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15
Mar
2024

Screening tool effective at early detection of autism: Study

The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission

​A pilot study led by Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute at National University Hospital and National University Polyclinics on an autism screening tool has demonstrated effectiveness in early autism detection in the primary care setting. The tool, the "Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F)", is currently offered as part of the routine 18-month children developmental screening across all seven NUP polyclinics.

Dr Aishworiya Ramkumar, Consultant at National University Hospital explained that early treatment and intervention can make a big difference to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as it can lead to better improvements in their skills and development, leading to better quality of life, and independent-living skills in future. Mdm Suhaila, mother of a child who was previously diagnosed with ASD, shared on her son's journey through the therapy programmes at National University Hospital and how his development had greatly improved through early intervention.

Dr Ruth Zheng, Senior Consultant and Family Physician at National University Polyclinics added that a positive result from the questionnaire is not equivalent to an autism diagnosis and is more of a tool to guide the medical team in more in-depth assessment of the child. Ms Ong Li Ping, Nurse Manager at Pioneer Polyclinic highlighted that nurses would explain the scoring system and questions to parents, when administering the questionnaire.

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14
Mar
2024

Large-scale study shows promise in early autism detection among young children in Singapore

National University Health System

NUH Media ReleaseNUHS Media ReleaseNUP Media Release
14
Mar
2024

Helping restore mobility: How 3 S’pore healthcare professionals work with patients who’ve lost limbs

Others

​NUH's Senior Physiotherapist Jessie Tan is one of three medical professionals featured in a sponsored article by Healthcare Scholarship. She developed an interest in the amputee rehabilitation service after encountering such patients. She received a Learning Development Award, a scholarship given during employment to gain new knowledge and skills through postgraduate studies.

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13
Mar
2024

Long COVID in kids hard to pinpoint

The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission

​Post-COVID Rehabilitation Clinic services are run at National University Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. Dr Lim Jeong Hoon, Senior Consultant, Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, said these clinics had 190 patient visits in 2023, a drop from 250 in 2022. The outpatient Paediatric Infectious Diseases clinic under National University Hospital has seen 10 to 15 young patients with long COVID to date, according to Dr Chan Si Min, Head & Senior Consultant, Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Paediatrics, Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital.

Ms Jessica Law, Senior Physiotherapist, Department of Rehabilitation, National University Hospital, explained how vestibular rehabilitation helps patients like 10-year-old Sophie, who suffered from headaches, double vision and issues with balance after getting long COVID. Dr Chan added that in Sophie's case, the dizziness and balance issues are likely neurological symptoms of long COVID.

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13
Mar
2024

958新闻聊开来:背部疼痛的迷思(Capital 95.8 News: Myths on back pain)

Mediacorp News

​Dr Jonathan Tan, Consultant, National University Spine Institute (NUSI), National University Health System, debunked myths related to the spine. He said cancer patients should alert their doctors if they develop new neck or back pain. He reassured listeners that advancements have led to significantly improved outcomes in spinal surgeries, such that fears of being paralysed post-surgery are unfounded. Ms Chong Kar Huey, Principal Physiotherapist, National University Hospital, provided exercise tips that can strengthen the back or alleviate back pain.

The presenter gave a callout for the first NUSI public symposium, My Spine Hurts! What can I do?, and included registration details during the broadcast.

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13
Mar
2024

把握可控风险因素 有效预防结直肠癌 (Control modifiable risk factors to effectively prevent colorectal cancer)

联合早报 © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission

​March marks Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Dr Heidi Chang, Associate Consultant, Colorectal Surgery, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, provided an overview of colorectal cancer and highlighted that the incidence of colorectal cancer in Singapore has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. Dr Chang also stressed the importance of early detection through screening and explained the common symptoms and the treatment options available.

Dr Jonathan Lee, Consultant, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, is part of a team behind a new study that has linked certain types of gut bacteria to specific pre-cancerous colorectal polyps. He said 19 modifiable risk factors of colorectal cancer would impact one's microbiome composition, such as body mass index, diet and prescribed medications.

Ms Ma Whye Chung, Senior Dietitian, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, introduced the role diet plays in colorectal cancer prevention and management, and recommended dietary guidelines that can lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Ms Ma also emphasised the importance of considering overall dietary pattern rather than focusing on individual foods or nutrients. She encouraged a dietary pattern that consists of variety, moderation, and enjoyment of meals.

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13
Mar
2024

Long COVID in kids hard to pinpoint

The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission

Post-COVID Rehabilitation Clinic services are run at NUH and NTFGH. Dr Lim Jeong Hoon, Senior Consultant, Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Medicine, NUH, said these clinics had 190 patient visits in 2023, a drop from 250 in 2022. The outpatient Paediatric Infectious Diseases clinic under NUH has seen 10 to 15 young patients with long COVID to date, according to Dr Chan Si Min, Head & Senior Consultant, Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Paediatrics, KTP-NUCMI, NUH. 

Ms Jessica Law, Senior Physiotherapist, Department of Rehabilitation, NUH, explained how vestibular rehabilitation helps patients like 10-year-old Sophie, who suffered from headaches, double vision and issues with balance after getting long COVID. Dr Chan added that in Sophie's case, the dizziness and balance issues are likely neurological symptoms of long COVID.

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13
Mar
2024

On 10-year-old Sophie's journey with long COVID

Others

​Reports based on an earlier ST feature highlighted the experience of 10-year-old Sophie who suffers from long COVID. She started a therapeutic regimen in November 2022 that included innovative virtual-reality sessions at NUH aimed at restoring her balance. By March 2023, she took her first steps unaided.

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13
Mar
2024

Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children’s Medical Institute (KTP-NUCMI) Playground

Others

​Little Day Out featured the outdoor playground at KTP-NUCMI, NUH, which aims to make visits for parents with sick children as comfortable as possible by turning waiting time into play time. The article highlighted key features of the playground and stated that the child-centric and family-friendly approach creates a therapeutic environment that focuses on holistic healthcare for children.

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12
Mar
2024

Beberapa hospital di S’pura tawar menu berasas tumbuhan (Several hospitals offer plant-based menus in S`pore)

Berita Harian © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission

​Some hospitals in Singapore have started offering plant-based options on inpatient menus as part of their sustainability efforts, after evaluating them to be healthy and nutritionally balanced. Alexandra Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital have removed beef and mutton – considered the most carbon-intensive meat products globally – from their inpatient menus since August 2023, and replaced them with plant-based options made from soya protein. The hospitals say their plant-based options are offered to patients at no additional cost, and that the meals have been evaluated by their dietitians to be healthy and nutritionally balanced. Currently, Alexandra Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital offer plant-based options for lunch and dinner two to three times a week. 

National University Hospital has also incorporated plant-based options on inpatient menus since 2018. An National University Hospital spokesperson shared that the hospital offers these plant-based options for every meal, and that the evaluation of plant-based dishes in National University Hospital often revolves around promoting health and meeting patients' dietary needs. Chefs and dietitians collaborate closely to develop recipes for plant-based dishes, ensuring they meet patients' nutritional requirements while aligning with dietary guidelines and restrictions.

Only patients with no dietary restrictions can choose plant-based options from the inpatient menu. Alexandra Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital estimate that about 5 per cent of their patients opt for plant-based options, while the take-up rate at National University Hospital is about 15 per cent.

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12
Mar
2024

青光眼可致盲须及早诊治 (Glaucoma can cause blindness, early diagnosis and treatment required)

联合早报 © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission

​In conjunction with World Glaucoma Week, SNEC will host two complimentary webinars on 16 March. The distinguished speakers for the event include Dr Tan Chai Keong, Clinical Fellow, Department of Ophthalmology, NUH.

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12
Mar
2024

Low COVID-19 transmission rate from moms to newborns

Others

​Pregnant women in Singapore have a low chance of passing on COVID-19 to their newborns, a study by KKH, SGH and NUH has found. This is likely attributed to the higher vaccination rate among the pregnant population.

Media ArticlesNUH in the News
11
Mar
2024

Some hospitals offer plant-based menu options

The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission

Some hospitals in Singapore have started offering plant-based options on inpatient menus as part of their sustainability efforts, after evaluating them to be healthy and nutritionally balanced. Alexandra Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital have removed beef and mutton – considered the most carbon-intensive meat products globally – from their inpatient menus since August 2023, and replaced them with plant-based options made from soya protein. The hospitals say their plant-based options are offered to patients at no additional cost, and that the meals have been evaluated by their dietitians to be healthy and nutritionally balanced. Currently, Alexandra Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital offer plant-based options for lunch and dinner two to three times a week. 

National University Hospital has also incorporated plant-based options on inpatient menus since 2018. An National University Hospital spokesperson shared that the hospital offers these plant-based options for every meal, and that the evaluation of plant-based dishes in National University Hospital often revolves around promoting health and meeting patients' dietary needs. Chefs and dietitians collaborate closely to develop recipes for plant-based dishes, ensuring they meet patients' nutritional requirements while aligning with dietary guidelines and restrictions.

Only patients with no dietary restrictions can choose plant-based options from the inpatient menu. Alexandra Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital estimate that about 5 per cent of their patients opt for plant-based options, while the take-up rate at National University Hospital is about 15 per cent.

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10
Mar
2024

She could not walk, talk, eat or breathe

The Sunday Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission

​The Sunday Times Life featured the inspirational story of National University Health System Caregiver Award winner Mr Kannon Kwan, whose wife was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The article cited Dr Amanda Chin, Associate Consultant, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, who shared the symptoms of the condition and how it is a rare autoimmune disorder. Mr Kwan diligently cared for his wife through seven challenging weeks, and she was eventually discharged from National University Hospital to Alexandra Hospital for a month of intensive rehabilitation.

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