Nursing homes, hospices better equipped to deal with situation
An air cooler is seen in a ward at Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital on Sept 25, 2015. Photo: Jason Quah
SINGAPORE — As air quality crept closer to record levels seen in 2013 on Thursday night, nursing homes and hospices proved they were better equipped this time, with air purifiers and coolers already fully deployed.
At Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, more than 25 air coolers and 25 air purifiers have been placed in the main activity hall and wards, which are not air-conditioned.
Aside from fans, mechanical ventilators — costing S$40,000 in total — run overhead in the wards, filtering dust particles from the air. Most of the features have been installed in the past two years, after Singapore saw its worst haze in 2013, said chief executive Ow Chee Chung. Back then, public donation drives were launched to secure air purifiers and fans for nursing homes and community hospitals.
At Assisi Hospice, the doors to the communal area for day-care patients — usually left open — have been shut during this latest bout of haze. Corridor windows have been closed, with five air purifiers boosting ventilation indoors. Morning strolls in the garden will be halted until the Pollutant Standards Index falls to 100 and below, said Ms Juliet Ng, the hospice’s communications and community engagement head. The hospice’s measures have helped patients such as Madam Lai Tak Chiew, 71, who attends its day centre. “I feel better because the burning smell in the air is less intense and the pollution is not so bad indoors,” she said. It has nonetheless seen an increase in haze-related conditions, such as dry throats and eyes, said Ms Ng. It has been offering patients eye drops and reminding them to stay hydrated.
At Dover Park Hospice, weekly outings that residents look forward to continue, but to attractions with enclosed spaces such as Changi Airport and Marina Bay Sands. Doctors and nurses take extra care to check for respiratory problems before these outings, said corporate communications executive Adriana Tanubrata.
The measures taken by nursing homes and hospices are in line with what public hospitals with naturally ventilated wards have done — shutting of windows, deployment of fans and portable air coolers, as well as air purifier systems when necessary.
When the present haze situation began, the Health Ministry had asked hospitals to monitor inpatients for haze-related effects and ensure ample circulation of clean air indoors, a spokesperson said.
While some facilities step up measures, they are careful not to go overboard. Mr John Ho, chief operating officer of nursing home The Lentor Residence, said: “It’s better to make sure everybody’s life is as normal as possible.” VALERIE KOH
