The campaign “Sharing My Trusted Story”, not only highlights the cherished memories of thousands of patients but also offers a heartfelt glimpse into the lives and work of the staff at FV Hospital. These seemingly “small, everyday tales” are filled with dedication and a profound sense of responsibility. On a deeper level, they embody gratitude and the compassion that defines the work and experiences of each individual, both past and present.

Lies and “Wicked Witches”

For the Accident & Emergency Department staff, every ambulance trip carries unique memories, each marked by its own emotions and intensity. Any journey could turn into a critical “life-or-death mission” for the patient. One such unforgettable trip was remembered by Ms Phu Hue Tran, a retired emergency nurse.

One morning, Ms Tran was tasked with accompanying a cancer patient on their final journey home to Rach Gia to reunite with their family for the last time. Unaware of the emotional and physical challenges ahead, she knew the patient could pass away at any moment during the trip, potentially leaving the mission unfinished. Throughout the journey, Ms Tran remained fully focused, pouring all her energy into her duty while enduring the exhaustion and discomfort of motion sickness.

As the ambulance crossed the ferry, the patient went into cardiac arrest. “With one hand I was performing chest compressions, and with the other, I was calling the family to update them,” Ms Tran recounted. “The family told me there were only 30 kilometres left, so I shouted in the patient’s ear that it was just 5 kilometres left, then 500 meters. Oh my, how I lied,” she recalled. That “lie,” delivered in a critical moment, served as a powerful mental boost, helping the patient hold on until they were able to see their loved ones. Such moments of hardship, exhaustion, and the weight of a final farewell are challenges that emergency staff face regularly in their vital work.

In those high-pressure moments, people often push beyond their limits, sometimes finding themselves in roles they’d rather avoid – being the “villain” to achieve what’s necessary. Even in the nurturing environment of Paediatrics, doctors and nurses must occasionally “play the bad guys” to ensure swift and effective care for their young patients. “You are evil witches!“—a little boy once shouted when we drew blood for a test,” shared nurse Phuong Thuy. For many children, fear of medical staff is common and can tug at the hearts of those caring for them. However, it’s the innocent smiles, heartfelt thanks, cheerful greetings, and even the less-than-friendly remarks from these young patients that remind paediatric doctors and nurses why they embrace their roles with courage, even if it means being the “villain” every day.

Vietnamese culture deeply values kindness, goodness, and beauty, with an emphasis on compassion, love for others, and a commitment to honesty. Yet, in the medical field, it is intriguing how “evil witches” and “necessary lies” can clearly reflect the essence of “medical ethics” and bring very real values of goodness and beauty.

A Place Where People Lift Each Other Up Like Family

At FV Hospital, patients are not only cared for with dedication, but the healthcare staff also benefit from the support and sharing of their colleagues. Nurse Dai Loan and midwife Doan Minh, both of whom have been with FV for nearly 20 years, affectionately refer to the hospital as their “second home.” Reflecting on their early days, they recall the challenges of adapting to the high professional standards and the pressures of working in a JCI-accredited hospital.

Over time, colleagues—like family—stood by them, offering support to help them overcome challenges. “We don’t just work together; we love and support each other through life’s ups and downs. I feel fortunate to be a member of FV,” said Ms Doan Minh. Ms Loan appreciates the hospital’s policies, from timely salaries and comprehensive insurance to year-round initiatives such as professional training and internal bonding programmes.  These efforts foster a strong sense of teamwork and trust among the staff.

In a previous sharing at FV, Mr Kiat Lim, Executive Vice-Chairman of Thomson Medical Group, highlighted the shared values between Thomson Medical Singapore and FV Hospital, particularly the way employees care for one another like family. “Many generations of Thomson staff have had their families’ health cared for, given birth, and received care at the hospitals where they work. FV is the same; I see people here taking care of each other like family,” said Mr Kiat Lim.

As part of the “Sharing My Trusted Story” campaign, hundreds of thank-you notes and stories have been sent to doctors, nurses, and midwives—hailed as both “saviours” and “workplace friends”. These shared stories highlight the strengths of a multidisciplinary international hospital, as they not only benefit patients by optimising treatment but also address the health needs of hospital staff. The gratitude expressed spans every department, showcasing the comprehensive care provided at FV Hospital.

Each day at FV brings new, heartfelt stories that unfold and are shared. There are countless handshakes and hugs as patients are discharged, smiles and looks of gratitude, and moments when staff must embrace necessary “lies” and “villain roles” to aid patients’ recovery. Many dreams have been realized within FV’s walls. Those seemingly small lessons learned in medical school, like tiny seeds, carry the hope that one day they will bloom in an international hospital—- a place they love and have chosen to work.

The “Sharing My Trusted Story” programme, launched by FV Hospital in August 2024, aims to support treatment costs of underprivileged children through the Children of Vietnam Charitable Fund. For every story shared on the hospital’s Facebook fan page during the campaign, $1 will be donated to the fund. This initiative helps spread love and brings hope to these “little warriors” as they fight to overcome illness.

In the first phase of the campaign, over 650 valid stories were successfully submitted. The “Sharing My Trusted Story” campaign is anticipated to relaunch soon!