Medical Chaperon

In collaboration with Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities (Medical Escort and Transport Services)

Although social service organizations provide medical escort services, demand for services often exceeds supply, and the waiting time to receive an escort can be up to three months. This results in delayed care and follow-up, which may be harmful to patients' health.

You can make a significant impact in these patients' care by volunteering to be a medical chaperon and ensuring their timely attendance of hospital appointments!

The Medical Chaperon Experience

A medical transport provider from Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities will pick up the patient from home and drop them off at an SGH lobby.
You will receive the patient at the drop-off lobby and bring them to their scheduled appointment(s) within SGH Campus by pushing them on a wheelchair.
You will accompany the patient throughout the entire duration of the appointment(s).
After the appointment(s), you will bring the patient to the designated SGH lobby for the medical transport provider to fetch the patient home.

The whole experience takes 2 hours on average. However, we recommend that volunteers set aside 4 hours per chaperoning activity in case of unforeseen circumstances (e.g. the patient's appointment takes longer than expected).

Volunteer Requirements

21 years old and above
Vaccinated against the following:

COVID-19, as indicated on the TraceTogether App
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
Varicella (Chickenpox)
*Volunteers not vaccinated against any of the above are required to receive the required vaccinations prior to deployment. Reimbursement can be provided for vaccination costs.

Physically able to navigate someone on a wheelchair across SGH, which may involve up/down slopes
Willing to interact with patients, of which majority are senior citizens
Commit to at least 1 chaperoning session with each session to last up to 4 hours. Sessions will be on weekdays between 8am to 6pm.
Ability to speak in mother tongues and dialects will be helpful, but not compulsory.

Questions	Answers
Who will I be chaperoning?	Patients with mobility constraints who have outpatient medical appointments in SGH. These patients are receiving transport services to SGH from Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities.
What is the commitment level required?	Commit to at least 1 chaperoning session with each session to last up to 4 hours. Sessions will be on weekdays between 8am to 6pm. After registration and training, you will be given access to the volunteering schedule and allowed to indicate your availability. If you are keen on volunteering on a more frequent/regular basis, do write in to us at [email protected]. We welcome and appreciate your time and effort.
Do I have to undergo training?	Yes, you will have to watch an online training video and pass a quiz after. The training ensures that you are well-prepared for the volunteering activity. Training topics include: infection control and good hand hygiene, medication collection, managing emergencies, safe navigation for wheelchair, befriending and how to use Health Buddy.
How do I choose my chaperoning sessions?	After completing registration and training, you will be given access to the volunteering schedule and be allowed to indicate your availability. You may sign up for consecutive slots if your schedule allows.
What if I have not received the required vaccinations stated in the Volunteer Requirements?	Volunteers not vaccinated against any of the above are required to receive the required vaccinations prior to deployment. Reimbursement will be provided to volunteers for vaccination costs.
I am only available outside of office hours on weekdays and in the weekends, can I still volunteer?	This programme only runs during clinic operating hours from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. You may explore other volunteering opportunities at www.sgh.com.sg/about-us/volunteer or www.sgh.com.sg/phico.
What if I am unable to attend my already scheduled chaperoning session due to unforeseen circumstances?	We strictly advise against cancelling as the patient may not be able to receive a replacement chaperon at short notice. In the event of extenuating circumstances, please inform the Volunteer Management team at least 2 working days before the scheduled session.
Are there any incentives for volunteers?	We value every volunteer's time and energy. A certificate of participation will be awarded to each volunteer. Medical Chaperon is eligible for Community Involvement Programmes / Values-In-Action / Corporate Social Responsibility hours. Volunteers who require proof of their involvement may write in to [email protected] to ask for a Letter of Recognition.
Can I share my concerns/feedback during my volunteering period?	Yes, we welcome your feedback. You may email the Volunteer Management team at [email protected].
(For SingHealth staff) Do I have to inform my supervisor that I'm signing up for this programme?	Please obtain approval from your HODs and/or supervisors if the chaperoning sessions take place during your working hours.