physician, General Surgery, NTFGH, explained the role of genetics in predisposing individuals to colorectal cancer and mentioned some of the advancements made in colorectal cancer research and treatment in recent years. Dr Isa said that colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers among the Malay population in Singapore. He encouraged greater awareness of the disease and emphasised on the importance of screening in the community.

Live Well. Leave Well. Episode 8 – Courage

In this podcast episode, Dr Lim Lee Yen, Consultant, Supportive Care & Palliative Medicine, NTFGH, spoke about demonstrating courage in her daily work as a physician in the palliative care team. Dr Lim shared about her experience as a palliative caregiver to patients and highlighted the importance of familial and community support to a person journeying through end-of-life challenges.

To Dr Lim, courage is not without fear, and it is important to acknowledge fear rather than dismiss it. She felt that having the courage to honour the patient’s wish to pass on at home is often the driving force for the patient’s family despite their fears and worries.

大肠内窥镜 (Colonoscopy)

​Dr Edwin Yang, Associate Consultant, Colorectal Surgery, NTFGH, explained how a colonoscopy works and who needs to go through the procedure. He also elaborated what patients need to take note of for their bowel preparation prior to a colonoscopy, and emphasised the importance of screening.

噪音可诱发听力损失 年轻人勿充耳不闻 (Loud noises can induce hearing loss, young people should not turn a deaf ear)

​Dr Gary Lee, Head, Audiology, NTFGH, responded to the findings of a campaign survey conducted by graduating students from Nanyang Technological University in this article. Dr Lee explained that young people who frequent loud music venues like concerts and clubs have a high risk of developing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) as the noise levels at these venues are over the safe limit of 85dB. He pointed out that as High-Fidelity Earplugs (HFEs) have attenuation characteristics that are designed for music performers and concertgoers, HFEs can be worn in a way such that its noise reduction effect does not compromise sound quality.

Dr Lee also recommended the implementation of more education programmes and campaigns to raise awareness about NIHL and encourage the use of HFEs to reduce the risk of NIHL among young people.

糖尿病足 有多可怕? (How scary is diabetic foot?)

​Ms Chen Xi, Senior Podiatrist, NTFGH, discussed the implications of diabetic foot, a common complication of diabetes often triggered by a non-healing wound. Arising from compromised blood circulation and numbness, these wounds could develop into sites for severe infection, sometimes necessitating amputation. Ms Chen explained the treatment process required for such wounds and said that this prolonged and costly process can take a toll on the patient’s psychological well-being. She pointed out that the patient will thus require a stronger support system for a smooth recovery.

Ms Chen also gave advice on foot care tips and lifestyle adjustments to prevent recurrence, including wearing diabetic shoes, maintaining foot hygiene, and adhering to medical advice to effectively manage their diabetic conditions.

少油、少盐、少糖 在家做饭更健康 (Less oil, less salt, less sugar: It's healthier cooking at home)

Ms Grace Michael, Principal Dietitian, NTFGH, explained the benefits of home cooking for managing one's diet effectively, particularly in a fast-paced society where many individuals are consumed by work commitments. She shared the importance of regulating the use of oil, salt, and sugar in meals to promote better health outcomes, and encouraged individuals to prioritise cooking at home when feasible as it allows for greater control over the nutritional content of meals.

By allocating time for home cooking, individuals can make conscious choices to incorporate healthier ingredients and cooking methods into their diet. She added that individuals can also make more informed choices when selecting ingredients, such as choosing lean meats and fresh vegetables as healthier options.

助患者放下酒杯重拾人生 (Helping patients with Alcohol Use Disorder discover a new lease of life)

​Mr Chew Tee Kit, Senior Medical Social Worker, NTFGH, explained how the hospital’s Alcohol-Related Frequent Attenders (ARFA) programme helps to rehabilitate patients with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The programme is managed by a team consisting of an Emergency Department doctor, a nurse and two medical social workers. It reaches out to patients who are admitted to the hospital at least five times in six months. A case study of a patient who benefited from the programme was also shared. Besides receiving medical advice, the patient’s family received social support through the hospital’s “Healthy Home” community outreach programme.

邓光中受委陈笃生医院首席执行总裁 陈学扬任黄廷方及裕廊社区医院总裁 (Dr Tang Kong Choong is new CEO of TTSH, A/Prof Dan Yock Young appointed as CEO of NTFGH and JCH)

​Prof Yeoh Khay Guan, Chief Executive, National University Health System, expressed appreciation for Dr Quek Lit Sin's contributions in the past three years as the Chief Executive Officer, and shared his current appointment as the Assistant Chief Executive at the National University Health System, leading the set up of the new National University Health System Institute of Clinical Quality to champion clinical quality and patient-centred care.

A/Prof Dan Yock Young, who was formerly the Deputy Director-General of Health at Ministry of Health, Singapore since 2020, will further advance clinical excellence and outcomes as the Chief Executive Officer of Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital. A/Prof Dan shared that Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital will leverage the strong integration within the community to transform and advance healthcare, to meet the needs of both staff and residents.

• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 1 April 2024, 邓光中受委陈笃生医院首席执行总裁 (Dr Tang Kong Choong is new CEO of TTSH) 
  

Ng Teng Fong and Jurong Community Hospital name new CEO

​Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital appointed A/Prof Dan Yock Young as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 April 2024. He succeeded Dr Quek Lit Sin, who was the Chief Executive Officer since 2021. Before his appointment, A/Prof Young served as the Deputy Director-General of Health at the Ministry of Health in 2020, overseeing the healthcare services organisation and provision in public hospitals and primary care.

Major shift that could mean having to build one less hospital

​An The Straits Times feature on the Mobile Inpatient Care @ Home (MIC@Home) scheme highlighted that virtual hospitals that became a mainstream programme in April could potentially eliminate the need for another large public hospital once fully established. Participating hospitals include all hospitals under National University Health System, which has already treated nearly 4,000 patients through NUHS@Home since 2020.

The Straits Times highlighted the positive experience of current NUHS@Home patient Mr Ong Jia Rong, who opted for the programme after being diagnosed with severe cellulitis. He shared that he is confident of the team treating him and feels more comfortable at home. The feature also detailed the home visit by NUHS@Home Clinical Lead Dr Sandra Tan and Assistant Nurse Clinician Wang Yanan.

Dr Stephanie Ko, Lead for NUHS@Home, elaborated on the benefits to receiving treatments at home rather than in hospitals. She noted that National University Hospital, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Alexandra Hospital are also looking to include cancer and transplant patients under the programme. Mr Johnny Wong, Operations and Administration Lead for NUHS@Home, also shared how the MIC@Home scheme can reduce costs for hospitals.

New CEO for Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Jurong Community Hospital

​On 1 April, A/Prof Dan Yock Young takes over as Chief Executive Officer of Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital from Dr Quek Lit Sin. Prof Yeoh Khay Guan, Chief Executive, National University Health System, expressed appreciation to Dr Quek for leading the healthcare team at the integrated Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital to not only augment national efforts against COVID-19, but also press on with various community partnerships to strengthen care for the residents. As the new Chief Executive Officer, A/Prof Dan shared that Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital will leverage the strong integration within the community to transform and advance healthcare, to meet the needs of both staff and residents.

• Tamil Murasu, 30 March 2024, இங் டெங் ஃபோங் பொது மருத்துவமனை, ஜூரோங் சமூக மருத்துவமனைக்கு புதிய தலைமை நிர்வாக அதிகாரி (Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Jurong Community Hospital appoint new CEO)

国大脊椎中心首办健康讲座 脊椎疼痛若伴随“危险讯号”应及时就医 (NUSI organises first public symposium: Seek medical help promptly if your spinal pain comes with other danger signs)

​National University Spine Institute (NUSI) was set up in July 2023 and held its first public symposium, My Spine Hurts! What can I do?, on 30 March 2024, which attracted about 300 members of the public, who also had the opportunity to do free scoliosis and osteoporosis screening and hear from members of Scoliosis Support Singapore.

A/Prof Gabriel Liu, Head & Senior Consultant, NUSI, National University Health System, said the top three spinal conditions affecting people are slipped disc, spinal stenosis and cervical myelopathy. He said NUSI consolidates resources from National University Hospital, Alexandra Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital to provide seamless patient care and has plans to develop community care programmes for patients. Mr Nicholas Chun, Principal Physiotherapist, National University Hospital, advised people to stay active and avoid prolonged sitting for better health. 

• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 30 March 2024, 国大脊椎中心首办健康讲座 身体发出危险讯号应及时求医 (NUSI organises first public symposium: Seek medical help promptly if you experience symptoms)
  
• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 30 March 2024, 国立大学脊椎中心首办健康讲座 (NUSI organises first public symposium)
  
• 8world, 31 March 2024, 国大脊椎中心正式启动 为患者提供跨学科治疗 (Official launch of NUSI, which provides multidisciplinary care for patients)
  
• AsiaOne, 30 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• Yahoo! Finance, 30 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• AP News, 30 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• PR Newswire, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• Salisbury Post, 30 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• Wavy, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• NBC4i, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• FOX8 WGHP, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• FOX 5 San Diego, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• FOX 4, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• KOIN 6 News, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• Fox2 Now, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• abc27 News, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• KXAN Today, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
• Kron4, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• WGN 9, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future 
  
• 8NewsNow, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• FOX 31, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• Myhighplains, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into the future
  
• WoodTV, 29 March 2024, Official launch of the National University Spine Institute (NUSI): Leading spine care into  the future

Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital appoint Associate Professor Dan Yock Young as new Chief Executive Officer

植物性饮食等于素食？(Does a plant-based diet equate to a vegetarian diet?)

Ms Grace Michael, Principal Dietitian, NTFGH, shared that plant-based diets have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, strokes and Type 2 diabetes when compared to less healthy dietary patterns. She explained that nutritional adequacy in any dietary pattern is key, and this can be provided by a plant-based diet. Plant foods provide important nutrients such as fibre, vitamins and minerals, protein and unsaturated fats.

She added that the exclusion of animal products by itself does not necessarily equate to a healthy diet, and that a balanced diet is essential. Foods that are high in saturated fat, salt and sugars, such as pastries, cakes, deep-fried food, chips and sweet spreads should be consumed in smaller amounts even in a plant-based diet.