Sharon Yap will be spending Chinese New Year in a hospital this year, far from the traditional celebrations with family and loved ones. She shares her experience of adjusting to hospital life and the emotional toll of missing her beloved dog, Baobei.
As Chinese New Year approaches, many are engrossed in festive preparations, adorning their homes, purchasing new attire, and meticulously planning their reunion feasts. However, Sharon Yap will be observing this joyous occasion in an unconventional setting — a hospital. Hospitalized at Yishun Community Hospital three months ago, the 54-year-old faces an uncertain timeline for her recovery and it's unlikely she'll be discharged in time to celebrate Chinese New Year as she typically does.
What began as a seemingly minor health issue, escalated into a challenging healthcare journey for Sharon. Initially dismissing her symptoms, she visited a polyclinic the next morning. A doctor's urgent advice led to an ambulance call and subsequent hospitalization. Initially, she believed her admission was due to a mild fever, expecting a short hospital stay with IV drips. Despite her annual tradition of joining her older brother's family for Chinese New Year festivities, indulging in her favorite treats, playing cards late into the night, and reconnecting with loved ones, Sharon, a drinks-stall assistant, harbors a detached sentiment towards these celebrations. Her parents' health issues throughout her childhood limited her opportunities to cultivate a strong bond with them.While the absence of festivities isn't the most distressing aspect of her hospitalization, it's the separation from her beloved pet dog, Baobei, that deeply saddens her. Having brought Baobei home nine years ago as a three-month-old puppy, Sharon has cherished the inseparable bond they share. She confides that she wouldn't go anywhere without her dog. Assistant nurse clinician Penny Chen, senior physiotherapist Halim Zul Fahmi, and medical social worker Kathryn Tan, who have formed a close relationship with Sharon, acknowledged that the hospital's patient-centered approach allows for such visits. They aim to encourage Sharon's adherence to medical procedures, potentially leading to an earlier discharge and reunification with her beloved companion. However, AsiaOne understands Sharon's health has unfortunately worsened, delaying the dog visit indefinitely. Penny mentioned that the hospital observes an increase in family visits during festive periods like Chinese New Year. She added that patients are usually allowed to spend time with their families on level one, where benches are available. Halim highlighted the option of home leave, where medically fit patients can return home for a specified period before rejoining the hospital. If a patient's stay is likely to extend beyond the festive season, the staff proactively inquire about their families' preferences for home leave.During AsiaOne's visit to Yishun Community Hospital a few weeks before Chinese New Year, the wards were already adorned with festive decorations, including (fortune in Mandarin) and lanterns, with pots of plum blossoms placed around to mark the occasion. The hospital will also be serving a special Chinese New Year meal to patients on the eve of the holiday, featuring healthy renditions of festive classics like Prosperity Braised Cabbage, Yellow Marrow with South and North Almond Soup, and Orange Mousse. Sharon has accepted her situation, anticipating spending the festive season in the hospital, surrounded by caring staff and occasional visits from her children. If her health permits, she hopes to celebrate her next Lunar New Year abroad. 'Looking forward, I want to travel overseas. My children said that when I recover and get better, they'll take me travelling,' she shared
CHINESE NEW YEAR HOSPITAL SINGAPORE HEALTH DOG FAMILY
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