Social workers help you and your families to navigate the health care system, which can sometimes be confusing. 

Social workers help to coordinate your care and work directly with you in a variety of capacities including:

• conducting a psychosocial assessment 
• assist in facilitating after care support services for discharge
• facilitate the ACAT process for those requiring residential care and support services  
• Social workers will work closely with the medical team and the community services to ensure you have the right
• support systems you need to recover from your illness or injury.

They advocate on your behalf to ensure your wishes for medical treatment are known to your family and treating team.

Our social work services

Our social workers provide:

• support for you and your family while you undergo treatment and rehabilitation
• assessment of your needs and ensure you are involved in your discharge planning
• counselling support for you and your family for emotional issues such as grief and loss and adjusting to a medical diagnosis
• information and links to aged care support services and aged care planning
• information and links to community support services, including legal support services
• parenting information
• relationship services including counselling and practical parenting support
• risk assessments and support links for people in vulnerable situations such as protection of children, domestic violence and drug or alcohol misuse
• multicultural services including booking interpreters.

Benefits of social work

Accessing social work can help by providing:

• an opportunity to express your concerns about your hospital admission or ongoing care
• information and links to support services
• crisis support if you are in a vulnerable situation such as domestic violence or you are experience drug or alcohol misuse.