Social Work Department
Social Workers can assist you in dealing with the emotional and practical issues that may arise because of your illness. Social Workers are available to help patients, families, carers and support people in hospital and community services throughout the Health Service District.
Services provided
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Counselling, support and group work
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Working with you to identify previous ways of coping
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Exploring possible lifestyle adjustments after hospitalization
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Creating a supportive environment for voicing concerns
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Ensuring you and your family remain informed about your illness and treatment. This includes arranging family conferences and liaising with members of your treating team
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Assisting with the process of residential aged care placement and respite
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Facilitating support groups within the hospital
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Linking you with support groups in the community
Counselling
It may be that you or a loved one have been admitted to hospital. The psychological, emotional and social issues arising from hospital admission may have a significant impact on your life and on those of your family, friends and carers.
Social Workers can intervene on many levels to provide assistance in managing the implications of serious illness.
On a psychological level we provide:
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Supportive counselling for individuals, families and carers. This may be in relation to your illness and treatment, family and relationships, self esteem and confidence, lifestyle changes, or making difficult decisions
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Grief and loss counselling in relation to your experiences of grief and bereavement
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Crisis intervention in response to the impact of trauma on you and your family
Practical Information and Assistance
Some of the practical things Social Workers may be able to assist you with include:
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Transport issues such as obtaining financial assistance with the cost of your travel to the hospital from regional areas
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Legal issues such as appointing someone to act on your behalf if you are unable to - giving them Enduring Power of Attorney - or making an Advance Health Directive so your wishes about what types of medical treatment you do and do not want are known if you are unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself
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