Medical Social Work
The Department of Medical Social Work supports the emotional and social well-being of patients and their families impacted by illness – from initial admission through to patient discharge.
Our services
- Counselling
Emotional support and counselling where appropriate which includes focusing on adjustment and coping strategies relating to life crisis such as serious illness/ trauma or bereavement - Crisis intervention
Practical support or counselling interventions at the time of an acute crisis such as death, admission to the intensive care or the Emergency Department - HSE support
Assistance and support with the HSE processes including long-term care fair deal or home care packages - Advocacy
Liaising with statutory and voluntary services for the patient and family in areas such as homelessness, respite care, addiction and mental health services - Patient safety
We ensure the safety and protection of any patient identified by the hospital staff to be at risk of physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse or neglect - Bereavement counselling
Support for patients and families of the deceased which includes an annual bereavement programme offering a positive forum to support bereaved families.
The Department of Medical Social Work does not deal directly with any social welfare claims or enquiries. Instead, we advise that you contact your local social welfare office or Citizens Information Centre.
There is an on-site Citizens Information Centre clinic which operates on Mondays and Wednesdays, between 10:00 – 16:00. This is located on the main corridor of the Clinical Services Building opposite the shop.
Other useful contact details
- Nursing Home Support Scheme: Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare
- tel: (045) 880 400
- Health Services Executive
- email: www.hse.ie
- Free phone: 1800 520 520
- Dublin City Council
- email: www.dublincity.ie
- tel: (01) 222 2222
- Samaritans
- email: www.samaritans.org
- tel: 1850 60 90 90
- Citizens Information
- email: www.citizensinformation.ie
- Lo-call: 1890 777 121
Referral information
Our services are available to any patient or family who is attending St. Vincent’s University Hospital. Referrals can be made on request by the patient’s medical or nursing team.
Useful links
Contact
tel: (01) 221 4286 / 4831
fax: (01) 221 4832
Location
Ground Floor
Herbert Link Corridor
St.Vincent’s University Hospital
Elm Park
Dublin 4
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 09.00 – 17.00