Social work department

Social workers provide expert support to patients and families, looking at both medical and social factors to help improve overall wellbeing. They use a holistic approach, focusing on the person’s physical, emotional, and social needs.

Social work is defined by the International Federation of Social Workers as:

Social Workers follow a Code of Ethics to guide their practice and use standards that ensure they work in a professional and ethical manner.

Social workers at the hospital specialise in the following areas: 

• child abuse and neglect
• family, domestic and sexual violence
• chronic health conditions including trauma and adjustment to diagnosis and disability
• complex/developmental trauma
• sexual abuse and sexual assault
• elder and vulnerable person abuse, and exploitation
• bereavement, grief and loss support work in order to improve coping mechanisms and psychosocial outcomes, in relation to changing life conditions (e.g. changes to capacity, transitioning to aged care facility, new diagnosis) depression, disability, suicide, sudden and traumatic death
• providing clinical expertise regarding socio-legal issues and ethical decision making (Advance Care Directive (ACD), Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA), SACAT (Guardianship, Administrative, Special Powers))
• family interventions and support in relation to complex psychosocial issues
• developing culturally responsive and inclusive interventions, including the delivery of culturally sensitive, secure and safe practices in coordination with other professionals
• counselling and therapeutic interventions – including/not limited to distress, anxiety management etc.
• provide support towards coordination of complex discharge planning including transition back to community for vulnerable long stay/complex patients (e.g. in subacute, rehab) who have significant impairments.

Social workers provide the following services:

• comprehensive assessments of patients’ needs
• counselling and therapy to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotions
• advocacy on behalf of patients
• case management and support with coordination of care
• information and education to patients and families
• safety planning for high-risk situations.

The social work team always focuses on:

• your consent and wishes
• your cultural safety
• your right to make informed choices
• partnership in decision-making.

The Social Work Department also employs Allied Health Assistants. These team members can help with tasks like:

• filling out Centrelink paperwork
• organising housing
• providing financial assistance
• referring to community services.

Social workers are available 7 days a week, all year round. They are available on weekends and holidays, but their hours may be limited compared to weekdays.

To request a social worker, speak to your treating team or nurse.

Social workers also offer limited services in the outpatient setting. If you need outpatient social work support, please speak to your treating doctor or nurse.