"We are always more than eager to help our patients but I have learnt that sometimes, we have to give our patients time to open up.  I had a patient who was not keen to share his feelings and situation with me which made it hard for me to help him.  One day, I chanced upon him in the ward and stopped to greet him.  He was pleasantly surprised to see me and shared that it was reassuring and comforting to talk to me.

That really touched me as I thought he was not receptive initially.  With the rapport, I was able to provide him with emotional support when his condition deteriorated.  It was my privilege to journey with him and his family."

Wendy Chu
Medical Social Worker
Singapore General Hospital

 

Tags: Medical Social Worker, Allied Health