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Medical Social Work Department

The role of the Medical Social Worker in a hospital is to offer counselling, support and assistance to patients and their families who may be experiencing psychological, social or emotional difficulties during their hospital stay.

Services provided by the medical Social Workers:

staff
  • Supportive Intervention
  • Individual Counselling
  • Group Work- Educational/Therapeutic
  • Work with Families and Carers
  • Bereavement counselling
  • Bereavement Programme/twice yearly
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Care planning/Discharge planning
  • Advocacy and mediation
  • Networking- liaising with statutory and voluntary services and agencies to keep patients/families/carers informed of their rights and linking them with appropriate support networks and groups.
  • HIV pre and post test counselling
  • Facilitating family meetings/case conferences

Issues dealt with:

  1. Long-term illness/Adjustment to illness
  2. Bereavement and loss
  3. Mental Health Issues
    • Depression/isolation/loneliness
    • Suicidal ideation
    • Self-harm
    • Eating disorders
    • Post Traumatic stress
    • Anxiety
    • Addictions and substance abuse
    • Dementia and behavioural problems
  4. Domestic Violence/Sexual assault and Assault
    • When a woman or a man discloses to any staff member that they are victims of domestic violence, the Medical Social Worker should be notified.
  5. Elder Abuse
    • If a staff member has any suspicions/concerns that an elderly person has been abused or may be at risk of abuse, they should contact the Medical Social Worker immediately.
  6. Child Protection
    • Children can present to our Hospital from the age of 14 years. Section 2 of the Child Care Act 1991 defines a ‘child’ as any person up to 18 years (other than a married person). An assessment will be completed by the Medical Social Worker who will liaise with the community care child protection services, provide support for the victims and refer to appropriate specialist treatment services.
    • In the event of non-availability of a Medical Social Worker or out of hours, a report should be made to the relevant Health Board duty social worker or An Garda Siochana at any Garda station (Children First Guidelines).
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  7. Homelessness
    • If a patient is homeless the Medical Social Worker will liaise with the voluntary/statutory agencies that specialize in working with homeless persons in this city.
  8. Discharge Planning
    • This complex process, which begins on a person’s admission to hospital, involves assessing, counselling and planning. It may involve issues such as;
    • Loss of Independence and control
    • Separation from a loved one
    • Adjustment to lifestyle changes and/or the possibility of not returning home
  9. A person may be discharged:
    • Home with or without community supports, e.g.
    • Slan Abhaile Programme
    • Home Care Grant
    • Meals on Wheels
    • Day Care/Hospitals Services
    • Home Help service
    • District Care Unit
    • Palliative Home Care Team
    • To Residential Care
    • Convalescence/a Rehabilitation Unit/Hospice

How to contact the social work department

The Medical Social Work Department consists of one Principle Social Worker, 5 Senior Social Workers, 3 Senior Social Worker Practitioners and 7 Social Workers. Each Medical Social Worker attachment is consultant based.

Referrals can be made by any member of the Consultant’s Team, by the Ward Nursing Staff, by any of the Allied Health Professionals, by the patient or a family member.

The Medical Social Work Department is located in the Out-Patient Department on the ground floor of the Hospital. The department is open Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm.

Individuals may call in person to the Medical Social Work Department to arrange an appointment.

Telephone: 209 4286 or 209 4831