01 Jul 2010
Few people have as tough a life as 51-year-old Steven Lim.
The Singapore General Hospital (SGH) patient suffers from a string of medical conditions largely related to his diabetes, a condition he and his six brothers and sisters inherited from his father.
While still a child, Mr Lim, the eldest of seven children, had to go out to work to help support his family. He developed diabetes when he was 33 years old.
Shortly after, his parents died, he went through a divorce, and he had to give up work because of poor health. His siblings also suffer from a variety of illnesses and are unable to help him.
Medical social workers intervened and with their support, Mr Lim now corents an HDB flat. He receives money for his basic daily needs from Community Development Councils and Methodist Welfare Services, while Medifund helps take care of the cost of the many types of medicine he takes each day.
Despite his problems, Mr Lim puts on a brave front. “No one knew he was depressed. When he was in hospital, he would say ‘hi’ to everyone. He was always cheerful,” said his social worker, Ms Florence Fong.Aware of his struggles, Ms Fong and other medical social workers often look out for Mr Lim’s needs beyond what he receives from official funding sources.
Mr Lim, who needs the aid of a walking stick, relies on taxis to take him to SGH for his medical appointments.
To ensure he does not miss his appointments, Ms Fong sought help from SGH Needy Patients Fund for Mr Lim’s transportation expenses. The Fund also pays for the syringes he uses to administer insulin. For patients like Mr Lim, assistance from sources such as the Needy Patients Fund plays a crucial role in the support and counselling they receive.
“There were many moments of despair. If not for medical social workers and SGH Needy Patients Fund, I would have given up,” said Mr Lim.
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