In an insightful interview, Sherry Tan, Chief Corporate Officer of IHH Healthcare Singapore, shares her journey as a dedicated blood donor and passionate advocate. Her experience not only sheds light on the importance of blood donation, but also highlights the critical role leaders play in fostering a culture of giving within their organisations.

Sherry Tan, Chief Corporate Officer of IHH Healthcare Singapore, once held misconceptions about blood donation’s impact on health, fuelled by childhood misinformation. Fortunately, her school dispelled those myths and sparked a transformative journey.

Inspired by her sister and colleagues who are dedicated blood donors, Sherry discovered that blood donation is a safe and impactful way to contribute back to society. Their assurance and example empowered her to become a steadfast donor and passionate advocate.

However, Sherry's blood donation journey met with some roadblocks as she was either underweight or had travelled to restricted areas. Yet, her resolve to continue donating never faltered. Spurred by the belief that "gifting is always better than receiving,", her resilience and fortitude have enabled her to make successful blood donations on several occasions. Today, Shery champions blood donations, encouraging others to join her in making a difference.

Leaders Set the Example as Blood Donors

Beyond her blood donations, Sherry is among the leaders in IHH Healthcare Singapore who 'walk the talk', leading by example as regular blood donors. These leaders actively foster a culture of giving, encouraging participation through annual blood donation drives across their hospitals. They inspire other employees to follow in their footsteps, embracing blood donation as part of their lifestyles. 

"Several of our employees, including leaders of the IHH, are regular blood donors. The leaders set great examples to promote the blood drives," said Sherry. 

Sherry is heartened that IHH Healthcare Singapore, which operates four hospitals and over 30 primary and ambulatory care facilities under the Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles and Parkway brands, with over 5,000 employees, is a steadfast supporter of the National Blood Programme. Healthcare sector employees often witness blood usage for surgical procedures, general medicine, haematology, oncology, obstetrics, gynaecology, and accident survivors. 

"As we are in the healthcare sector, we know every bag of blood is indispensable to saving and sustaining lives. The Bloodbanks must be sufficiently stocked to ensure that people requiring blood transfusions can receive them," said Sherry.

Fifteen units of blood are used every hour. Over 400 units of blood daily are required to meet the transfusion needs of patients in Singapore.

IHH Healthcare Singapore has been organising annual mobile blood drives at each IHH Healthcare Singapore hospital. 

Corporations Can Champion Blood Donation

As blood donation is one of the meaningful ways to benefit society, Sherry encourages more corporate leaders to take the lead in driving positive social change through blood donation advocacy within their corporations. With greater resources and influence, corporations can mobilise their employees to donate blood to save lives, making a tangible impact on the National Blood Programme. 

"Corporations can integrate blood donation into their Corporate Social Responsibility programmes and enhance the convenience of blood donations by organising blood drives on the company premises. This motivates employees to step forward to donate blood," Sherry said. 

Her advice to other corporate leaders considering starting blood donation programmes or becoming donors themselves is simple, "Don't hesitate. Just do it."

Her message resonates deeply with the #SaveLivesMovement, encouraging more Singaporeans to take action and make a difference.

Sherry's story underscores the profound influence corporate leaders can have on championing life-saving causes. Her message serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that leaders and organisations can have in saving lives, one blood donation at a time.

By Chloe Ho, Blood Donor Programme
Copyedited by Sondra Foo, Marketing & Communications