Madam Nasron's job involves getting patients to re-learn basic movements, such as using the toilet, after an accident or illness.
(ST photo: Lau Fook Kong)

By April Chong

BRUSHING teeth, going to the toilet and cutting an apple may seem like simple tasks to most.

But that is not the case for the patients of Madam Leila Nasron, 35, a principal occupational therapist at the Singapore General Hospital.

Her patients have to re-learn basic movements after an accident or illness, such as a stroke.

“You may be used to lifting one leg after the other to put on a pair of trousers, but for someone with lower-limb paralysis, he has to learn to do it another way,” said Madam Nasron, who has more than 10 years of experience.

Her job is certainly not a hospital-bound one.

On a typical day, she not only sees patients at the hospital, but makes home visits as well.

Outings are also arranged for patients to the cinema or hawker centre, so that they can practise skills such as taking the train or ordering food.

One challenge she faces is patients who are not cooperative. She motivates them by incorporating the things they want to do into her sessions.

For example, if a patient is keen only on learning to walk, she makes him practise standing first, while teaching him to do other activities like brushing his teeth.

After the patients are able to perform the basic functions, the occupational therapist’s job then turns to getting them back to school or work.

The most satisfying part of the job is when patients are able to attain their goals, said Madam Nasron.

Nowadays, she also imparts her experience to younger colleagues as a coach and mentor, and conducts training too.

Last year, the Workforce Development Agency started a course that allows mid-career workers who want to switch jobs to train in occupational therapy.

There are now 59 occupational therapists with SingHealth, and it aims to raise that number to 110 by 2012.

Therapists need at least a relevant diploma to practise.