SINGAPORE : The Singapore General Hospital (SGH) has
received global recognition for its nursing practices and patient
care.
It is the first hospital in Asia to be accredited under
the "Magnet Recognition Programme".
With this accreditation, SGH now stands alongside the top five per
cent of hospitals in the world which also have been
recognised.
It is a morale booster for the 3,300 nurses at SGH. They now don
gold pin badges on their uniforms - a sign that the hospital has
attained 'Magnet' status.
Deputy director of Nursing, Lim Swee Hia, said: "Getting this
'Magnet' recognition for Singapore General Hospital is like getting
an Olympic Gold Medal for all the staff in the hospital.
"And I can say is that getting 'Magnet' recognition is not just for
the nurses (in SGH), but I think it's across for all the nurses in
Singapore."
In the past three years, the nursing department has emphasised
greater communication. Junior nurses are encouraged to manage
committees and voice their concerns in weekly meetings.
The change in work processes seems to reflect the low attrition
rate of five per cent. And the hospital believes a healthy working
environment translates to quality patient care.
Advanced practice nurse Lim Su Fee, who has worked in SGH for 20
years, said: "Even upon discharge, our relationship with her (the
patient) doesn't end, when the patients get discharged. It's
actually a long-term relationship.
"So I still provide contact with them, and occasionally they still
call me for advice over the phone."
Singapore is the latest among five countries to have their
hospitals or medical centres receive the 'Magnet' accreditation.
The other countries are the United States, Lebanon, New Zealand,
and Australia.
The American-based programme selects applicants according to their
ability to attract and retain professional nurses. It also looks at
patient outcomes and patient satisfaction.
- CNA/al