It was in October 2018 when 59-year-old Mr Ng Kim Seng noticed that something didn't look right when he looked in the mirror.
"My skin and the whites of my eyes looked yellow. Even though I felt fine, I was concerned and I decided to go to the polyclinic to get checked," recalled Mr Ng.
The polyclinic referred Mr Ng to a doctor at Changi General Hospital (CGH) close to his home in Bedok. There he underwent a CT scan, blood test and MRI.
'When the doctor told me I had late-stage pancreatic cancer, I was too stunned to speak and my wife was shocked and afraid."
Mr Ng was soon placed under the care of Dr Lim Chiew Woon, Consultant, Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) at the NCCS Oncology Clinic @ CGH and started chemotherapy.
Consistent level of medical and quality care
Mr Ng is one of many receiving cancer care at the NCCS satellite clinic in CGH, which has over 9,000 patient visits a year. NCCS has satellite services in three locations in Singapore – at Changi General Hospital (CGH), Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) and KK Children and Women's Hospital (KKH).
NCCS clinics at CGH and SKH provide consultation services for breast, lung and gastrointestinal cancers, and essential services
The NCCS clinics at CGH and SKH are run by a team of NCCS medical oncologists, nurses and staff who provide consultation services for breast, lung and gastrointestinal cancers, and essential services such as outpatient chemotherapy, consultations with genetic counsellors as well as support and counselling from medical social workers. At KKH, NCCS medical oncologists see patients with breast and gynaecological cancers. Services at these locations are similar to those at NCCS' flagship in Outram.
At KKH, NCCS medical oncologists see patients with breast and gynaecological cancers
Greater convenience and a cosy environment
By locating satellite oncology services in the community, patients who live nearby benefit from the convenience. The shorter travel time makes them more likely to attend their appointments, comply with treatment and follow-up care – improving their treatment outcomes.
"When I was on chemotherapy, I experienced side effects such as nausea, fatigue and hair loss. Thankfully, CGH is only six bus stops away from my home, so I was able to get home quickly to rest after treatment," said Mr Ng.
Mr Ng, who used to work in the logistics sector, goes for his medical appointments and treatments alone as his wife is working. The elderly couple do not have any children.
"The atmosphere at the clinic is very cosy. The medical and nursing team are very friendly and professional. That year that I underwent chemotherapy, the nurses would chat with me and it helped to take my mind off the treatment and make the long hours pass quicker," added Mr Ng.
Ms Esther Tong, staff nurse with the NCCS Oncology Clinic @ CGH shared many patients give the same feedback. Esther has been working at the clinic since she graduated from Nanyang Polytechnic in April 2020.
"Patients have shared that they feel safe here, and that it feels homely. We're glad that the supportive and caring environment helps to give our patients and their caregivers a positive experience when they come for treatment," said Esther.
Esther Tong, staff nurse with the NCCS Oncology Clinic @ CGH
"I see our patients from their first consult, during regular blood draws and throughout their entire chemotherapy treatment, which can take up to weeks, or even months. Over time, I get to know them and build a good rapport with them, so that they get the support they need."
Chronic and cancer care under one roof
Another benefit of satellite oncology clinics located in the community is that patients can access seamless and coordinated cancer care under one roof. Many, like Mr Ng, are long-time patients at the respective institutions. Mr Ng was already under the care of the CGH medical team as he had previously undergone a stomach surgery and cleared a blockage in his large intestine at the hospital.
"The satellite clinics reduce the need to travel to multiple locations to consult with different specialists. Patients can continue to follow up with their existing doctors for chronic medical conditions and see their oncologists without the need to travel further or go to another different hospital," explained Dr Lim, Mr Ng's oncologist who specialises in gastrointestinal cancers.
"If patients need referrals to see an oncologists, they don't have to go to the polyclinic for referral, but can be referred directly by their primary treating doctors at the hospital to see an oncologist, which saves time."
Visiting Outram for more complex cancer care
While the satellite clinics offer a wide variety of services, more complex procedures and access to the full suite of cancer care may sometimes require a visit to NCCS at Outram.
"Oncologists at the satellite clinics can refer eligible patients for the 220 ongoing oncology clinical trials, but patients have to go to the main NCCS to undergo the trials," elaborated Dr Lim.
Patients, who need it, also have access to conventional radiation therapy or proton therapy at the main NCCS flagship located close to Outram MRT.
Mr Ng, had previously participated in clinical trials and is currently undergoing radiation therapy at the main NCCS. Once the course of radiation treatment is completed, he will continue his follow-up care closer to home at CGH.
Delivering cancer care to the community
Though cancer incidence in Singapore has been rising over the years, cancer survival rates have improved as a result of advancements in screenings and treatment, and growing cancer awareness in the community.
NCCS plans to work with more community partners and hospitals to increase the number of satellite oncology clinics and make cancer care more accessible for all.
Patients who are interested in being treated at the NCCS satellite clinics can speak to their primary treating doctors to learn more.
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the updates to your email inbox...
