"As healthcare allies in Alexandra Hospital, we navigate the intricate maze of challenges, guided by the shared compass of patient-centred care. It is in the DNA of every Alexian to redesign healthcare with and for humanity"
My daily job revolves around project management and stakeholder engagement. I attend regular meetings with the Project Team (comprising Contractor and Consultants) to address and resolve issues identified on site. The complex issues we often face require interfacing with existing infrastructure and services. In such situations, I will act as the main liaison between the Project Team and our Support Operations Colleagues to facilitate this work and figure out the best solution that minimises disruptions to our existing operations or services.
Engaging my stakeholders on a regular basis is also another important aspect of my job. Construction activities tend to be very dynamic in nature and there are activities that will cause disruptions to our existing operations or services. Engaging my stakeholders early and regularly not only allows me to understand their operational requirements better but also allows them to plan in advance to deal with the inevitable disruption. Managing their expectations in such a manner goes a long way toward creating a positive environment and fostering collaboration, constituting a successful project.
The main goal for my Team is to deliver the new Integrated General Hospital, which is designed to cope with Singapore's evolving and rising healthcare needs. The nature of our project is unique in the sense that we are constructing on a brownfield site, with Alexandra Hospital operating as usual. We have placed a strong emphasis on identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with our project. This helps in minimising the impact of unexpected challenges and keeps the project on course. We also set realistic timelines and milestones to ensure the timely completion of the deliverables. Being a part of this Team allows me to be able to influence and create spaces that directly impact a patient's well-being. It is a wonderful chance to contribute something meaningful and make a positive difference in the community.
Through my five-year journey in BMU (Bed Management Unit), I have developed the ability to think critically, communicate effectively and most importantly, work as a team. The culture in AH is open and provides opportunities for growth.
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. - Helen Keller
My key duties include 3 main areas - Bed management, ambulance services and emergency code activation.
Bed management involves constantly monitoring hospital admissions, discharges and patient movement within the hospital so that accurate information is gathered to identify bed availability across all wards. I also need to do Bed planning which involves maximising bed demand based on historical data, seasonal trends and projected patient volumes enabling us to allocate resources and plan staffing levels more effectively, resulting in better capacity management. My role is key to ensuring demand and supply of beds are met and maximise at its capacity, right sight the patient to the appropriate ward, reducing bed wait time for patient so that they can receive care as quickly as possible.
Ambulance Services involves responding promptly and professionally to all ambulance call requests. We coordinate and direct ambulance providers for transportation of patients based on urgency. We also ensure ambulance maintenance records are kept up to date and maintenance carried out promptly, meeting the guidelines set by MOH. The close working relationship with the ambulance provider and active monitoring of ambulance requests ensures timely and safe transfer of patients, avoiding service disruptions.
Emergency Code activation involves activating the emergency response team timely so that the team can rush to the scene to render immediate care to a patient requiring resuscitation or other emergency medical needs. We conduct daily test calls and monthly drills to familiarise the team with handling emergencies. Our timely and accurate activation and communication is vital in activating the emergency response team and facilitating life-saving interventions.
