PATIENTS WITH BRAIN INJURIES

PATIENTS WITH BRAIN INJURIES

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(Reintegration into society after recovery): **

3.

Ms Ellen Lee asked the Minister for Health (a) what programmes are in place to help patients who have recovered from brain injuries to reintegrate into society; (b) what work vocations could be arranged for such patients; and (c) whether there are support groups set up in hospitals to offer them some rehabilitative services.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: For patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), our doctors' priority is to prevent any death, and to recover as much of pre-injury functionality as possible. Inpatient rehabilitation is provided by an interdisciplinary team, led by a rehabilitation physician, and includes therapists, social worker and clinical psychologist. It may take up to three months. This is followed by community rehabilitation which focuses on further training in

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household independence and community integration. Depending on the patient's severity of injury and residual disability, it may take up to a year or even longer.

Most patients can achieve good recovery and can return to their previous jobs or lifestyle. A minority of the severely injured will face significant challenges. Some may require long-term institutional care such as in nursing homes.

There are support groups and VWOs that can provide appropriate assistance. For example, TTSH has a support group of nurses, doctors and ex-TBI patients to provide emotional support and share useful experiences. VWOs such as the Singapore Society for the Physically Disabled and Bizlink Centre provide valuable assistance in life skills training, vocational assessments, vocational training in sheltered work environment, job placement and other job support. We welcome more employers to offer suitable job opportunities for these patients.

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