National Heart Centre launches $4.7m study to tackle frailty, delay onset of cardiovascular disease

​Alexandra Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital are participating institutions in a five-year research study conducted by National Heart Centre Singapore aimed at delaying the onset of cardiovascular disease by addressing frailty in older adults. The study, funded by a $4.7 million grant from Ministry of Health, involves a comprehensive 12-week programme that includes a meal plan and customised exercise regimen to improve the cardiovascular health of participants. The study aims to recruit 400 participants who are either cardiac frail or at risk of frailty.

Blue-collar workers taking longer breaks in the day to beat the heat

​Dr Ong Pei Yuin, Consultant, Department of Emergency Medicine, National University Hospital, was quoted on how the number of heat-related injuries in the hospitals under National University Health System - National University Hospital, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Alexandra Hospital - have changed in recent months. She explained the long-term complications that could arise from one who has suffered heatstroke.

炎性肠病年轻化 不良饮食习惯是祸首 (Younger patients having inflammatory bowel disease attributed to poor dietary habits)

Lianhe Zaobao interviewed a surgeon who cited a National University Hospital report on the number of inflammatory bowel disease cases, which has increased eightfold, from less than 50 cases in 2013 to nearly 400 cases in 2018.

How can you tell if your itchy rash is psoriasis and not eczema? What are the treatments available?

​Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects about 1% of the population, with an estimated 40,000 people having the condition in Singapore. Psoriasis is characterised by the rapid production of skin cells, leading to papery, silvery scales or skin plaques on the skin's surface. Dr Jamie Wee, a Senior Consultant and the Head of Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, highlighted that psoriasis could sometimes resemble other inflammatory skin conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or fungal skin infections. Due to the similarity in appearance, proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential to ensure appropriate treatment. Dr Wee mentioned several factors that could trigger or worsen psoriasis. These include lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and smoking, as well as stress and certain medications. Infections, such as bacterial throat infections and HIV, can also exacerbate psoriasis.

Dr Liau Meiqi May, a Consultant with the Division of Dermatology at Alexandra Hospital and National University Hospital, emphasised that genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of psoriasis. She stated that about 40% of individuals with psoriasis have family members who also have the disorder, indicating a strong genetic link.

Pembedahan mata lebih berkesan, selamat dengan kemajuan teknologi (Eye surgeries more effective, safer with technological advancements)

​Dr Yuen Yew Sen, Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Consultant in the Department of Ophthalmology at Alexandra Hospital and National University Hospital, shared that technological advancements have led to more effective methods for various medical treatments, including advancements in surgical techniques in Singapore. One notable advancement is computer-assisted cataract surgery, which has made surgeries safer and yielded better results. Lens technology has also improved, with the introduction of multifocal lenses that allow patients to have continuous vision from near to far without experiencing excessive glare. With these advancements, patients can achieve almost perfect vision through surgery, eliminating the need for glasses in their old age.

Singapore to add more than 1,000 new beds across hospitals, healthcare facilities

​At the MOH Nurses' Merit Award Ceremony, Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung announced new measures to address the capacity crunch and rising healthcare demands in public hospitals, including adding acute hospital beds in public hospitals such as Alexandra Hospital, and opening of more Transitional Care Facilities, including one located near Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.

Media featured award recipients Ms Fatimah Binte Abdul Rahman, Principal Enrolled Nurse, National University Hospital, and Ms Irene Lee, Nurse Manager, Alexandra Hospital.

• The Straits Times Online, 19 July 2023, $15,000 sign-on bonus for fresh nursing grads, hundreds of beds added, to help ease hospital crunch
  
• Channel NewsAsia Online, 19 July 2023, Fresh Singapore nursing graduates eligible for S$15,000 sign-on bonus
  
• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 19 July 2023, 无私奉献照顾病患 125名白衣天使获颁护士优异奖 (125 nurses recognised with Nurses' Merit Award)
  
• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 19 July 2023, 本地今年将增280张急症病床 (Singapore to add 280 acute care beds by 2023)
  
• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 19 July 2023, 本地四家医院今年将增280张急症病床 (Four hospitals in Singapore to add 280 acute care beds by 2023)
  
• 8world, 19 July 2023, 本地急症医院今年将增加280个病床 (Acute hospitals in Singapore to add 280 beds by 2023)
  
• Berita Mediacorp, 19 July 2023, Lulusan baharu bidang kejururawatan di SG layak terima bonus S$15,000 (New nursing graduates in SG are eligible to receive a S$15,000 bonus)
  
• Suria, 19 July 2023, 8pm
  

Mata guru ‘bak remaja’, tanpa kaca mata selepas 3 pembedahan (Teacher has eyesight of a 'teenager' without glasses after 3 surgeries)

​Mr Zainal Abidin Zainuddin, 61, had undergone three surgeries for eye floaters at Alexandra Hospital (AH). After the surgeries performed by Dr Yuen Yew Sen, Consultant in the Department of Ophthalmology at AH and National University Hospital, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Mr Zainal no longer required glasses, while he previously had to wear thick glasses with a prescription of 700 degrees. Dr Yuen mentioned that it was initially challenging to convince Mr Zainal, but with the support of his family and the advancements in eye treatment technology, the surgeries were successful.

谁能进行 Lasik？若有干眼症能进行 Lasik吗？老花眼又怎样？(Who can undergo Lasik surgery? Can those with dry eyes opt for Lasik? What about presbyopia?)

​Dr David Chen, Consultant, Department of Opthalmology, National University Hospital and Alexandra Hospital, shared more on refractive surgery with listeners.

Hospitals cut back on environmentally unfriendly anaesthetic gases, reducing CO2 emissions

​Feature story on National University Health System (NUHS) member hospitals’ efforts to raise awareness amongst users to switch to more environmentally friendly anaesthetic gases. NUHS is making more concerted efforts to reduce the use of nitrous oxide as it is better for the environment. National University Hospital started a QIP to reduce the use of desflurane and through education efforts, greatly reduced its use. For Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, its usage dropped through greater awareness and education efforts. Alexandra Hospital has shut off its nitrous oxide pipelines and started using other replacement gases such as sevoflurane. The report also carried comments and views from other hospitals.

• Lianhe Zaobao, 18 June 2023, 本地医院逐步改用较环保麻醉药 (Hospitals are slowing switching to use more environmentally-friendly anaesthetic gases)
  

More youth suffer sports-related injuries, risk long-term effects

​Sports and recreation-related injuries are increasingly common among young people, including fractures, dislocations, concussions, sprains, contusions, and superficial injuries. These injuries are often sustained during sports training or physical activities. Some injuries, such as overuse injuries like tendonitis or stress fractures, develop over time due to repeated stress on specific body parts.

According to Dr Han Fucai, Head of Division and Consultant at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, there has been an observed increase in the number of young patients presenting sports-related injuries after the pandemic. The hospital now sees approximately 50 such patients per week, which represents a nearly 50% surge compared to the pre-COVID-19 figures.

Re-injury in the same area is a common concern for young individuals who sustain sports injuries. It is crucial to provide proper treatment and rehabilitation to ensure optimal healing and reduce the risk of re-injury. Tan Ee Leng, a Senior Physiotherapist at Alexandra Hospital, emphasised that compliance and adequate rehabilitation is essential for preventing recurrent injuries.

Magnetic pulse therapy strengthens muscles and prevents frailty, especially for elderly

​National University of Singapore (NUS) researchers have invented a medical device called Bixeps that sends magnetic pulses through the leg to strengthen muscles without the need for exercise. A clinical trial involving the Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine showed that the machine helped to prevent frailty and make muscles stronger, especially for older adults. The therapy sessions, costing around $50 each, are held at NUS spin-off QuantumTX's office in Alexandra Hospital and other partner centres.

• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 23 May 2023, 国大研发10分钟无痛疗程 磁力疗法如练腿改善年长者行动能力 (NUS develops 10-minute painless treatment: Magnetic therapy like leg exercises to improve mobility in seniors) 
  

• Red Hot, 23 May 2023, Magnetic pulse therapy strengthens muscles and prevents frailty, especially for elderly
  

Doctors see increase in heat injury cases and skin problems

​The number of heat injury cases has risen from about zero to two a week between January and April to four cases a week since May at hospitals under National University Health System (NUHS) – which includes National University Hospital (NUH), Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Alexandra Hospital. Dr Ong Pei Yuin, Consultant, Department of Emergency Medicine, NUH, said the spike in the number of cases corresponds with the higher temperatures that Singapore has been experiencing. She added that most of the cases at the NUHS cluster were minor and patients were discharged after treatment.

• The Straits Times Online, 21 May 2023, Hot weather causes rise in heat injury cases, worsens skin conditions
  

• The New Paper, 21 May 2023, Hot weather causes rise in heat injury cases, worsens skin conditions
  

• Tamil Murasu Online, 21 May 2023, கடும் வெப்பம்: உடல்நிலை பாதிப்பு அதிகம்; வியர்க்குரு, கொப்புளம் பிரச்சினைகள் மோசம் (Extreme heat: Damage to health is high; sweating and blister problems worsen)
  

• Red Hot Singapore, 21 May 2023, Hot weather causes rise in heat injury cases, worsens skin conditions 
  

More seniors undergo major surgery as population here ages

The number of seniors in Singapore who are undergoing major surgeries is increasing as the population ages. Mrs Babe Lim, 94, fractured her shoulder and hip and opted for surgery. Despite her age, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital's orthopaedic surgeon Dr Kevin Yik still recommended it, noting that the alternative for Mrs Lim would have been to stay in bed or move around in a wheelchair for at least six weeks.  

A growing trend of older patients are undergoing major surgeries, such as large bowel surgery, breast cancer surgery, knee replacement surgery, and colorectal cancer surgery. The rise in surgeries is attributed to longer lifespans and the prevalence of age-related conditions. Some of the benefits of surgery include improved function and reduced mortality rates. Minimally invasive procedures, such as keyhole surgery, are now widely used, leading to faster recovery times. Hospitals are taking steps to prepare seniors for the surgical process and aid in their recovery through geriatric surgical services and rehabilitation programs. 

Mr Francis Ee, 89, had a hernia in his lower abdomen for over 20 years, but he managed to cope with it by regularly massaging it into place without undergoing surgery. Earlier this year, he experienced severe pain and consulted a doctor. He underwent a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, a minimally invasive procedure that lasted about one and a half hours, at Alexandra Hospital. He was discharged on the same day and is now recovering well.

Tugas murni selaku jururawat dorong 2 puteri ikut jejak kerjaya (A mother's duty as nurse motivates her two daughters to follow career path)

​In a Mother’s Day feature, Berita Minggu featured Ms Siti Meriam Rais, Senior Nurse Manager, National University Hospital, and her two daughters, Miss Nurin Nayli Abdul Halim, Staff Nurse, Alexandra Hospital, and Miss Nur Kamilia, who will be pursuing her studies in Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies (NUS Nursing) at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The two daughters shared how their mother’s dedication, hard work and commitment during their upbringing have inspired them to follow her footsteps.

• Berita Harian Online, 14 May 2023, Ohhh Ibu... Tugas murni selaku jururawat dorong 2 puteri ikut jejak kerjaya (A mother's duty as nurse motivates her two daughters to follow career path)
  
• Berita Harian Online, 14 May 2023, Ibuku, idolaku…(My mother, my idol…)
  

A&E alternatives: Where to seek help quickly for non-emergency conditions like sprains and high fever

​An advertorial published in The Straits Times mentioned that about 80% of patients who visited the children’s emergency departments at National University Hospital and KK Women's and Children's Hospital last year did not require hospitalisation and were discharged after their visits, according to Ministry of Health. The report also mentioned that Alexandra Hospital reclassified their Accident and Emergency department as an Urgent Care Centre in 2019 after a renovation to focus on non-emergency procedures.

• Red Hot Singapore, 8 May 2023, A&E alternatives: Where to seek help quickly for non-emergency conditionslike sprains and high fever