Rheumatology | Sengkang General Hospital

The Rheumatology service at Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) provides comprehensive and patient-centric care to patients with rheumatic and autoimmune disorders. We believe in a holistic approach to patient care and strive towards engaging patient participation to ensure that our patients achieve the best outcomes in disease control, preservation of function and quality of life overall. The department presently has 4 rheumatologists, who are supported by Rheumatology Specialty Nurses. The Rheumatology Specialty Nurse has experience in providing support in looking after patient’s physical, emotional and social needs, besides providing patient education in terms of diagnosis and management of chronic rheumatic condition.

Our team fosters a collegial environment and works closely with other departments in SKH such as orthopaedic surgery and other surgical specialties, radiology, nephrology, respiratory medicine, dermatology, gastroenterology, neurology, rehabilitation services, allied health and medical social services, in view of the multidisciplinary nature of the illnesses that we treat. We also provide inpatient rheumatology consultation for all disciplines in SKH. We aspire to be a unit where a passionate team delivers cost-effective and holistic care for our patients, with support from various Clinical Departments, Nursing and Allied Health Divisions.

We aim to improve care for patients with autoimmune and rheumatic disorders by synergising Clinical Service, Education and Research. We have ongoing research relating to psoriatic arthritis, ankylosis spondylitis, systemic sclerosis and biologic therapy. In addition, we pursue initiatives for quality improvement and health services research including shared care programme with our primary care network. We also believe in nurturing future generations of doctors, and actively contributes to both undergraduate and postgraduate education. In addition, we conduct educational talks for allied health staff and family physicians to improve the care of Rheumatology patients in the community.

Clinical Services

The Rheumatology service provides evidence-based clinical care through a comprehensive range of clinical services including the following:

General Rheumatology Services
- Arthritis
  - Rheumatoid Arthritis
  - Ankylosing Spondylitis and other related Spondyloarthritis
  - Juvenile Chronic Arthritis,
  - Psoriatic Arthritis
  - Osteoarthritis
  - Gout and crystal arthropathy
  - Reactive/infectious Arthritis,

- Connective Tissue Diseases (CTDs)
  - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
  - Sjogren's syndrome
  - Systemic sclerosis
  - Inflammatory Myopathies (eg. Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis)
  - Systemic vasculitides,

Osteoporosis

Other Rheumatic diseases such as Behcet’s Disease, Sarcoidosis, Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Musculoskeletal ultrasound and joint injection services
Advanced Therapeutics Infusion Service (outpatient and inpatient) for biologic agents (including TNF inhibitors, B-cell depleting therapy such as Rituximab) and other medications (including intravenous cytotoxic agents such as cyclophosphamide, and bisphosphonates)
Patient education and counselling by Rheumatology Specialty Nurses
Tele-consultation clinic to monitor stable patients on treatment with a variety of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and other medications to control their rheumatic diseases.

FAQs

What are rheumatic diseases?

Rheumatic diseases are autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that cause the immune system to attack a person’s joints, muscles, bones and organs.

There are more than 30 inflammatory rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome and more.

While rheumatic disease affects each body in different ways, all can impact your health and sense of well-being. Patients with rheumatic diseases can also develop deformities that can make simple tasks, such as walking, brushing hair or getting dressed in the morning become difficult and sometimes impossible. Hence, it is important to seek medical attention and get appropriate treatment early.

When should I see a rheumatologist?

If you are experiencing symptoms of rheumatic disease, you should talk to your primary care doctor about them early and ask whether you should see a rheumatologist.

Some common symptoms of rheumatic disease include:

Persistent pain and swelling in one or more joints.
Joint or muscle pain accompanied by fatigue, rashes, morning stiffness and fever
Muscle pain or weakness

The first weeks and months following the onset of rheumatic disease symptoms are known as the “window of opportunity,” and it’s crucial that patients get appropriate treatment in that time period to avoid long-term complications, such as damage to joints and other organs, improve long-term function, and increase the likelihood of achieving disease remission.

What will be done when I see the rheumatologist?

Rheumatologists are doctors specially trained to diagnose, manage and treat rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. They work with a team of healthcare providers trained in many areas to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs. Your rheumatologist will ask you about your symptoms and conduct a thorough physical examination. He/She might order blood tests, X-rays or scans depending on your condition after discussing with you.

What are the treatment options for rheumatic diseases?

Various types of medications are available to treat the underlying autoimmune processes. In addition to long-established treatment, various new options are being identified. Your doctor will discuss with you about the options and address any questions you may have regarding the medications. Depending on your condition, physical and occupational therapy may be recommended as part of the management plan.

How do I cope if I am diagnosed with a rheumatic disease?

Receiving a diagnosis of a chronic condition may cause you to feel worried. With the wide options of treatment available today, your doctor can intervene early to halt progression of disease and restore good quality of life. Your diagnosis is the first step in your road to recovery and you can be in control of your condition by following the treatment plan, communicating openly with your rheumatologist, and leading a healthy lifestyle.

What are some common misconceptions about rheumatic diseases?

A common misconception about rheumatic diseases is that they are just the “aches and pains” that accompany getting older. On the contrary, many rheumatic diseases often strike people in the prime of their lives and can be crippling, life-changing and life-threatening. Rheumatic diseases can also strike children and they great affect a child’s health and well-being as they do to an adult’s.

Our Care Team

Dr Stanley Angkodjojo
Dr Nur Emillia Binte RoslanDr Chuah Tyng Yu
Dr Dominic Seet Ming Wei
Senior Staff Nurse (SSN) Ng Ee Ling
Senior Staff Nurse (SSN) Irene Tay Jie Yee

Our Care Team

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