Singapore, 21 November 2008 - Ms Soonthrammal D/O Nalappan, 46, a Principal Assistant Nurse at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), is the first enrolled nurse from IMH to clinch the coveted Challenge Trophy of the Tan Chin Tuan Nursing Awards. Ms Soonthrammal, who has been in the nursing profession for 24 years, was nominated for the Award for her dedication to her profession even if it means going out of her way to help her patients at her own time and expense. Her citation lauds her for her unstinting commitment to nursing and professionalism even in the face of occasional violence by aggressive patients. Ms Soonthrammal even turned life-saver once in her career when she helped revive a patient who had almost choked to death. Ms Soonthrammal is an avid believer in continual learning and is active in community work.

Ms Puspha D/O Meenachi Sundram, 42, a Principal Enrolled Nurse at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH), who has about 24 years nursing experience under her belt, is one of the two Special Commendation winners this year. In her citation, Ms Puspha is described not only as a dynamic and highly resourceful nurse but one who has displayed outstanding skill and service particularly in three areas: managing post-partum hemorrhage patients; championing breast-feeding among post-natal mothers; and grief counselling for mothers who have lost their babies or of newborns with abnormalities. Ms Pushpa is one of the two SGH nurses who are among the ten recipients of this year’s Award.

Senior Assistant Nurse Ms Hajjah Nor Aini Binte Hashim, 49, from Alexandra Hospital, is the other Special Commendation winner this year. Several instances of Ms Hajjah Nor Aini’s dedication to her profession were highlighted in her citation. These included instances outside normal office hours when she unhesitatingly responded to patients who were having problems at home with their naso-gastric feeding tubes. Nor Aini, who has been in nursing for almost 30 years, is a strong mentor and trainer for junior nurses. She is also an active volunteer at the community level.

Ms Soonthrammal D/O Nalappan, Ms Puspha D/O Meenachi Sundram and Ms Hajjah Nor Aini Binte Hashim, together with seven Certificate of Merit winners received their Awards from Minister for Health, Mr Khaw Boon Wan, at an Awards Ceremony held at the Singapore Conference Hall on Friday, 21 November 2008.

The Tan Chin Tuan Nursing Award, which is the highest accolade for enrolled nurses in Singapore, was established by the D.S. Lee Foundation in 2006 to recognise promising and talented enrolled nurses who are dedicated to advancing the nursing profession. The Award is open to full-time enrolled nurses in public and private healthcare institutions who have at least five years of post-graduation experience at these institutions and nursing homes.

The Award is named after the late banker and philanthropist, Tan Sri (Dr) Tan Chin Tuan, in memory of his dedication, kindness and generosity, the same qualities that are embodied by dedicated nurses. “This year’s Award is special as it is also part of the ongoing celebrations of the birth centennial of Uncle Chin Tuan,” said Dr Della Lee, Chairman of the D. S. Lee Foundation. “We believe that the Tan Chin Tuan Nursing Awards is an apt legacy of a man who is remembered as a benefactor to others yet remained humble and kind. The best nurses possess these very same attributes.”

Annually, a Challenge Trophy, two Special Commendations and seven Merit awards are presented to the top ten enrolled nurses who have been selected by a Panel of Judges. The top three Award winners will each receive a special pure gold medallion (about 1 ounce) and a $2000 cash prize. The top winner’s institution will be presented with a Challenge Trophy.

The Panel of Judges who selected this year’s top nurses from 20 nominations that were received, comprised: Mdm Halimah Bte Yacob (Head, Government Parliamentary Committee for Health and Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC), Mr Leong Yew Meng (CEO, Institute of Mental Health), Dr Tan Chee Beng (CEO, SingHealth Polyclinic), Dr Chow Yeow Leng (Deputy Director, Continuing Education & Training, School of Health Sciences – Nursing) and Ms Pauline Tan (Chief Nursing Officer, Ministry of Health).

There are 5604 enrolled nurses in Singapore today who are graduates of the two-year National Institute of Technical Education Certificate in Nursing (NITEC in Nursing). Enrolled nurses, who represent about a quarter of the total of 22,332 nurses in Singapore, assist Registered Nurses, who hold at least a Diploma in Nursing, in assessing and monitoring the condition of patients, assisting in the provision of treatment and educating patients and their next-of-kin about healthy living.

D.S. Lee Foundation is a non-profit Singapore-registered company limited by guarantee. Founded on 13 July 2004 and solely funded by Dr Della Suantio Lee, the purpose of the Foundation is to improve the status and quality of nursing in Singapore. This is done through the provision of financial grants for nurses to upgrade themselves and for their welfare. The aim is to improve the working standards so they become professionals of higher calibre, and are well equipped to take on some of roles traditionally on by doctors.

SingHealth is the largest healthcare group in Singapore, offering a complete range of multi-disciplinary and integrated medical care. The group consists of 3 Hospitals, 5 National Specialty Centres, and a network of 9 polyclinics. We have a faculty of internationally qualified medical specialists and are also well equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment medical technology. We are dedicated to providing quality healthcare that is affordable and accessible to our patients. By pursuing excellence in our 3 pillars of Service, Education, and Research, we aim to be the trusted leader in healthcare for our patients, partners, staff, and the community.