he 10 month-long celebration of CGH’s 10th anniversary was brought to a close with a big bang literally at the hospital’s Dinner & Dance on 17 December 2006.

Laser and pyrotechnic performances threw open the party at the Swissotel ballroom with a loud blast, followed by a parade of staff in fancy costumes that tied in with the dinner theme, “Flight of Fantasy” . Even Mr T K Udairam, CEO, joined the fun dressed up as Aragon and joined the parade to the cheers and delight of everyone in the ballroom.

President SR Nathan, Guest-of-Honour, Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for Health, Mr Heng Chee How, Minister of State, and Mayor Zainul Abideen Rasheed, Northeast Community Development Council, were there to grace the occasion, and so were about 1,560 CGH staff and invited guests.

Besides the hospital’s birthday, the occasion also celebrated a few CGH staff’s extraordinary achievements.

Dr Chng Hong Chee, Senior Consultant, Department of General Surgery, was conferred the title of Emeritus Consultant. The conferment extends accolades to Dr Chng and recognises his significant contributions to CGH and the medical field. He was the Chief of Surgery at Toa Payoh Hospital and Changi General Hospital (1985 – 1999), and our Chairman Medical Board (1989 – 1998).

Three other persons also received special recognition. They are best clinical teacher, Dr Teo Eng Kiong, Chief of Medicine, Dr Andrew Tan, Senior Consultant, Radiology, and Dr Tan Soo Guan, Consultant, Anaesthesia. Prizes were also handed out to the top research papers on clinical, nursing and allied health from CGH 3rd Research Forum.

Emotions ran high throughout the night with everyone participating in games and lucky draws, and lapping up performances by the staff. The general sentiments of appreciation and gratification were aptly encapsulated in Mr Udairam’s speech.

He says: “CGH will not be what it is today without its staff. Some of you have steadfastly grown alongside the hospital since day one. To all of you here tonight, and to those who are not here because they are taking care of patients in the hospital, I like to say a very big ‘Thank You.”