FULFILLING END-OF-LIFE WISHES
The intermediate sympathetic discharge program at Alexandra Hospital aims to return patients who are chronically ill to their homes and fulfill their wishes.
Since it first started operating two years ago, the doctor has saved money on both outpatient and hospital remains of up to eight days. It is currently attempting to incorporate this into MIC@Home.  ,
” We are hoping to work with home hospices to expand the program, and we are also in the process of working with ( the ) MIC@Home program,” said Dr. Yong Woon Chai, the hospital’s senior consultant and program director for the palliative and supportive care program.
” This would make the transition from the hospital to your home simpler.”
This was a choice Ms. Sum Chew Lai’s home made for her late parents.  ,
In April next year, the 88-year-old had suffered a stroke and was bleeding in his mind. His chances of recovery were extremely thin, doctors informed the home.
With the clock ticking, a hard decision had to be made.  ,
” Dad mentioned ( previously ) that if it came to a stage where he cannot respond, cannot make a decision, ( what he wanted is for ) no tubes ( to be ) in his mouth, nose to support him and to let him pass on peacefully”, said Ms Sum.
” So we respected his wishes. We told the specialists we wanted to take him home”, she added.
We also understand that this group of palliative care providers do offer some form of home care to us during his final trip.
Finally, Alexandra Hospital’s group quickly set up Mr. Sum’s house. Additionally, they gave his family instructions on how to handle them if necessary.  ,
Being able to satisfy her father’s wishes to spend his last days at home gave her family strength during a challenging time for her.  ,
” I was also very worried at occasions, whether he could render it home”, she said.  ,
We are so happy that his two hours with us, perhaps his final two, were so important to our relatives and will always be remembered.