The Medical Social Work Department

The Medical Social Work Department

The role of the Medical Social Worker is to assist patients and families resolve any social, practical or emotional difficulties that impact on their ability to cope with their illness. Medical Social Workers also facilitate discharge and liaise with members of community services, both statutory and voluntary, to arrange services for patients.

Role of Medical Social Work:

When a Medical Social Worker meets with a patient they will assess their support needs and any risks to the patient. The Medical Social Worker may provide support, information and make referrals to a number of relevant services if needed. The Medical Social Worker can provide a safe, confidential, and supportive service to discuss circumstances that a patient may find difficult to discuss with other members of the multi-disciplinary team.

Services available

• Planning discharge home and co-ordinating community services
• Long term care planning, respite and nursing home applications where required
• Patient and family education regarding coping with illness
• Individual counselling, work with families and carers
• Information on benefits and entitlements, housing and social welfare
• Referral to other services where appropriate

Resolving Individual and Family Difficulties

Which may include providing assistance with:

• Child Protection
• Protection of vulnerable adults
• Domestic violence
• Homelessness
• Financial concerns
• Caring for a dependant relative
• Stress, anger and depression
• Loss and bereavement
• Addiction issues
• Family problems
• Isolation and Loneliness

Referral Procedure

Our services are available to any patient who is attending St Michaels Hospital. Referrals can be made on request by the patient’s medical or nursing team. Patients can ask a nurse or doctor to arrange for them to see a Medical Social Worker.