Dear Physiotherapy Colleagues and Friends,

It is yet time again for us to celebrate World Physiotherapy Day 2020! This year has been a challenging one for Singapore, and for many other countries. When COVID-19 hit the world, physiotherapists from across different countries stepped up to support their own communities, no matter the different roles we play during this pandemic.

In Singapore, many of our physiotherapy colleagues contributed to not only the care of patients diagnosed with COVID-19, some volunteered to help out in other roles within dormitories or screening centres, while others continued to serve their patients amidst challenging guidelines and regulations. We are grateful for your courage and perseverance to always do your best for your patients, their families and caregivers.

This Physiotherapy Day, SPA would like to take the opportunity to appreciate our physiotherapists for your dedication and commitment. The SPA COVID-19 special feature that was published 2 weeks ago puts together the stories of patients, caregivers and physiotherapists during the pandemic times. We hope that the stories will encourage all of us to continue to strive for the patients we serve, and to take courage, that the physiotherapy profession will always be united as one.

The pandemic situation has also highlighted to us the ever-pertinent need of public education and awareness, with regards to the role of physiotherapy and its various fields. Cardiopulmonary physiotherapy and its role received particular emphasis during COVID-19 with patients around the world requiring interventions to manage their respiratory symptoms. In addition, rehabilitation along the COVID-19 journey is equally critical to ensure the return to health and quality of life post illness.

SPA has launched our very own campaign “MOVEMENT MATTERS. CHOOSE PHYSIOTHERAPY” this year, starting with a video that captures some of the areas of specialisation of physiotherapy. The idea was carefully put together by a volunteer team of physiotherapists and we engaged a professional production company for the filming and video editing. Following this, we hope to gather more ideas to educate the public and community about how physiotherapy can help them, to achieve optimal health and wellness. Especially crucial in the new norm that Singapore is going through, physiotherapists can step forward to help patients, caregivers and families through these difficult times.

Importantly, the role of SPA stood out in these pandemic times, as an advocate for our patients and profession, through close communication with Ministry of Health, other Associations and our membership via various platforms to ensure consistent information flow and updates. It was never more evident why the professional association play a key part in supporting the physiotherapy profession. SPA will continue to work hand in hand with other stakeholders such as Ministry of Health and the Allied Health Professional Council, beyond the pandemic times, to advocate for physiotherapy standards and professional development, in order to contribute to our society’s well-being.

Remember that we will all be stronger if we unite as one. The profession can only grow to support our community and society, if we harness each other’s strengths along the way.

With this, I would like to leave you with a quote from Mother Theresa, “I can do things you cannot, You can do things I cannot; Together we can do great things”.

A Happy Physiotherapy Day 2020 to all our physiotherapy colleagues and friends!

We hope to see all of you in our very first virtual AGM on the 9th September.

Meanwhile, please stay safe and stay well!

Yours truly,
Sin Yi Lee
President
Singapore Physiotherapy Association

_____________________________________________________

P.S. This year,  SPA council has selected a beautiful foldable umbrella with wooden handle as PT Day gift for all its members.

The centers for collection of the umbrellas will be published on 15 September on website, email broadcast and social media.  Members in the bigger hospitals and organisations, the gifts will be delivered to your work place.

Should you have any enquiries with regards to the PT Day gift, kindly email us at membership@physiotherapy.org.sg or whatsapp us at 97996450.