DRIVER Tan Kok Chuan was shocked to find an elderly patient rolling in her own faeces when he went to pick her up for her daily treatment.

Instead of leaving as most would do, he stayed on to bathe and change her, and even cleaned up the place before sending her to the Toa Payoh Senior Citizens' Health Care Centre where he works.

For going beyond his call of duty, Mr Tan is among 48 who will receive this year's Healthcare Humanity Awards.

Mr Tan, 62, went into healthcare by accident. He was retrenched from his job six years ago as a logistics coordinator at a manufacturing firm that relocated. Not ready to retire yet, he applied for a job as a driver at the Health Care Centre in Toa Payoh. He has not looked back since.

Every day, Mr Tan would ferry patients to and from their homes to the day care centre, which rehabilitates sick elderly, including post-stroke patients and those with multiple chronic diseases such as dementia.

During the day, he also doubles up as a healthcare therapy assistant and helps to feed patients and walk with them.

The Healthcare Humanity Awards, launched in 2004, are meant to continue the legacy of the Courage Awards given out in 2003 to recognise healthcare workers for their efforts in fighting the Sars outbreak that year.

It is presented by the Courage Fund, a foundation set up with public donations to help those affected by the Sars outbreak in 2003.

This year's winners were selected from 111 health-care workers who were nominated by their employers, peers, patients or members of the public.

Other recipients include medical social workers, nurses and doctors.

Each recipient will be presented with a medallion and $1,500 by President S R Nathan, who is the patron of the Courage Fund, at a ceremony on May 26.

Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan will also attend the event, to be held at the NTUC Centre Auditorium.