Going beyond the call of duty (Healthcare Humanity Awards 2023)

Serving from the heart

Caption: Mdm Tracy Lee (left) interacting with befriendee Mdm Chew Swee Lay

“I was touched to see residents taking the initiative to step up to help others during the pandemic. Even those whom I had approached for the first time were willing to serve during such challenging times. I know I have made an impact when I can inspire hope in the helpless.”
…Mdm Tracy Lee, Coordinator (Community Befriending Programme)

During the pandemic, 64-year-old Mdm Tracy Lee became a lifeline to vulnerable residents in Ang Mo Kio. It was not just the befriendees and their caregivers who were in distress. Befrienders and caregivers were also feeling anxious and helpless.

As the coordinator for the Community Befriending Programme at TOUCHpoint@AMK 433, Tracy identifies elderly residents who are isolated and lonely, and matches them with befrienders.

When the pandemic hit, Tracy continued to reach out to vulnerable seniors in the Cheng San-Seletar precinct to ensure their wellbeing. When physical home visits were suspended, she continued to keep close tabs on vulnerable seniors with support from her befrienders.

Putting others before herself, Tracy selflessly became a comforter, counsellor, safety enforcer, meal, transport and vaccination coordinator, fundraiser, and a listening ear to anxious family members under quarantine or overseas.

Building on the strong care networks established before the pandemic, Tracy took the initiative to mobilise resources - tapping on volunteers and setting up various satellite points of help - in various blocks to meet the physical and emotional needs of seniors. 

Selfless devotion to the most vulnerable

Caption: Ee Loo (left) with THC client Ms Ng Wai Yee

“It was a challenging time for everyone during the pandemic. I was always thinking of my elderly clients. I did what I could to ease their anxiety and assure them that we are here for them.”
…Mdm Han Lee Loo, Home Care Assistant, TOUCH Home Care

As a home care assistant, Mdm Han Ee Loo, 65,  provides Home Personal Care (HPC) services, such as trimming her clients’ nails, sweeping and mopping the floor, and supervising them when they shower.

During her COVID-19 deployment, Ee Loo continued to clean the homes of seniors even as other services were scaled back. Already in her 60s and despite being in the high risk group, she continued to put the interests of her clients first, knowing that they represent one of the most vulnerable groups during the pandemic.

Ee Loo made it a point to be accessible after office hours and during weekends to address urgent issues affecting her elderly clients. This includes patiently teaching them how to use the ART test kits at home. Ee Loo also volunteered her time and resources to ensure their physical and mental well-being.

In recognition of their extraordinary efforts for going beyond their call of duty, Tracy and Ee Loo were awarded the Healthcare Humanity Awards 2023. This award honours outstanding healthcare workers who are inspirational role models and have contributed greatly to the fight against COVID-19. 

Caption: (From left) Mdm Tracy Lee, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Mdm Han Ee Loo and Mr James Tan, Chief Executive Officer from TOUCH Community Services at the Healthcare Humanity Awards 2023 ceremony held at Conrad Centennial on 12 October 2023