Factual information and literature on the HIV virus and AIDS disease are distributed to patients and their families and friends. The aim is to dispel myths and hearsay about the virus and the disease. It helps patients and others to understand the impact of the HIV virus on one's health and well-being. Proper education and knowledge can also help improve family life and support for the patient. A nurse trained in HIV Care is on hand at the centre for those who require information on HIV disease.
B. Nutrition Programme
Malnutrition and muscle-wasting have a debilitating effect on HIV-infected patients. Though the centre gives free daily lunches to patients, this programme ensures that volunteers and patients prepare "power-packed" meals. Reading materials and videos on food safety and nutritional information are readily available. Patients can also request for nutrition advice from volunteer dieticians.
C. Meals and Food Rations
PCC provides free daily lunches to patients at the centre. Patients and volunteers prepare the food with ingredients and food items that are donated. Dry food rations and nutritional drinks are given to needy patients on a monthly basis. Fresh food rations are supplied three times a week. In addition, a weekly soup-and-tea session at the centre is coordinated with volunteers as a way of introducing PCC to new patients.
D. Recreational Facilities and Exercise Programme
The Centre provides basic recreational and therapeutic facilities for HIV patients. Social gatherings and peer support help them relax and cope with the illness. The objective of the Exercise Programme is to boost the immune system by building up lean muscle mass and reducing levels of stress. Patients are encouraged to exercise in order to build up lean muscle for cases where muscle wasting is identified. Massages are administered to those after their work-outs to ease tension. Aromatherapy sessions are also available weekly at PCC for patients who are too weak to exercise and for the terminally ill cases in the wards.
E. Diversional therapy cum Stipend project
This five-day programme trains patients to create handicrafts such as beaded red ribbons, satin fabric roses, brooches, jewellery, and book marks, Group activities help patients therapeutically, and leads them to develop self-esteem and confidence.
F. Home Care Programme
This programme was established in 1997. A nurse clinician coordinates this programme with volunteers to give continuous care to patients living within the community. It is provided free of charge to patients.
G. Hair cut services
PCC provides free haircuts by appointments to in-patients, destitute patients and patients at the centre.
H. HIV Woman Support Group
This support group has become an important component with the increase in the number of women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. This group is needed to take care of the different needs of female HIV-positive patients.
I. Volunteer Training Programme
Since July 1998, individual volunteers and groups have been formally registered with PCC so that they can be informed of hospital policies and procedures before rendering assistance to patients. In this respect, an annual six-lesson training programme is designed to cover
General HIV knowledge
Nutrition and diet tips for HIV patients
Exercise and physiotherapy
Infection Control
Home care
Last offices
J. Fund Raising
Sponsorship and fund-raising are important to the success of the Patient Care Centre because they are needed to provide medical subsidies and support the various programmes such as food rations, meals and activities conducted by the centre. The fundraisers include street sales of handicraft made by patients, walk-a-jog events, and contacting corporations for donations. The pushcart booth at Tan Tock Seng Hospital is operated daily by patients and volunteers sell handicraft made by patients and goods-on-consignment. The proceeds are used as stipends for the patients.
