Have you participated in a charity auction before? How about a charity e-auction, specifically one that supports a life-saving research programme?
In conjunction with the Nation’s birthday, SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP) has kick-started an e-auction on 9 August 2020 to support the development of a new research programme that empowers nurses to save lives. This auction will remain opened till 31 October 2020.
The research programme aims to design a virtual training programme that leverages on augmented reality (AR) to empower nurses to treat patients with breathlessness due to Acute Respiratory Distress Symptom (ARDS), which can stem from asthma, COPD, and COVID-19 infection. This will enable nurses to provide timely rescue therapy to emergency patients prior to a doctors’ review.
Named ‘Singapore: Surprises; Surreal & Significance’, the project is headed by Clinical Associate Professor Tan Ngiap Chuan, Director of Research at SHP and Vice-chair, Research, SingHealth-Duke NUS Family Academic Clinical Programme (FM ACP).
He said, “Training of nurses is crucial as they are frontline healthcare workers in the battle against COVID-19. The pandemic has given rise to the need to shift training to online e-learning platforms.”
According to the professor, the new training method will enable nurses to keep their skills relevant to deliver rescue therapy to ill patients, especially during times like this.
The impact of the pandemic has been a harsh one, more so for nurses who had to work round the clock to ensure that their patients’ health is not compromised, and at the same time uphold the commitment to provide top-notch quality care.
Our nurses play a significant role in the healthcare system, always devoting their time and attention at the frontline of patient care. Even when they are burned out, they continue with their duties faithfully and care for the patients with their big smiles and warm hearts.
As Singapore celebrated its 55th birthday last month, let us not forget the sacrifices of our healthcare workers who have devoted their time and energy to keep our communities safe, and let us unite together as a nation to show our gratitude for their contributions.
The funds received will help to establish the training programme to ensure that our nurses are armed with the necessary knowledge and techniques to manage patients with ARDS quickly and efficiently in the clinics.
Ms Stephanie Teo, Chief Nurse, SHP said, “With the training programme modified, more of our nurses can be trained for rescue therapy. In addition, they can also provide immediate care for patients who have ARDS episodes.”
“The training will also give our nurses the opportunity to experience realistic scenarios through AR implementation.”, added Ms Teo.
The e-auction features 55 pictures of Singapore’s natural wildlife and garden city. These pictures were specially photographed and donated by patients of SHP with the hope of raising funds for the research programme.
The donations received will go towards supporting the Gift of Family Fund for Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme (Research), which is part of the SingHealth Fund.
All eligible donations will enjoy 250% tax deduction. An eligible donation is defined as the difference between the successful final bid amount and the estimated market value of the item. All successful bidders will be contacted via email for any further follow up actions.
Ms Teo said, “Nurses are an essential pillar of healthcare workers who serve at the frontlines of patient care, especially during these trying times. We hope to receive strong funding support for this project, which will then in turn empower our nurses to contribute and save lives.”
To preview the auction gallery or start bidding, you may scan the QR code on the poster down below. Make a difference and empower our nurses now!
