We Shine | From Retired Uniforms to Renewed Purpose

SHP staff giving retired SHP uniforms a second life
(from left to right: Lim Wei Ee, Audrey Yuen and Joanne Lam from Punggol Polyclinic)

Step into any SingHealth polyclinic today and you will see a fresh new look for our Patient Service Associates (PSAs), who now greet patients in vibrant orange uniforms, while nurses can be seen in both their classic white uniforms and the newly introduced green scrubs, adding a fresh pop of colour to our clinics.

Behind this refreshed look lies a heartwarming story of how a group of staff and volunteers turned retired uniforms into meaningful upcycled creations in support of the Gift of Family Fund, an initiative by SingHealth Polyclinics for patients in need.

Named “Uniformly Yours” – a campaign that brought staff together in shared identity and pride

Audrey Yuen, Patient Service Associate Executive

It all began with an accidental permanent pen mark on the sleeve of Audrey's previous light pink uniform. Instead of discarding the still‑usable fabric, she cut it up and handsewn it into scrunchies for herself and her colleagues. Their enthusiastic response sparked a much larger initiative.

With a background in designing and her love for crafts, Audrey became the creative lead behind the uniforms upcycling effort. She conceptualised a range of accessories—including scrunchies, phone pouches, and sling bags—and mentored staff and volunteers in the end-to-end production process. Despite her demanding role as a Health Pal—where she serves as a guide for patients navigating preventive care and health screenings—she went above and beyond by preparing materials at home and rapidly teaching herself machine-sewing to scale up production.

Audrey (in white) guiding colleagues with the sewing machine

Production in full swing with clever and nimble hands of our staff and volunteers

One of the biggest challenges was working with different retired uniform sizes collected from colleagues. She meticulously handled fabric of different sizes, often with the need to unpick seams of smaller uniforms to maximise usable fabric.   

Lim Wei Ee, Senior Assistant Manager, Clinic Operations

Upon receiving Audrey's handmade scrunchie, Wei Ee recognised they had something special on their hands. Following a sustainability visit to SembWaste and witnessing their recycling efforts firsthand, Wei Ee saw an opportunity to bring sustainable upcycling to all of SHP.

Despite having no sewing background, Wei Ee became the bridge that turned a small idea into a movement. She spearheaded a collection drive for retired PSA and unused uniforms, ensuring these textiles were diverted from waste and given a second life. In collaboration with Audrey, she expanded the collection beyond scrunchies to include thoughtfully designed phone pouches and sling bags.

Wei Ee learnt to use the sewing machine, transforming retired
uniforms into meaningful upcycled items

A highlight for her was seeing SHP leaders, including Chief Operating Officer and SHP’s Green PACE advisor, Ms Loke Chui Yee, join the team in pressing and preparing uniforms — capturing the true community spirit that the project fostered.

Ms Chui Yee pressed the uniforms with care and love,
ensuring every piece is uniformly crease-free!

Joanne Lam, Assistant Manager, Clinic Operations

As a sewing hobbyist with her own sewing machine, Joanne brought technical precision to the project and quickly learnt how to recreate handmade samples.

Her deep-seated passion for the arts has led her to master a wide array of mediums, ranging from oil painting and calligraphy to modern digital design and video editing. Sewing was an interest she developed from her schooling days.

Joanne carefully cutting the fabric and ensuring every detail is precise

These sessions provided a rejuvenating change of pace, offering a unique way to contribute beyond her usual scope of work at the clinic. Everyone was enthusiastic and committed to meeting production targets whilst being clear on their roles in the team.

Celsa, SHP Helping Hands Volunteer

Among the contributing volunteers was Celsa, a former patient who became a dedicated SHP Helping Hands volunteer seven years ago, born from a heartfelt commitment to serve others and make a meaningful difference. She has been volunteering in our polyclinics during her free time, guiding patients through registration and providing support to patients.

When approached about the upcycling project, Ms Celsa didn't hesitate despite having no sewing experience. For three days, she ironed, cut fabric, and supported production alongside other volunteers.

Celsa (left) along with fellow SHP Helping Hands volunteer, Ms Shirley Lee (right),
helping to cut the fabric for sewing

For Celsa, the initiative brought profound meaning. "We heal people even if we cannot see it — and we heal the planet at the same time. It is rewarding even though people may not see the hard work behind every piece," she reflected.

Any potential challenges were far outweighed by the project's spirit of inclusivity, which she found truly remarkable. "Even people who did not know how to contribute had a part to play and could help," she observed, embodying the collaborative spirit that made the initiative successful.

The team working tirelessly on the handmade products

The Supporting Hands That Made It Possible

While Audrey, Wei Ee, Joanne, and Celsa played significant roles in this project, the success is a testament to a wider community of staff and volunteers. From the first cut of fabric to the final sale, this team worked tirelessly—often bringing materials home after work hours to turn a simple idea into a series of impactful charity events.

A Project That Brought a Community Together

Collectively, the team handcrafted an impressive 362 items, including 210 scrunchies, 40 phone pouches and 112 sling bags.

All smiles from the team as they bring new life through every stitch

The production team doubled up as salespersons,
selling their upcycled products at the SHP Family Meeting in January

Audrey, Wei Ee and Joanne all smiles at the booth before
 the sale of the handcrafted items at the SingHealth Charity Bazaar in February

A total of $3,626 was raised, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Gift of Family Fund. More than the funds raised, this initiative created friendships, nurtured new skills, and breathed new life into uniforms that once served thousands of patients.

Our sincere thanks go out to the dedicated team of staff whose hard work made this upcycling project a success: