KEEP

Volume 18/2008

Cover Story

KDN:PP15108/05/2009

Arthritis Foundation Malaysia – All About Arthritis by Arthritis Foundation Malaysia

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rthritis Foundation Malaysia (AFM) was set up in 1995 by a group of doctors and patients who were interested in doing more for arthritis sufferers. Since then, AFM has been the only voice for arthritis patients. It has progressed steadily with the help and efforts from the dedicated committee members. AFM’s membership has now grown to over 500 members. The foundation aims to continuously educate patients about arthritis related diseases. This is achieved through development of informational leaflets, available in English, Malay and Chinese. AFM also publishes ‘Joint Efforts’, a newsletter (three times a year) that covers informational and educational articles about arthritis as well as announcements on forums/ workshops. In addition, other initiatives under AFM include a website (www.afm.org.my), public forums, media coverage

on arthritis, VCD on arthritis and exercises. The activities carried out by the Foundation are to promote the Bone and Joint Decade, which is a World Health Organisation’s (WHO) initiative to raise awareness about musculoskeletal conditions and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Patient support group for rheumatoid arthritis was established in November 2004 to

encourage interaction and foster good relationships among patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis – a chronic arthritis that cripples a person if no early treatment is provided. AFM also set up an Arthritis Fund in March 2003, to subsidise financially-challenged patients in purchasing artificial joints (prosthesis). Arthritis and bone diseases are becoming more common and continuous research needs to be in place to identify more effective treatments. Thus, the Arthritis Research Fund was established last year. AFM is also responsible for recommending, promoting and assisting in the formulation of legislature on improving the services and facilities for people living with rheumatic, arthritis and related diseases. As a non-governmental organisation, the foundation is supported mainly through membership fees and public donation.

Below is a rundown of the different types of arthritis with a brief explanation:

Arthritis Name

What is it?

1. Ankylosing Spondylitis A chronic condition that causes inflammation outside the joint with lower back strains/pains as the early symptoms. With early diagnosis and proper management, the pain and stiffness of ankylosing spondylitis can be minimised and the deformity considerably reduced. 2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome A condition where sensations of pain, tingling, aching or numbness over the thumb, index, middle fingers and the forearm are experienced. It usually affects one hand and it is often the dominant hand. 3. Gout It is one of the oldest and most common forms of arthritis. Gout causes inflammation of the joint, with swelling, warmth, redness and pain. It is a disease in which there is a build-up of uric acid in the body. Repeated attacks of gout will lead to joint damage and chronic arthritis. 4. Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis can be easily identified as joint failure, probably due to repeated damage over time. People who are older and overweight are more prone to knee osteoarthritis. It is an incurable disease but early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent deterioration. 5. Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis affects the lining of joints, causing swelling, pain and stiffness. This disease affects about one in ten people who have psoriasis and can occur years after you get the skin condition. 6. Rheumatoid Arthritis It is a complicated disease that can vary a great deal from person to person. This disease makes the joints in our body inflamed, causing warmth, pain and swelling to the affected joints. There is currently no cure but combination of joint care, treatment with drugs and/or surgery can help alleviate the symptoms. 7. Scleroderma Scleroderma is an uncommon chronic condition. It affects the joints, tendons, muscles and the connective tissue that supports and surrounds the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs and many other organs. Contractures (when a joint tightens into a bent position) may occur due to tightening of the skin and involvement of the tissues surrounding the joints.

Patron of AFM: Toh Puan Datuk Seri Hjh Dr. Aishah Ong

Volume 18/2008 Cover Story • Arthritis Foundation Malaysia – All About Arthritis Feature Stories • Stop It Before It Stops You • Arthritis in Men • Osteoarthritis – Wear and Tear of Your Cartilage • The Gist of Tai Chi • “The Wave of Success” – SunMed Dynamic Wave’s ICC Success Story • S unMed Celebrates ‘Environmental Safety & Health’, ‘Customer Service Week’ and ‘Children’s Day’ • SunMed LEAN Club Made It to Asia Arena! Medical Interview • Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis – My Story

The Editorial team: S. Shobana, Shaniz Chan, Dr Chong Su-Lin, Arthritis Foundation Malaysia, Dr Chow Sook Khuan, Dr Amir Azlan Zain, Dr Asmahan Mohamed Ismail, Annie Hay, Master Sim Eng Ker, Pn Zauyah Tarmizzi, and Thumb-Print Studio Sdn Bhd. Printed by Tinggi Press Sdn Bhd.

Keep Smiling is a quarterly publication by Sunway Medical Centre Bhd. If you would like to contribute to this publication, materials can be sent to: Sunway Medical Centre Berhad 5 Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Phone: 603 5631 4032 www.sunway.com.my/sunmed Attention to S. Shobana, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications – [email protected]

Current President of AFM: Dr Chow Sook Khuan For more information about Arthritis Foundation Malaysia, please contact: Arthritis Foundation Malaysia Lower Ground Floor, c/o Sunway Medical Centre, 5, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya. Tel: 03 5631 6177 [Mon, Wed, Fri (9.00am – 1.00pm)] Email: [email protected] Website: www.afm.org.my

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Stop It Before It Stops You by Dr Chow Sook Khuan, Consultant Rheumatologist, Sunway Medical Centre

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rthritis is a symptom, which simply means inflammation of the joints. There are over 100 different types of diseases that can cause arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis to name a few. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common serious inflammatory form of arthritis. The symptoms include inflammation and soft tissue swelling of many joints at the same time. It is an autoimmune disorder whereby the deregulated immune system starts to attack the joints. It is a chronic condition in which the synovium (the tissue that lines and lubricates the joints) becomes inflamed. Rheumatoid arthritis is three to four times more common in women than in men. Even though it normally occurs at the age of 30 and above, children can also be affected. Basically, anyone at any age can have rheumatoid arthritis. The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are pain,

Joints Affected in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hand and feet joint damages in untreated rheumatoid arthritis.

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but if diagnosed at an early stage, it is reversible with treatment

Before DMARDs therapy

After DMARDs therapy

stiffness, and swelling in the joints of the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, knees or neck. If a joint on one side of the body is affected, usually the same joint on the other side of the body will also be affected. The pain of rheumatoid arthritis is typically worse in the morning compared to the classic pain of osteoarthritis where the pain worsens over the day as the joints are used. This morning stiffness usually lasts more than an hour.

Stop if before it stops you! There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but if diagnosed at an early stage, it is reversible with treatment. When rheumatoid arthritis is left untreated, 80% of joint damage is detected within 2 years. Rheumatologists generally use combination of treatments to effectively eliminate pain, improve functional ability and prevent damage to the joints. Experts recommend that patients be treated with conventional disease

modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) as soon as rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed. DMARDs can be further subdivided into xenobiotic agents and biological agents. Xenobiotics, also the conventional DMARDs, do not occur naturally in the body, as opposed to biologicals. Conventional DMARDs are proven to slow down rheumatoid arthritis activity but it comes with its own set of disadvantages. This drug may not be effective in up to 20% of patients. Subtle joint damage may continue despite clinical improvement. This group of drugs can lead to certain side effects that need monitoring. Don’t fret. A group of more effective and faster-acting DMARDs are the biological agents. TNFα (Tumor Necrosis Factor) blockers, or anti-TNFα is one of the biological agents. They are proven to also hinder rheumatoid arthritis disease activity, prevent joint deformity, and improve joint function and quality of life in general. Furthermore, it causes lesser side effects. There are other proven biologics added to the management of RA such as B cell blocker. All these new therapies can bring hope to the rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. It can be hard to live with a long-term serious illness, such as rheumatoid arthritis that limits your ability to even carry out the simplest tasks. It is important to remember that this chronic illness is a treatable disease. With new therapies such as the biologics TNFα therapy, the likelihood of full recovery increases, especially when rheumatoid arthritis is treated early.

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Arthritis in Men by Dr Amir Azlan Zain, Senior Lecturer in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, University Malaya Medical Centre

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here are many kinds of arthritis and for most of them, the majority of those affected are women. However, there are two kinds of arthritis - gout and ankylosing spondylitis - which mainly affect men. Gout is a very common condition, where 80% of those affected are men. It is caused by the formation of multiple, needle-like uric acid crystals in a joint. It is commonly associated with diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease. In its most common form, gout is an intensely painful arthritis, where one joint (usually the big toe or the knee) becomes very hot, swollen and tender; painful to the point where even light touching causes extreme pain. The attack builds up over several hours and can resolve even without treatment. The joint is normal between attacks. Triggering factors to attacks can be foods such as shellfish, red meat and soy products, drinks such as beer and factors such as surgery and diuretic medicines. There are several mistaken beliefs about gout. Firstly, high uric acid in blood tests does not mean that one has gout. A study published as long ago as 1987 showed that only 5% of men with very high uric acid blood levels developed gout. Secondly, high uric acid in the blood and joint pains does not necessarily equal gout. The pain of gout is very typical and the most reliable way to confirm it is to get fluid from the joint and look for uric acid crystals under the microscope. Finally, an isolated high uric acid

in the blood (without joint pains) does not need treatment with medicines – individuals in this case can instead opt to avoid foods rich in uric acid, as mentioned earlier. Gout treatment includes anti-inflammatory medicines such as Voltaren, Celebrex and Arcoxia, corticosteroids and colchicines for attacks, and Allopurinol as a long-term preventive medicine for those who suffer from repeated attacks of gout. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a rare condition which affects less than 1% of the population. AS is a chronic inflammatory disease, where the spine, and to a lesser extent, parts of the peripheral

joints (like the hips and knees) become inflamed. The cause of AS is not known but experts do know that there are both inherited and environmental factors which contribute to its development. Apart from the joints, AS can also affect other parts of the body such as tendons, eyes, heart and lungs. If left untreated, severe AS can lead to irreversible fusion and destruction of the spine leading to significant disability. One of the hallmarks of AS is inflammatory back pain. This is characterised by back pain which is worse with rest but better with movement. This should not be confused with the much more

The pain of gout is very typical and the most reliable way to confirm it is to get fluid from the joint and look for uric acid crystals under the microscope

common mechanical back pain, where the pain is better with rest but worse with movement. AS is diagnosed usually on the basis of clinical history and examination, backed up with simple tests like X-rays. Treatment of AS is aimed at maintaining spinal mobility through physiotherapy exercises as well as pharmacological treatment with non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs (such as Voltaren, Celebrex and Arcoxia) are not simply painkillers but have been shown in some studies to slow down the progression of spinal damage in AS. They should be taken regularly to have any kind of lasting effect in AS. There is also a new class of medicines called biologics which are very effective in AS. Examples of biologics are

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Remicade, Humira and Enbrel. However, their use is limited by the high price tag and the fact that they either require injection or intravenous infusion.

Further information can be obtained from www.afm.org.my (Arthritis Foundation Malaysia website) www.uptodate.com/patients

Osteoarthritis – Wear and Tear of Your Cartilage by Dr Asmahan Mohamed Ismail, Physician/Rheumatologist, Hospital Selayang

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steoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease, is wear and tear of the joints cartilage over time, combined with thickening of the bone surrounding the area and bony outgrowth (osteophytes) at the joint margin. Cartilage is the cushion inside your joint. This tissue is firm, thick and slippery. It covers and protects the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint. When osteoarthritis hits, such simple, everyday movements can hurt. Taking the stairs can be painful. Walking a few steps, opening a door, and even combing your hair can be hard.

The exact cause of osteoarthritis is still unknown. A combination of factors, including being overweight, joint injury or stress, hereditary and muscle weakness may be a part of the reason. Aging does not cause osteoarthritis. However, it is the most powerful predictor of osteoarthritis. Incidence of osteoarthritis rises steeply with increasing age. In Malaysia, it accounts for 23% of knee pain in those above 55 years of age and 39% in those over 65 years. The other risk factors for osteoarthritis are gender (women are more prone to osteoarthritis than men), those

with bone deformities, previous sport injuries or accident, obesity and patients with disease that affect the bone and joints, for example, rheumatoid arthritis. The most commonly affected joints are the hips, knees, lower back and small joints of the hands. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include: • Pain in a joint during or after use, or after a period of inactivity • Tenderness in the joint when you apply light pressure • Stiffness in a joint, that may be most noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity

• Loss of flexibility may make it difficult to use the joint • Grating sensation when you use the joint • Bone spurs, which appear as hard lumps, may form around the affected joint • Swelling in some cases. Osteoarthritis gradually worsens with time. There is no known cure for osteoarthritis, but treatments can help to reduce pain and maintain joint movement so that you can go about your daily tasks. Often, a combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments can help in the management of osteoarthritis. For nonpharmacological treatments, you

can try resting, exercising, using of cold and heat compression, using of braces and shoe inserts, as well as avoiding activities that put stress on your joints. Pharmacological treatments include paracetamol, conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), COX-2 inhibitor NSAIDs, diacerein, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulphate. Steroid and viscosupplementation injections can be given to patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis. If the pain becomes too severe, surgical interventions may be necessary. This includes joint replacement, realignment or fusion of bones. Complementary treatments such as acupuncture,

ginger, magnets, tai chi and yoga can also aid in the relief of osteoarthritis. 10 Ways to Protect Your Joint • Maintain your ideal body weight. The more you weigh, the more stress you are putting on your joints, especially your hips, knees, back and feet. • Move your body. Exercise protects joints by strengthening the muscles around them. Strong muscles keep your joints from rubbing against one another, wearing down cartilage. • Stand up straight. Good posture protects the joints in your neck, back, hips and knees. • Forget the weekend warrior. Don’t engage in activities that your body isn’t prepared for Start new activities slowly and safely until you know how your body will react to them. This will reduce the chance of injury. • Wear proper safety equipment. Don’t leave helmets and wrist pads at home. Make sure you get safety gear that is comfortable and fits appropriately. • Ask for help. Don’t try to do a job that is too big for you to handle. Get another pair of hands to help out. • Use the big joints. When lifting or carrying, use largest and strongest joints and muscles. This will help avoid injury and strain on your smaller joints. • Pace yourself. Alternate periods of heavy activity with periods of rest. Repetitive stress on joints for long periods of time can accelerate the wear and tear that causes osteoarthritis. • Listen to your body. If you are in pain, don’t ignore it. Pain after activity or exercise can be an indication that you have overstressed your joints. • Don’t be static. Changing positions regularly will decrease the stiffness in your muscles and joints.

Medical Interview

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis – My Story by Annie Hay

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y name is Annie Hay. I am 50, single and working as a Senior Sales Administrator at an Oil company. My experience with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) started with a swollen knee in my early 30s. After not seeking proper treatment for close to a year and my right knee started aching badly especially at nights, I decided to seek professional help and a blood test confirmed that I had RA. Four years after a bilateral knee replacement surgery and physiotherapy sessions, I had to

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repeat the whole process again much to my dissatisfaction. Depression quickly dwelled in again for which without family and friends’ moral support, I wouldn’t be able to pull through this difficult hardship. In April 2004, I was put under the care of Dr Chow Sook Khuan, SunMed consultant rheumatologist. With proper treatments and disciplined medicationtaking regime, I have been painfree for a couple of years now. To ease my daily routines, I have done minor modifications to some of the gadgets in my home like the knobs of my sink, wash basin, doors, etc.

I am thankful that my fingers are not deformed and there are no bumps on my joints except for my right wrist which is damaged due to my chronic disease. Born with bilateral flat foot, I have to wear therapeutic rheumatoid prescription shoes with special custom-made insoles due to the deformity of both my feet. The only lifestyle which I have to sacrifice is not being able to wear high heels but I do not mind at all. Most importantly, I am alive and walking and even with my limitations, I can still enjoy dancing, brisk walking in the park, going on vacations with friends, going to the movies and more.

The Gist of Tai Chi by Master Sim Eng Ker, International Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Association of Malaysia

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elcome to the world of Tai Chi. This traditional form of martial art has been practiced in China for centuries, as exercise, and as a means of improving the flow of internal energy within the body. Completely non-impact, yet involving the entire body, Tai Chi promotes strength, stamina, and flexibility, while tempering the joints. Because the whole body moves as one, Tai Chi cultivates the link between mind and body, enhancing balance and coordination. It is also believed that Tai Chi can help prevent or

alleviate chronic illnesses as well as slow down the aging process. The 13 Principles of Tai Chi: 1. Sinking of shoulders and dropping of elbows 2. Relaxing of chest and rounding of back 3. Sinking Chi (internal energy) down to Dan Tien (below your navel) 4. Lightly pointing up the head 5. Relaxation of waist and hip 6. Differentiate between empty and full: Yin and Yang 7. Coordination of upper and lower parts of the body 8. Using the mind instead of force

9. Harmony between internal and external environments 10. Connecting the mind and the Chi 11. Find stillness within movement 12. Movement and stillness present at once 13. Continuity and evenness throughout the form

Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Association of Malaysia 2C, Jalan PJS 1/31, Petaling Jaya, 46150 Selangor Tel: 03 5634 7476

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“The Wave of Success” – SunMed Dynamic Wave’s ICC Success Story by Pn Zauyah Tarmizzi, Senior Manager, TQM

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he Innovative and Creative Circle (ICC) programme in Sunway Medical Centre Berhad (SUNMED) was established in line with National Productivity Centre’s (NPC) strategy of developing a knowledge-based economy and to sustain competitiveness. This follows the same framework as the ISO 9001 quality standard in relation to management structure and training. Naturally, SUNMED has positioned ICC as part of the hospital’s Total Quality Management (TQM) initiative. In February 2007, SUNMED’s TQM department implemented the ICC programme by delivering a well-informed process to the SUNMED’s Operations Management Team. The TQM department also played the role of coordinator and in-house facilitator for all registered circles within the hospital. Initially, seven enthusiastic circles were formed – namely the Smarties, E-Med, Blous Biru, Dynamic Wave, Bionic Angels, Cinnamons and Rehab Medicine. The team members were given extensive training, where problems were discussed and solved in a systematic manner. Solutions were proposed to management for approval of implementation as quickly as possible in order to maintain the momentum of the ICC programme. The TQM department subsequently organised the Certificate Presentation Ceremony for the registered circles. Tokens in the form of Food & Beverage

The Dynamic Wave during the ICC Convention.

coupons were also presented to motivate members of the circles. In order for hospital-wide staff to acknowledge and appreciate the contribution of the circles, information regarding the progress of each circle’s projects was displayed on the TQM Notice Board. The ICC Team Room was also created in the SUNMED Knowledge Management Portal for the circles to share their knowledge and archive information pertaining to their ICC project. Overall, the most active and consistent circle throughout the ICC Programme was Dynamic Wave team from the Radiology Department. This enthusiastic team would voluntarily meet after working hours for brainstorming sessions and would ensure effective execution of their project. After more than eight months of hard work, the Dynamic Wave

successfully completed their project. The team then proudly showcased their projects’ findings and results to the SUNMED Head of Departments. Dynamic Wave’s project was titled “Managing Incomplete Radiology Request Form”. Their aim was to ensure patient safety by reducing Incomplete Inpatient Radiology Request Form (RRF) by 3%. The team developed a detailed plan-ofaction and consequently, solutions to the identified problems. The suggested solutions are now successfully implemented in the hospital. In April 2008, along with the agreement of the Chief Executive Officer of SUNMED, the TQM Department nominated the Dynamic Wave circle to participate in the 2008 ICC Central Region Convention. Despite participating for the first time in the ICC

Convention, the Dynamic Wave secured the silver award, which was accorded to them on 11th June 2008. The Dynamic Wave project was again selected by the TQM department to participate in the poster presentation at the 2008 Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) Conference. Their project captured the attention of more than 500 APHM delegates and judges. The Dynamic Wave won 1st prize and became the first circle to receive the APHM Best Poster trophy. According to the leader of the Dynamic Wave, participation in ICC has given the team a sense of ownership for the project. Higher yields and lower rejection

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rates also resulted in enhanced job satisfaction for the team, which drove them to contribute more. Most importantly, the ICC programme resulted in improved two-way communication between staff and management. Another benefit gained from the ICC project was the reduction of time achieved by reducing incomplete RRF, which translates to savings of more than RM3,500.00. This was a huge morale booster for the Dynamic Wave team. Some of the remaining circles have completed their projects while several projects are an on-going process. Based on the experience of implementing ICC programmes in SUNMED, attitude of the members of the circles and top management

are significant in ensuring success of ICC programmes.

Dr Chong Su-Lin, CEO of SunMed and ICC facilitator receiving the APHM Award on behalf of the ICC Dynamic Wave.

SunMed Celebrates ‘Environmental Safety & Health’, ‘Customer Service Week’ and ‘Children’s Day’ by Shaniz Chan, Corporate Communications

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n 6th October, the Sunway Medical Centre (SunMed) Environmental Safety and Health (ESH) committee together with the Customer Service department launched the ‘Hand Hygiene Campaign & Customer Service Week (CSW) in the presence of SunMed staff and customers. Customer Service Week is an international event devoted to recognising the importance of customer service and honouring the people on the front lines of the service revolution. The official theme for this year’s Customer Service Week is “One Team. One Goal.” For the first time, SunMed is promoting Hand Hygiene

Informational posters about Hand Hygiene Campaign displayed for the general public.

Campaign with the aim of strengthening the education on healthcare associated infections. To fight the spread of these infections which take a high toll in human lives and affect hundreds of millions of patients worldwide each year, WHO and its partners launched the Global Patient Safety Challenge with the theme “Clean Care is Safer Care”. “Washing your hands regularly with soap and water will be a gift of life,” said Sister Kerinjeet Kaur during the launch of ESH & CSW. Sr. Kerinjeet, Assistant Manager, Infection Control, then informed that the key message of the campaign is “Wash Me”. Several activities were conducted to raise awareness of the Hand Hygiene Campaign among staff. They included a poster competition, department/ward decoration, and exhibition booths by Dettol and Steriline Sdn Bhd. During the launch, prizes were awarded to the winners of the poster competition. The 2nd runner-up is SR Annie from Ward 5A. Mr Kenny Cheong Seng Keong from the Laboratory department won the 1st runner-up prize.

Both winners received Jusco vouchers. The grand prize winner – F&B department walked away with a 3D/2N stay for two in Genting Highlands. To further elaborate on the topic of the Hand Hygiene Campaign, Dr Chong Su-Lin, CEO of Sunway Medical Centre stressed that keeping our hands clean is the key to keeping our patients safe. SunMed staff extended their support by wearing the “Wash Me” button during this week-long campaign. In conjunction with the ‘Customer Service Week’, several prizes were given out to the five most frequent blood donors and the top three active patients at SunMed to acknowledge their significant contribution in helping SunMed achieve its goal – dedicated to improving the lives we touch. In addition, SunMed customers and Sunway Group staff had the opportunity to win hampers when they

participated in several simple fun-filled games organised by the Customer Service Department throughout the week, i.e. Guessing Game (Eyes), Word Puzzle, Mad Castle, Sudoku and Snakes and Ladders. Another notable event was celebrated at the same time – Children’s Day. In conjunction with Children’s Day in Malaysia which falls on 1 October of every year, Ward 5B of SunMed organised several games and activities during the week-long celebration such as movie screenings, baby massage sessions, face colouring and hand painting sessions as well as a colouring contest for children to participate. Both in-patients and out-patients alike were seen actively participating in the funfilled activities spearheaded by Sr. Tham, Nurse Manager of Ward 5B. Children and parents also received attractive door gifts as part of the Children’s Day celebration.

SunMed is promoting Hand Hygiene Campaign with the aim of strengthening the education on healthcare associated infections

Left: SunMed customers at the ‘Hand Hygiene Campaign & International Customer Service Week’ launch. Right: Dr Chong Su-Lin, CEO of SunMed giving a hamper to one of the five most frequent blood donors.

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SunMed LEAN Club Made It to Asia Arena! by Shaniz Chan, Corporate Communications

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he LEAN Club of Sunway Medical Centre recently won the runner-up award in the Hospital Management Asia (HMA) Awards 2008 under the Marketing, PR or Promotional category. The LEAN Club is a Paediatric Obesity and Wellness Programme. LEAN stands for Life-changing Education through Activity and Nutrition. It is Malaysia’s first holistic family-based intervention programme that encompasses medical and behavioural intervention, nutrition education and physical exercises with a large fun component. Sunway Medical applies ‘blue ocean’ approach to create awareness and promote prevention on the world No. 1 public health problem – obesity, which is now an epidemic amongst children. The Asian Hospital Management Awards recognises and honours hospitals in Asia that carry out best hospital practices. Now in its 7th year, it features 233 entries from 15 countries representing 55 hospitals. It is an honour that the LEAN Club is recognised by the international judges as one of the outstanding and innovative programmes and best practices in Asia region. Awards are given for projects in seven categories: (1) Community Service Project, (2) Customer Service Projects, (3) Human Resource Development Project, (4) Internal Customers Service Project, (5) Marketing, PR or Promotional Project, (6) Patient Safety/Quality Medical Care Project and (7) Departmental Service Improvement Project. The Hospital Management Awards Ceremony was held on September 25 & 26, 2008 at Edsa

Shangri-La Hotel in Manila, Phillipines. Ms Teng Yu Yuet, Director of Clinical Profession and Support and Ms Yang Wai Yew, Manager of Dietetics received the honourable award on behalf of SUNMED’s LEAN Club. Samitivej Hospital from Thailand emerged as the winner while Sunway Medical Centre and Singapore General Hospital won the Excellence Awards. It has been a beneficial 2-day conference for both Ms Teng and Ms Yang as they attended several talks on hospital management and

The Hospital Management Asia (HMA) Excellence Awards trophy networked with representatives from other hospitals across Asia. Congratulations to Sunway Medical Centre!

picture pending

From L-R: Ms Yang Wai Yew, Manager of Dietetics, Chief Judge, Dr Yash Paul Bhatia, Ms Teng Yu Yuet, Director of Clinical Profession and Support.