By Grace Lim

Happy 35th Anniversary to the NHCS Heart Transplant Programme!

This year, NHCS commemorates 35 years of pioneering heart transplant and mechanical circulatory support programmes, a milestone that reflects decades of medical advancements, unwavering dedication, and new beginnings.

From the very first heart transplant in July 1990, the team has since performed 103 heart transplantations and implanted 156 ventricular assist devices, giving patients with advanced heart failure a fresh start at life.

In celebration of every heartbeat – precious and sometimes, hard-fought – NHCS brought together nearly 200 guests comprising patients, families, and members of the healthcare team, to mark the momentous occasion. The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Mr Foo Cexiang, Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC.

The event was marked by heartfelt stories of resilience and hope.

Moments to remember

Several special moments made the event memorable, from a caregiver’s personal reflections to the poignant story of Mr Rajamohan, our 100th heart transplant patient. From being our first patient to receive the latest HeartMate™ 3 left ventricular assist device (LVAD) some nine years ago, Mr Rajamohan lost a staggering 36 kilograms to improve his chances of getting a transplant. His incredible determination mirrors that of our patients and exemplifies the challenging journeys our care team shares with them.

Onstage and offstage, it was heartening to see individuals who had received their heart transplants decades ago share their stories of strength with newer patients and their families, inspiring one another.

In addition, the event honoured our selfless organ donors and their families through a thoughtfully curated song performance by our care team, heart transplant patient, Mr Norman, and local talent, Ms Beatrice Jaymes Pung. 

(L-R) Heart transplant patient, Mr Norman, and local talent, Ms Beatrice Jaymes Pung, serenades the audience.

An especially touching moment was the screening of heartfelt messages from our appreciative patients to the NHCS multidisciplinary team. Each message resonated with everyone present, clearly demonstrating the profound impact of our care team’s work. The gratitude culminated in the presentation of a handmade token of appreciation from our patients, symbolising their thanks to the team for walking alongside them in their health journeys.

A token of gratitude – thank you messages and a handmade gift from our patients to the NHCS team.

Taking to the stage to share their musical talents!

The event concluded on a high with rousing musical performances by our colleagues and patients. From melodious guitar playing to soulful renditions of popular songs, it was a joyful finale to an event dedicated to celebrating renewed lives, lasting bonds, and most importantly, hope that endures.

As Prof Yeo Khung Keong, Chief Executive Officer, NHCS, shared in his opening speech, “More than twenty years ago, patients with severe heart failure had only one option - wait and hope for a new heart. Today, the picture is completely different.” Indeed, Dr Cumaraswamy Sivathasan, Advisor, Heart and Lung Transplant, and Mechanical Assist Device Programme emphasised that with technological advancements, many of our patients are thriving and living longer with ventricular assist devices, with some even choosing to live out their lives with a heart pump.

“We hope the event gives patients and caregivers confidence that they are never alone, and that every transplant story is a testament to courage and second chances,” highlighted Kerk Ka Lee, Senior Clinical Transplant Manager, Mechanical Circulatory Support, Heart & Lung Unit. “For our fellow healthcare professionals, we hope it reinforces the value of compassion and teamwork, inspiring us to continue advancing care and innovation for the future.”

Teamwork makes the dream work

Just as how an entire care team, from doctors, transplant coordinators, nurses, and allied health professionals must come together to seamlessly care for Mr Rajamohan and many like him, the celebratory event would not have been possible without the teamwork that lies at the core of our institution. Every aspect, including brainstorming of ideas, coordinating the schedules of invitees, choosing tokens of appreciations, and securing support from both internal and external partners, was thoughtfully handled to reflect the medical expertise and compassion that defines transplant and mechanical circulatory care at NHCS.

A huge thank you to the organising team for making this event possible, and to our patients, donors, and multidisciplinary team for inspiring us all!

Members from the Mechanical Circulatory Support, Heart & Lung Unit, led by Kerk Ka Lee, Senior Clinical Transplant Manager (centre).

Organising team members

Kerk Ka Lee, Senior Clinical Transplant Manager, Mechanical Circulatory Support, Heart & Lung Unit

Jael Tay Hwee Ming, Principal Clinical Co-ordinator, Mechanical Circulatory Support, Heart & Lung Unit

Lau Yong Xian, Clinical Co-ordinator, Mechanical Circulatory Support, Heart & Lung Unit

Donna Vong, Clinical Co-ordinator, Mechanical Circulatory Support, Heart & Lung Unit

Joycelyn Tan, Principal Transplant Co-ordinator, Mechanical Circulatory Support, Heart & Lung Unit

Rachel Ngan, Associate Executive, Mechanical Circulatory Support, Heart & Lung Unit

Elaine Loh, Deputy Director, Corporate Development

Grace Ng, Senior Manager, Corporate Development

Belinda Lim, Senior Manager, Corporate Development

Jenn Toh, Manager, Corporate Development

Read more:

Celebrating 35 Years Of Every Beat: NHCS Marks Anniversary Of Heart Transplant Programme

Celebrating 35 Years Of Heart Transplantation