21/09/2026
What if chest pain isnโt always just about the heart? โค๏ธ
For 92-year-old Mdm C, her recurrent chest pain was more than a physical symptom.
Through gentle conversations, our Senior Medical Social Worker and Counsellor, Ms Ooi Yinn Shan, uncovered a painful childhood memory Mdm C had never shared before โ witnessing her brotherโs death during World War II.
This gave the care team a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological distress behind her pain. With this fuller picture, the team was better able to manage her recurrent chest pain, resulting in fewer hospital readmissions.
With over 18 years of experience in the healthcare sector across nursing, medical social work and counselling and five years as a medical social worker and counsellor at Assisi Hospice, Yinn Shan demonstrates sound clinical judgement in complex cases, integrating trauma-informed and meaning-centred approaches. The valuable professional insights she brings as a member of the interdisciplinary care team has contributed to reduced distress and strengthened person-centred decision-making for patients.
As a grief counsellor, Yinn Shan provides bereavement counselling to individuals navigating grief and adjusting to life after the loss of a loved one, and facilitates support groups and Grief Cafes.
Beyond clinical care, Yinn Shan co-authored a bilingual book of grief stories and developed Chinese therapeutic grief cards to make grief resources more accessible. She is also leading the publication of a journal article exploring the biopsychosocial and spiritual needs of home palliative care patients in Singapore. Her fortnightly prison volunteering further reflects her enduring commitment to vulnerable communities and social impact.
๐ Congratulations, Yinn Shan, on receiving the Merit Award at the Social Service Professional Awards 2026, organised by the National Council of Social Service! A meaningful recognition of her dedication to bring dignity, compassion and human connection to the people she serves. โค๏ธ
