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Home About CGH Hospital Overview CGH 90th Anniversary Care Grows Here When Caring Comes Full Circle

When Caring Comes Full Circle

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Ian shares on his role as Head and Senior Consultant of Otorhinolaryngology at CGH.

Ree Yi shares why she became a nurse.

For CGH Senior Staff Nurse Ree Yi, nursing is not just a profession, but a legacy.

Her earliest inspiration came from her mother, a nurse who continues to work at the operating theatre even today.

“She’s my role model,” Ree Yi shares with a smile. “When I started my nursing career in the operating theatre, we were in the same specialisation. And now at 71, she's still very active, powering through her work in the operating theatre. I guess you could say I literally followed in her footsteps.”

That shared beginning sparked a journey that has taken Ree Yi through some of the most complex and meaningful corners of healthcare – from the high-pressure pace of the operating theatres to the world of specialty nursing at Changi General Hospital.

Ree Yi first joined the hospital in 2009 where she honed her skills as an operating theatre nurse for about six years. The exposure to the precision and complexity involved in spinal surgeries sparked her interest and encouraged her to pursue a career as a specialty nurse focused on spinal care. 

She then spent several years working in plastic and reconstructive nursing – caring for babies with cleft conditions and managing delicate wounds.

“It was a steep learning curve,” she recalls. “But the experience made me a better nurse – it taught me to truly see the person behind each condition.”

Ian shares on his role as Head and Senior Consultant of Otorhinolaryngology at CGH.

Ree Yi shares how she reassures patients during counselling

When an opportunity in specialty nursing opened up at CGH, she returned to home ground with enhanced skills and a renewed sense of purpose.

“My experiences in wound management and spinal surgeries equipped me well to guide spine patients through both the technical and emotional aspects of recovery.”

For spine care nurses like Ree Yi, caring for patients starts even before they step into surgery. She spends time counselling them – explaining what to expect, how recovery works, and why early mobilisation matters.

“I try to prepare them for what’s ahead,” she says. “Even something as simple as helping them manage their anxiety, or adjusting medications to manage their pain before their physiotherapy sessions can make a big difference."

Her attention to detail often translates to simple but impactful solutions. Noticing that patients’ back dressings often rolled up after surgery, she introduced a practical fix to secure the dressing with medical-grade tape.

“It may seem small, but it helps patients feel more comfortable and confident. That’s what matters.”

Her care extends to the everyday moments – from reminding patients to avoid traditional tonics that may hamper post-surgery recovery, to checking if any pets may affect their movement at home.

“Every patient has a story. When you take the time to understand it, you can care for them better.”

Through it all, her mother remains her anchor and inspiration.

“It has been an interesting learning journey, sharing our work challenges and experiences, and growing together," reflects Ree Yi. “Now I see how much wisdom she has, and we understand each other better. Watching her reminds me that real strength is the quiet, steady, and kind.”

Ian shares on his role as Head and Senior Consultant of Otorhinolaryngology at CGH.

Ree Yi's mother continues to be her source of inspiration.

 

Even as spinal surgeries today have progressed significantly with technology and medical advances, Ree Yi hopes more patients will feel empowered to take charge of their recovery, and that nurses like her can continue to bridge compassion with innovation.

“My mum taught me that good care includes both skill and heart,” she says. “That’s what I bring to every patient each day.”

Read about how Ree Yi works with Principal Physiotherapist Samantha Foo to deliver care at the Caring General Hospital here.
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