Covid-19 ‘virtual wards’ allow more patients to recover at home

Dr Stephanie Ko, Consultant, Division of Advanced Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital (NUH), said that the National University Health System (NUHS) COVID-19 Virtual Ward has helped more than 500 patients so far, saving 3,500 bed days since September 2021. The Virtual Ward has enrolled several Omicron cases and it is prepared to help with bed capacity if the COVID-19 surge hits. Dr Ko explained that treatment is similar to a COVID-19 treatment facility or hospital – with doctors and nurses doing ward rounds daily or every other day through teleconsultation and to ensure that patients measure their vital signs routinely.

Around half of the NUHS COVID-19 Virtual Ward patients were referred from one of NUHS cluster's three hospitals – NUH, Alexandra Hospital or Ng Teng Fong General Hospital –  after a period of hospital stay. The other half were referred directly from community providers such as National University Polyclinics or the Case Management Task Group at Ministry of Health, for patients who were at home and wished to continue recovery at home rather than go to a facility.

• The New Paper, 4 January 2022, Covid patients not eligible for home recovery can now do so with 'virtual wards'

• Berita Harian, 6 January 2022, ‘Wad maya’ bolehkan pesakit Covid-19 pulih di rumah di bawah pemantaunan (‘Virtual ward’ allows Covid-19 patients to recover at home under monitoring)

• GoodyFeed, 6 January 2022, Thereare now ‘Virtual Hospital Wards’ for some COVID-19 patients

向女皇镇综合诊疗所医护人员致谢 (Thank you to the medical team at Queenstown Polyclinic)

​A patient wrote in to compliment three staff members from Queenstown Polyclinic – Dr Joyce Pang, Ms Arumugam Kunavathy, and Ms Chng Ling Li – for their excellent service and patient care. The patient has also felt that the service attitude of doctors, nurses, and other staff in public hospitals and clinics has been consistently improving over the years.

Get tested for hearing problems at 3 community clinics

​Three community hearing clinics have been set up in a pilot scheme by NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Hospital and Singapore General Hospital to make it more convenient for people to seek hearing services. The clinics located at Pioneer Polyclinic, Tiong Bahru Community Health Centre and SingHealth Tower leverage a new boothless method that eliminates the cost of sound-proofing rooms. The creation of the clinics also aligns with Singapore's strategy of shifting emphasis away from hospital care.

Mediacorp Channel 8 news and Lianhe Zaobao featured Dr Jenny Loo, Chief Audiologist, National University Hospital, who shared that hearing impairment can lead to cognitive decline, dementia, depression and other problems, and it should not be ignored. The boothless method uses relatively simple equipment to replace the traditional way of hearing test, and the results are the same. She added that the new clinics help to reduce waiting time for patients from about two to three months to one month for the hearing services.

Prof William Hal Martin, Professor of Otolarngology and Public Health, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, said that with the enhanced cost effectiveness and portability of the new devices, hearing care can be made more accessible

Two National University Hospital patients shared their positive experience from the community hearing services at Pioneer Polyclinic.

• Lianhe Zaobao, 27 October 2021, Page 6, 听力测试与佩戴助听器服务走入邻里 社区听力诊所助年长者耳听八方 (Hearing test and hearing aid service walks into neighbourhood; Community hearing clinics helps seniors hear from all directions)
• Mediacorp 8world, 26 October 2021, 年长人士今后可在邻里接受听力测试 (Seniors can take hearing tests in the community)
• Channel 8 news, 26 October 2021, 6.30pm & 10pm, 年长人士今后可在邻里接受听力测试(Seniors can take hearing tests in the community)
• CNA, 27 October 2021, Singapore Tonight, 10pm, Boothless method brings affordable testing to those with hearing problems
• Suria news, 26 October 2021, 8pm, 3 klinik pendengaran masyarakat mudahkan warga emas dapatkan pemeriksaan pendengaran (3 community hearing clinics make it easy for seniors to get hearing checks)
• Berita Harian Online, 26 October 2021, Golongan bermasalah pendengaran boleh jalani ujian pengesanan di tiga klinik masyarakat dalam skim perintis (The hearing impaired can go for hearing tests at three community clinics under pilot programme)
• Capital 95.8FM news, 26 October 2021, 6pm, 本地医院试行新技术 无需隔音室就能进行听力检测 (Local hospitals implement new hearing test method without need for sound insulated rooms)
• Tamil Murasu, 27 October 2021, Page 2, செவி ஆற்றல் பிரச்சினை உள்ளோருக்கு சிறப்பு ஏற்பாடு (People with hearing issues can get diagnosed at three community clinics in pilot scheme)

NUHS hospitals, polyclinics to get teleconsultation service on app

With just a click of a button on the OneNUHS App, a patient can attend a video consultation with a clinician and have medications delivered to their doorstep. This is enabled using the one-stop app jointly developed by National University Health System (NUHS) and Integrated Health Information Systems (IHiS), which provides patients with greater convenience and saves on travel and wait time.

The OneNUHS App is the first mobile app by a public healthcare cluster to provide teleconsult functionality.  Alexandra Hospital (AH) has been using the mobile video TeleConsult feature since end August 2021. To date, some 100 patients have tried out the feature. Plans are also underway to introduce the feature to National University Polyclinics (NUP) patients in February 2022, as well as National University Hospital (NUH) and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH) within the next year.

The Straits Times quoted Ms Clara Sin, Chief Operating Officer, Group Service Transformation & Medical Records, NUHS, who commented that the introduction of the teleconsultation feature is especially timely, considering the COVID-19 situation. NUHS wants to ensure continuity of care for all patients and save them the trouble of travelling physically to the hospital, especially elderly patients. Lianhe Zaobao quoted Mr Peter Forbes, Group Chief Digital Officer, NUHS, who shared that NUHS is currently performing around 6,500 teleconsultations per month and hopes that by December 2021, at least 90 per cent of patients scheduled for teleconsult at AH will benefit from the app.

Mediacorp Channel 8 also quoted Dr Ivan Chan, Director, Group Digital Office, NUHS, who said that among the 100 AH patients who have benefited from the app's TeleConsult feature, more than half were young patients; one quarter were between 50 to 64 years old and 11 per cent were 65 years and above. Dr Teng Gim Gee, Senior Consultant, Rheumatology and Head of Chronic Programme, AH added that patients suitable for teleconsultation include those with stable chronic conditions such as chronic kidney, liver or heart diseases, as well as those with hypertension, diabetes or arthritis.

• The Straits Times Online, 21 October 2021
• YouTube, 22 October 2021
• Channel NewsAsia, 22 October 2021
• Mediacorp, Channel 8, 21 October 2021
• Mediacorp, Channel 5, 21 October 2021
• Mediacorp, 8world, 21 October 2021
• Lianhe Zaobao, 21 October 2021
• Lianhe Wanbao, 22 October 2021
• Berita Mediacorp, 21 October 2021
• Mediacorp Vasantham, 21 October 2021
• Tamil Murasu, 22 October 2021
• Shin Min Daily News, 21 October 2021
• Asia Newsday, 21 October 2021

New Bukit Panjang Polyclinic has dental, women's and children's health services

Bukit Panjang Polyclinic was officially opened by the Minister for Health, Mr Ong Ye Kung on 2 Oct 2021. With the new polyclinic, Bukit Panjang residents now have easier access to healthcare, closer to home. It is co-located with Senja Care Home and Vanguard Senior Care (Senja), spanning three floors. In addition to the clinical treatment of acute conditions, chronic disease management, and women’s and children’s health services, the polyclinic also provides dental services and a suite of allied health services.

Bukit Panjang Polyclinic Officially Opens

​Bukit Panjang Polyclinic was officially opened by the Minister for Health, Mr Ong Ye Kung today. With the new polyclinic, Bukit Panjang residents now have easier access to healthcare, closer to home.

Drinking too much?

Dr Lui Yit Shiang, Senior Consultant, Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital (NUH) commented that it is important to think of addiction as a medical problem.  He shared there is scientific explanation behind "the craving, vacillating habitual behaviours, uncontrolled suffering and conflicting self-conscience to stop".

Dr Sarah Lau, Family Medicine Resident, National University Health System (NUHS) who was the lead author of the paper "Managing Unhealthy Alcohol Use in General Practice", published in the Singapore Medical Journal shared that patients often do not recognise that they have a problem.  They may not know what the recommended limits for alcohol intake are, and may not realise that they are drinking excessively.

Her co-author, Dr Sky Koh, Family Physician, National University Polyclinics (NUP), added that primary care physicians would likely see a lot of patients with alcohol disorder, but such patients often go undetected because there are no clear clinical guidelines to screen for this.

• The Straits Times Online, 7 September 2021

Perubahan dasar dialu-alu, tunjukkan masyarakat kini lebih terbuka, matang bincang isu sensitif (Policy changes are welcome, shows the community is more open and mature in discussing sensitive issues)

Dr Norhisham Main, President of the Muslim Healthcare Professionals Association and Head of Division, Supportive Care & Palliative Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), said the tudung issue has been in discussion for a while and the change is welcome as many have been waiting for it. This will give individuals the flexibility and option to decide whether to wear the tudung or not.

Ms Jancy Mathews, Chief Nurse of National University Polyclinics (NUP) and a member of the Clinical Advisory Panel, shared that the move was welcome as it was something Muslim staff in the public healthcare sector had been waiting for a long time. She believes such religious markers will not differentiate the care services provided. This is as long as there are guidelines in place that set certain conditions on how the tudung should be worn.   

Ms Rohana Ismail, NUH Branch Union Secretary of the Healthcare Services Employees' Union and Nurse Manager at National University Hospital (NUH), said the revision gives employees the freedom of choice. She expressed hope that the move would open up opportunity to more people who are keen to go into healthcare sector.

• Berita Harian, 30 August 2021

New guidelines for nurses wearing tudungs expected to provide clarity on different scenarios

Jancy Mathews, a member of the Clinical Advisory Panel and Chief Nurse, National University Polyclinics (NUP), commented that staff may not be able to wear a personal tudung in areas where higher levels of cleanliness are required. She added institutions with aggressive or challenging patients will need to perform risk assessments on the suitability of wearing one.

Dr Norhisham Main, President, Muslim Healthcare Professionals Association and Head of Division & Senior Consultant, Supportive Care & Palliative Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), elaborated that Singapore's climate is a factor to consider because of the heat and humidity in the work environment.

Nia Nasyitah Binte Zulkifli, Senior Radiographer, Radiology, NTFGH, explained that the healthcare industry pays closer attention to infection control because patients who visit hospitals may be vulnerable to infections. She added that the policy will help persuade some Muslim women to join the healthcare industry. 

A/Prof Daniel Goh, National University Health System (NUHS) Group Director of Culture & Outreach and a member of the Implementation Steering Committee, commented that overall response for this move is favourable as it allows individuals the flexibility and option to decide whether to wear the tudung or not. He said the healthcare clusters, stakeholders, unions and uniform committees have been in talks with Ministry of Health (MOH) to discuss the guidelines since April this year.

Rohana Ismail, NUH Branch Union Secretary and Nurse Manager at NUH, shared she is happy with the move as the employees are given the choice to wear a tudung if they wish. She expressed hope that the move would open up opportunity to more people who are keen to join the healthcare sector.

• The Straits Times, 31 August 2021, Muslims welcome move to allow nurses to wear tudung

• The New Paper, 31 August 2021, Muslims applaud move to allow nurses to wear the tudung

• Lianhe Zaobao, 31 August 2021, 允许回教护士工作场所戴头巾 回理会表示感激 (Islamic Religious Council of Singapore appreciative of move to allow nurses to wear the tudung at work)

• Lianhe Zaobao, 30 August 2021, 保健服务雇联会：护士诺选择戴头巾 须确保不影响工作(HSEU: If nurses choose to wear a tudung, they must ensure that they do not affect their work)

• Berita Mediacorp, 30 August 2021, Boleh bertudung: MHPA anggap ini lambang masyarakat tempatan 'terbuka dan progresif'(MHPA considers move to allow nurses to wear the tudung “open and progressive”)

正确冷冻食物 营养保质 (Correct methods of freezing food to retain nutrients)

​zbLOHAS’ cover story on how frozen food should be stored properly to retain nutritional value.

Jazlyn Lim, Dietitian, Dietetics & Nutrition, NTFGH, explained that it is recommended to consume vegetables as soon as possible because the Vitamin C content reduces over time. She emphasised that food should be cooked immediately upon thawing, as refreezing of thawed food will encourage further microbial growth. She also listed three ways of thawing food: in the fridge, in the microwave, and submerged in tap water.

Lynette Goh, Principal Dietitian, NUP, commented that pre-packaged frozen food can be as nutritious as fresh food, because freezing is done when the food is harvested, and this keeps the nutrients in foods. However, she added that common frozen processed foods are high in sodium such as frozen meals, pizzas, and nuggets, and patients with chronic diseases should avoid heavily processed frozen foods because of its high sodium or fat content. The exceptions would be frozen vegetables, fruit, and low-sodium soups/broths.

Shorter wait for Moderna COVID-19 vaccine slots, experts urge residents not to wait to get shots

Prof Dale Fisher, Senior Consultant, NUH Division of Infectious Diseases commented that if more people choose to delay their vaccinations, this could hold Singapore back from meeting its target of vaccinating at least half of its residents fully by August and at least 75% by October. Prof Teo Yik Ying, Dean of NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health said that both the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine should provide the same degree of protection against COVID-19. However, Pfizer has been linked with fewer occurrences of mild side effects such as fever and fatigue compared with Moderna.
 
A check by ChannelNewsAsia on Friday (June 18) showed that the earliest available slot for the Pfizer vaccine was on July 5 at Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic, according to the online appointment booking system.

【冠状病毒19】婴儿接种疫苗预约减少 医生：或增加风险 (COVID-19 – Reduction in infant vaccination appointments; doctors say this may increase children’s risk)

​With the increase in COVID-19 community cases, some parents are worried about contracting COVID-19 and are choosing to delay or cancel their children’s vaccination appointments. However, if children below two years old do not get vaccinated, they will face greater risk of getting infected with the various diseases. So far, at the National University Polyclinics, infant vaccination attendance has remained stable. 

World Family Doctor Day 2021

​To commemorate World Family Doctor Day, CNA938 put the spotlight on Dr Liow Yiyang, a family physician at Queenstown Polyclinic.

Health Matters host Daniel Martin asked Dr Liow about the important role being played by family doctors during this pandemic, how their role has changed over the past year, and how they ensure that they get the correct information across to their wide range of patients. Dr Liow also spoke about a memorable experience during the pandemic and how he and his colleagues cope with high stress and patient load.

冠病疫情 “守门人” 家庭医生迅速适应变化为病人看诊 (COVID-19 “gatekeepers” – Family doctors swiftly adapt to fast-paced changes to continue patient care)

On World Family Doctor Day today, polyclinic family doctors continue to work tirelessly as Singapore's first line of defence against the virus variants from COVID-19, swiftly adapting to fast-paced changes to continue to care for patients in the community at the primary care level while managing the long-term chronic diseases of the populace. 

8world News spoke to Dr Desmond Ong, Family Physician and Consultant at Jurong Polyclinic to understand more about the important roles family doctors and polyclinics play in the pandemic and some of the challenges he faces.

为病人诊断开药？特别的白衣天使有特别任务 (Diagnosing diseases and prescribing medicine for patients? Nurse with a special assignment)

​Senior Staff Nurse Shermin Chieng from Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic is the top graduate of Class of 2020 in the ALCNS Master of Nursing (MN) programme. She is the first practising primary care nurse across all polyclinics to top the MN cohort.

In this exclusive feature with 8world to commemorate International Nurses' Day on 12 May, Shermin shared more about the responsibilities of an Advanced Practice Nurse, especially in a primary healthcare setting.

• Mediacorp 8world Facebook, 12 May 2021