KUCHING: Paediatric cancer patients seeking treatment at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) are set to benefit from RM23,750 worth of equipment donated by OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Bank) to the Paediatric Oncology Ward 2A at SGH.
The donation was facilitated by the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS).
The bank donated the equipment, comprising two Covidien Kangaroo Epumps and 20 boxes of feeding bags, through its Kuching branch.
The handover was witnessed by Dr Ngian Hie Ung, hospital director, Sarawak General Hospital; Dr Betty Ho, head of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Ward 2A; Sister Rose Mary Abdul Rahman, nursing sister, Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Ward 2A; Matron Mary Ann Barion, SGH; and Genevieve Tan, manager, events and marketing, SCCS.
Established in 2001, SCCS is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing relief and care to Malaysian children suffering from cancer.
Since its inception, it has provided emotional support, accommodation, financial aid, education and recreational activities to more than 1,650 families in Sarawak.
SCCS supports approximately 200 families annually.
According to SCCS president Mary Kiu, the Paediatric Oncology Ward 2A at SGH is the main treatment centre for paediatric oncology patients from all over Sarawak.
“The ward has 24 beds and four isolation rooms. Occupancy is on average 15 to 20 patients at any one time, catering to children below the age of 15.
“In the daily patient population, there are children who have difficulty in eating normally due to the effects of their cancer treatment. This is when the pumps are needed, and the ward is currently lacking in this equipment.
“Given this, we discovered that we urgently needed the two additional Covidien Kangaroo Epumps and feeding bags for the on-going treatment of the patients.
“We believe that children are our nation’s greatest asset and childhood illness can be disheartening not only for the children but for their families too.
“SCCS recognises the complexity of childhood cancer as it affects every aspect and the livelihood of patients, their siblings and caregivers.
“We are thankful to OCBC Bank through its Kuching branch for their support and generosity.”
The Covidien Kangaroo Epumps will assist patients that cannot tolerate bolus Nasogastric tube feeding and oral feeding. The feeding bags will be used alongside the pumps.
According to OCBC Kuching Branch senior manager Jessie Lim Pei Lian, OCBC Bank strives to do its part for the communities around it.
“We are pleased to be helping the paediatric cancer patients in Sarawak through our contribution. This is aligned to our quest to be the bank that enables people and communities realise their aspirations for a better life.
“My colleagues and | also prepared several notes to encourage the children as well as their families, so they are able to find the strength to overcome the challenging times.”
