When Mr David Yong woke up on a quiet August morning in 2025, he could not have imagined how drastically his life was about to change.
The 62-year-old retiree was out for his usual morning walk when a taxi struck him – an instant, violent moment that sent him spiraling into months of pain, surgery and uncertainty.
David was rushed to an acute hospital where doctors stabilised him and assessed multiple injuries to his right leg. The extent of the trauma meant that surgery was scheduled just four days later.
“Even with the painkillers, the pain was immense,” David recalls.
Surgeons repaired his right heel and stabilised his right knee with a metal plate. After two weeks of post-operative recovery, David was referred to St Luke’s Hospital for inpatient rehabilitation — where the journey back to independence began.
Rebuilding Strength, Step by Step
At St Luke’s Hospital, David embarked on a personalised rehabilitation programme, working closely with a multidisciplinary team to restore his strength, balance, and mobility. He also received specialised care from wound clinicians. Every small milestone brought him closer to reclaiming his everyday life.
Occupational Therapist Kimberly Cheong supported him through each stage of recovery with patience and encouragement.
“She helped me improve bit by bit,” David shares. “I felt supported throughout.”
Three months into rehabilitation, David was making steady progress — and even regained his appetite. “I enjoy the exercises,” he laughs. “And the food too. I gained seven kilos!”
Preparing for Life after Discharge
As David grew stronger, the team’s focus shifted beyond his hospital stay — to what life would look like once he returned home.
During a home assessment, Kimberly identified environmental and safety challenges that could affect David’s mobility and recovery after discharge. These observations were shared at the multidisciplinary team meeting, where the team explored how best to support David’s transition home.
Recognising the emotional and practical strain this posed for David and his family, his pastoral counsellor, Brenda Lim, stepped in to help coordinate additional support.
Brenda worked with one of our long-term volunteer partners, House of Anatole (HOA), to explore possible support. After assessing the situation, HOA quickly mobilised resources, working alongside New Charis Mission and rallying volunteers from the wider community.
“Caring for David’s emotional well-being during his stay at SLH, and working closely with the multi-disciplinary team to support his safe reintegration into life at home, has been my greatest satisfaction as his pastoral counsellor,” said Brenda.
Support came in many forms — time, manpower and practical assistance. A church member offered to cover cleaning costs, while the cleaning company involved chose to waive its fees entirely.
Within just three days, David’s home was cleaned, refreshed and made safe to support his return.
When David’s wife saw the transformation, she was deeply moved. “Why would people be so kind?” she asked quietly.
David’s recovery was not shaped by medical treatment alone, but by coordinated, person-centred care — where rehabilitation, pastoral support, and community partnerships worked together to prepare him for life beyond discharge.
“I’ve felt very well cared for here,” David says with a smile. “The team at SLH has really supported my recovery.”
