At SingHealth, there are more than 4,000 Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) spanning across 31 professions who journey with our patients at every stage of life. As we commemorate the 10th SingHealth Allied Health Day in March 2021, we share how some AHPs give more than their time and energy to help our patients.

"Throughout the seven years that I have been working in KKH, I am happy to be able to make a small donation to benefit others, and will continue to contribute in any way I can to help our patients. I hope more of our staff will join me in this meaningful journey."

Wendy Kwek, Social Work Coordinator, Medical Social Work Department, KKH

"When I was growing up, my family struggled financially. Now that I’ve started working, I want help others who may be in a similar situation. I give monthly to the KKH Health Fund, which supports patients in need, because I know that my gift can help patients through some of their toughest times. Giving is important because we are here to help one another. You won’t know how far your gift, big or small, will go for a family in need."

Abigail Tan, Pharmacy Technician, Pharmacy, KKH

"Giving to the NNI Fund not only helps patients in need, but also scientists and researchers to gain better insight into neurological conditions and how the disease progresses. It is fulfilling knowing that through many years of giving, my support is making a difference in the lives of our patients in more than one way."

Tan Jau Tsair, Assistant Director, Department of Neuroradiology, NNI

"Working at the frontlines gives us the unique privilege to know patients and what they are going through. Through my interaction with them, I sometimes find out that some struggle financially because of the cost of treatment or medication. I know that giving to the NHCS Heart To Heart Fund can help patients tide through difficult times like these. And it really doesn’t have to be a big amount. For example, instead of buying a cup of bubble tea every month, you can give that amount to the Heart To Heart Fund, and know that your support will help improve the lives of our patients."

Chan Hong, Pharmacist, Pharmacy, NHCS

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government provided financial relief to Singaporeans. When I received mine, I felt that I could give this to someone who needed it more than me. Just like a drop of water may not be much in itself, but many droplets can together form an ocean. If every staff gives just a little, I believe it will make a big difference."

Jasmine Ho, Senior Sonographer, Vascular Laboratory, NHCS

"With the climate of uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought, I’m fortunate to have a stable job. However, I know that not everyone has a job now and may be struggling to make ends meet. I have been giving monthly to various causes previously, so when I heard about donating monthly to the Heart To Heart Fund, I decided to sign up for it too.

I know that through my giving, I am able to help those less fortunate than me, and make a difference in our patients’ lives."

Nurazilah Binte Johari, Medical Lab Technologist, National Cardiovascular Homograft Bank, NHCS

“In my one-on-one counselling sessions with patients, some would confide in me their personal worries, such as the financial burden of their hospital bills. Not all of them qualify for the typical social assistance schemes so having to choose between their personal health and burdening their families financially is an unwilling choice they have to make.

I personally believe that no one should be denied access to treatment simply because they cannot afford it. Being a staff donor to the SCH Health Fund allows me to do an extra bit to help needy patients who fall through the cracks. It is a blessing and my privilege to be able to give, and I hope I can encourage others around me to do the same.”

Jodie Yeo Shi Hui, Dietitian, Dietetic Services, SingHealth Community Hospitals

“I give back to society by donating to help others in need. It doesn’t matter how much you contribute; the collective effort, together with other like-mind staff, make an impact in the lives of our patients.”

Chang Chao Li, Senior Neuro Electrophysologist, Neurodiagnostic Department, NNI

"I started giving to the KKH Health Fund when I first joined KKH. I wasn’t donating regularly to any charity then, so I thought: why not start now? It has been nine years since, and I’m glad I did. As I worked closely with the children and their families as their physiotherapist, I realised that some are struggling to make ends meet. I believe that every child should be given the best opportunity to grow. Seeing my patients get the support they need, whether it being medically or financially, drives me to keep doing what I do."

Phoebe Ng, Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy Department, KKH

“At Singapore General Hospital, music therapy is used to help patients suffering from debilitating illnesses such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia and Parkinson’s disease.  Music therapy not only helps patients to better cope with the physical pain and mental trauma of illness, but also to recover faster and improve their quality of life.

However, many of our patients are financially in need, and we are very aware of the burden and that stress they and their caregivers face. So as a way to help our patients afford music therapy treatment, we have set up a year-long fundraising campaign to raise awareness of how music therapy services can help these specific groups of patients and rally support for this cause.

We hope to raise $200,000 to support 160 patients afford music therapy. Anyone can contribute through https://www.giving.sg/sghhdf/musictherapy.”

Michelle Low, Music Therapist, Music and Creative Therapy Unit, SGH

I have been giving to VisionSave, which raises funds for needy patients, provides public awareness on eye health and aids research.  As a healthcare worker, we do our best to help our patients, and I feel that giving is just an extension of it. Every contribution you make, no matter the amount, is a helping hand. You don’t just make a donation, you make a difference.

Sharifah Athirah, Ophthalmic Grading Assistant, Ocular Reading Centre, SNEC