AMK-THKH Newsletter Issue 1 of 2011 - Thye Hua Kwan Hospital

AlwaysLearning,AlwaysImprovingContinuing Nursing Education SeminarHelpingOlder Persons withDepression"The talk was very enlighteningfor nurses as it helps us to carefor our elderly patients better."AMK-THKH was proud to host Professor Sally Chan Wai-Chi from theAlice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, NUS YLLSoM, a s she conducted alecture on “Quality of Life in Older Persons with Depression”. As partof the Hospital’s ongoing Continuing Nursing Education Series, thelecture was not only attended by nurses, but also therapists, doctors andadministrative staff at the Hospital who were keen to learn more about the topic.Professor Chan shared in-depth views with the participants on therelationships between chronic physical illnesses, functional levels, socialsupport and quality of life – factors known to increase the likelihood ofdepression among older adults. She also led a discussion on measuresto alleviate the onset of depression amongst the elderly in the healthcareenvironment.Participants found the seminar both useful and timely. “The talk was veryenlightening for nurses as it helps us to care for our elderly patients better.Now we know how to look out for signs of depression and ensure that our- Ms Fauziah Binte Rahman patients obtain appropriate medical help,” said Ms Fauziah Binte Rahman,as Therapeutic Aidesa Nursing Officer at the Hospital.AnimalsProfessor Chan, who has devoted more than 25 years to nursing education,has authored over 150 academic, professional and conferencepapers. She is a five-time recipient of the ‘Teacher of theYear’ award and was conferred the ‘Master Teacher’ awardby the Faculty of Medicine at the Chinese University ofHong Kong in 2007.Pets not only make great companions, theyare also a source of unconditional love andcomfort for many of us, especially when wefall ill.Recognising the important role pets play as therapeutic aids forpatients, the Hospital’s Care and Counseling Department organiseda “Pet Visitation” programme in October last year.The program, which was co-organised by Society for the Preventionof Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), saw our patients having fun walkingthe dogs and cradling them in their arms. It was indeed a day of funfor all our patients.“I’ve always wanted to have a pet dog,” expressed Mdm CheongYoot Meng, as she tenderly stroked one of the puppies in her lap.“This programme has made my dreams come true as I canenjoy the company of these friendly animals during my stay here,”she added.AMK - THKH REACHING OUT 11