IPCA presented to inspiring patients and caregivers

SINGAPORE — For six months, Mr Deans Gordon Paul, 83, a glaucoma patient visited the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) periodically, staying in the clinic for from 8am to 5pm each time to monitor his intraocular pressure, as part of a research study looking into the development of a new method of delivering anti-glaucoma medication.

As part of the trial, which he volunteered for, Mr Paul also had to do the same three visual field assessments.

Not all patients who volunteer for clinical trials can be reliably counted on to stay the course, but Mr Paul did so, without complaint.

It was “not a big deal”, he said, adding that he wanted to “contribute something” by participating in the research study. “I come here, they take care of me, and I figured why not? I come here and other people can benefit,” he said.

Mr Paul was one of the patients who received an award at SingHealth’s annual Inspirational Patient and Caregiver Award held at Singapore General Hospital yesterday.

A total of 23 patients and nine caregivers received the award this year, which is given to patients and caregivers who have shown strength, courage and resilience in the face of healthcare challenges.

SingHealth group director of communications and service quality, Mrs Tan-Huang Shuo Mei, said: “This event is really about a celebration of hope, resilience, and the generosity of spirit.”

This year’s award also saw the introduction of two new categories, Inspirational Patient Volunteers and Inspirational Clinical Trials, to recognise patients who have contributed in any way possible.

Mrs Tan-Huang said: “We realised that some patients may want to contribute a certain way, but may not be aware that they are able to do so. So we want to encourage them that they can do something, and contribute in many other ways.”

Another patient who received the award was Lan Linghai, a 17-year-old Riverside Secondary student, who contracted Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or lupus, when she was 14. At one stage, the ulcers and body aches that developed due to the disease left her bedridden for a period of time.

Till today, Linghai has difficulty walking as her condition has left her legs feeling painful all the time — but that has not stopped her from helping other patients.

She is part of the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital rheumatology support group, where she shares with its members the difficulties that she had faced and how she coped.

She is also an active volunteer at Club Rainbow, where she does arts and crafts, and acts as a play therapist for the children.

“Although it (walking) is very painful for me, it’s okay. I still want to help and continue what I’m doing right now,” said Linghai.

Mr Michael Koh, 73, and Madam Tan Swee Eng, 67, were among the caregivers who were recongised by SingHealth for their determination and focus when taking care of their late spouses.

“I didn’t think of anything else. I just look forward, and just take care of him, until his last journey,” said Mdm Tan. Her husband, who had a stroke and brain cancer, died last November.