Support to Venture OutLoneliness, denial, depression, and lack of confidence – these are some issues amputees may face after the devastating loss of their limbs. Many feel isolated and resign themselves to not being able to venture out into the community again. Since 1999, the nurse-led Amputee Support Group at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) has been working tirelessly to help patients who have lost their limbs. The group currently led by Assistant Nurse Clinician Nur Raudhah, comprises nurses from different specialties, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and medical social workers. The support group organises two outings a year to attractions such as Gardens by The Bay, Madame Tussauds and the River Safari. 
Assistant Nurse Clinician Lim Tow Choo, who has been volunteering with the group for 10 years, shares that a memorable outing was to Punggol Park, where the support group members flexed their creative muscles to paint vivid artworks of the scenery. “Some amputees don’t leave the house for months because it is not easy to get around. When they do venture out, they sometimes face insensitive comments from the public. That is why support group outings are so important,” shared Tow Choo. Interacting with fellow amputees helps members develop a positive outlook about their condition. “We had a patient who recently had a prosthesis fitted and she wasn’t feeling confident. But when she saw other patients walking normally with their prosthetic limbs, she started walking more confidently. She went back to work shortly after that,” Raudhah recounted. Lim Teck Meng first joined the group in 2014. The 47-year-old, who lost his lower limb in 2014, is a regular at the group’s outings. “I get to meet others like me; we support and encourage each other. The nurses put in a lot of effort to organise the outings and are always willing to answer any questions we have. I really can’t thank them enough for all that they do. They are truly angels on Earth,” he shared. |