PES FAQs
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FYI, PES is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PULHHEEMS.
1) Go to Public Hospital / Private Specialist.Note: You will be classified as a subsidised patient if your first visit is via:
- Referral letter from a Government Restructured Hospital under subsidised status, A&E, Polyclinic or SAF, without specifying a specialist by name.
- Discharge from inpatient class B2 or C without
specifying a specialist by
name.
2) Consult specialist, and do whatever medical check ups required. E.g. physical exam, blood test, x-ray, CT scan, MRI scan.3) Specialist gave a finalised clinical diagnosis.
4) Get the specialist to write you a memo which is to be given to SAF MO. Those who can and are willing to spend some more money can get him/her to write you a specialist report, which is more precise and detailed.
Note: For not to waste time and money, please be more direct yet humble. Request the specialist to write about reviewing of PES and medical board / anything specific such as any excuses to your conditions.5) Book an medical review appointment using the eHealth module @ www.ns.sg (for NSman Reservists).
Just go down to your camp medical centre (for NSFs).
Call CMPB @ 6373 1340 to request another PES review (for Pre-Enlistees after CMPB Checkup).6) Make a trip down to the respective unit camp medical centre. Give the MO whatever supporting documents you have in hand. E.g. Specialist memo/report (most usually the case and highly recommended), x-ray films, CT/MRI scan report, blood investigation lab report... etc.
7) MO will decide whether you are deemed eligible for KIV downgrade, according to the criterias set in the "PES Bible" directive. E.g. Diagnosis, Extent of Diagnosis, Degree of Diagnosis/Injury/Illness/Disease...etc.
8) If deemed so, you will sign an acknowledgement notice of Medical Board, whereby your case statement is prepared for review discussion at the monthly medical board meet (usually at the Formation/Division HQ) with another NSF CPT MO and the Chairman (SAF Regular Medical Doctor of MAJOR rank or above). Your Medical Board result will be post mailed to you by your respective NSHRC (Formation NS Hub).
Time and time again, the questions for Medical Review (Downgrade) is repetitive. Therefore, this serves as a general SOP for Medical Board.
Extract from www.mindef.gov.sg/nsmen:
NSmen must update their NS HRCs if they should develop any new medical condition or if their existing medical condition has worsened which might affect their ability to perform their duties during ICT. Arrangements will then be made for them to attend a medical review at the SAF medical centre to assess their fitness for NS.
The NSmen MUST bring along all investigation results and memorandums from his external physician/specialist during the medical review. Depending on the outcome of the medical review, the NSman may be given a medical certificate to defer him from ICT, be scheduled for a medical board to downgrade him if his medical condition is significant, or referred to a restructured hospital for further investigation. In the event that the medical officer determines that the NSman’s medical condition will not affect his ability to participate in the ICT, he will allow the NSman to attend the ICT. -
Thank you for your prompt reply. Base on my situation what pes category would I fall under? Cause I was told by one of the cmpb mo that taking those medication i stated will directly fall into the pes c status.
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It is within PES C range. It is up to Medical Board Chairman to decide.
As usual, please refer to this guideline:
http://sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/392446 -
hi eac,
I've a specalist's memo saying that my left elbow is suffering from mcl injury and degenerative arthritis following an elbow dislocation few yrs back. Excused from push up / pull up and combat duties.
What is the pes status that I will get?
Thanks and appreciate your help!
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It is within PES B2/ C range, with excuse upper limbs.
It is up to Medical Board Chairman to decide.
As usual, please refer to this guideline:
http://sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/392446 -
Hi. Just to check if anybody knows if I can upgrade my pes status after I ORDed?
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For PES Upgrade, please refer:
http://sgforums.com/topics/search?q=Upgrade+PES&commit=Go&type=topics
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Dear MO,
I got a medical report and my psychiatrist dianogsis that im suffering from "Major Depressive episode with underlying Dysthymia"
my psy ask me to submit it to the SAF psy when i see them at MMI during my appointment.
should i submit it to SAF MMI psy or to my camp MO?Im worried as to where this is going. its my 6th week of MC. Will i be downgraded? What actions will be taken?
thanks
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Please photocopy it and submit it to the camp MO first.
Then, when you see the SAF psychiatrist, submit another copy of it.
As usual, please refer to this guideline:
http://sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/392446 -
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It is within PES E range.
It is up to Medical Board Chairman to decide.
As usual, please refer to this guideline:
http://sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/392446 -
Hi doctor,
i am a perm c9l3 with perm excuse heavy load and lower limb.
may I know do I need to go range or can I draw arms?
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Yes, you will have to go for rifle range, and you are able to bear firearms to protect oneself and property.
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Sigh!
I injuried my knee while training while year. Got referred to Specialist and am currently going through Physiotheraphy.
Just did my MRI and am waiting for my next medical review. I'm about to ORD in less than 6 months and yet something like this happened.
Went through this thread and yes, follow the advices given if you are looking to have your PES reviewed.
Train well guys and take care of yourself!
Hope all of you recover soon and well.
Cheers
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Hi, i am from spf, however i had mild depression and hyperventillation 4 times in camp and while on duty. Been seeing psychiatrist at cgh. But they didt advice me to drop pes or anything. Not really sure what to do with it.
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As usual, please refer to this guideline:
http://sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/392446 -
NS have counselling hotlines for you to call if need arises.
The counsellors are experienced professionals.You can call them at the following counselling hotlines:
- SAF : 1800-278 0022 (SAF Counselling Hotline)
- SPF : 1800-255 1151 (Police Psychology Service Department)
- SCDF: 1800-286 6666 (SCDF Counselling Hotline)
If you think you have been treated unfairly, you can bring up the case to your Commander. We will listen to your case. Do remember to bring along all facts and supporting documents.
We will do our best to address your concerns. Servicemen are to seek redress through proper channels. Together, we can address your issue more expeditiously.
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Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): 1800-2214444
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-2837019
Sage Counselling Centre: 1800-5555555
Care Corner Mandarin Counselling: 1800-3535800
Refer: www.imh.com.sg
The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) is a 2,000-bed acute tertiary psychiatric hospital situated on a 25-hectare campus at Buangkok Green Medical Park. Set amidst serene surroundings, IMH offers a comprehensive range of psychiatric, rehabilitative and counselling services for children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
IMH’s tradition of care started in 1928. We were the first mental hospital in Singapore, starting with some 1,000 patients. Since then, many advances have been made in treatment, training, and research. Our treatment integrates evidence-based therapies, supported by the departments of clinical psychology, nursing, occupational therapy, and medical social work, to provide holistic care for our patients. IMH is equipped with modern facilities, with 50 wards for inpatients and seven Specialist Outpatient Clinics.
IMH was the first mental health institution in Asia to receive the Joint Commission International Accreditation in 2005, a highly coveted international accreditation for healthcare organisations.
Over the years, IMH has gained a reputation for quality research. In 2008, the Ministry of Health, Singapore, entrusted IMH with a S$25 million research grant to implement translational and clinical research into the causes of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders.
IMH also plays a key role in training the next generation of mental health professionals in Singapore. We train psychiatrists and mental health professionals through the NHG-AHPL Residency Programme for psychiatry and through collaborations with the local tertiary institutions.
Address
Buangkok Green Medical Park
10 Buangkok View
Singapore 539747
If you are facing a mental health crisis, please call our Crisis Helpline at 6389 2222 or seek medical help at our 24-hour Emergency Services located in our hospital. -
When patients feel at their most vulnerable, Head of medical social services at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Ms Esther Lim steps in to help them make sense of what is happening.
Such patients may have tried to take their own lives or showed signs of wanting to do so. Ms Lim also helps families cope when they have lost a loved one.
The 39-year-old's helping hand is extended not just to patients, but also to hospital staff who face challenges at home or at work, for instance, if they have been abused by a patient.
In 2003, she pioneered a programme in SGH to train health-care and social work professionals in suicide intervention. It is now also offered in SingHealth's Postgraduate Allied Health Training Institute.
Since becoming a social worker in 1995, Ms Lim, who leads a team of 85 medical social workers, has received more than 15 awards. Last year, she was one of two recipients of the Outstanding Social Worker Awards given out by the Singapore Association of Social Workers.
She is married to a 37-year-old police officer. They have a six-year-old daughter.
I specialise in suicide and crisis intervention because...
When I was working in the emergency department years ago, I saw how a crisis, such as a life-threatening illness, a serious road traffic accident or an attempted suicide, can throw a family off balance.
The sense of disbelief and loss can be overwhelming, so this is where I step in to help people make sense of what is happening.
The immediate goal is to reduce the intensity of the emotional, physical and behavioural reactions, while the long-term goal is to help families get back to as normal a life as can be.
A person's life is precious because...
We live only once, so we have to live it fully and with dignity, despite our circumstances.
One little known fact about suicidal patients is...
They are not mentally ill. Anyone facing a seemingly desperate situation can be vulnerable to feeling hopeless and helpless, which may escalate to suicidal acts if the person does not receive help or cuts himself off from others.
If I were to give an analogy for what I do, I would...
Be a bridge to connect the suicidal person with the resources around him, such as family service centres, care facilities and legal aid. Often, a person may think nobody can help him, which is not true.
The eventual goal is to reconnect the suicidal person with his family and loved ones through individual, couple or family sessions.
A typical day for me would...
Start at 8.30am with administrative duties, followed by morning staff meetings or journal club sessions. I meet senior staff members regularly to plan and implement assistance schemes which benefit patients.
Other medical social workers also come to me to seek advice on cases they are working on. I co-manage the difficult cases, such as those which may involve suicide, or in which patients or family members consistently display behavioural difficulties.
I also support hospital staff members who need help and teach them coping strategies.
I have come across all types of cases...
But I find that families with strong social support fare better in crises. After the initial shock and confusion, members organise themselves very quickly to protect the affected family member by providing physiological and emotional comfort.
I love patients who...
Make it a point to turn up for their follow-up counselling sessions because this shows their readiness and motivation for change.
Patients who are forthcoming, open to working with their families and willing to reflect on themselves often make better progress.
They pick up positive coping strategies to deal with life's challenges, which range from relationship discord, financial issues to mental health or addiction challenges.
Patients who get my goat are...
Those who blame everyone else for their problems, without realising that they have a part to play.
For instance, a suicidal husband may be domineering at home and may keep blaming his wife and children, without realising that he has failed to communicate properly with them.
This can also explain the persistent suicidal behaviour in some patients. This vicious circle may wear out their loved ones and cut patients off from the support they used to have.
Things that put a smile on my face are...
Receiving handmade cards from the children of one patient whom I saw for attempted suicide and depression over several years.
Every year, though the drawings and handwriting would mature, they always conveyed their appreciation to me for being there for their mother.
It breaks my heart when...
An elderly patient asks me if the doctor can help end his life because he does not want to burden his children.
I realise, through interaction with elderly patients, that they are so stoic and self-reliant that they feel useless when they cannot contribute financially, take care of their grandchildren or, worse still, become disabled.
They have laboured hard all their lives, yet they have not come to accept that there is a time to receive unconditional care in return.
I would not trade places for the world because...
There is still so much to be done that I cannot find enough time for everything. This is what I am trained for and playing a part to restore equilibrium to lives is a constant reminder to live mine fully.
My best tip is...
To learn to take charge of emotions, thus reducing the likelihood of acting on impulse when emotionally charged.
Some things which may help include taking slow, deep breaths, sharing your problems with a trusted mentor and putting vexing matters on the back-burner, that is, taking your mind off it and revisiting the issue when you are calmer.
Get a copy of Mind Your Body, The Straits Times or go to for more stories. -
Dear Mo,
Last time i have visited senior consultant from respiratory&critical care medicine at KTP hospital specialist clinic for my asthma. after a few session he ask me that how come navy didnt down pes me because of my conditions (i was pes B since BMT), so he gave me a piece of MC (which looks like a normal MC) which under the remarks he put "diagnosis: 1. Asthma, 2. Rhinitis, 3. Eczema" and he told me that just give that paper to my camp MO and they will down pes me or whoever that ask me to run or doing physical actitivies. But i told him that my camp MO said that they need some report from test to down pes me or send to MMI, so i ask my KTP doctor to do some test on me but he told me that my conditions is genuine so dont waste time and money to do test. He ask me to give that MC to my MO. Followed by the MC he also gave me a referral form which refeeral to SAF and OPD which has all my diagnosis, main complaints, physical finidings, treatment given and suggested follow-up treatment. He told me to pass this to my MO as well.
After the giving all the papers, i was been temp down pes to C9L3N8 for 3 times until i ord i was still in temp status. So i will like to know what is the chances of me getting a perm down pes since i am going back as a NSmen to review because of my pes status expired in may. or is there any other things i can do to enforce the process so that i can get a perm status as i do not want to go back every half yearly for reviews. Thanks Sir
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Simple, simply request the hospital specialist to write a strongly-worded memo for it.
As usual, please refer to this guideline:
http://sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/392446 -
Dear Mo,
Thank for your promptly reply.
As my specialist had discharged me from the specialist clinic because he said mine is a long term conditions as it does not require me to go back to the specialist clinic. so is there anything i can do since i will not be able to see my specialist again?
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As usual, please refer to this guideline:
http://sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/392446 -
May I know what is the PES status for Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
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It is within PES C to E range.
As usual, please refer to this guideline:
http://sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/392446
