CONNECT
Features
Nat
iona
l Kid
ney
Foun
datio
n RO
C N
o. 2
0010
4750
MMICA (P) 291/04/2008
Dec 2008 - Feb 2009
Caring for Our Patients
Amazing motherswho went through great lengths for their miracle babies!
NKF‘sHolistic Care
4Music that touches the heart 6
Official Opening of NKF’s 23rd Dialysis Centre10
- More on page 2
Inside:Progress Report for FY 07/08
NKF CONNECT Dec 2008 - Feb 2009 NKF CONNECT Dec 2008 - Feb 2009
32
Pregnancy amongst dialysis patients is extremely
rare, with only 1% - 7% chance of conceiving.
Even so, fewer than half of the newborns survive
as most of them are born prematurely, even though sur-
vival rate has improved in recent years. Moreover, these
pregnant mothers risk higher chances of miscar-
riage, hypertension and also have to
endure daily dialysis instead of the
normal thrice weekly.
1st south East asian
Dialysis PatiEnt to
concEivE
Despite knowing the difficulty
and risks involved in having
a baby, these mothers part-
nered with NKF to fulfill their
dreams of motherhood.
When Nooraini Abdul Rah-
man first found out that
she was pregnant, she
cried tears of joy. This
was 16 years ago, her
pregnancy made head-
line news as she was the first
dialysis patient in South-East
Asia to conceive a miracle baby.
Although she was informed of
the implications and high risks
involved, the ever determined
Nooraini was resolute to see
her baby brought into this
Caring for Our Patients
world. “I didn’t mind all the risks. I was determined to
deliver”. Today, seeing her daughter, Nurhaidayah, as an
active and healthy 16-year-old has made it worth all that
Nooraini had gone through. In fact, it warms Nooraini’s
heart to know that Nurhaidayah aspires to be a nurse so
as to help her go through dialysis.
Enormous suPPort from nKf Doctors
anD nursEs
For Jennifer Tan who is NKF’s
2nd female patient to be
pregnant, the physical
strain is still a vivid mem-
ory. Thankfully, she had
great support from the
nurses at her dialysis cen-
tre. “The daily dialysis left
me really tired. The transition from having
dialysis three times a week to a daily one
was not easy. But I’m really grateful for the
nurses’ constant support and understand-
ing during that period of time”.
“The nurses at Bukit Panjang Dialysis Centre
were very caring and gave me tremendous
support. I’m really thankful for all the help
they provided”. Dr Mooppil Nandakumar,
Head of Medical Services, said the doc-
tors and nurses had to ensure that the mothers were un-
der supervision, and make the necessary arrangements
for their daily dialysis. To support and encourage these
mothers for being so brave, the NKF did not charge them
extra for undergoing daily dialysis.
liKE mothEr, liKE chilD
Though many of these babies were born prematurely, they
faced the uphill tasks of growing up head on, just like their
strong-minded mothers. Says Jennifer Tan of her pride
and joy, “Javier did very well in the incubator and within
three weeks, he grew to 2kg and was fit to go home”.
To date, there are 8 miracle babies in NKF. Many of these
babies are growing up normally like their peers. But for
all 8 of them, they get to tell of the bravery their mothers
have gone through to give birth to them. These babies
are, without a doubt, fighters in life and bring a great
joy to their mothers who gave birth to them against all
odds. The NKF mothers also enjoy watching their ba-
bies grow and are very supportive of other female pa-
tients who dream of motherhood but are hesitant due
to the complications. They believe that patients should
still be entitled to enjoy motherhood despite their condi-
tions.
to go through nine months of pregnancy is no easy feat for women. ask any mother and she will tell you so. But for a woman on dialysis, the journey from pregnancy to delivery is a tremendous challenge that few know of…
Jenn
ifer
and
her
son
Javi
er
NKF CONNECT Dec 2008 - Feb 2009 NKF CONNECT Dec 2008 - Feb 2009
54
dialysis, where emergency medical services are readily
accessible. Collaborating with private dialysis centres will
also free up space at its 24 dialysis centres island-wide
and reduce the need to build new centres.
ProviDing frEE BlooD tEsts
to all PatiEnts
To further help kidney patients
cope with the rising costs of
living, the NKF is now pro-
viding free blood tests
for its patients, which
are an essential part
of their dialysis treat-
ment. The provision
of free blood tests
took effect on 1 April
2008. Patients need
to undergo regular blood
tests throughout the year and
the NKF will bear the total cost of
approximately $584,000 per year.
53% of suBsiDisED PatiEnts Pay $50 or lEss
a month
The NKF’s subsidised dialysis programme is to help its
needy patients. 95% of our patients receive NKF sub-
sidies and other form of subsidies while the remaining
are full–paying patients, which is capped at 10% of the
NKF haemodialysis patient population. For the financial
year 2007/2008, the NKF disbursed subsidies for dialy-
sis and auxiliary services amounting to $20 million to its
needy kidney patients and beneficiaries.
EstaBlishED a PatiEnt WElfarE funD
The NKF set up a Patient Welfare Fund to provide:
1) Food vouchers worth $25 per monthEligible needy patients were each given a $25 food vouch-
er per month as part of our efforts to lessen their finan-
cial burden as well as improve their quality of life. Patients
have to utilise the food vouchers by purchasing food with
nutritional value as recommended by our nutritionist at
designated supermarkets. There were 147 patients ben-
efiting from this scheme as at 30 June 2008.
2) Transport subsidies as well as medical equipment subsidies to the indigent poorPatients are required to go for dialysis thrice weekly to
achieve the desired medical outcome. There are poor pa-
tients who cannot afford to pay for transport costs to travel
to and from the dialysis centres about 13 times a month.
There are others who cannot afford medical equipment
such as wheelchairs. As such, under this scheme, needy
patients who pass the means test will receive the relevant
subsidies.
launchED a PortaBlE suBsiDy ProgrammE
The NKF introduced a new scheme where it provides
portable subsidy to needy patients who are unable to be
admitted into its dialysis programme because they suffer
from other medical complications. The NKF is not licensed
to handle such cases. For example, the NKF cannot treat
patients with heart conditions, as its dialysis centres are
primarily managed by nurses. This scheme will help en-
sure that no needy patient is deprived of dialysis treat-
ment. The NKF will disbursed subsidies to such patients
so that they can seek dialysis treatment at private dialy-
sis centres in a hospital setting, that is, high dependency
Patients’ Co-payment Per Month (Incl. GST)
subsidised Patients’ full Paying Patients’
co-payment co-payment
No. of Patients % of Patients No. of Patients %of Patients
total patients with co-payment below $50
$51-$200 418 20% 7 7%
$201-$400 275 13% 12 12%
>$400 279 14% 20 19%
total number of Patients 2,057 100% 104 100%(fee confirmed)
1,085 53% 65 63%
note:- There are full-paying patients who receive sponsorship mainly from government organisations. - All figures as at 30 June, 2008
Number of Haemodialysis Patients
2200
2150
2100
2050
2000
1950January
2007June2007
January2008
June2008
1993
2037
2105
2161
Number of Peritoneal Dialysis Beneficiaries
220
210
200
190
180
170
160
150
140
148
198
211 211
January2007
June2007
January2008
June2008
ProviDing PatiEnts accEss to chEaPEr
footcarE sErvicEs
The NKF collaborated with the Singapore Footcare Cen-
tre to provide patients with cheaper foot care services.
About 800 of the NKF’s patient population are diabetic.
Of these, 150 of them have had either above or below the
knee, or toe amputations.
Regular checks on the feet are crucial for diabetics so
that wounds can be treated before they get infected.
Otherwise, amputation of toes, feet or even part of the
leg would be necessary.
With the collaboration, the podiatrist will visit the patients
at the respective dialysis centres for foot screening and
necessary treatment, making the podiatry services more
convenient and accessible. This one-stop service will
also help patients save time and money on travelling.
Caring for Our Patients
NKF CONNECT Dec 2008 - Feb 2009 NKF CONNECT Dec 2008 - Feb 2009
76
50-year-old Anita Mui is a homemaker who also
runs a home-based cookery class. Having read
about NKF’s Circle of Hearts Programme in the
papers last year, Anita and her husband called NKF to
enquire about how they can contribute. And what bet-
ter way to contribute than to use her skills in cooking to
teach patients how to whip up a storm.
And Anita’s cooking class has proven to be a great hit
with the patients at Clementi Dialysis Centre. Demon-
strating that Singaporean are food lovers, on the session
on 6 August, patients who were not dialysing in the morn-
ing arrived early for the cookery lesson. The dishes for
the day were ‘Water Chestnut Cake’ and ‘Bitter Gourd
with Chicken’. Our volunteer chef tweaked the water
chestnut recipe to make it a wholesome treat that was
not too sweet for the patients. It was a hit with all the
participants.
Kidney patients are often reminded to avoid food that is
high in phosphorus content such as bitter gourd. Howev-
er, a complete avoidance is not always necessary. Anita
shared an invaluable tip when she demonstrated how the
phosphorus content in bitter gourd could be reduced just
by soaking it in water for 10 minutes before stir-frying.
Some participants eagerly offered cooking suggestions
like spicing the bitter gourd with chilli. The end result?
The finished dish was gobbled up in minutes. Before the
lesson ended, the participants were already asking about
the next class.
“ I’m so glad to know many new friends in NKF and I re-
ally enjoy sharing my cooking experience with them. I am
also inspired by their new ideas on how to spice up the
dishes. Making some new friends in NKF is something
unexpected and I’m looking forward to sharing our life
experiences together”, said Anita.
One of the patients, Mdm Chong Leng who attended the
class said, “It was very well-organised. I enjoyed learning
the recipes and really appreciate the nurses and staff who
helped organise this for us”.
Cooking Up
Encouraging Volunteerism
HEARTthat touches the
MUSIC
Without any fanfare, some Hwa Chong Junior
College students who are musically-inclined
have been using music to soothe the patients’
soul. The idea first came about from student Huiqi, who felt
that they could use their musical talents to benefit those
who need it while sharing their love for music. Each time, a
group of 2 to 4 students will play a series of music pieces
using various instruments such as harmonica, violin, and
guitar. The performance usually lasts around one hour but
the students will oblige to play a few more pieces if the pa-
tients request for it. Taking into consideration that majority
of the patients are elderly, the group would perform some
Mandarin oldies from singers like Teresa Teng.
EnrichmEnt ProgrammEVolunteers can help enrich the lives of patients by leveraging on their
own skills and interests to help patients acquire new skills and hobbies.
If you have skills such as qi gong, cooking, gardening, art & craft, music,
stained-glass painting, balloon sculpting, etc, do join us in sharing them
with our patients. For more information, please call 6299 0200 or email
us at [email protected].
Patient enjoying the soothing music during
the performance
When asked if he would encourage others to volunteer
at NKF, student Zihao replied enthusiastically, “For sure,
dialysis patients need companionship and understand-
ing and by offering what we do, we’re providing a con-
ducive treatment environment for them. Moreover, the
staff at NKF offers positive feedback on how we can im-
prove our performance thus making our efforts here very
meaningful”.
Staff nurse Marissa Sanchez told the student volunteers
that although the patients seemed very quiet, deep in
their hearts, they are really appreciative of the students
volunteering on a weekend instead of enjoying them-
selves elsewhere. In addition, to show their appreciation,
the nurses at Bukit Batok Dialysis Centre took the initia-
tive to buy some cakes and drinks for the students.
Patient Bu Bah Chee said, “I am glad I get to listen to such
wonderful music to kick start my day. At least I didn’t feel
sleepy and it helped me pass my dialysis time quickly”.
NKF CONNECT Dec 2008 - Feb 2009 NKF CONNECT Dec 2008 - Feb 2009
98
PuBlishED a cooK BooK
on hEalthy rEciPEs
A well-balanced diet
is important for pa-
tients to stay fit.
They have to eat
the right kind
and amount of
food. It is es-
sential for di-
alysis patients
to have the
right amount of protein,
calories, fluids, vitamins and minerals each
day. Therefore, the NKF embarked on a project to come
up with a cook book with suitable, yet tasty recipes for
patients. Eleven patients came forward to contribute their
very own recipes. The cook book was published and of-
ficially launched on 16 March 2008. This Cook Book is
not only available in major local book stores, but also in
leading bookstores in the Asian region. It is also available
on-line at Amazon.com, one of the biggest on-line book-
stores world-wide.
imProving PatiEnts’ Physical fitnEss
To improve patients’ functional fitness, several fitness pro-
grammes have been introduced to help patients remain
active and lead a normal life. To further enhance
patients’ physical fitness, exercise pro-
grammes like Patients’ Active Day and
Sunday Walks are conducted to pro-
mote a healthy and active lifestyle
among patients through fun activi-
ties. This is also to educate patients
on the importance and benefits of
exercise and provide a platform for
patients, staff, family members and
volunteers to interact.
The first Patients’ Active Day was launched on 30 Sep-
tember 2007 at the NKF Centre in Kim Keat where 374
patients and staff attended the event. In conjunction with
this event, the NKF launched the Stepillow to encour-
age patients to exercise more regularly as part of their
rehabilitation. Patients can use it to exercise at home
and during dialysis. The Stepillow, which was given
free of charge to patients, mimics the movement of
stepping in a seated position. It helps to improve lower
body strength and blood circulation.
The second Patients’ Active Day was held at Singapore
Discovery Centre on 30 December 2007, in conjunction
with the New Year. The activities included a mass exer-
cise and a discovery race with 384 participants. The third
Patients’ Active Day was held at Hort Park in conjunction
with World Kidney Day on 16 March 2008. The activities
included a tour of Hort Park, grasshopper weaving with
leaves and terrarium basic propagation workshops for
patients. The event drew an attendance of 513 patients,
staff and volunteers, the highest thus far.
taKing carE of PatiEnts’
Psycho-social nEEDs
Taking care of the emotional and psycho-social needs
of the patients is equally important in NKF’s dialysis pro-
gramme. There were a total of 271 cases being re-
ferred to our NKF Medical Social Workers.
Thirty-two group sessions were held
by three patient support groups.
The purpose of the support
groups is to enhance patients’
rehabilitation efforts by pro-
viding relevant information
on their lifestyle adjustments
due to dialysis. It also serves
as an opportunity for patients
to interact and learn from one
another. The support group
members aim to build
stronger relationships
with other patients
and nurses through
organised social ac-
tivities such as a fish-
ing trip to Pasir Ris
Fishing Pond, movie
screenings, and festive
celebrations.
hElPing PatiEnts to BE
gainfully EmPloyED
The NKF collaborates with various companies, employ-
ment agencies, and voluntary welfare organisations to
help patients be gainfully employed. There have been 50
patients who have returned to the workforce through this
programme. The companies that offered jobs to the NKF
patients include KFC & Pizza Hut Management, Evtec
Security, PICO Guards, ESW Shield Way Services and
SMRT.
PatiEnts’ WEEKly PlacEmEnt oriEntation
ProgrammE
The Patient Orientation Programme is aimed at inspiring
newly admitted patients towards better self-care through
sharing of positive patient testimonies and personal expe-
riences. It also provides an overview of the NKF’s value-
adding services and rehabilitative programmes.
At this Placement Orientation Programme, new patients
are issued with the Patient Handbook and invited to watch
video presentations where they are introduced to the Care
and Counselling staff who will be handling their cases.
Since rehabilitation is an important factor in the NKF’s di-
alysis programme, new patients are also introduced to the
Exercise Specialists and Dietitians and to the services they
provide. The policies and regulations of the Dialysis Cen-
tres are also introduced to the new patients.
Since the launch of this programme, new patients have
found it helpful as they get to receive first-hand informa-
tion on the NKF’s policies and programmes and also get
to know and interact with the staff.
Caring for Our Patients
Volunteer Simon Neo befriending NKF patient
NKF CONNECT Dec 2008 - Feb 2009 NKF CONNECT Dec 2008 - Feb 2009
OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2008 fy 2007/08 financial Period 2006/07 variance
(12 months) (18 months) (annualised (comparative 12 months) figures are on an annualised basis)
S$’000 S$’000 S$’000 S$’000
Dialysis and Prevention Services Income 24,651 38,916 25,944 (1,293)
Expenses (39,003) (56,399) (37,599) (1,404)
Results (14,352) (17,483) (11,655) (2,697)
Donations and Grants Income 28,086 39,984 26,656 1,430
Expenses (882) (2,964) (1,976) 1,094
Results 27,204 37,020 24,680 2,524
Investment Management Income 3,700 22,965 15,310 (11,610)
Expenses (489) (697) (465) (24)
Results 3,211 22,268 14,845 (11,634)
Sundry Income 1,034 4,619 3,079 (2,045)
Miscellaneous Services Income 1 54 36 (35)
Expenses (52) (144) (96) 44
Results (51) (90) (60) 9
Administrative Costs (8,003) (15,099) (11,799) 3,796
Surplus for the financial year 9,043 31,235 19,090 (10,047)
1110
Involving the Community
The Pei Hwa Foundation-NKF Dialysis Centre is the
23rd of the 24 dialysis centres of NKF. The centre
costs $1.5m to built, of which $1.25m was funded
by Pei Hwa Foundation. Operating on three shifts daily,
this new centre has 20 dialysis stations that can accom-
modate a total of 120 kidney patients living or working in
Ang Mo Kio and its neighbouring constituencies, provid-
ing them with easy access and convenience. The Centre
will also be able to cater to new patients in the northern
part of Singapore in the coming years. Currently, the pa-
tient occupancy is 60%.
The Official Opening was held on 17th Aug and was offici-
ated by our Guest-of-Honour, Dr Balaji Sadasivan, Senior
Minister of State for Ministry of Foreign Affairs (pictured
centred). The Special Guest was MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC,
Dr Lam Pin Min. The VIPs and the public were treated
to a special tour of the Dialysis Centre conducted by our
NKF Nurse Managers. The tour featured different stations
where the public got a closer glimpse of what a dialysis pa-
Pei hwa Foundation-nKF Dialysis centre official opening
tient has to go through during dialysis. Every station clearly
showed the types of medication they have to take, food
they have to avoid, and how the dialysis machine works.
Posters showing the latest statistics and major causes of
kidney failure were also put up to increase awareness of
the disease.
The public was also treated to a cooking demonstra-
tion by NKF patients who passionately shared their own
healthy recipes. Many members of the public swamped
to the cooking demonstration table when it was time for
some food sampling (pictured right). There was also a
Health Bazaar where various vendors set up stalls to sell
health food such as nuts, seeds, organic olive oil, brown
rice, fruits and much more.
This event also showcased volunteers with talents in singing,
playing the keyboard and Festival Drums (pictured left). They
took the stage and entertained the participants throughout
the event.
Financial Information The Financial Statements were audited by: RSM Chio Lim, Certified Public
Accountants (FY 2007/08 & FP 2006/07)
BALANCE SHEET As at 30 Jun 2008 As at 30 Jun 2007 S$’000 S$’000
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 49,634 158,936
Investment securities 6,108 35,150
Trade and other receivables 4,339 5,792
Other assets 318 1,074
Inventories 728 1,687
61,127 202,639
Non-current Assets
Other receivables 1,701 2,435
Investment securities 199,226 50,543
Property, plant and equipment 23,516 23,829
Other assets 2,471 2,593
226,914 79,400
Total Assets 288,041 282,039
Trade and other payables 9,535 12,576
Total Liabilities 9,535 12,576
Unrestricted Fund 247,146 236,577
Restricted Fund 27,276 28,826
Endowment Fund 4,084 4,060
Total Funds 278,506 269,463
Total Liabilities and Funds 288,041 282,039
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Birthday DonationsFor most of us, birthday celebrations are usually centred around ourselves. But for two of our donors, their birthday
celebrations were an occasion to focus on others and care for those who are less
fortunate than them. One of these benevolent individuals is Venerable Zhiyan
from Hua Yan Buddhist Society who donated $20,000 to NKF on his birthday
this year.
Another supporter is Mr Chan Chow Siang who donated all $34,150 that he
received from his family and guests during his 80th birthday celebration dinner.
Indeed, for these generous individuals, birthdays are better celebrated as an
occasion to selflessly reflect upon what they already have in life and help those
who do not have. Venerable Zhiyan presenting his donations to NKF
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