Singapore General Hospital | Healthcare Employer Partner

The healthcare industry often faces manpower shortage, particularly in frontline service roles. This is a concern acknowledged by Lois Goh (pictured above rightmost in black), who oversees human resources management in the department as Manager, Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOC) at Singapore General Hospital (SGH).

“It’s a tough job, dealing with patients and their families during stressful times, and managing all sorts of emergencies. We’re in a tight race to attract and keep the best people, as there aren’t many out there with the exact mix of skills we need, and they’re in high demand everywhere,” she spoke of the Patient Service Associate (PSA) role. “So we try to keep things interesting and rewarding here, focusing on what makes someone a great fit for our team beyond just their resume.”

Lois explains that no prior experience is needed to become a PSA, what is most important is that one has the right attitude and aptitude in working with people and having the willingness to learn and adapt. The rest, such as technical skills and medical terminology, can be effectively taught.

This led SGH to partner with Generation Singapore, working together to tailor programmes that meet employment needs, hosting clinical observations for learners, and eventually hiring graduates into the SOC team.

“The standout difference with Generation Singapore graduates is their preparedness for the role, achieved through clinical observations and a curriculum tailored to the realities of the job. This upfront exposure gives them a practical understanding of the demands and expectations of their positions at SGH.”

After the positive hiring experience she has had with Generation’s graduates, Lois shares her message with fellow employers, “Approach with an open mind. They may come from diverse backgrounds, but they bring fresh perspectives and tailored skills.”