Social Workers provide direct services to patients and their families which aim to minimize the impacts of illness and hospitalization. From completing a comprehensive psychosocial assessment, Social Workers are able to link patients and families with relevant services and supports to enable safe discharges from hospital.
Dedicated Social Workers are allocated to most Medical and Surgical wards across Northern Health as well as Abortion, Ante Natal Care, Oncology, Paediatrics and Renal Outpatient services. Social Workers are also in Emergency Department and SSU and in Community Therapy Services (CTS). Weekend and Public Holiday services are available across Inpatients and Emergency Department on a priority basis from 08:30 – 16:30.
Social workers complete psychosocial assessments to understand and address patients’ needs. The assessment includes addressing any risks to patients due to their current situation, level of functioning and capacity. Social workers advocate for and facilitate community referrals to meet patients’ support needs.
What to expect from the service?
Social Workers are trained to understand the complexities of life which impact on health and consumers can expect to receive patient centred care which addresses their needs. Social Workers offer support with adjustment to illness or diagnosis and can provide support to patient’s families who are struggling to meet the patients’ care needs or adjustment to a diagnosis. Social Workers can provide patients with information about community supports and services that can assist on discharge from hospital. Social Workers can assist patients and their families to plan for future circumstances by commencing processes to appoint powers of attorney and medical treatment decision makers as well as access to NDIS and Aged Care services.