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CGH's Quality and Innovations

  

What's On at CGH

 

CGH’s Quality and Innovations
The CGH Quality Convention was held at the Auditorium on 21 Oct 2002. Held twice a year, the highlight of this convention was a showcase of innovative projects initiated by the staff-driven Quality Circles teams.
Services quality Awards (Single Act) winners: Medical Social Worker Goh Chiang Choo (left) and Senior Medical Social Worker Ms Lim song Lee (right)

This year, 23 QC teams from CGH helped the hospital save more than $400,000 in terms of cost savings, time savings and greater convenience for patients. The top innovations from CGH’s Quality Circles were also presented during the inaugural SingHealth Quality Convention held recently.

Patients in splints often suffer from foot ulcers caused by the splint that is made of hard material and traps moisture. The “Chemistry” QC team, made up of a podiatrist and nurses, designed a new foot support device. Unlike traditional splints, the new foot device is well cushioned, lends good support and good air circulation. It is also environmentally friendly because it can be washed and reused by other patients. Nurses no longer need to remove the patients’ splints for checks at regular intervals. Of course, patients are happier when they can concentrate on regaining their mobility.

Another innovation is in place for Orthopaedic patients. This time, it is to help patients with upper limb injuries who have problems getting in and out with their hospital pyjamas. The “Enforcer” QC team worked with the hospital’s tailor to specially design a set of pyjamas which can be worn with ease by patients with upper limb injuries. Press studs were sewn on the sides, underarms and shoulder portion of the pyjamas so that the opening is now at the sides. Wearing the pyjamas from the side also means it will not interfere with the affected limb or any orthopaedic gadgets such as the cast, external fixator, etc.

 
 

Besides innovative projects, the hospital also seeks to continuously improve on the level of quality service and care provided by our staff. The Quality Convention is a time where we highlight and give recognition to the service champions in CGH.

Medical social workers, Ms Goh Chiang Choo and Ms Lim Song Lee won the Service Quality Award (Single Act) this year. A family of five faced financial difficulties because the father had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The father became bedridden and had to be taken care of by his nine-year-old school-going son. Besides helping the family get Medifund assistance and monthly aid from Singapore Cancer Society, Chiang Choo and Song Lee went a step further to help the family who was struggling to make sense of their tragedy.

 
New pyjamas feature buttons on the inside for orthopaedic patients with upper limb injuries.


 

 
 
New foot device that helps reduce foot ulcers will be in use at all CGH's Orthopaedic Wards.

One evening, they visited the family at home and gave them strength to talk about their fears and about the father’s condition. They taught them how to bear the pain and how to love and appreciate the father before his passing.

With that, the shroud over the family was lifted. They showed their love, celebrated their father’s birthday and supported him in his last days. Even though the father has passed on, the family is deeply appreciative of what
Chiang Choo and Song Lee had done.