Friday, April 21, 2023

Serious gating issues unresolved, show concern and compassion to seniors

Dear PM Lee & Ministers and CEO TTSH Serious gating issues unresolved, show concern and compassion to seniors I refer to the above matter and appreciate your concern for lonely seniors like myself. In Parliament on Monday, PM Lee presented a grim picture of what the world is today and called on all Singaporeans to support DPM Lawrence Wong. I agree that we should support DPM Wong because he is a kind politician who welcomes feedback. But at the end of the day, the Cabinet has to prove beyond a shadow of doubt that they can help seniors like myself with improvements to our healthcare system and to be sensitive to the needs of all Singaporeans– many of whom are struggling with the high cost of living here. For months now I am facing endless problems with the gating issues which until today have gone on unresolved, and placing me at high risks of falling down. What is just as troubling is that there is poor coordination and competence in the 2 doctors I am seeing at the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI)I, TTSH. Today 20th April 2023, after waiting for an hour, I managed to see Neurosurgeon Dr Nicole Keong and she asked if I would want surgery on my brain by inserting a stent from the brain to the spine. The risks include infection and that there is no guarantee that the gating issue will be resolved. I requested some medicine to help resolve the gating issue, but she told me I should ask Dr Fifi from NNI to prescribe medicines. The last time I asked Dr Fifi for medicines she said it is not necessary and that I ought to consider brain surgery given that there are high levels of protein in my brain and spine. Neurosurgeon Dr Nicole Keong told me this afternoon that the brain is stable now. I am perplexed as to why both doctors cannot come together on a given appointment to help resolve this gating issue where I have to hold the walls in my flat to move about. Seriously! I will have to wait about 2 weeks until I see Dr Fifi on 8th May 2023 and in the meantime, what is going to happen to me if I fall down because that is the reality of gating issues. I suggest that a directive be issued so that my gating issue is resolved- once and for all. I can’t be a prisoner in my own home and having to spend taxi money when I go out for breakfast and lunch when the CC staff are not available to buy my meals. Be sensitive when giving out GST cash In a new report, it was mentioned that effective 1st June 2023, diners who fail to clear their trays and cutlery will be fined $300 at least without any warning given this time around. Nobody feels comfortable when they are having their meals and are watched by the NEA staff and her volunteers – some of whom are downright arrogant. Then at the same period, the GST cash will be given out. This can give the impression that while giving out goodies on the right hand, the left hand takes it back. This is poor PR and will not augur well for the government. In conclusion, I trust that with the government's support, kindness and compassion, my gaiting problem will be a thing of the past and I can go on to lead a normal life. Kindly give me a reply and if that takes time, I appreciate an interim response. Thank you. Sincerely, Raymond Anthony Fernando