connect - national kidney foundation singapore

CONNECT

Features

Nat

iona

l Kid

ney

Foun

datio

n RO

C N

o. 2

0010

4750

MMICA (P) 291/04/2008

Dec 2008 - Feb 2009

Caring for Our Patients

Amazing motherswho went through great lengths for their miracle babies!

NKF‘sHolistic Care

4Music that touches the heart 6

Official Opening of NKF’s 23rd Dialysis Centre10

- More on page 2

Inside:Progress Report for FY 07/08

NKF CONNECT Dec 2008 - Feb 2009 NKF CONNECT Dec 2008 - Feb 2009

32

Pregnancy amongst dialysis patients is extremely

rare, with only 1% - 7% chance of conceiving.

Even so, fewer than half of the newborns survive

as most of them are born prematurely, even though sur-

vival rate has improved in recent years. Moreover, these

pregnant mothers risk higher chances of miscar-

riage, hypertension and also have to

endure daily dialysis instead of the

normal thrice weekly.

1st south East asian

Dialysis PatiEnt to

concEivE

Despite knowing the difficulty

and risks involved in having

a baby, these mothers part-

nered with NKF to fulfill their

dreams of motherhood.

When Nooraini Abdul Rah-

man first found out that

she was pregnant, she

cried tears of joy. This

was 16 years ago, her

pregnancy made head-

line news as she was the first

dialysis patient in South-East

Asia to conceive a miracle baby.

Although she was informed of

the implications and high risks

involved, the ever determined

Nooraini was resolute to see

her baby brought into this


world. “I didn’t mind all the risks. I was determined to

deliver”. Today, seeing her daughter, Nurhaidayah, as an

active and healthy 16-year-old has made it worth all that

Nooraini had gone through. In fact, it warms Nooraini’s

heart to know that Nurhaidayah aspires to be a nurse so

as to help her go through dialysis.

Enormous suPPort from nKf Doctors

anD nursEs

For Jennifer Tan who is NKF’s

2nd female patient to be

pregnant, the physical

strain is still a vivid mem-

ory. Thankfully, she had

great support from the

nurses at her dialysis cen-

tre. “The daily dialysis left

me really tired. The transition from having

dialysis three times a week to a daily one

was not easy. But I’m really grateful for the

nurses’ constant support and understand-

ing during that period of time”.

“The nurses at Bukit Panjang Dialysis Centre

were very caring and gave me tremendous

support. I’m really thankful for all the help

they provided”. Dr Mooppil Nandakumar,

Head of Medical Services, said the doc-

tors and nurses had to ensure that the mothers were un-

der supervision, and make the necessary arrangements

for their daily dialysis. To support and encourage these

mothers for being so brave, the NKF did not charge them

extra for undergoing daily dialysis.

liKE mothEr, liKE chilD

Though many of these babies were born prematurely, they

faced the uphill tasks of growing up head on, just like their

strong-minded mothers. Says Jennifer Tan of her pride

and joy, “Javier did very well in the incubator and within

three weeks, he grew to 2kg and was fit to go home”.

To date, there are 8 miracle babies in NKF. Many of these

babies are growing up normally like their peers. But for

all 8 of them, they get to tell of the bravery their mothers

have gone through to give birth to them. These babies

are, without a doubt, fighters in life and bring a great

joy to their mothers who gave birth to them against all

odds. The NKF mothers also enjoy watching their ba-

bies grow and are very supportive of other female pa-

tients who dream of motherhood but are hesitant due

to the complications. They believe that patients should

still be entitled to enjoy motherhood despite their condi-

tions.

to go through nine months of pregnancy is no easy feat for women. ask any mother and she will tell you so. But for a woman on dialysis, the journey from pregnancy to delivery is a tremendous challenge that few know of…

Jenn

ifer

and

her

son

Javi

er


54

dialysis, where emergency medical services are readily

accessible. Collaborating with private dialysis centres will

also free up space at its 24 dialysis centres island-wide

and reduce the need to build new centres.

ProviDing frEE BlooD tEsts

to all PatiEnts

To further help kidney patients

cope with the rising costs of

living, the NKF is now pro-

viding free blood tests

for its patients, which

are an essential part

of their dialysis treat-

ment. The provision

of free blood tests

took effect on 1 April

2008. Patients need

to undergo regular blood

tests throughout the year and

the NKF will bear the total cost of

approximately $584,000 per year.

53% of suBsiDisED PatiEnts Pay $50 or lEss

a month

The NKF’s subsidised dialysis programme is to help its

needy patients. 95% of our patients receive NKF sub-

sidies and other form of subsidies while the remaining

are full–paying patients, which is capped at 10% of the

NKF haemodialysis patient population. For the financial

year 2007/2008, the NKF disbursed subsidies for dialy-

sis and auxiliary services amounting to $20 million to its

needy kidney patients and beneficiaries.

EstaBlishED a PatiEnt WElfarE funD

The NKF set up a Patient Welfare Fund to provide:

1) Food vouchers worth $25 per monthEligible needy patients were each given a $25 food vouch-

er per month as part of our efforts to lessen their finan-

cial burden as well as improve their quality of life. Patients

have to utilise the food vouchers by purchasing food with

nutritional value as recommended by our nutritionist at

designated supermarkets. There were 147 patients ben-

efiting from this scheme as at 30 June 2008.

2) Transport subsidies as well as medical equipment subsidies to the indigent poorPatients are required to go for dialysis thrice weekly to

achieve the desired medical outcome. There are poor pa-

tients who cannot afford to pay for transport costs to travel

to and from the dialysis centres about 13 times a month.

There are others who cannot afford medical equipment

such as wheelchairs. As such, under this scheme, needy

patients who pass the means test will receive the relevant

subsidies.

launchED a PortaBlE suBsiDy ProgrammE

The NKF introduced a new scheme where it provides

portable subsidy to needy patients who are unable to be

admitted into its dialysis programme because they suffer

from other medical complications. The NKF is not licensed

to handle such cases. For example, the NKF cannot treat

patients with heart conditions, as its dialysis centres are

primarily managed by nurses. This scheme will help en-

sure that no needy patient is deprived of dialysis treat-

ment. The NKF will disbursed subsidies to such patients

so that they can seek dialysis treatment at private dialy-

sis centres in a hospital setting, that is, high dependency

Patients’ Co-payment Per Month (Incl. GST)

subsidised Patients’ full Paying Patients’

co-payment co-payment

No. of Patients % of Patients No. of Patients %of Patients

total patients with co-payment below $50

$51-$200 418 20% 7 7%

$201-$400 275 13% 12 12%

>$400 279 14% 20 19%

total number of Patients 2,057 100% 104 100%(fee confirmed)

1,085 53% 65 63%

note:- There are full-paying patients who receive sponsorship mainly from government organisations. - All figures as at 30 June, 2008

Number of Haemodialysis Patients

2200

2150

2100

2050

2000

1950January

2007June2007

January2008

June2008

1993

2037

2105

2161

Number of Peritoneal Dialysis Beneficiaries

220

210

200

190

180

170

160

150

140

148

198

211 211

January2007

June2007

January2008

June2008

ProviDing PatiEnts accEss to chEaPEr

footcarE sErvicEs

The NKF collaborated with the Singapore Footcare Cen-

tre to provide patients with cheaper foot care services.

About 800 of the NKF’s patient population are diabetic.

Of these, 150 of them have had either above or below the

knee, or toe amputations.

Regular checks on the feet are crucial for diabetics so

that wounds can be treated before they get infected.

Otherwise, amputation of toes, feet or even part of the

leg would be necessary.

With the collaboration, the podiatrist will visit the patients

at the respective dialysis centres for foot screening and

necessary treatment, making the podiatry services more

convenient and accessible. This one-stop service will

also help patients save time and money on travelling.



76

50-year-old Anita Mui is a homemaker who also

runs a home-based cookery class. Having read

about NKF’s Circle of Hearts Programme in the

papers last year, Anita and her husband called NKF to

enquire about how they can contribute. And what bet-

ter way to contribute than to use her skills in cooking to

teach patients how to whip up a storm.

And Anita’s cooking class has proven to be a great hit

with the patients at Clementi Dialysis Centre. Demon-

strating that Singaporean are food lovers, on the session

on 6 August, patients who were not dialysing in the morn-

ing arrived early for the cookery lesson. The dishes for

the day were ‘Water Chestnut Cake’ and ‘Bitter Gourd

with Chicken’. Our volunteer chef tweaked the water

chestnut recipe to make it a wholesome treat that was

not too sweet for the patients. It was a hit with all the

participants.

Kidney patients are often reminded to avoid food that is

high in phosphorus content such as bitter gourd. Howev-

er, a complete avoidance is not always necessary. Anita

shared an invaluable tip when she demonstrated how the

phosphorus content in bitter gourd could be reduced just

by soaking it in water for 10 minutes before stir-frying.

Some participants eagerly offered cooking suggestions

like spicing the bitter gourd with chilli. The end result?

The finished dish was gobbled up in minutes. Before the

lesson ended, the participants were already asking about

the next class.

“ I’m so glad to know many new friends in NKF and I re-

ally enjoy sharing my cooking experience with them. I am

also inspired by their new ideas on how to spice up the

dishes. Making some new friends in NKF is something

unexpected and I’m looking forward to sharing our life

experiences together”, said Anita.

One of the patients, Mdm Chong Leng who attended the

class said, “It was very well-organised. I enjoyed learning

the recipes and really appreciate the nurses and staff who

helped organise this for us”.

Cooking Up

Encouraging Volunteerism

HEARTthat touches the

MUSIC

Without any fanfare, some Hwa Chong Junior

College students who are musically-inclined

have been using music to soothe the patients’

soul. The idea first came about from student Huiqi, who felt

that they could use their musical talents to benefit those

who need it while sharing their love for music. Each time, a

group of 2 to 4 students will play a series of music pieces

using various instruments such as harmonica, violin, and

guitar. The performance usually lasts around one hour but

the students will oblige to play a few more pieces if the pa-

tients request for it. Taking into consideration that majority

of the patients are elderly, the group would perform some

Mandarin oldies from singers like Teresa Teng.

EnrichmEnt ProgrammEVolunteers can help enrich the lives of patients by leveraging on their

own skills and interests to help patients acquire new skills and hobbies.

If you have skills such as qi gong, cooking, gardening, art & craft, music,

stained-glass painting, balloon sculpting, etc, do join us in sharing them

with our patients. For more information, please call 6299 0200 or email

us at [email protected].

Patient enjoying the soothing music during

the performance

When asked if he would encourage others to volunteer

at NKF, student Zihao replied enthusiastically, “For sure,

dialysis patients need companionship and understand-

ing and by offering what we do, we’re providing a con-

ducive treatment environment for them. Moreover, the

staff at NKF offers positive feedback on how we can im-

prove our performance thus making our efforts here very

meaningful”.

Staff nurse Marissa Sanchez told the student volunteers

that although the patients seemed very quiet, deep in

their hearts, they are really appreciative of the students

volunteering on a weekend instead of enjoying them-

selves elsewhere. In addition, to show their appreciation,

the nurses at Bukit Batok Dialysis Centre took the initia-

tive to buy some cakes and drinks for the students.

Patient Bu Bah Chee said, “I am glad I get to listen to such

wonderful music to kick start my day. At least I didn’t feel

sleepy and it helped me pass my dialysis time quickly”.


98

PuBlishED a cooK BooK

on hEalthy rEciPEs

A well-balanced diet

is important for pa-

tients to stay fit.

They have to eat

the right kind

and amount of

food. It is es-

sential for di-

alysis patients

to have the

right amount of protein,

calories, fluids, vitamins and minerals each

day. Therefore, the NKF embarked on a project to come

up with a cook book with suitable, yet tasty recipes for

patients. Eleven patients came forward to contribute their

very own recipes. The cook book was published and of-

ficially launched on 16 March 2008. This Cook Book is

not only available in major local book stores, but also in

leading bookstores in the Asian region. It is also available

on-line at Amazon.com, one of the biggest on-line book-

stores world-wide.

imProving PatiEnts’ Physical fitnEss

To improve patients’ functional fitness, several fitness pro-

grammes have been introduced to help patients remain

active and lead a normal life. To further enhance

patients’ physical fitness, exercise pro-

grammes like Patients’ Active Day and

Sunday Walks are conducted to pro-

mote a healthy and active lifestyle

among patients through fun activi-

ties. This is also to educate patients

on the importance and benefits of

exercise and provide a platform for

patients, staff, family members and

volunteers to interact.

The first Patients’ Active Day was launched on 30 Sep-

tember 2007 at the NKF Centre in Kim Keat where 374

patients and staff attended the event. In conjunction with

this event, the NKF launched the Stepillow to encour-

age patients to exercise more regularly as part of their

rehabilitation. Patients can use it to exercise at home

and during dialysis. The Stepillow, which was given

free of charge to patients, mimics the movement of

stepping in a seated position. It helps to improve lower

body strength and blood circulation.

The second Patients’ Active Day was held at Singapore

Discovery Centre on 30 December 2007, in conjunction

with the New Year. The activities included a mass exer-

cise and a discovery race with 384 participants. The third

Patients’ Active Day was held at Hort Park in conjunction

with World Kidney Day on 16 March 2008. The activities

included a tour of Hort Park, grasshopper weaving with

leaves and terrarium basic propagation workshops for

patients. The event drew an attendance of 513 patients,

staff and volunteers, the highest thus far.

taKing carE of PatiEnts’

Psycho-social nEEDs

Taking care of the emotional and psycho-social needs

of the patients is equally important in NKF’s dialysis pro-

gramme. There were a total of 271 cases being re-

ferred to our NKF Medical Social Workers.

Thirty-two group sessions were held

by three patient support groups.

The purpose of the support

groups is to enhance patients’

rehabilitation efforts by pro-

viding relevant information

on their lifestyle adjustments

due to dialysis. It also serves

as an opportunity for patients

to interact and learn from one

another. The support group

members aim to build

stronger relationships

with other patients

and nurses through

organised social ac-

tivities such as a fish-

ing trip to Pasir Ris

Fishing Pond, movie

screenings, and festive

celebrations.

hElPing PatiEnts to BE

gainfully EmPloyED

The NKF collaborates with various companies, employ-

ment agencies, and voluntary welfare organisations to

help patients be gainfully employed. There have been 50

patients who have returned to the workforce through this

programme. The companies that offered jobs to the NKF

patients include KFC & Pizza Hut Management, Evtec

Security, PICO Guards, ESW Shield Way Services and

SMRT.

PatiEnts’ WEEKly PlacEmEnt oriEntation

ProgrammE

The Patient Orientation Programme is aimed at inspiring

newly admitted patients towards better self-care through

sharing of positive patient testimonies and personal expe-

riences. It also provides an overview of the NKF’s value-

adding services and rehabilitative programmes.

At this Placement Orientation Programme, new patients

are issued with the Patient Handbook and invited to watch

video presentations where they are introduced to the Care

and Counselling staff who will be handling their cases.

Since rehabilitation is an important factor in the NKF’s di-

alysis programme, new patients are also introduced to the

Exercise Specialists and Dietitians and to the services they

provide. The policies and regulations of the Dialysis Cen-

tres are also introduced to the new patients.

Since the launch of this programme, new patients have

found it helpful as they get to receive first-hand informa-

tion on the NKF’s policies and programmes and also get

to know and interact with the staff.


Volunteer Simon Neo befriending NKF patient


OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008 fy 2007/08 financial Period 2006/07 variance

(12 months) (18 months) (annualised (comparative 12 months) figures are on an annualised basis)

S$’000 S$’000 S$’000 S$’000

Dialysis and Prevention Services Income 24,651 38,916 25,944 (1,293)

Expenses (39,003) (56,399) (37,599) (1,404)

Results (14,352) (17,483) (11,655) (2,697)

Donations and Grants Income 28,086 39,984 26,656 1,430

Expenses (882) (2,964) (1,976) 1,094

Results 27,204 37,020 24,680 2,524

Investment Management Income 3,700 22,965 15,310 (11,610)

Expenses (489) (697) (465) (24)

Results 3,211 22,268 14,845 (11,634)

Sundry Income 1,034 4,619 3,079 (2,045)

Miscellaneous Services Income 1 54 36 (35)

Expenses (52) (144) (96) 44

Results (51) (90) (60) 9

Administrative Costs (8,003) (15,099) (11,799) 3,796

Surplus for the financial year 9,043 31,235 19,090 (10,047)

1110

Involving the Community

The Pei Hwa Foundation-NKF Dialysis Centre is the

23rd of the 24 dialysis centres of NKF. The centre

costs $1.5m to built, of which $1.25m was funded

by Pei Hwa Foundation. Operating on three shifts daily,

this new centre has 20 dialysis stations that can accom-

modate a total of 120 kidney patients living or working in

Ang Mo Kio and its neighbouring constituencies, provid-

ing them with easy access and convenience. The Centre

will also be able to cater to new patients in the northern

part of Singapore in the coming years. Currently, the pa-

tient occupancy is 60%.

The Official Opening was held on 17th Aug and was offici-

ated by our Guest-of-Honour, Dr Balaji Sadasivan, Senior

Minister of State for Ministry of Foreign Affairs (pictured

centred). The Special Guest was MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC,

Dr Lam Pin Min. The VIPs and the public were treated

to a special tour of the Dialysis Centre conducted by our

NKF Nurse Managers. The tour featured different stations

where the public got a closer glimpse of what a dialysis pa-

Pei hwa Foundation-nKF Dialysis centre official opening

tient has to go through during dialysis. Every station clearly

showed the types of medication they have to take, food

they have to avoid, and how the dialysis machine works.

Posters showing the latest statistics and major causes of

kidney failure were also put up to increase awareness of

the disease.

The public was also treated to a cooking demonstra-

tion by NKF patients who passionately shared their own

healthy recipes. Many members of the public swamped

to the cooking demonstration table when it was time for

some food sampling (pictured right). There was also a

Health Bazaar where various vendors set up stalls to sell

health food such as nuts, seeds, organic olive oil, brown

rice, fruits and much more.

This event also showcased volunteers with talents in singing,

playing the keyboard and Festival Drums (pictured left). They

took the stage and entertained the participants throughout

the event.

Financial Information The Financial Statements were audited by: RSM Chio Lim, Certified Public

Accountants (FY 2007/08 & FP 2006/07)

BALANCE SHEET As at 30 Jun 2008 As at 30 Jun 2007 S$’000 S$’000

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents 49,634 158,936

Investment securities 6,108 35,150

Trade and other receivables 4,339 5,792

Other assets 318 1,074

Inventories 728 1,687

61,127 202,639

Non-current Assets

Other receivables 1,701 2,435

Investment securities 199,226 50,543

Property, plant and equipment 23,516 23,829

Other assets 2,471 2,593

226,914 79,400

Total Assets 288,041 282,039

Trade and other payables 9,535 12,576

Total Liabilities 9,535 12,576

Unrestricted Fund 247,146 236,577

Restricted Fund 27,276 28,826

Endowment Fund 4,084 4,060

Total Funds 278,506 269,463

Total Liabilities and Funds 288,041 282,039

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81 Kim Keat Road, Singapore 328836Tel: (65) 6299 0200 | Fax: (65) 6299 3164 | Web: www.nkfs.org | Email: [email protected] | ROC No. 200104750M

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Switch to e-mail & “donate” the mailing cost saved!Do you know that you actually “donate” to NKF every time you receive an e-mail from us? Yes, you donate as much as the mailing cost saved by opting for e-mail communication. Please provide us with your e-mail address if you have not done so!

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Birthday DonationsFor most of us, birthday celebrations are usually centred around ourselves. But for two of our donors, their birthday

celebrations were an occasion to focus on others and care for those who are less

fortunate than them. One of these benevolent individuals is Venerable Zhiyan

from Hua Yan Buddhist Society who donated $20,000 to NKF on his birthday

this year.

Another supporter is Mr Chan Chow Siang who donated all $34,150 that he

received from his family and guests during his 80th birthday celebration dinner.

Indeed, for these generous individuals, birthdays are better celebrated as an

occasion to selflessly reflect upon what they already have in life and help those

who do not have. Venerable Zhiyan presenting his donations to NKF

connect - national kidney foundation singapore

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