KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s (KKH) efforts to achieve a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the “largest reunion of people born at the same hospital” are well under way. The hospital hopes to rally 3,000 people who are born in KKH to gather at Bishan Stadium on Sunday, 16 October 2016. Registrations for the ‘Born in KKH event’ have crossed the 2,000 mark, as organisations as well as members of the public continue to register to be a part of this historic event.

More than 1.2 million Singaporeans have been born in KKH. The hospital last set a world record in 1966 when it delivered the largest number of births in a single year. It held the record for ten years.

Tomorrow’s Medicine speaks to Ms Thilagamangai, Assistant Director Nursing, KKH, who is Co-Chair of the ‘Born in KKH’ Steering Committee:

Q: What, to you, is the most special thing about being born in KKH?
A: I am proud to be born in a place where life is welcomed, fought for and celebrated – I am honoured to be part of the KKH team, making a difference to the lives of women and children every day.

Q: What is your favourite part of working at KKH?
A: As a midwife by training, it feels incredibly special to go through the birth experience with a patient. Throughout my 26 years in KKH, every time I see how my job impacts on the lives of our pregnant women, I feel truly blessed. When a patient looks at me with eyes so full of emotion, and says, “thank you”, I think to myself – how can I not love this job!

Q: What do you think of KKH attempting a Guinness World Record?
A: This actually isn’t our first experience with world records. In 1966, KKH was the reigning world record holder for ‘the largest maternity hospital in the world’ for 10 years. At its peak, they were delivering up to 100 babies a day. So if all the “babies” who were born in KKH come together, the record is in the bag!

Q: What are you most looking forward to at the ‘Born in KKH’ event?
A: I’m excited to be part of the reunion of thousands of people who are born in KKH, and of course – setting a new world record! Come and join in the celebrations!

At the 16 October event, there will also be a community family carnival open to all to celebrate the Singapore identity, family life and an active lifestyle. As the 50th anniversary of the 1966 world record, there is a special call out to those born in KKH in 1966 to join in the celebrations. Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Teo Chee Hean, will be the guest of honour.

The ‘Born in KKH’ event is a collaboration between KKH, ActiveSG and People’s Association, taking place at Bishan Stadium on Sunday, 16 October 2016. The event is free. To participate in the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt and to find out more, visit the “Born in KKH” microsite – www.kkh.com.sg/borninkkh