Last week, a senior doctor at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) was given 12 months’ probation for holding a knife to her father’s neck to threaten him (“Doctor who threatened elderly father with knife gets 12 months’ probation”; Jan 7).
It is clear that any of us, no matter how academically qualified, can succumb to mental illness.
Experts have
documented that heavy workloads, long and draining work hours, a lack of
support and isolation are key factors contributing to mental illness.
It is therefore
no surprise that a large portion of our workers are falling into depression.
All employers
should heed the wisdom of what Community Court Judge Mathew Joseph observed on
high workload and personal stress when he passed the sentence.
The well-being
of workers, empathy and support are important factors in the recovery of people
with mental health issues, and I applaud the judge in showing compassion to Dr
Tham Kwang Wei by putting her on probation.
Having a steady
job with an income allows a person to be valued and gives him or her a sense of
worthiness.
This is where
SGH has proved to be an enlightened employer by allowing Dr Tham to resume work
as a director at SGH Life Centre’s Obesity and Metabolic Unit.
In the
interests of her stability, it is best that the management ensures that Dr
Tham’s work hours do not stretch longer than necessary.
RAYMOND ANTHONY
FERNANDO
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