Allied Health in Action

In March, our Allied Health professionals extended their impact beyond day-to-day care through two engaging outreach efforts—Social Work Day 2026 and Dietitians’ Day—connecting meaningfully with both the public and staff.

Social Work Day 2026: Pulling Together to Co-Build Hope & Harmony

Anchored on the theme “Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society”, Social Work Day on 17 March highlighted the collective responsibility of individuals, communities and systems in building a more united society. It reflects how Medical Social Workers (MSWs) bridge gaps, strengthen connections, and empower patients and families through collaboration.

The booth raised awareness of the diverse roles of MSWs, showcasing how they work across families, community partners and government agencies, while encouraging reflection on each person’s role in fostering unity. At its heart, the event celebrated teamwork and kampong spirit in patient-centred care.

Two interactive activities brought these objectives to life:

Web of Connections

A visual installation using strings and nodes illustrated how MSWs navigate complex care systems, linking healthcare teams, families and community resources to coordinate holistic support.

Unity Puzzle
Participants penned personal commitments on puzzle pieces, forming a collective artwork symbolising shared responsibility and the power of small actions.

Missed the event? Here are some event highlights!

The booth drew close to 100 staff and public participants. Many gained new insights into the role of social workers, with participants taking time to reflect and pledge actions towards a more cohesive society. Senior leaders also dropped by, affirming the importance of collective effort in patient care.

Dietitians' Day: Conversations on Gut Health and Everyday Choices

Complementing the outreach by MSWs, Dietitians' Day brought conversations on nutrition and gut health directly to our staff. Centred on postbiotics, the booth sparked curiosity through interactive quizzes, myth-busting discussions and practical tips.

Over 200 bottles of Yakult and Vitagen were distributed as staff engaged in lively lunchtime discussions.

Many were introduced to postbiotics—beneficial compounds produced during fermentation that may support immunity, metabolic health and mental well-being. The sessions reinforced that healthy eating goes beyond simple advice, encouraging a more informed and balanced approach.

The aim was simple: create an accessible space for meaningful conversations about nutrition. Through interactive engagement, the team connected with staff across roles—from clinicians to retail pharmacists—highlighting the relevance of nutrition in everyday practice.

The response was overwhelming. Participants walked away not just with a gut-friendly treat, but with new insights—many encountering the concept of postbiotics for the first time.

Check out the crowd!

Kudos to the Dietetics & Nutrition (D&N) team (left) and and event organisers Suzeen Soh, Ngm Yuxuan and Han Fei, Dietitians (right).

For those of you who weren't at the booth, here are some quick tips and information that you might find beneficial!

Did You Know? Gut Health Basics

We know that probiotics are friendly bacteria and yeast, while prebiotics are the food that helps them grow—together supporting gut health.

Postbiotics, however, refer to inactive bacteria and yeast, and the beneficial substances they produce during fermentation. These may support the immune system, help regulate blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure, assist with weight management, and may even support mental health.

You can find postbiotics in foods such as yoghurt, kefir, kimchi and kombucha—making everyday food choices a simple way to support overall health.

Do fermented foods need to be raw or unpasteurised to be beneficial?
Not necessarily—pasteurised fermented foods may still support health due to postbiotics.

Is more always better when it comes to fermented foods?
Not true—some can be high in salt (e.g. kimchi, miso) or sugar (e.g. sweetened yoghurt, kombucha). Choose low/no-added-sugar options, e.g. plain unsweetened yogurt, and enjoy kimchi and pickles in moderation. Small portions can provide health benefits without excess sugar/salt.

Are vinegar-based pickles considered fermented?
Many are simply preserved with vinegar and are not truly fermented.

Are all “gut healthy” claims scientifically proven?
No—“gut health” is often used in marketing without a clear regulatory definition.

Quick Nutrition Bites: Myth vs Fact