print friendly version
Occupational Therapy Department
Occupational therapy is a health care profession concerned with people of all ages whose everyday life has been affected by physical, cognitive, and/or mental health problems. Occupational therapists use purposeful activities and a variety of treatment methods to obtain a desired level of functioning in work, self-care, play and leisure.
The SGH Occupational Therapy Department has been a provider of rehabilitation services since 1954. Our dynamic approach to rehabilitation reflects the changing needs of our society over time. It is now one of the largest occupational therapy departments in Singapore offering rehabilitation services in areas of specialties such as upper limb and hand rehabilitation, burns and plastics, neurology, orthopaedics, oncology, vascular and lymphoedema rehabilitation.
Traditionally, the department has provided services to people with disabilities/ injuries in a clinical setting. Our experience in this area has resulted in the development of strong community links and expertise.
As the need arose, our services expanded. New services such as occupational health and ergonomic consultation are now provided for companies and individuals. Our team of occupational therapists with their skills and knowledge of health management ensure that we continue to provide a high standard of service to people with diverse needs. We hope that the provision of these quality services would help our clients reduce the cost of injuries and disabilities and lead to a better quality of life.
Burns And Plastic Rehabilitation
This unit provides services to people who have burn injuries or have undergone reconstructive or aesthetic surgery. Services include:
Geriatric Rehabilitation
Services provided in this interdisciplinary unit for the elderly with a variety of conditions include:
This unit provides therapy for people who have injuries or congenital abnormalities of their upper limbs. The goal in hand and upper limb rehabilitation is to help the individuals achieve optimal function of their upper limbs so as to regain independence in their daily activities and return to work.
The various treatment modalities include splinting, heat application, fluidotherapy, therapeutic laser and ultrasound, muscle stimulation, and mobilisation and exercises to specific joints of the hand and upper limbs. The use of these treatment modalities is aimed at:
This unit provides Complex Lymphatic Therapy for people with upper and lower limb swelling. Both in-patient and out-patient services are provided by therapists who have undergone specialised training in this area. Individuals are taught self-massage, exercises, compression bandaging and skin care. The unit also conducts an in-patient group for people who have undergone mastectomy. Exercises and education on care of the arm are taught during the group sessions.
Neurological Rehabilitation
The unit provides rehabilitation for people with neurological disorders such as Stroke and Parkinson's Disease.
Services includes :
Services provided for people with cancer may include the following :
Services provided for people with vascular diseases that result in limb amputation include assessment and training in self-care activities, wheelchair mobility training, transfer practice, caregiver training, recommendation of assistive devices, and home modification to enhance independence. The services also include prescription of compression stockings for patients with venous insufficiency or have undergone vascular surgical procedures.
Our therapists carry out home visits to:
Services available to people who have physical or psychological stress that impedes their normal life or work includes:
The Occupational Health and Ergonomic Services offered by our department aim to help organisations maintain the highest quality of working life practicable for employees by:
Patrick Ker Thye SanMaster of Science & Technology (Ergonomics)., Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)Area of specialisation: Ergonomics and Occupational HealthLeila Ilmami Binte NasronMasters in Clinical Science (Gerontology) , BHlth Sc (Occupational Therapy) Areas of Specialisation - Neurology, Home Therapy, Stress Management, Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy (Shoulder and Neck)
Natalie Chew Jin LinBSc (Occupational Therapy)Area of Specialisation: Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine
Hee Fook WahMSc (Human Factors Engineering), B. Engineering (Mechanical), Area of Specialisation: Hand and Upper Limb Rehabilitation
Jeyamany Ruth JacobBhlth Sc (Occupational Therapy) Area of specialisation: Hand and Upper Limb Rehabilitation