A dedicated group of healthcare workers stands vigilant in the quiet corridors of Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH), where the festive cheer of Lunar New Year lanterns contrasts starkly with the plain white walls.
Amidst the celebrations, radiographer Eugene Chean, staff nurse Yip Song Ling, and assistant nurse clinician Marie Kaylin Wong represent the relentless spirit of those who forego festivities to ensure health and healing continue uninterrupted.
Their stories of sacrifice and service underscore a growing trend in healthcare – where technology is used to lighten the load, making their invaluable work more efficient and impactful.
Eugene Chean: Capturing Clarity in the Fast-Paced Emergency Department
Eugene’s journey into the healthcare sector was fuelled by a unique blend of passions: a fascination with machinery and a love for photography.
In the emergency department of NTFGH, Eugene’s role goes beyond merely operating advanced imaging technology or X-ray machines.
The 29-year-old radiographer captures images crucial for diagnosing conditions swiftly, enabling emergency doctors to prioritise and deliver the proper treatment without delay.
“Similar to photography, where you take different angles to have the best photos, we take different angles in X-ray to get the best medical image possible. This image will assist the doctor in making their diagnosis,” Eugene shared.
His expertise not only aids in immediate patient care but also reflects a broader trend toward leveraging technology for better healthcare outcomes.
This became personal for Eugene through an experience with an old friend who unexpectedly became a patient. The friend arrived at the emergency department with what seemed to be a minor injury.
However, the situation turned when Eugene’s work revealed something more.
“My friend came in for a light injury … after taking an X-ray, we found out he had a more serious underlying issue,” Eugene said.
This discovery led to a journey of recovery involving multiple X-rays and operations, through which Eugene found himself involved.
“Since that first X-ray that I took for him, and now seeing him better, livelier, it just made me very happy that my friend is now doing well,” he said.
This incident underscores the impact healthcare professionals can have on people’s lives, extending beyond the clinical to become personal, reminding us that behind every medical image lies a human story.
Yip Song Ling: A Journey from Inspiration to Impact in Nursing
For Song Ling, a 24-year-old staff nurse at Jurong Community Hospital, the path to nursing was carved by personal experience.
Witnessing her mother’s care during a hospital stay inspired Song Ling to embark on a nursing career despite the challenges.
Her work in a ward specialising in rehabilitative and sub-acute care is about more than just medical treatment; it’s about providing hope and comfort to patients separated from their families during festive times.
“For me, I do understand that some of the patients might not be able to reunite with their family members.
“I feel like if I’m working on the day, then I could bring some joy and happiness to them also,” Song Ling said.
Her story is a testament to the human touch in healthcare, a reminder of the emotional support that nurses provide, which is as critical as physical care.
Marie Kaylin Wong: Leading with Experience and Embracing Technological Advances
With nearly 12 years of experience in the Operating Theatre (OT) at NTFGH, Marie stands at the forefront of integrating technology in healthcare.
As part of the upcoming inventory management project supported by a Company Training Committee (CTC) Grant by NTUC’s e2i, 31-year-old Marie’s work environment is set to undergo significant improvements.
The project aims to automate the inventory management of non-stock items, reducing the manual labour involved and allowing nurses to devote more time to patient care.
“OT is a fast-paced environment. With these improvements, we hope that the nurses and the OT technicians’ workload will be lightened, and they can actually focus more on their clinical responsibilities,” Marie said.
Her anticipation for the project reflects the healthcare sector’s evolving landscape, where technology enhances efficiency and empowers workers to focus on patient care.
“I just want to improve myself and be a better person than my previous self, gaining the necessary skill sets to provide better service to our patients,” said Marie.
Weaving Technology and Heart into Healthcare
The stories of Eugene, Song Ling, and Marie are threads in the larger fabric of healthcare, woven with dedication, compassion, and innovation.
Their commitment to their roles during the Lunar New Year period – sacrificing personal time for the well-being of others – is a powerful demonstration of their professionalism and heart.
In a sector where every second counts and every gesture of care matters, the integration of technology serves as a beacon of progress, promising a future where healthcare workers can do more of what they love – making a difference in the lives of those they serve.