Sixty-one healthcare heroes were recognized by President S R Nathan in an annual ceremony that was started during the 2003 SARS epidemic. This year’s Healthcare Humanity Award winners are almost double the 34 healthcare professionals who were lauded in 2004.

The winners come from 20 hospitals and institutions in the public and private sectors. These heroes are commended for their exemplary service to patients as well as their selfless contributions outside of their work where they do volunteer with the underprivileged and help out in relief missions to disaster areas.

Meet NHG’s 17 heroes here.

Institute of Mental Health

Dr Cai Yiming

Mentor to psychiatrists

Dr Cai Yiming, 60, has been a psychiatrist for 33 years at IMH, spending the last 20 years in child psychiatry. He helmed the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (DCAP) since its inception in 1993. Over the years, this Senior Consultant has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to his patients, working on his off days, weekends and even during his medical leave. He once rushed out a mental health report on a low-IQ boy, 17, during lunch. Thanks to Dr Cai’s report, the boy was not sentenced for theft. The approachable Dr Cai shares his knowledge by mentoring aspiring doctors and nurses through teaching stints at various institutions and at IMH. He has also initiated new services to improve patient care and outcomes, including the Children’s One-Stop Psycho Educational Services (COPES), and the Autism Clinic at IMH. He was appointed Life Skills Education Consultant for school children by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1990. A National Day Award recipient, Dr Cai has written more than five books on children’s conditions and guide books for parents based on his observations and clinical practice.

Ms Chia Hwee Huang

Service with a heart

Throughout her nursing career, Senior Staff Nurse Ms Chia Hwee Huang, 52, has consistently displayed extraordinary courage and dedication while tending to infectious or potentially infectious patients. During the 2003 SARS outbreak, she tended to SARS patients in the Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) to change their catheters, risky procedures which involved potential exposure to the infectious patients’ body fluids. During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, when little was known about the virus, she looked after suspect cases and helped doctors to take throat swabs in the wards with outbreak clusters. Outside of her work in the busy infection control unit, Hwee Huang uses her free time teaching nursing colleagues from palliative home care and other hospitals practical tips on caring for patients with catheters and other difficult urinary problems. Her selflessness is evident in her community work with the poor and needy handicapped. She also provides private continence care for disabled patients in their homes, helping to change their catheters and naso-gastic tubes.

Ms Leow Me Lye

Helping to reintegrate into society

Nurse Clinician Ms Leow Me Lye, 59, is an avid mental health advocate and friend to her patients. She shows dedication and passion for her patients by working closely with them in their homes. When home visits were temporarily suspended because of H1N1, Me Lye was more concerned about patients not getting their injections than her own safety. She also helped out at IMH’s Emergency Services; screening staff and patients who returned from other hospitals. As a community psychiatric nurse, one of her more challenging visits found her in the stench-filled, rubbish laden home of a patient. Instead of abandoning the visit, Me Lye made arrangements to clean up the patient’s home, and coaxed her to part with her “collection”. She would go the extra mile to follow up with her patients every two to three months. She also volunteers with the Singapore SOKA Association’s medical group.

Ms Poh Chee Lien

Nurse teacher to the community

Nurse Educator Ms Poh Chee Lien, 35, has worked at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for 15 years. Her specialisation in Gerontology helped her work closely with adult and geriatric patients when she first joined. Rather shy and quiet by nature, she often surprised her colleagues with her courage when managing difficult patients or when having to de-escalate a situation. In 2006, when Chee Lien heard from the nurses in the wards that they had difficulty managing patients with mental deficiency, she read up on behaviour modification and designed a series of behaviour modification teaching sessions for the nurses. She was awarded a scholarship to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in 2008. Today, she is a Chairperson for Nursing research and evidence-based practice. During her study leave, she juggled her time between caring for three young children with volunteer work. She is a member of the Thomson Neighbourhood Nursing Group and volunteers her skills for residents who require nursing care. She also gives health talks for the elderly and their caregivers.

Ms Doris Koh Sok Hian

Handling patients in the hotspot

IMH Nurse Educator Ms Koh Sok Hian, 36 is a role model to her peers and juniors. Her passion for her work is reflected in her attention and care for her patients, no matter how difficult they are. As a Senior Nurse Manager in Emergency Services (ES), she handles the most difficult cases daily, often having to deal with both physical and verbal abuse from the acutely disturbed patients. Emergency Services is known as the “hotspot” in IMH as any patient admitted via ES could potentially be carrying viruses and has to be screened accordingly. Yet, she consistently showed courage especially during the early days of the H1N1 outbreak last year, when little was known of the virus. Donning protective equipment, she led her team to tend to patients who were admitted into ES. Sok Hian also facilitated the integration of nursing within the multi-disciplinary teams to give holistic nursing care for patients. She participates actively in hospital quality improvement and evidence-based nursing projects.

National Skin Centre

Mdm Lalitha K. Nair

Touching lives

DSC Clinic Senior Health Advisor Mdm Lalitha K. Nair, 58, counsels patients about sexual health matters. For 19 years, this veteran counselor has cared for patients from all walks of life, including students, housewives, businessmen and people living with HIV/AIDS. Despite their varied backgrounds and the stigma surrounding STIs, especially HIV in the early years, Lalitha never fails to show respect and encouragement towards this marginalised group, and make a difference in their lives. Lalitha has also been an active volunteer for the Action for AIDS (AfA) for the past 20 years. In 2009, she received a Life Award for her efforts and dedication as the longest serving volunteer in AfA. In 2007 and 2008, she also received the NHG Silver Award and consequently the NHG Gold Award in recognition for her exemplary conduct and excellent service to patients.

NHG Polyclinics

Dr Meenakshi Sundararaman

A selfless doctor with extraordinary courage

In all her 39 years of practice as a senior family doctor, Dr Meenakshi Sundararaman, 64, has always shown courage, extraordinary dedication, selflessness, compassion and humanity. In 2003, Dr Meenakshi led the Toa Payoh Polyclinic team in the fight against SARS, during which she made significant contributions to ensure the continuous provision of community healthcare. She was also lauded for her extraordinary courage and indefatigable dedication during the recent H1N1 pandemic. At the peak of the pandemic, she developed a facial abscess which was aggravated by the prolonged wearing of the medical facemask. Despite her condition, she selflessly continued to care for her patients, stopping only when her condition deteriorated so much that she needed minor surgery. As the Chairperson of NHG Polyclinics’ Patient Volunteer Programme, she has even inspired several patients to become volunteers at the polyclinic. She was also an active member of the Mariaman Temple Volunteer Group between 1994 and 1996 where she provided free consultation and counseling to the needy at the temple’s clinic.

Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Ms Amy John

Live life positively – with Aids

As a Senior Staff Nurse at the Communicable Disease Centre (CDC), Amy John, 44, helps HIV-positive patients to maintain an optimistic outlook on life. She believes in serving patients well, with humility and empathy. In her area of work, she believes that HIV-positive patients – just like any other patient – deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion. With that in mind, Amy goes beyond her call of duty to make life comfortable for them. In her free time, she also volunteers at Toa Payoh Rise shelter for people living with Aids, and provides study room facilities at her own home for children of parents with Aids. Through the years, Amy has earned the respect of her patients, many of whom she has also befriended. A nurse true to the calling of the less fortunate, Amy has indeed filled the void of the lives of the patients she has touched.

Dr Chiu Ming Terk

A doctor who fixes other people’s problems

A pioneer of Trauma Surgery in Singapore, Dr Chiu Ming Terk, 49, is the second trained Trauma surgeon in Singapore and has 10 years’ experience since the discipline’s inception. To-date, there are only seven trained trauma surgeons in Singapore. Currently a Senior Consultant Trauma and General Surgeon at TTSH, he is responsible for managing the injured and critically ill patients. His work can be described as “fixing other people’s problems” – dealing with unusual, critical acute injuries mostly from accidents. Dr Chiu is also the Director of Trauma in TTSH-NNI Trauma, and Director of the Surgical High Dependency Unit. Admired by younger doctors, Dr Chiu is lauded for his efforts in coordinating trauma education and elevating TTSH’s trauma services in the region. An active participant in humanitarian efforts, he frequently volunteers for relief missions such as the emergency relief mission to Padang, Indonesia, in 2009. He is also known for his research on mortality among inpatient adult motorcycle casualties in 2008, which helped to caution younger motorists to be more responsible on the road.

Dr Ong Kah Chuan

The doctor on the go

Dr Ong Kah Chuan, 36, is a Consultant at the department of Anaesthesiology in TTSH, where he is responsible for providing pain relief for patients where possible. He is also the Manager of the Clinical Information Systems and a member of the Hospital IT Integration Committee, helping to ensure efficiency in handling patients’ records. Dr Ong has already helmed many roles in his medical career, including contributions in the field as a clinician-educator. His devotion and commitment to teaching make him a role model in the eyes of his students. With his penchant for diversity, he has attempted various medical stints in different settings. In 2008, he provided medical support at the F1 race tracks during the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix. One year later in September 2009, he tested his resilience by volunteering in the emergency relief mission to Padang, Indonesia. Although he was way outside his comfort zone, his first overseas mission trip was not his last. That exciting experience has inspired him to look forward to volunteering for more relief missions to come.

Dr Tan Hui Ling

Leading by example

Dr Tan Hui Ling, 40, is a Senior Consultant at the Department of Anaesthesiology and Director of Neurological Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She is also pivotal in the management of brain dead/ HOTA patients. Very often in her course of work, Dr Tan finds herself taking care of critically-ill patients. She demonstrates great compassion in tending to her patients’ needs and yet she remains mindful of the psycho-social needs of her patients’ families. The humble doctor also works very closely with Medical Social Workers to help family members understand the medical condition of their loved ones. Dr Tan also shares her experiences on communicating effectively with patients’ families via courses for colleagues at TTSH. A leader who leads by example, she is proactive in taking initiatives to improve on patient safety and promoting clinical awareness in the best interests of her patients, their families and staff.

Ms Mahadevi D/O Muthurethina Barathi

Keep on walking

Principal Physiotherapist, Ms Mahadevi D/O Muthurethina Barathi, 37, has a special interest in Neurology and Amputees. She never compromises on the quality of care she gives to her patients suffering from disabilities as a result of amputation or neurological diseases. Mahadevi helps them to re-integrate more easily into society by advocating appropriate prostheses for patients to match their handicap. She believes in continuous learning to better her clinical skills. She does this through formal training, self-reading and self-preparation. As a council member of the Singapore Physiotherapy Association, Mahadevi conducts regular workshops for physiotherapists locally and in less developed countries. Her goal is to be able to equip all therapists with the knowledge to deal with complex post-amputation issues. Having a special interest in Parksinson’s Disease, Mahadevi organised activities to raise funds for people suffering from the disease in 2008 and championed continuing education of physiotherapists in this area in 2009.

Ms Lily Ng

The nurse next door

TTSH Nurse Clinician Ms Lily Ng, 35, specialises in Neuroscience. She is responsible for guiding the ward nurses to enhance inpatients’ experience. She ensures proper care is given and makes extra effort to follow up with discharged patients to ensure that they are under appropriate care by a caregiver. Her nursing knowledge and experience extend outside of the hospital as well. At home, neighbours approach her at times for nursing assistance. Despite her hectic schedule juggling between work and her four children, Lily readily renders her service to those in need. She listens to their problems and counsels them when necessary. A caring and compassionate nurse who upholds the value of nursing, Lily has made a difference in the lives of all those who know her. She shares, “At the end of the day, it suffices for me to know that my effort is appreciated.”

Ms Peggy Oh Pei Qi

Put yourself In their shoes

At only 26, Senior Staff Nurse Ms Peggy Oh enjoys working with elderly patients so much that she took up an Advanced Diploma in Gerontology to better understand her patients in the Geriatric Medicine Clinic at TTSH. Peggy understands that the elderly are a very frail group, and agrees that younger generation will not be able to understand how they feel. With that in mind, she strives to be dedicated to the needs of her patients, and provides comfort for them wherever possible. Since her graduation in 2003, Peggy has impressed many elderly patients who commended her on her patience and gentle, caring service. Her daily interaction with the seniors has also taught her to be a better person at home, as she is now more tolerant towards her family. Although young, she has aspirations to age gracefully and be able to nurture caregivers to give the right care to the ailing patients.

Ms Premeela V Cleetus

Cleaning with Love

ENT Clinic Assistant Nurse Ms Premeela V Cleetus, 41, has shown compassion by going the extra mile to help the patients at the clinic. Her caring attitude and excellent service have earned her numerous compliments. Premeela’s care for the less fortunate extends outside the hospital as well. One of her more extraordinary endeavours is the YMCA’s “My Clean-and-Paint with Love” project, where she helped to spruce up the flats of the physically disabled into clean, freshly painted homes. As Vice Chairman of the Bukit Gombak Hongkah GRC, she also organised mass blood donation drives and medical talks for the community. Her admirable deeds have improved the lives of those she has met over the years. By extending a helping hand to others, Premeela has certainly demonstrated selflessness, dedication and humanity by doing what she does best.

Ms Rohana Bte Basri

Straight from the heart

Inspired by her own mother, Nurse Clinician Rohana bte Basri, 50, has been specialising in geriatric care since 1995. Extremely passionate about taking care of the frail elderly, Rohana helps out regularly in the one or two bedroom flats in Toa Payoh, even if it means after her working hours. Her spirit of compassion has also rubbed off on her 17-year-old eldest son, who accompanies Rohana on her weekend visits to the homes of the elderly. During these house visits, the mother-and-son team would lend a listening ear to the elderly, and try their best to provide the necessary emotional support to this vulnerable group. Rohana believes that the virtue of caring and sharing starts from home and comes straight from the heart. She shares this belief with her children and encourages parents to involve their children in community outreach programmes, so as to instil these good values on them from young.

Ms Wee Cheng Hoon

On a humanitarian quest

Ms Wee Cheng Hoon, 46, is a Senior Nurse Manager at the Operating Theatre (OT) in TTSH. Despite the tumultuous nature of work in the OT, Cheng Hoon still finds time to go on overseas medical missions three to four times a year at her own expense. Travelling to these under-developed countries has enabled her to appreciate how diverse cultures can be. It has also tested her resilience, and taught her to be more adaptable to different ways of living. As a theatre-trained nurse, Cheng Hoon assists the surgical teams in reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery and other surgical procedures during these missions. She rated her Padang mission as her most unforgettable experience, as she had to work in poor conditions, while saving lives. In her six years’ of voluntary service, Cheng Hoon has exemplified qualities of courage, dedication, selflessness and compassion.