CHAPTER 3 Caring Hearts Embracing the Community Helping the Poor Reaching Out A Healing Touch Educating the Public Giving Back to Society Leading, Giving and Sharing Taking Medicine Beyond Pioneering with Vision Shaping the Industry Exploring New Frontiers Searching for Excellence Developing Our Own Nursing as a Noble Profession PNC International College of Nursing and Health Sciences A Distinguished Nursing College KPJ Healthcare s Noble Nurses The Unsung Heroes 49
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EMBRACING THE COMMUNITY I n all spheres of life, there is an interdependence between the big and the small, the strong and the weak. In human society, those who are less fortunate need a helping hand and a kind word from others. KPJ Healthcare lives up to its Corporate Social Responsibility in this respect, with its many initiatives to help the poor, the physically challenged, the elderly and those who are on the margins of society. 51
Tunku Mahkota Johor, Duli Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Ibrahim Ismail ibni Sultan Iskandar, at the official launch of Hospital Waqaf An-Nur in April 2006. JCorp-NSTP Mutiara Prihatin Caring Programme was a collaborative effort between KPJ Healthcare s holding company, Johor Corporation and The New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad. Reaching out to the Orang Asli community. Caring, warm and friendly KPJ Healthcare s nurses in one of the outreach community programmes.
Helping the Poor As a socially responsible corporate citizen, KPJ Healthcare has chosen to fulfil its responsibilities in an area close to its heart providing medical services to those in need. One programme was a medical charity scheme, JCorp-NSTP Mutiara Prihatin Caring Programme, which was launched on 15 December 1996. In this collaborative effort between KPJ Healthcare s ultimate holding company, Johor Corporation, and The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd (NSTP), Johor Corporation matched public donations ringgit-for-ringgit, within an annual limit of RM1 million, to pay for medical cases that came through NSTP s group of newspapers. This exemplary programme became the model for Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in subsequent years. In 1998, Johor Corporation and KPJ Healthcare launched the Klinik Waqaf An-Nur charity outpatient clinics and dialysis centres, through which medical services are made available to the underprivileged. Four clinics and a mobile clinic, established with the co-operation of state religious councils, provide medical consultation and treatment to those in need, regardless of race or religion. KPJ Healthcare contributes RM500,000 annually to this programme. More clinics are being built throughout the country wherever there are KPJ Healthcare s hospitals. A mobile clinic provides medical consultation and treatment to those in need. KPJ Healthcare also manages Hospital Waqaf Pasir Gudang, a 30 bedded charity hospital, that provides medical services to the needy and the poor. The hospital was officially opened in April 2006. Reaching Out Klinik Waqaf An-Nur. KPJ Healthcare extends its hand out to special groups within Malaysian society through its outreach community service. Orang Asli communities at various places have benefited from the medical screening, deworming programmes, nutritional counselling and ante-natal classes held as part of the outreach service. Recipients include physically challenged children and the elderly. Contributions in kind have also been made towards athletes preparing for the Paralympics. A Healing Touch Patients very often feel daunted and overwhelmed in preparing for a major operation and during the recovery process. Acknowledging this, KPJ Healthcare launched patient support KPJ Healthcare providing medical services to the elderly. 53
groups at some of its hospitals.the Zipper s Club at Ipoh Specialist Hospital, for patients who had undergone heart surgery, was the first of its kind in Perak. Johor Specialist Hospital runs a similar programme called the Heart Strings Club, while a cancer support group has been set up at Damansara Specialist Hospital. Educating the Public Being the leading provider of healthcare services in the country, KPJ Healthcare has the resources to assist the government in public health education, an essential element towards building a healthy nation. General health and lifestyle talks are organised at KPJ Healthcare s hospitals, community meetings and school gatherings. Blood donation drives and health camps have been regular features during designated health days such as World Heart Day. The hospitals have also conducted aggressive campaigns to enhance the public s knowledge and understanding of communicable diseases such as dengue, including organising gotong-royong projects to clean up surrounding areas with their respective community associations. Managing Director of KPJ Healthcare at the nationwide anti-dengue campaign with YB Dato Ch ng Toh Eng. Greater health awareness is promoted through KPJ Healthcare s participation in health-related exhibitions. At the Women: Health and Lifestyle exhibition in October 2004, for example, KPJ Healthcare s booth provided basic blood profile screening and cholesterol checks for visitors. Public education has also been undertaken through sponsorship of programmes through the media. One such programme is Medik TV, a weekly health education programme that aims to create public awareness and increase knowledge on various kinds of diseases, the importance of managing one s health and the health services available in Malaysia. Giving Back to Society Health talks are held during designated health days such as World Heart Day. As part of its corporate responsibility to give back to society, KPJ Healthcare assists in reducing the plight of victims of natural disasters both within and outside Malaysia. Some of KPJ Healthcare s Gifts from the Heart towards such victims include donations of cash and medical supplies to those affected by a disastrous earthquake in Turkey in 1999 and by the recent tsunami in Kuala Muda, Malaysia in 2005. KPJ Healthcare s medical consultants and nurses also volunteered their services in Acheh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and other tsunami disasterstricken areas. 54
Medik TV, a health education programme sponsored by KPJ Healthcare. A KPJ Healthcare s doctor treating a tsunami victim in Kuala Muda, Kedah. The tsunami catastrophe touched the hearts of many and KPJ Healthcare s management, medical consultants, staff members and patients were no exception.
Dr Shanmugam Subbiah volunteers with various humanitarian bodies. Sapines et fortis et alter omerus, ut critici promissa. KPJ Healthcare s participation in radio shows aims to increase public awareness on healthcare.
Leading, Giving and Sharing The doctors of KPJ Healthcare do not just dispense treatment and care. They do not confine themselves within the four walls of their clinics. Instead, they are very much involved in social, charitable and community services outside their hospitals. These doctors include Dr Shanmugam Subbiah and Dr Hasnabhi Ahmad Jan of Puteri Specialist Hospital; and Dato Dr Johan Thambu Abdul Malik and Dr Zarin Ikmal Zan Mohd Zain of Tawakal Hospital. Dr S K Teoh of Ipoh Specialist Hospital is especially known for work done for the Orang Asli community. KPJ Healthcare s consultants even have their own charity fund, KPJ Consultants Charity Fund that was set up in 2003, of which Dato Dr Mohd Rani Jusoh of Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital is the current chairman. He is supported by a committee consisting of the medical directors of hospitals throughout the Group. Recipients of the KPJ Consultants Charity Fund. KPJ Healthcare s doctors are also at the forefront in providing humanitarian aid within and outside Malaysia. Mercy Malaysia has gained worldwide regard in this area through the dedicated involvement of Dato Dr Jemilah Mahmood, Dr Fauziah Mohd Hasan and Dr Amin Tai of Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital; Dr Al-Amin Mohd Daud of Tawakal Hospital; Dr Lai Fui Boon of Puteri Specialist Hospital; and Dr Azmi Mohd Ghazali of Kuantan Specialist Hospital. Another humanitarian body is the Global Peace Mission, in which Dr Mohd Daud Sulaiman and Dr Abdul Razak Mohammed of Damansara Specialist Hospital are active participants. Many others, whose names are not mentioned here, are also involved in these aid efforts. In addition, contributions are being made to educate the public on health matters through articles in newspapers and participation in radio shows and public health talks. Dr. Mohd Daud Sulaiman on a mission under Global Peace. 57
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TAKING MEDICINE BEYOND T he palms of a coconut tree become the roof of a hut.the root of a herbal plant cures the ailing child. At KPJ Healthcare, the creativity and versatility of its medical personnel are as boundless.these men and women in white, not satisfied with only helping the ill, are turning their talents towards discovering ground-breaking techniques, advancing their profession as well as managing resources efficiently. 59
KPJ Healthcare s medical directors posing for a group photograph in 2005. The unveiling of the dedication plaque to Dato Dr Lim Kee Jin. The dedication plaque to Dato Dr Lim Kee Jin.
Pioneering with Vision KPJ Healthcare s doctors have been pioneers with vision right from the start. Dato Dr Lim Kee Jin dreamt of starting the first private hospital in Johor Bahru, which was realised through his collaboration with Johor Corporation to set up Johor Specialist Hospital. Such success was also attained with the help of his team, which included Dr V K Ravindran, Dr Ong Ah How, Dr Mak Kock Kheng and Dato Dr A R S Bhathal. Dato Dr Lim s foresight served him well in other initiatives in the medical field, such as the establishment of the Postgraduate Medical Centre in Sultanah Aminah Hospital, Johor Bahru. Dato Dr Lim Kee Jin Dr Chakr Sri Na Nagara Dr Chakr Sri Na Nagara, Dr Yoong Fook Ngian, Dato Dr S Jenagaratnam, Dr David Yeo Keat Him and Dr Teoh Soong Kee were the pioneers in Ipoh, succeeding in their vision to establish Ipoh Specialist Centre. Shaping the Industry Being the premier healthcare service provider in the country, it is to be expected that doctors within KPJ Healthcare have and continue to be responsible for shaping the medical industry. Holding positions in industry-related groups and associations, they are very involved in the betterment of the medical profession. Those who have chalked up numerous contributions to the medical industry include Tan Sri Dato Dr Abu Bakar Sulaiman, who joined the Board of KPJ Healthcare after an illustrious career in public medical service, his last post being that of Director-General of Health, Ministry of Health. He is now also the current chairman of KPJ Medical Advisory Committe (MAC). Dato Dr K Kulaveerasingam has the distinction of being the first Asian to be honoured in 2001 by the Asian Oceanian Society of Radiology with a Gold Medal for his services to the field of radiology in Asia-Oceania, while Dr Chakr Sri Na Nagara provided valuable inputs into the area of medical ethics for the industry. Tan Sri Dato Dr Abu Bakar Sulaiman Dato Dr K Kulaveerasingam 61
Exploring New Frontiers There are always new discoveries to be made, new breakthroughs to be accomplished and new frontiers to be explored in the medical field. In Malaysia, KPJ Healthcare has been providing the resources and facilities required to enable its doctors to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and techniques. Datuk Dr Hussein Awang (left). Datuk Dr Hussein Awang is a pioneer in kidney transplantation in the country. He performed the first kidney transplantation in the private sector at Tawakal Hospital on 20 October 1986. Datuk Dr Hussein Awang is a pioneer in another sense, being the person credited with establishing Tawakal Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, which was officially opened on 25 February 1985. Tan Sri Dato Dr Yahya Awang joined KPJ Healthcare in March 2004, after having made his mark in public medical service. A renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, his extensive experience and expertise in the field has further enhanced KPJ Healthcare s cardiothoracic capabilities. Dato Dr Fadzli Cheah Abdullah s achievements in neurosurgery have put him at the forefront of his medical specialisation in Malaysia. Dato Dr Fadzli, the first neurosurgeon in Perak, has been Consultant Neurosurgeon at Ipoh Specialist Hospital since 1990. He also received the Tokoh Saudara Baru Sempana Maulidur Rasul recently. Tan Sri Dato Dr Yahya Awang. Dato Dr Fadzli Cheah Abdullah. Amongst others who are breaking new ground at KPJ Healthcare, Dato Dr Abdul Jalil Jidon of Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital is at the top of his field of plastic surgery. 62
KPJ Healthcare s world-class surgeons at their best. KPJ Healthcare s doctors are dedicated in delivering the best services to patients. 63
Johor Corporation s collaboration programme with Henley School of Management, London, a special and comprehensive MBA Programme for its executives. Sapines et fortis et alter omerus, ut critici promissa. Promoting and encouraging a research and scientific culture in KPJ Healthcare.
Searching for Excellence Advancements in any field are built upon the perseverance and meticulousness of those involved in research and development. Doctors who are contributing to their respective fields of specialisation include Dato Dr Mohd Rani Jusoh (Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital); Dato Dr Azizi Haji Omar, Dr Zainudin Md Zin, Dr Abdul Malik Mohammed Hussein and Dr Gunasegaran P T Rajan (Damansara Specialist Hospital); and Dato Dr Fadzli Cheah (Ipoh Specialist Hospital). One prolific researcher in KPJ Healthcare is Dr Aminuddin Haji Saim, the Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) and Pediatric ENT Specialist/Surgeon at Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital. A recognised name in the medical fraternity at home and abroad, he and his colleagues have undertaken ground-breaking work leading to inventions such as tissue-engineered human cartilage in the shape of a trachea, tissue-engineered human skin for clinical application and bio-engineered human skin. These inventions have not only won numerous awards but have also resulted in a number of Malaysian patent applications. Dr Aminuddin Haji Saim with his patient. Developing Our Own KPJ Healthcare takes pride in providing training and development opportunities to enable its people to advance themselves professionally in their medical fields or to venture into new career areas such as management. Dr Noor Hisham Mansor. Dr Noor Hisham Mansor has seen his medical career grow with the opportunities provided by KPJ Healthcare. The experience, training as well as post-graduate education obtained through his employment at Tawakal Hospital has led to his attainment of a Master of Medicine (Internal Medicine) and his current appointment as Consultant Physician at the hospital. Dr Munirah Khudri exemplifies the spirit of going outside one s comfort zone to take on a different challenge. She has taken advantage of KPJ Healthcare s educational sponsorship programme to obtain a Masters in Business Management from Henley School of Management, London and move from the medical to management field. She is currently General Manager of Kuantan Specialist Hospital. Dr Munirah Khudri. 65
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NURSING AS A NOBLE PROFESSION L ight is life-sustaining. In the hospitals of KPJ Healthcare, light comes in the soothing form of the nurses who walk through the wards day and night, giving care and administering medicine, encouraging the sick to be healthy again. It is not an easy profession, requiring much sacrifice, but those who are in it find it highly rewarding for their hearts and souls. 67
Graduates of the Operating Department Practice (ODP) Programme. PNC s first graduation ceremony with YABhg Tun Dr Siti Hasmah in 1993. YABhg Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor with some of the new PNC graduates at the recent PNC graduation ceremony in 2006.
PNC International College of Nursing and Health Sciences Fully appreciative of the critical role played by nurses in providing healthcare services of high quality, KPJ Healthcare has adopted a proactive stance in preparing and educating its own corps of nurses. The Puteri Nursing College was established in 1991 under the flagship of KPJ Healthcare.The College has the distinction of being the first private nursing college in the country to offer the three-year Diploma in Nursing Programme. The quality of teaching and learning at Puteri Nursing College is proven by the fact that each student intake has maintained a 100% pass rate in the Malaysian Nursing Board Examination since the College s establishment. Further, the programme has obtained accreditation from the National Accreditation Board on 19 October 2004, making it the first private nursing college to be accredited. Puteri Nursing College is the first college to produce graduate nurses with 100% passes. A Distinguished Nursing College Puteri Nursing College was first in conducting post-basic nursing specialisation programmes affiliated with foreign universities, such as Edith Cowan University, Curtin University and the University of South Australia, in 1994.The College scored another first when it introduced the Operating Department Practice Programme in collaboration with the Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, in 1997. The Memorandum of Co-operation with the university was extended in 2004 to meet the growing demand for trained operating department technicians. To accommodate the growing number of students for KPJ Healthcare s as well as other hospitals, an agreement was signed in September 2003 between Puteri Nursing College and Golden Hope Properties (Johor) Sdn Bhd for the development of a purpose-built campus at Kota Sierramas, Nilai. In May 2005, in line with the Group s strategic direction and college s expansion plans, the College changed its name to its current name. Collaboration agreement between Golden Hope Properties (Johor) Sdn Bhd and Puteri Nursing College. The new PNC International College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Kota Sierramas, Nilai. 69
KPJ Healthcare s Noble Nurses Madame Josephine Foo. The hundreds of nurses in KPJ Healthcare provide doctors with a level of professional support and assistance that is immeasurable. While most nurses continue to serve in the hospitals, some have moved beyond nursing duties into management. One such nurse is Josephine Foo, who joined KPJSB in 1995 as a corporate manager. She was then appointed General Manager of Tawakal Hospital before becoming KPJ Healthcare s Group Quality Manager in 2003 to champion quality initiatives throughout the company s network of hospitals. Mah Lai Heng is another nurse who moved from her nursing duties to become the Nursing Manager of Ipoh Specialist Hospital. She is now appointed the General Manager of Kuching Specialist Hospital. Naziah Ismail also took on new work responsibilities. She joined Puteri Nursing College as a nurse-lecturer in 1991 and, after a number of promotions, was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the PNC International College of Nursing and Health Sciences in 2002. Puan Naziah Ismail. Other nurses who have excelled in KPJ Healthcare and have contributed to the management team include Thavamalar Kandiah, Wan Rusliah Hj Md Daud, Zaharah Osman, Maznah Munir and many others. The future noble nurses. 70
THE UNSUNG HEROES The management, administrative staff, medical consultants and nurses in KPJ Healthcare s hospitals would not be able to carry out their responsibilities effectively without the support of the unsung heroes. These are the staff whose names may not be known by the thousands of patients who have been treated at the hospitals, but they are there behind the scenes, working hard to make the patients stay as pleasant as possible. These unsung heroes comprise, amongst others, the hospitals ambulance, dietary, janitorial, housekeeping, laundry and security staff. Ambulance drivers play a vital role in emergency cases. Ensuring safe and good handling of food. Security of the patients is of utmost importance in KPJ Healthcare s hospitals. 71
72 The launch of the KPJ Medical Journal by the (then) Deputy Prime Minister,YAB Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.