
“It’s just a few minutes of my time, but for the patients, it can mean everything,” says Looi Kah Sing, reflecting on his volunteer role at the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS). This heartfelt perspective encapsulates the spirit of volunteering, where small acts of kindness can transform lives.
A former hotel professional turned nursing student, Kah Sing shared that his journey into volunteering has not only impacted the lives of patients but also enriched his own. The decision to transition from the hotel industry to healthcare was deeply personal. The catalyst for change was his father’s battle with cardiovascular disease.
“I always had the thought of joining healthcare but I only made the leap of faith when I discovered there was a suitable grant which I could tap on to study nursing,” he shared. Alongside his studies, he began volunteering at NHCS, seeking a meaningful way to give back.
Great Impact from Small Gestures
At NHCS, volunteers like Kah Sing assist in various ways, from helping patients navigate the registration kiosks to guiding them to their appointments. Kah Sing often goes beyond his role to make hospital visits less daunting for patients, many of whom are elderly and frail.
“Not everyone has the luxury of having someone to accompany them to the hospital,” he explained. “Some patients come alone, unsteady on their feet and unsure of where to go. Just walking with them or answering their questions can make all the difference.”
He recalled an instance when he walked an elderly patient from the clinic on the fourth floor to a blood test station on the second floor. “It was a small gesture, but the patient was so grateful. It reminded me that these little moments can have a big impact,” he said.
Crisis Moments and Confidence Gained
Volunteering isn’t without its challenges. On his first day, Kah Sing encountered a patient collapsing in the lobby.
“I hesitated at first, unsure of the hospital’s protocol. A bystander asked me to help, and before I could react, a doctor who was present instructed me on how to assist,” he recounted. “That moment taught me the importance of being present and ready to help at all times.”
This experience not only boosted his confidence but also prepared him for future situations. “Now, I know that even if I’m unsure of the exact protocol, just being present can make a difference. Someone will guide me what to do next,” he said.
Making a Lasting Impact
Kah Sing believes that his role as a volunteer extends beyond offering logistical support to patients. He believes by easing their anxiety during hospital visits, patients will be inclined to attend their follow-up consultations which are critical for effective continuity of care.
“Some patients are reluctant to return because the process feels overwhelming,” he explained. “If we can make their experience less stressful, they’re more likely to come back for the care they need.”
Volunteering has also positively impacted Kah Sing’s view on spending his time meaningfully. “I now think of time like a bank account. I could waste it on Netflix or social media but volunteering enriches my life instead. It’s an investment in what matters to me,” he said.
A Life Enriched by Giving
Now in the final year of his nursing studies, Kah Sing plans to continue volunteering even after entering the workforce. “Volunteering has given me so much - confidence, skills, and a deeper understanding of patient care. I want to keep giving back,” he said.
For those considering volunteering, his advice is simple: “You don’t need to know everything or have all the answers. Just show up, and you’ll figure it out. Even a small effort can mean the world to someone.”
Through his volunteering journey at NHCS, Kah Sing has demonstrated how small acts of kindness can create ripple effects, touching lives in unexpected ways. His story is a reminder that volunteering is not just about giving; it is also about growing, learning, and finding purpose in service.
Inspired by Kah Sing’s journey? Click here to join NHCS as a volunteer and make a difference.
Tags:
;
;
;
;
News Article;Internal;
;
National Heart Centre Singapore;
Article;
Stories from the Heart (NHCS);
;
;
;
;
Stories from the heart