
Caring for a loved one in their final days is never easy, but for Tan Hup Hee, it became a journey of connection and support. When his 90-year-old father, Mr Tan King Poh, was diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer, the strain of constant hospital visits weighed heavily on the family. But when they accepted help from St Luke’s Hospital (SLH), the journey shifted—filled with compassion, understanding, and peace. This marked the start of a carefully managed and compassionate journey, guided by a continuity of care approach, that transitioned seamlessly from Home Care Services (HCS) to the Integrated Home Health (IHH) programme and finally to inpatient palliative care.
The team at SLH went beyond managing Mr Tan’s medical needs; they supported the whole family. Nurses, doctors, and social workers didn’t just care for Mr Tan—they cared for his family, offering comfort in ways that made a world of difference. “They were incredibly compassionate,” Hup Hee shared, reflecting on how the team made them feel truly seen.
As his father’s condition worsened, the transition to the Integrated Home Health programme brought 24/7 support. Dr Soon Yin Ng offered not just medical expertise, but emotional guidance, helping the family navigate fears, questions, and grief with clarity and calm. Senior Medical Social Worker Cassandra Ang also helped manage the practical side—arranging a medical bed, sourcing supplies—giving Hup Hee and his brother the space to focus on what mattered: spending quality time with their father.
Looking back, Hup Hee is grateful for the peace and dignity his father was given. “Dad was terrified of doctors, but the team at SLH earned his trust,” he says. In the palliative care ward, Mr Tan’s final moments were filled with love and reassurance. For Hup Hee and his brother, the care they received turned a painful journey into one of connection, respect, and lasting memories.