SGH offers free programme to encourage such patients to take care of their health
By
April Chong
THERE are some patients that hospitals are hoping never to see again, so they are working on helping them avoid repeat hospital admissions.
They are those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol who can be taught to take charge of their conditions.
The Singapore General Hospital (SGH) now runs a free programme to put back into its patients' hands the power to maintain their own health.
The National Healthcare Group, under which Alexandra, Tan Tock Seng and National University hospitals fall, started such a self-management programme in 2004, but patients have to pay $40 to attend it at its polyclinics. The group also runs Care Management Centres in Bedok, Jurong and Toa Payoh dedicated to chronic-disease care.
SGH's Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme, begun this year for those with at least one chronic disease, lasts six weeks. SGH patients identified for it are urged to go for the programme.
Workshops lasting 21/2 hours each are run every Saturday for groups of 10 to 15 participants. Nurse facilitators running these workshops cover topics like exercise, nutrition, breathing techniques and the correct use of medication.
Read the full story in Friday's edition of The Straits Times.
