Social Work

What we do

Admission to a hospital setting can be a very stressful and difficult time for patients and their family.

The hospital social work department supports people to deal with personal and social issues and offers supportive counselling, support and information to individuals, partners, carers and families.

We offer a comprehensive range of services to address the emotional and psychosocial aspects of health, including:

• Providing care and understanding in relation to hospital services 
• Finding resolutions for problems causing concern
• Providing assistance to the patient to gain the confidence to take responsibility for and control of health and wellbeing, and
• Where appropriate, we can refer other services and resources

Issues our departments address

• Emotional impacts of a current health issue
• Complex discharge planning
• Personal adjustment health related issues
• Abuse prevention and response matters
• Family issues impacting on your recovery or discharge
• Anxiety/depression/suicidal feelings
• Loss, grief and/or trauma related matters
• Sudden death of a loved one or end of life care guidance
• Transition to residential care or complex accommodation concerns
• Advocacy inclusive of addressing risk issues

Who we care for

Hospital ward social work services and cancer services.

How to access this service

You can self-refer if you are a patient in the service or contact your treating team to make a referral.  

Transport

Transport difficulties are a common theme for many patients and families. There are very limited resources available to support the growing need. Transport and accomodation schemes are available to certain patients. More information on eligibility for the scheme can be found on the links below.