Bulletin April 2011 #3

KDN 13040/11/2011 (028949) Vol.16 No 2 April 2011

January 1st, 2011 marked the anniversary of a

successful year when Penang Hospice Society took

over the Hospice-at-Home programme from NCSM

(Pg). The transition was so smooth that hardly

anyone involved felt the change. The actual number of

patients looked after remained the same as shown by

the accompanying table. Acknowledgements must be

made to the following – (a) NCSM(Pg) for ensuring the

smooth transfer by making the necessary quarterly

transfer of funds to operate the programme, (b) the

clinical staff consisting of 6 PCNs and a medical

doctor as well as administrative and general staff Liza,

Devi and Kali who all agreed to come under the

employment of PHS and carried on their duties as

usual, and most gratefully, (c) Dato' Seri Dr. T. Devaraj

who volunteered to stay on as CEO and Chief Medical

Officer of the programme.

The necessary publicity was made about the change in

management, with new letterheads and brochures

printed but regular activities continued as usual. The

weekly review of patients on Friday morning and the

monthly Carers' Meeting in Seberang Perai carried on

as usual. So did the quarterly Joint Clinical Meeting of

Penang Hospice Groups where PHS now replaced

NCSM (Pg) in presenting clinical cases. The annual

training programme for nurses and volunteers was

organized by PHS with a new focus. Two workshops

were held – a one day communication skills workshop

January 1st, 2011 marked the anniversary of a

successful year when Penang Hospice Society took

over the Hospice-at-Home programme from NCSM

(Pg). The transition was so smooth that hardly

anyone involved felt the change. The actual number of

patients looked after remained the same as shown by

the accompanying table. Acknowledgements must be

made to the following – (a) NCSM(Pg) for ensuring the

smooth transfer by making the necessary quarterly

transfer of funds to operate the programme, (b) the

clinical staff consisting of 6 PCNs and a medical

doctor as well as administrative and general staff Liza,

Devi and Kali who all agreed to come under the

employment of PHS and carried on their duties as

usual, and most gratefully, (c) Dato' Seri Dr. T. Devaraj

who volunteered to stay on as CEO and Chief Medical

Officer of the programme.

The necessary publicity was made about the change in

management, with new letterheads and brochures

printed but regular activities continued as usual. The

weekly review of patients on Friday morning and the

monthly Carers' Meeting in Seberang Perai carried on

as usual. So did the quarterly Joint Clinical Meeting of

Penang Hospice Groups where PHS now replaced

NCSM (Pg) in presenting clinical cases. The annual

training programme for nurses and volunteers was

organized by PHS with a new focus. Two workshops

were held – a one day communication skills workshop

at Rumah Hospis on Friday 21 May 2010 and a two-

day seminar on Grief & Loss incorporating

psychological, emotional and coping issues as well as

how the topic was viewed by the major religions –

Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and

Sikhism. The latter seminar was held on 24-25 Sept.

2010 at Vistana Hotel.

An obvious agenda to be pursued was to obtain tax-

exempt status for PHS. With the help of an

accountant who obtained the necessary documents,

the application was submitted on our behalf to the

relevant department in K.L., the application is being

considered and we hope for a favourable reply

sometime this year. The attainment of tax-exempt

status is a necessary step to wean us financially from

NCSM (Pg).

During the year, there were some staff changes. PCN

Gan decided to relocate to K.L. PCN Helen Cheah,

who had planned to retire for some time but had

stayed on at Dato' Seri's request, finally got her wishes

when the Society managed to engage the services of a

newly retired nurse, Sister Sushila David Somiah who

joined the programme on 25th October 2010. PHS

attempted a new approach to solve the perennial

problem of shortage of nurses in palliative care by

taking on three recent graduates from private nursing

colleges on a three month trial period during which

at Rumah Hospis on Friday 21 May 2010 and a two-

day seminar on Grief & Loss incorporating

psychological, emotional and coping issues as well as

how the topic was viewed by the major religions –

Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and

Sikhism. The latter seminar was held on 24-25 Sept.

2010 at Vistana Hotel.

An obvious agenda to be pursued was to obtain tax-

exempt status for PHS. With the help of an

accountant who obtained the necessary documents,

the application was submitted on our behalf to the

relevant department in K.L., the application is being

considered and we hope for a favourable reply

sometime this year. The attainment of tax-exempt

status is a necessary step to wean us financially from

NCSM (Pg).

During the year, there were some staff changes. PCN

Gan decided to relocate to K.L. PCN Helen Cheah,

who had planned to retire for some time but had

stayed on at Dato' Seri's request, finally got her wishes

when the Society managed to engage the services of a

newly retired nurse, Sister Sushila David Somiah who

joined the programme on 25th October 2010. PHS

attempted a new approach to solve the perennial

problem of shortage of nurses in palliative care by

taking on three recent graduates from private nursing

colleges on a three month trial period during which

by Dr Oo Khaik Cheang

ONE YEAR OF ONE YEAR OF

SUCCESSSUCCESSONE YEAR OF ONE YEAR OF

SUCCESSSUCCESS

CONTENTS ............................

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they were given lectures of nursing skills and also

followed the PCNs on their home visits. Unfortunately,

none of them proved suitable for full-time employment in

the Hospice At Home Programme. Nevertheless, it is

expected that this new approach will be continued when

suitable candidates are available.

Exciting times are in store for the Society. An EGM was

held on 12 Feb 2011 during which certain clauses in the

Constitution were amended to regularize the Society's

assets in terms of land and immovable assets. The

rationale for this move was in anticipation of the Society

being able to have its own premises in the future. Such

a prospect will allow improvements and innovations to

be implemented but the challenges involved will need

the full, active and sacrificing services of all members of

the Society behind the elected Executive Committee.

they were given lectures of nursing skills and also

followed the PCNs on their home visits. Unfortunately,

none of them proved suitable for full-time employment in

the Hospice At Home Programme. Nevertheless, it is

expected that this new approach will be continued when

suitable candidates are available.

Exciting times are in store for the Society. An EGM was

held on 12 Feb 2011 during which certain clauses in the

Constitution were amended to regularize the Society's

assets in terms of land and immovable assets. The

rationale for this move was in anticipation of the Society

being able to have its own premises in the future. Such

a prospect will allow improvements and innovations to

be implemented but the challenges involved will need

the full, active and sacrificing services of all members of

the Society behind the elected Executive Committee.

Hospice At Home Programme

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"You matter because you are you. You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully,

but also to live until you die."...

Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of Hospice

Happenings

World Cancer Day /

Colorectal Cancer Screening

9th Asia Pacific Hospice Conference 2011

Relay For Life - Fighting Cancer Together 2011

Fundraising activities & Donations

A Survivor's Story

Counselling Course 2011

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HAPPENINGS

Carers' Meetings in Seberang Perai are held every 3rd Friday of each month. These meetings are

open to everyone. Normally volunteers and the 3 palliative care nurses of the National Cancer

Society of Malaysia, Penang Branch meet to discuss the on-going programmes carried out by the

society and how they can contribute. Problems of home care-cases are discussed and shared at

such meetings. In addition volunteers bring newspapers and other items for recycling, with proceeds

donated to the Society.

The 24th Palliative Care case presentation was held at the Oncology Clinic of Hospital Pulau Pinang

hosted by Charis Hospice on 27 January 2011. 19 participants representing Penang Hospice Society,

Charis Hospice Palliative Care Unit of Hospital Bukit Mertajam, Hospital Seberang Jaya and the

Oncology Clinic of Hospital Pulau Pinang attended the meeting. Two presentations highlighting their

work “Continuing End of Life Care from Hospital to Community” and “End of Life Care” was made by

Dr Oo Loo Chan of Charis Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Krisna of Penang Hospice Society

respectively. The next palliative care case presentation is being held at Bilik Mesyuarat Faber Hospital

Bukit Mertajam at 3pm on Wednesday, 20 April 2011.

This year Counselling Course will begin on 19 June and end with the examination on 11 September

with a total of 34 credit hours. Except for one session it will be held at Rumah Hospis, 250A Jalan Air

Itam, 10460 Penang. See page 11 for the schedule.

We are delighted to welcome 2 new staff membersto Penang Hospice Society. Ms Sushila David Somiah oined us on 25 October 2010 as Palliative Care Nurseand Dr Voon Nyuk Yean as Palliative CarePhysician began work with the Society in February.

24th Palliative Care Case Presentation

We welcome our new staff

Counseling Course 2011

PCN

Sushila David

Palliative Care

Physician Dr Voon

CARERS' MEETINGS

CARERS' MEETINGS – Seberang Perai

– Penang Island

Venue : Rumah Hospis Pulau Pinang

Day : Every Friday

Time : 10.45am – 11.15am

Venue : Klinik Kesihatan Butterworth

Day : 3rd Friday of every month

Time : 1.00pm - 2.00pm

CARERS' MEETINGS


Day : Every Friday

Time : 10.45am – 11.15am




Time : 1.00pm - 2.00pm

– Penang IslandCARERS' MEETINGS


– Penang Island


Day : Every Friday

Time : 10.45am – 11.15am



Time : 1.00pm - 2.00pm

CARERS' MEETINGS


– Penang Island


Day : Every Friday

Time : 10.45am – 11.15am



Time : 1.00pm - 2.00pm

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WORLD CANCER DAY

The National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Penang Branch organised various cancer awareness campaigns in

conjunction with World Cancer Day in the month of February and March.

The Society and Island Hospital jointly organised a cancer awareness talk on Saturday 26 February

2011 at Island Hospital. 2 topics “Liver cancer” by Mr TJ Wong, Consultant Surgeon of Island Hospital

and “Towards Cancer Control” was presented by CEO/Medical Director National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Penang

Branch. The talks were opened for the public and over 100 people attended the talks to learn more about cancer and

how to deal with it.

Since 2009, the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Penang Branch has been promoting early detection

and the importance of early screening for colorectal cancer. The disease is preventable, treatable and curable if detected

early. In 2009, the Society screened 600 Penangites who were above the age of 50. This year the Society launched the

screening again on Sunday 13 March 2011 at the Penang Caring Society Complex. It was officiated by YB Phee Boon

Poh, Penang Exco for Health and Welfare Caring Society Environment. 300 Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kits were

distributed to the public at the launch. A talk on early detection and prevention of stomach and colon cancer was also

presented by Consultant Gastroenterologist Datuk Dr Robert Ding of Island Hospital at the event.

A Colon & Rectal Cancer talk presented by Mr Lim Teik Mau (Consultant General & Colorectal Surgeon) was held at Loh

Guan Lye Specialists Center on March 26.

26 March 2011 - Prostate cancer talk by Dr Liong Men Long – Urologist of Lam Wah Ee Hospital and a cancer talk by

Dato' Seri Dr T Devaraj (NCSM,Pg).

at 250A Jalan Air Itam Monday – Friday (9am – 5pm) until May 31

Sunday April 10 (for details please call 04-228 4140)

– Colon Cancer, a Preventable Cancer by Dr Teoh Mum Fat, Consultant Gastroenterologist Penang Adventist Hospital Sunday April 10, 2.30pm – 5.00pm, Auditorium, Level 2, Adventist Specialist Complex

Sunday April 24 (for details please call 04-228 4140)

FEBRUARY

MARCH

were presented,

For those who could not make it for the above events,may pick up the test kits at the following locations:

Rumah Hospis Pulau Pinang

Klinik Kesihatan Tanjung Bungah

Public Health Talk

Penang Hokkien Association

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9th Asia Pacific Hospice Conference 20119th Asia Pacific Hospice Conference 20119th Asia Pacific Hospice Conference 20119th Asia Pacific Hospice Conference 2011

Prof John Ellershaw Dr Faith Mwangi-Powell Dr Harmala Gupta

Prof Malcolm Fisher Prof Merryn Gott

Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir

Dr Stephen R Connor Prof MR Rajagopal

Dr Rosalie Shaw (Aust) A/Prof Cynthia Goh (Singapore) Dr Mary Cardosa (Msia)

Plenary speakers

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6:00pm Saturday 1 October to 10:00am Sunday 2 OctoberTaman Perbandaran Pulau Pinang

GET READY TO BE INVOLVEDRelay for Life launch venue sponsored by Shangri La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa

Sunday, 20 March 2011

ANNOUNCING - RELAY FOR LIFE PENANG 2011

Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a

chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost,

and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school,

park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is

asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer

never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

Although every Relay For Life is different, there are certain traditions at all Relays, no matter

where they are held. These traditions help participants celebrate, remember, and fight back.

Relay starts with a Survivors Lap an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone

celebrate the victories we've achieved over cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are

creating a world with more birthdays like those of each individual on the track.

After dark, we honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the

Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer,

and participants often walk a lap in silence.

Last, there is a Fight Back Ceremony, where we make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against

cancer.No matter where you are, there's a place for you at Relay and you can make a difference today by signing up to start

your own team or by simply making a donation.

For more information about Relay For Life, visit our website :

Celebrate - The Survivors Lap

Remember - The Luminaria Ceremony

Fight Back - The Fight Back Ceremony

www.relayforlife.org.my

Guests signing specially made “Relay

Greeting Cards” for Kuala Lumpur who are

having their Relay for the 5th time on June

11 & 12 and Melaka, holding its very first

Relay on July 16 & 17.

YB Phee Boon Poh, Penang Exco for Health

and Welfare Caring Society Environment,

Prof Dato' Dr Dick Ho (Deputy Vice

Chancellor (Academic) of Wawasan Open

University) and Dato' William Ng Jit Thye,

Chairman of National Cancer Society of

Malaysia, Penang Branch placing their

messages into the HOPE message box.

Guest singer Mr Gilbert Ooi, singing HERO,

a tribute to all cancer survivors who have

been an inspiration to all those who are still

fighting cancer.

Our heartfelt gratitude to our launch venue sponsor

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The General Manager of Shangri La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Mr

Desmond Hatton and 2010-2011 International Relay For Life Hero of Hope,

cancer survivor Madam Mui Siew Koon lighting up the HOPE candles.

Some of the guests who attended the launch at the Hotel.

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FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES AND DONATIONSin aid of National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Penang Branch and Penang Hospice Society

Ms Josephine Chan and staff members of Disted College presentinga cheque amounting RM6069 to Penang Hospice Society staff

Puan Saliza. The proceeds were raised from theVIVA LA GEORGETOWN FOOD & FUN FAIR that

was held on December 11 2010.

The Kimono & Opera Gala 2011 jointly organised by the Pink Hisbiscus Cluband the Children's Protection Society raised RM166,000 in aid of PenangHospice Society and Children's Protection Society. RM83,000 was donatedto Penang Hospice Society at a cheque presentation ceremony heldon March 9 2011 at the E & O Hotel.

Dato' Nazir and the organising committee members presenting the mockcheque to Dato' Seri Dr T Devaraj

Dr Oo Khaik Cheang, representing the Penang Hospice Societyreceiving a donation of RM10,000 from Datin Paduka SeriRosmah Mansor,, President of Bakti (Association of Wivesof Ministers and Deputy Ministers) on 28 January 2011.

Presenting a cheque for RM300 is Mr. Kenny CheeKah Wah (CEO) of Paris Lozes 21 March 2011.

Moral Uplifting Society's annual Charity Food Fair.The organizers donated RM10,000 to the Penang Hospice Society.

To all our donors, supporters, well wishers and volunteers –

a very big THANK YOU!

I am a breast cancer survivor for almost 2 years now. I can never forget the dreadful day in April 2009 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My feelings were beyond description when the doctor told me of the bad news. I felt like my world just collapsed and I was given the death sentence. I knew that life would never be the same anymore. I was overwhelmed with so much fear and grief that my future looked completely bleak. I was filled with worry that I might not be able to pull through the surgery and the harsh treatment of chemotherapy.

However, looking at my daughter, I could not imagine her without a mother at such a tender age. She was only 2 years old then. I could not stop crying and knelt down to pray. I asked God for mercy and a second chance to live, so that I could bring up my daughter. Whenever I looked at my daughter, I was more determined to fight the battle despite having to go through so much suffering and pain. It was not an easy fight because along the way of my chemotherapy treatment, I had to go through many obstacles which interfered with the treatment. I was down with bronchitis, mouth ulcer, blurred vision and halfway through the treatment, I needed another surgery to implant a chemo port when the veins in my hands and arms were all hardened up. I was constantly filled with worry, but God continued to show His grace whenever I sought Him out. He never failed to bring me through every step. I discovered that when I put my trust in God, I began to experience God's grace and love. I truly received His wonderful blessings.

God prepared everything I needed for my treatment and surgery. He had blessed me with two

wonderful doctors, oncologist Dr Kevin Hew Poh Wai and surgeon Mr Noel Yeoh. Through my illness, I discovered that God was good to me all this while because I did not have to face my illness alone. I was surrounded by people who love me dearly and stood by me throughout my ordeal. I had continuous support from my loving husband, my parents, brother and sister and also my parents-in-law. They were my pillars of strength. Though I went through a lot of suffering from chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions, I did not lose hope. I thank God that despite the torments that I have gone through, I have successfully completed all the necessary treatment sessions.

I look at life from a more positive angle now. I would see my ordeal as a blessing in disguise. I learned to be more optimistic. I also cherish the people around me, my family and friends. I believe God has a purpose for letting all this happen and trust that He has better plans in store for me and I just have to seek and trust His leading hands.

Life is never a bed of roses after all. The path that we travel in this life will always be winding and there will be humps along the way. This is the reality that I learned. Cancer may sound horrible, but I know for sure now, that in the circumstances that I face, I am in the good hands of the Lord. I believe God will always be by my side to strengthen and carry me through every trial and tribulation that I may have to face. Every morning, I thank God for giving me one more day to live. Each day I would ask for His grace and commit myself to God to live a meaningful life. I have learned to live one day at a time, trusting that God is with me all the way.

SURVIVOR'S STORY

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GOD'S GRACE AND LOVE

By Chen Oi LinChen Oi Lin is a member of BM Breast Cancer Support Group

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Total Credit Hours : 34 hours

Course Work Requirements : 100%2 tapes & transcript : 50% (best out of the two submitted)Journal : 50% (to be submitted on day of examination)A record of personal awareness and response to each sessionExamination : 1 hour 30 minsSection A : 30% ( 30 compulsory multiple choice questions )Section B : 40 %

Counselling Theories & Counselling Skills Structured/Essay Questions ( To answer 2 out of 4 questions )

Section C : 30% 1 tape & transcript of a complete interview illustrating all skills learnt within the

context of a chosen counselling model to be submitted on the day of examination.

Minimum of 50% required for course work & 50% for examination to meet minimum course standards.Attendance : 90% attendance required to meet certificate of attendance requirements.Registration : RM250For registration/enquiries, email Nor at [email protected] check the NCSM blog for updates at http://ncsmpg.blogspot.com/

COUNSELLING COURSE 2011Rumah Hospis, 250A Jalan Air Itam, Penang

Introduction to Course Requirements

Basic Counselling Skills

Counselling Children & Adolescents

The needs of special children

Crisis Intervention

Psychological First-Aid

Advanced Counselling Skills – Egan's The Skilled Helper Model, Dasie Model

First tape & transcript to be submitted

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Disted College, Jln Macalister, Pg

Identifying Psychiatric Disorders

Supporting the Patient & Family

Basic Relaxation Techniques

Gender Issues

Counselling Theories & Models

Ethics in Counselling

Suicide

Supporting Carers

Second tape & transcript to be submitted

Understanding and Dealing with Addiction

Examination

Journal together with final tape & transcript to be submitted

19-6-11

2.30 - 6.00pm

26-6-11

2.30 - 4.00pm

4.30 – 6.00pm

3-07-11

2.30 - 6.00pm

10-07-11

2.30 - 6.00pm

16-07-11 Sat

9.00 - 4.00pm

24-07-11

2.30 - 6.00pm

31-07-11

2.30 - 4.00pm

4.30 – 6.00pm

7-08-11

2.30 - 6.00pm

14-08-11

2.30 - 4.00pm

4.30 – 6.00pm

21-08-11

2.30 - 6.00 pm

11-09-11

3.00 - 4.30pm

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Ms Margarita Malayapillay

Dr Zasmani Shafiee

Ms Silviane Bonadei

Dr Lynne Yong


Dr Lai Fong Hwa

Dr Gavin Macdonell

Dr Bharathy

Pn Ooi Siew Chen

Ms Annie (WCC)

Prof Sue See


Dato' Seri Dr T. Devaraj

Dr Dicky Ng


Date Topics Facilitators

Documents

Bulletin April 2011 #3