ONE YEAR OF

SUCCESS by Dr Oo Khaik Cheang

KDN 13040/11/2011 (028949) Vol.16 No 2 April 2011

January 1st, 2011 marked the anniversary of a at Rumah Hospis on Friday 21 May 2010 and a two-
successful year when Penang Hospice Society took day seminar on Grief & Loss incorporating
over the Hospice-at-Home programme from NCSM psychological, emotional and coping issues as well as
(Pg). The transition was so smooth that hardly how the topic was viewed by the major religions –
anyone involved felt the change. The actual number of Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and
patients looked after remained the same as shown by Sikhism. The latter seminar was held on 24-25 Sept.
the accompanying table. Acknowledgements must be 2010 at Vistana Hotel.
made to the following – (a) NCSM(Pg) for ensuring the
smooth transfer by making the necessary quarterly An obvious agenda to be pursued was to obtain tax-
transfer of funds to operate the programme, (b) the exempt status for PHS. With the help of an
clinical staff consisting of 6 PCNs and a medical accountant who obtained the necessary documents,
doctor as well as administrative and general staff Liza, the application was submitted on our behalf to the
Devi and Kali who all agreed to come under the relevant department in K.L., the application is being
employment of PHS and carried on their duties as considered and we hope for a favourable reply
usual, and most gratefully, (c) Dato' Seri Dr. T. Devaraj sometime this year. The attainment of tax-exempt
who volunteered to stay on as CEO and Chief Medical status is a necessary step to wean us financially from
Officer of the programme. NCSM (Pg).

The necessary publicity was made about the change in During the year, there were some staff changes. PCN
management, with new letterheads and brochures Gan decided to relocate to K.L. PCN Helen Cheah,
printed but regular activities continued as usual. The who had planned to retire for some time but had
weekly review of patients on Friday morning and the stayed on at Dato' Seri's request, finally got her wishes
monthly Carers' Meeting in Seberang Perai carried on when the Society managed to engage the services of a
as usual. So did the quarterly Joint Clinical Meeting of newly retired nurse, Sister Sushila David Somiah who
Penang Hospice Groups where PHS now replaced joined the programme on 25th October 2010. PHS
NCSM (Pg) in presenting clinical cases. The annual attempted a new approach to solve the perennial
training programme for nurses and volunteers was problem of shortage of nurses in palliative care by
organized by PHS with a new focus. Two workshops taking on three recent graduates from private nursing
were held – a one day communication skills workshop colleges on a three month trial period during which
they were given lectures of nursing skills and also
followed the PCNs on their home visits. Unfortunately,
none of them proved suitable for full-time employment in
the Hospice At Home Programme. Nevertheless, it is
expected that this new approach will be continued when
suitable candidates are available.

Exciting times are in store for the Society. An EGM was

held on 12 Feb 2011 during which certain clauses in the
Constitution were amended to regularize the Society's
assets in terms of land and immovable assets. The
rationale for this move was in anticipation of the Society
being able to have its own premises in the future. Such Hospice At Home Programme
a prospect will allow improvements and innovations to
be implemented but the challenges involved will need
the full, active and sacrificing services of all members of
the Society behind the elected Executive Committee.

"You matter because you are you. You matter to the last moment of your life,
and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully,
but also to live until you die."...
Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of Hospice

CONTENTS ............................
03 Happenings

04 World Cancer Day /

Colorectal Cancer Screening

05-07 9th Asia Pacific Hospice Conference 2011

08 Relay For Life - Fighting Cancer Together 2011

09 Fundraising activities & Donations

10 A Survivor's Story

11 Counselling Course 2011

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 HAPPENINGS

CARERS' MEETINGS – Penang Island

Venue : Rumah Hospis Pulau Pinang

Day : Every Friday
Time : 10.45am – 11.15am

CARERS' MEETINGS – Seberang Perai

Venue : Klinik Kesihatan Butterworth

Day : 3rd Friday of every month
Time : 1.00pm - 2.00pm

Carers' Meetings in Seberang Perai are held every 3rd Friday of each month. These meetings are
open to everyone. Normally volunteers and the 3 palliative care nurses of the National Cancer
Society of Malaysia, Penang Branch meet to discuss the on-going programmes carried out by the
society and how they can contribute. Problems of home care-cases are discussed and shared at
such meetings. In addition volunteers bring newspapers and other items for recycling, with proceeds
donated to the Society.

24th Palliative Care Case Presentation

The 24th Palliative Care case presentation was held at the Oncology Clinic of Hospital Pulau Pinang
hosted by Charis Hospice on 27 January 2011. 19 participants representing Penang Hospice Society,
Charis Hospice Palliative Care Unit of Hospital Bukit Mertajam, Hospital Seberang Jaya and the
Oncology Clinic of Hospital Pulau Pinang attended the meeting. Two presentations highlighting their
work “Continuing End of Life Care from Hospital to Community” and “End of Life Care” was made by
Dr Oo Loo Chan of Charis Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Krisna of Penang Hospice Society
respectively. The next palliative care case presentation is being held at Bilik Mesyuarat Faber Hospital
Bukit Mertajam at 3pm on Wednesday, 20 April 2011.

Counseling Course 2011

This year Counselling Course will begin on 19 June and end with the examination on 11 September
with a total of 34 credit hours. Except for one session it will be held at Rumah Hospis, 250A Jalan Air
Itam, 10460 Penang. See page 11 for the schedule.

We welcome our new staff

We are delighted to welcome 2 new staff members
to Penang Hospice Society. Ms Sushila David Somiah
oined us on 25 October 2010 as Palliative Care Nurse
and Dr Voon Nyuk Yean as Palliative Care
Physician began work with the Society in February.

PCN Palliative Care

Sushila David Physician Dr Voon

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 WORLD CANCER DAY

The National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Penang Branch organised various cancer awareness campaigns in
conjunction with World Cancer Day in the month of February and March.

FEBRUARY The Society and Island Hospital jointly organised a cancer awareness talk on Saturday 26 February
2011 at Island Hospital. 2 topics were presented, “Liver cancer” by Mr TJ Wong, Consultant Surgeon of Island Hospital
and “Towards Cancer Control” was presented by CEO/Medical Director National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Penang
Branch. The talks were opened for the public and over 100 people attended the talks to learn more about cancer and
how to deal with it.

MARCH Since 2009, the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Penang Branch has been promoting early detection
and the importance of early screening for colorectal cancer. The disease is preventable, treatable and curable if detected
early. In 2009, the Society screened 600 Penangites who were above the age of 50. This year the Society launched the
screening again on Sunday 13 March 2011 at the Penang Caring Society Complex. It was officiated by YB Phee Boon
Poh, Penang Exco for Health and Welfare Caring Society Environment. 300 Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kits were
distributed to the public at the launch. A talk on early detection and prevention of stomach and colon cancer was also
presented by Consultant Gastroenterologist Datuk Dr Robert Ding of Island Hospital at the event.

A Colon & Rectal Cancer talk presented by Mr Lim Teik Mau (Consultant General & Colorectal Surgeon) was held at Loh
Guan Lye Specialists Center on March 26.

26 March 2011 - Prostate cancer talk by Dr Liong Men Long – Urologist of Lam Wah Ee Hospital and a cancer talk by
Dato' Seri Dr T Devaraj (NCSM,Pg).

For those who could not make it for the above events,may pick up the test kits at the following locations:

Rumah Hospis Pulau Pinang at 250A Jalan Air Itam

Monday – Friday (9am – 5pm) until May 31

Klinik Kesihatan Tanjung Bungah

Sunday April 10 (for details please call 04-228 4140)

Public Health Talk

– Colon Cancer, a Preventable Cancer by Dr Teoh Mum Fat,
Consultant Gastroenterologist Penang Adventist Hospital
Sunday April 10, 2.30pm – 5.00pm, Auditorium, Level 2, Adventist Specialist Complex

Penang Hokkien Association

Sunday April 24 (for details please call 04-228 4140)

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 9th Asia Pacific Hospice Conference 2011

Plenary speakers

Prof John Ellershaw Dr Faith Mwangi-Powell Dr Harmala Gupta Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir

Prof Malcolm Fisher Prof Merryn Gott Prof MR Rajagopal Dr Stephen R Connor

A/Prof Cynthia Goh (Singapore) Dr Rosalie Shaw (Aust) Dr Mary Cardosa (Msia)

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 ANNOUNCING - RELAY FOR LIFE PENANG 2011
6:00pm Saturday 1 October to 10:00am Sunday 2 October
Taman Perbandaran Pulau Pinang
GET READY TO BE INVOLVED
Relay for Life launch venue sponsored by Shangri La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
Sunday, 20 March 2011

Guests signing specially made “Relay

Greeting Cards” for Kuala Lumpur who are
having their Relay for the 5th time on June
11 & 12 and Melaka, holding its very first
Relay on July 16 & 17.

YB Phee Boon Poh, Penang Exco for Health

1 4 and Welfare Caring Society Environment,
Prof Dato' Dr Dick Ho (Deputy Vice
Chancellor (Academic) of Wawasan Open
University) and Dato' William Ng Jit Thye,
Chairman of National Cancer Society of
Malaysia, Penang Branch placing their
messages into the HOPE message box.

Guest singer Mr Gilbert Ooi, singing HERO,

2 3 5
a tribute to all cancer survivors who have
been an inspiration to all those who are still
fighting cancer.
Our heartfelt gratitude to our launch venue sponsor
The General Manager of Shangri La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Mr
Desmond Hatton and 2010-2011 International Relay For Life Hero of Hope,
cancer survivor Madam Mui Siew Koon lighting up the HOPE candles.

Some of the guests who attended the launch at the Hotel.

Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a
chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost,
and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school,
park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is
asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer
never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

Although every Relay For Life is different, there are certain traditions at all Relays, no matter
where they are held. These traditions help participants celebrate, remember, and fight back.

Celebrate - The Survivors Lap

Relay starts with a Survivors Lap an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone
celebrate the victories we've achieved over cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are
creating a world with more birthdays like those of each individual on the track.

Remember - The Luminaria Ceremony

After dark, we honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the
Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer,
and participants often walk a lap in silence.

Fight Back - The Fight Back Ceremony

Last, there is a Fight Back Ceremony, where we make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against
cancer.No matter where you are, there's a place for you at Relay and you can make a difference today by signing up to start
your own team or by simply making a donation.

For more information about Relay For Life, visit our website : www.relayforlife.org.my

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 FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES AND DONATIONS
in aid of National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Penang Branch and Penang Hospice Society

The Kimono & Opera Gala 2011 jointly organised by the Pink Hisbiscus Club
and the Children's Protection Society raised RM166,000 in aid of Penang
Hospice Society and Children's Protection Society. RM83,000 was donated
to Penang Hospice Society at a cheque presentation ceremony held
on March 9 2011 at the E & O Hotel.

Dato' Nazir and the organising committee members presenting the mock
cheque to Dato' Seri Dr T Devaraj

Ms Josephine Chan and staff members of Disted College presenting

a cheque amounting RM6069 to Penang Hospice Society staff
Puan Saliza. The proceeds were raised from the
VIVA LA GEORGETOWN FOOD & FUN FAIR that
was held on December 11 2010.

Dr Oo Khaik Cheang, representing the Penang Hospice Society

receiving a donation of RM10,000 from Datin Paduka Seri
Rosmah Mansor,, President of Bakti (Association of Wives
of Ministers and Deputy Ministers) on 28 January 2011.

Presenting a cheque for RM300 is Mr. Kenny Chee

Kah Wah (CEO) of Paris Lozes 21 March 2011.

Moral Uplifting Society's annual Charity Food Fair.

The organizers donated RM10,000 to the Penang Hospice Society.

To all our donors, supporters, well wishers and volunteers –

a very big THANK YOU!
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 SURVIVOR'S STORY

GOD'S
GRACE AND LOVE
By Chen Oi Lin
Chen Oi Lin is a member of BM Breast Cancer Support Group

I am a breast cancer survivor for almost 2 years wonderful doctors, oncologist Dr Kevin Hew Poh
now. I can never forget the dreadful day in April Wai and surgeon Mr Noel Yeoh. Through my illness,
2009 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My I discovered that God was good to me all this while
feelings were beyond description when the doctor because I did not have to face my illness alone. I was
told me of the bad news. I felt like my world just surrounded by people who love me dearly and stood
collapsed and I was given the death sentence. I by me throughout my ordeal. I had continuous
knew that life would never be the same anymore. I support from my loving husband, my parents,
was overwhelmed with so much fear and grief that brother and sister and also my parents-in-law. They
my future looked completely bleak. I was filled with were my pillars of strength.
worry that I might not be able to pull through the Though I went through a lot of suffering from
surgery and the harsh treatment of chemotherapy. chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions, I did not
lose hope. I thank God that despite the torments
However, looking at my daughter, I could not that I have gone through, I have successfully
imagine her without a mother at such a tender age. completed all the necessary treatment sessions.
She was only 2 years old then. I could not stop
crying and knelt down to pray. I asked God for I look at life from a more positive angle now. I would
mercy and a second chance to live, so that I could see my ordeal as a blessing in disguise. I learned to
bring up my daughter. Whenever I looked at my be more optimistic. I also cherish the people around
daughter, I was more determined to fight the battle me, my family and friends. I believe God has a
despite having to go through so much suffering and purpose for letting all this happen and trust that
pain. It was not an easy fight because along the He has better plans in store for me and I just have
way of my chemotherapy treatment, I had to go to seek and trust His leading hands.
through many obstacles which interfered with the
treatment. I was down with bronchitis, mouth ulcer, Life is never a bed of roses after all. The path that
blurred vision and halfway through the treatment, I we travel in this life will always be winding and
needed another surgery to implant a chemo port there will be humps along the way. This is the
when the veins in my hands and arms were all reality that I learned. Cancer may sound horrible,
hardened up. I was constantly filled with worry, but but I know for sure now, that in the circumstances
God continued to show His grace whenever I sought that I face, I am in the good hands of the Lord. I
Him out. He never failed to bring me through every believe God will always be by my side to strengthen
step. I discovered that when I put my trust in God, I and carry me through every trial and tribulation
began to experience God's grace and love. I truly that I may have to face. Every morning, I thank God
received His wonderful blessings. for giving me one more day to live. Each day I would
ask for His grace and commit myself to God to live
God prepared everything I needed for my a meaningful life. I have learned to live one day at a
treatment and surgery. He had blessed me with two time, trusting that God is with me all the way.

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 COUNSELLING COURSE 2011
Rumah Hospis, 250A Jalan Air Itam, Penang

Date Topics Facilitators

1 19-6-11 Introduction to Course Requirements
2.30 - 6.00pm Basic Counselling Skills Ms Margarita Malayapillay
2 26-6-11
2.30 - 4.00pm Counselling Children & Adolescents Dr Zasmani Shafiee
4.30 – 6.00pm The needs of special children Ms Silviane Bonadei
3 3-07-11 Crisis Intervention Dr Lynne Yong
2.30 - 6.00pm Psychological First-Aid
4 10-07-11 Advanced Counselling Skills – Egan's The Skilled Helper Model, Dasie Model Ms Margarita Malayapillay
2.30 - 6.00pm First tape & transcript to be submitted
5 16-07-11 Sat Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Dr Lai Fong Hwa
9.00 - 4.00pm Disted College, Jln Macalister, Pg Dr Gavin Macdonell
6 24-07-11 Identifying Psychiatric Disorders Dr Bharathy
2.30 - 6.00pm Supporting the Patient & Family
7 31-07-11
2.30 - 4.00pm Basic Relaxation Techniques Pn Ooi Siew Chen
4.30 – 6.00pm Gender Issues Ms Annie (WCC)
8 7-08-11 Counselling Theories & Models Prof Sue See
2.30 - 6.00pm Ethics in Counselling
9 14-08-11 Ms Margarita Malayapillay
2.30 - 4.00pm Suicide Dato' Seri Dr T. Devaraj
4.30 – 6.00pm Supporting Carers
Second tape & transcript to be submitted
10 21-08-11
2.30 - 6.00 pm Understanding and Dealing with Addiction Dr Dicky Ng
11 11-09-11 Examination Ms Margarita Malayapillay
3.00 - 4.30pm Journal together with final tape & transcript to be submitted

Total Credit Hours : 34 hours

Course Work Requirements : 100%

2 tapes & transcript : 50% (best out of the two submitted)
Journal : 50% (to be submitted on day of examination)
A record of personal awareness and response to each session
Examination : 1 hour 30 mins
Section A : 30% ( 30 compulsory multiple choice questions )
Section B : 40 %
Counselling Theories & Counselling Skills
Structured/Essay Questions ( To answer 2 out of 4 questions )
Section C : 30%
1 tape & transcript of a complete interview illustrating all skills learnt within the
context of a chosen counselling model to be submitted on the day of examination.

Minimum of 50% required for course work & 50% for examination to meet minimum course standards.
Attendance : 90% attendance required to meet certificate of attendance requirements.
Registration : RM250
For registration/enquiries, email Nor at ncsmpg@gmail.com
Please check the NCSM blog for updates at http://ncsmpg.blogspot.com/

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