Seeing the Person Beside the Patient - Our Caregivers
Every day, across our wards, clinics and community settings, we encounter individuals who play a vital but often unseen role in the care journey — caregivers.
To recognise and honour their contributions, NUHS recently commemorated NUHS Carers' Day 2026, bringing together caregivers, family members, healthcare professionals and community partners in a shared appreciation of those who provide care, support and advocacy for their loved ones.
While the event celebrated caregivers, it was also an opportunity for staff to gain a deeper understanding of the realities carers navigate every day. Through the stories shared and lived experiences highlighted, colleagues were reminded that caregivers are essential partners in care and that each of us has a role to play in supporting them.
Among the caregivers honoured were family members caring for loved ones with complex needs, as well as NUHS staff who themselves are caregivers outside of work. Their experiences highlighted a reality that often goes unseen — that caregiving frequently takes place alongside work, family commitments and personal responsibilities.
Their stories served as a reminder that caregiving is often made up of countless acts of support, responsibility and resilience that take place quietly behind the scenes. They also highlighted how seemingly small interactions can have a significant impact on a caregiver's experience.
For colleagues, the event was an opportunity to better understand the realities caregivers face and to recognise them as important partners in care.
The full article is available on the NUHS Intranet. Photo stories featuring 17 caregivers who have kindly shared their journeys will also be available on the PASO page on the NUHS Intranet and the NUHS website.
We encourage staff to take some time to read these stories and gain deeper insights into the experiences of caregivers.
JurongHealth Campus Staff Recognising Caregivers
JurongHealth Campus was proud to have four staff members nominate caregivers whose dedication and resilience exemplify the vital role carers play in supporting their loved ones.
Nominators from JurongHealth Campus
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Zakiah Binte Ramli, Assistant Nurse Clinician, Nursing Wards, Ward C5, JCH – nominated Ismiati Yahya, caregiver to her husband recovering from a stroke
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Shermaine Tan, Senior Care Coordinator, Medical Social Services, NTFGH – nominated Klassen Bryan Gerard, caregiver to his wife living with dementia and Parkinson's disease
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Loh Choo Teng, Medical Social Worker, Medical Social Services, JCH – nominated Michael Wee, caregiver to his wife living with dementia
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Jayden Tan, Senior Medical Social Worker, Medical Social Services, NTFGH – nominated Sng Boon Huat (Sun Wenfa), caregiver to multiple family members, including loved ones with dementia and long-term health needs
(From left) NUHS Board Member Mr Ishak Ismail, caregiver Ismiati Yahya and her husband (on wheelchair), Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Mayor of South West District and MP for Bukit Gombak as well as Zakiah Binte Ramli, Assistant Nurse Clinician
(From left) Caregiver Michael Wee, and his wife (on wheelchair) next to Wang Lili, Senior Nurse Manager, one of the volunteers who helped out at the event
These nominations reflect the close partnerships our staff build with patients and caregivers every day. By taking the time to recognise and celebrate these caregiving journeys, they remind us of the importance of seeing and supporting not only the patient, but also the person standing beside them
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Caregiver Sng Boon Huat (Sun Wenfa)
Bringing the Caregiver Mindset to JurongHealth Campus
At JurongHealth Campus, many of our efforts already involve working closely with caregivers. As we reflect on the stories shared during NUHS Carers' Day, we may wish to consider:
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When interacting with patients, do we also take time to understand the needs and concerns of their caregivers?
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How can we better acknowledge caregivers as partners in care rather than as observers of the care journey?
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Are there opportunities to make caregiving responsibilities easier to navigate?
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As part of our day to day work, have we considered the caregiver's perspective and experience?
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What small actions can we take today that may reduce the burden on a caregiver tomorrow?
Caregivers play an important role in supporting their loved ones, but they should not have to do it alone. By better understanding their experiences and recognising the challenges they face, we can all play a part in creating a more caregiver-friendly JurongHealth Campus.