On the 26th of August 2017, the Pain Team of Hospital Selayang was privileged to run the Chronic Pain Family Day for 2017. Hospital Selayang graciously hosted this event, which was held in the sports complex on site. This has been an annual celebration and recognition for the patients and families of patients who have been through difficulties with their pain yet have managed to improve their situation to live their best life. It was a fun and supportive environment with around 300 attendees including medical staff, patients and their families from as far as Hospital Pulau Pinang, Hospital Ipoh, Hospital Seremban, Hospital Klang, Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Hospital UKM, not forgetting Hospital Selayang as well. 

We would like to thank our sponsors, which included the Malaysian Association for the Study of Pain (MASP), pharmaceutical companies, individual staff members who devoted finances as well as their precious time in organizing this family day.

Dr Zubaidah Jamil Osman, a clinical psychologist and lecturer attached to Universiti Putra Malaysia, whose main area of interest is chronic pain management, started off the event with a welcoming speech. She is a very important member of our pain team and has been a visiting consultant psychologist in Hospital Selayang since 2006.

This was followed by a speech by Mr Manorhalal, a former patient of the pain clinic who was also a participant in the first ever Menang program (an abbreviation of Program MENANGani Sakit), a self-help, psycho-educational, group-based program, using cognitive behavioural principles in helping the patients to cope and manage their pain). He shared his inspirational story of how he overcame his pain and encouraged others to do the same.

The event was then officiated by Dr Mary Cardosa, President of MASP, in a fun and nontraditional manner with the breaking of a candy-filled piñata, to the delight of the little ones around.

Next came a range of exciting activities including performances, games and lucky draws. The Hospital Selayang Pain Team carried out a special Zumba performance. This was followed by keyboard and ukulele performance by a former patient from HUKM, as well as a dance performance from Hospital Ipoh. There were also games for both adults and children, organized by the cheerful clown, Bubu. At the same time, we had face-painting services available for those not involved in the games. Adding to the festive atmosphere was the set up of cotton candy and popcorn just outside the hall to be enjoyed alongside the food and beverages available throughout the event.

There were ample gifts to be given out to participants, as well as lucky draw winners, and especially those who came from afar to ensure no one left empty handed. All in all, everyone had an enjoyable time and was left looking forward to the next one.