Revolutionising rehabilitation care with a fitness approach beyond recovery in a community hospital setting
St Luke’s Hospital (SLH) announced the launch of iReX, Singapore’s first integrated rehabilitation and exercise programme in a community hospital setting, at its annual fundraiser, Celebrating Silver: Symphony of Hope. The event, graced by Minister for Health Mr Ong Ye Kung as the Guest of Honour, aimed to highlight the significance of integrative rehabilitation care and inspire support for active ageing in the community.
Every year, around 20,000 people in Singapore suffer from major health conditions such as stroke, heart attack, and cancer, all of whom require rehabilitation to restore them to health. With Singapore approaching “super-aged” status by 2026, coupled with the rising prevalence of chronic illnesses, the demand for rehabilitation services is expected to grow exponentially.
Rehabilitation has long been a core strength for SLH, which combines its strengths in gym-based, robotics and conventional therapy with a “high tech, high touch” approach to help patients regain independence and reintegrate into society. Aligned with national initiatives such as Age Well SG and Healthier SG, SLH is committed to supporting and empowering patients beyond recovery, enabling them to age actively and be cared for within their communities.
The innovative allied health-led iReX programme stands out by offering an integrative and holistic approach to rehabilitation. By uniquely integrating traditional rehabilitation such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy with music therapy and art therapy, it addresses not only the physical but also the social and emotional needs of patients. This comprehensive approach fosters a more holistic recovery, encouraging patients to regain not just functionality but a fuller quality of life.
iReX goes further by integrating rehabilitation with fitness, empowering individuals to move beyond functional recovery towards greater independence and improved quality of life. For those who have completed rehabilitation and motivated to improve their fitness, iReX offers tailored programmes to enhance strength, balance and endurance through personalised fitness training or group exercises.
The programme has shown promising results, with nearly 1,200 patients reporting positive outcomes. These include improved strength, enhancements in functional tasks like sit-to-stand and walking, and over 50% of patients feeling less fatigued and more energised for daily activities. Beyond physical benefits, participants also experienced enhanced social and emotional well-being, with notable improvements in communication, expression, social engagement, and overall quality of life.
One such success story is 72-year-old Mr Ng Keng Hong, who suffered a stroke that threatened his livelihood as a delivery driver. After undergoing both inpatient and outpatient stroke rehabilitation, he regained functional independence and resumed his daily life as a delivery driver. Motivated to go beyond recovery and work towards fitness, the rehab team recommended him to join SLH’s Community Gym (Gym Up), where he improved his strength, mobility and endurance. In just six months, he has become healthier and more active than he was before his stroke.
The Symphony of Hope charity dinner provided a compelling showcase of the transformative power of rehabilitation through a delightful musical experience. The evening’s highlights included a rehabilitation experiential zone, where attendees engaged with interactive booths showcasing various therapeutic advancements at SLH. A captivating three-part musical ensemble by the string quartet “Bards of Neverland,” accompanied by composer Mervin Wong, depicted the rehabilitation journeys of three SLH patients.
“We believe that individuals, even those who have suffered an illness or disability, can be empowered to live an active, independent and fulfilling life. Through iReX, we aim to inspire hope, foster resilience, and build a healthier Singapore where every senior can thrive,” said A/Prof Tan Boon Yeow, Chief Executive Officer, St Luke’s Hospital.
St Luke’s Hospital remains steadfast in its mission to enrich lives through a comprehensive range of services, including inpatient, outpatient, home care, and community care programmes. Proceeds from the charity dinner will directly support beneficiaries from low-income families who rely on SLH’s services, ensuring that the hospital continues to be a beacon of light for the community.
For more information:
Website: https://www.slh.org.sg/charitydinner/
Donate / Give: https://give.asia/campaign/slh-charity-dinner-2024-symphony-of-hope#/story
Learn more about iReX: https://www.slh.org.sg/irex
