Thank you for your steadfast support for our cause. As we live in an endemic new normal after weathering the
Covid-19 pandemic, we see another storm brewing – the alarming rise in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We need
to tackle this enormous and longer-term challenge because the stark reality is that more than 300,00 people in Singapore are suffering from CKD, and possibly more remain undiagnosed due to its silent
symptoms. There is an urgent and pressing need to scale up efforts across its entire spectrum – from awareness
to prevention to early management.
We strongly encourage everyone to get screened so
that
prompt action can be taken when needed and, at
the same time, make lifestyle modifications such as
regular exercise, healthy diet, less consumption of alcohol and quitting smoking. In Caring for Your
Kidneys, you can read about the many preventive healthcare community events we carried out to engage
heartlanders to take charge of their health. While we reach out to the community, we also strive to
collaborate even more closely with general practitioners and hospitals in a synergistic way to adopt
integrated strategies in chronic kidney disease prevention and early detection and its continuum of care.
For those who are unfortunately afflicted with kidney failure, this burden carries significant
psychosocial, physical and economic impact on patients and their families, as dialysis is a long-term care.
Dialysis patients, more often than not, have to quit their jobs or reduce their work hours or responsibilities
after starting dialysis. Financial stress will further lead to many psychological issues such as anxiety and
depression, and loss of self-esteem may manifest.
Hence, while we do all we can to provide quality
dialysis treatment, it is crucial that we provide holistic care where patients take ownership of their health.
We have put in place a Renal Rehabilitation Programme that focuses on the 5Es –
Encouragement, Education, Exercise, Employment, Evaluation which you can read more about in this
issue. Through this comprehensive programme, we empower patients to manage their condition independently
for better outcomes and quality of life. This is one key area that is part of our Future Forward 2030
vision to bring about meaningful changes in our patients’ lives.
Taking on a multidisciplinary,
person-centric approach to provide continuum of care, our renal doctors and nurses work hand in hand with
allied health professionals such as social workers, clinical psychologist, dietitians, therapists and exercise
specialists. In partnership with the patient, caregiver and next-of-kin, the team helps to ensure seamless,
effective and efficient care, so that the entire scope of a patient’s health needs from prevention to the end
of life is met.
In Life-saving Care, we highlight the story of Mr John Khang, who trained as a
barista through NKF’s patient employment programme. By contributing back to society, he has regained his sense
of self-worth and looks ahead towards a purposeful life. You can also read about patient Mr Subhan Ali, who
has taken up home-based peritoneal dialysis because it suits his lifestyle well and he feels assured that home
support is at hand from NKF’s care team of experienced PD nurses. With his flexible lifestyle, he is able to
run a part-time home business with the cooking skills he has acquired to earn a living.
While we
help our patients in all possible ways, our greater challenge is to ensure families do not go down the path
that leads to kidney failure.
That is why each one of us has a vital part to play in reducing the
burden and incidence of chronic kidney disease and preventing its onset. It starts with one taking the first
step to get screened. Talk to your doctor today. It could save your life.
Tim Oei
Chief Executive Officer
