Social Work
Telephone |
(+61 2) 9845-6699 |
Facsimile |
(+61 2) 9845-7866 |
Location |
The Social Work Department at Westmead Hospital is located in: E block, level 1 |
Postal Address |
Social Work Department |
Visiting Hours |
8:30am - 5:00pm |
Service Profile
What is Social Work?
Social Work is an integral part of patient services at Westmead Hospital. Social Work Staff are available to assist patients and their families with any personal or practical difficulties.
We provide counselling for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can also provide information about community services.
Social Workers may provide fresh alternatives which may not have been considered. As hospitalisation is often disruptive, we are able to work with patients and their families to help them maintain, or regain control of their situation.
Ways a Social Worker can help you
Being in hospital is naturally a difficult time for both patient and family. Illness and hospitalisation may bring about many changes and difficulties which can be both emotional and practical.
Often patients may find that other staff, having noticed the difficulties they are experiencing, arrange for a Social Worker to see them. Patients and their families often request to see a Social Worker to talk about the following issues:
- Personal, marital and family relationship difficulties.
- Being unable to talk easily about feelings with loved ones.
- Feelings of fear, worry, sadness, anger and loss.
- Feelings of confusion and lack of control that arise from hospitalisation.
- Uncertainty about the future changes that illness may bring to the lives of the patient and their family.
- Concerns brought about by the effects on the families when some one is in hospital.
When these concerns arise, Social Workers are able to provide support and counselling, enabling patients and their families to examine all available options, resolve difficulties and make more informed decisions about the present situation and the future.
Social Workers also conduct many groups within the hospital. These provide additional helpful information and the support that comes from contact with others going through a similar experience.
Social Work Training
Social Workers must complete a University degree in Social Work which meets the accreditation standards of the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Social Workers receive specialised training in many areas such as:
- Understanding individual behaviour and family relationships.
- Techniques of counselling and therapy.
- Understanding groups.
- Organisations and communities.
Practical training under the supervision of an experienced Social Worker is a compulsory prerequisite for qualification.
The Social Work Service is Free and Confidential.
It is Available to All Patients and Their Families.
Health Care Interpreters are available for those who have difficulties with English.
To contact a social worker
- Patients and their families may ask another member of staff to request that a Social Worker see them:
or
- To make an appointment simply call into the Social Work Department or ring 9845 6699.
We can help you to organise...
Referral to Counselling Services
for example:
- Family and Marital Counselling
- Drug and Alcohol Counselling
- Sexual Assault Counselling
- Grief and Bereavement Counselling
Referral to Support Organisations and Groups
for example:
- Cancer
- Teenage Pregnancy
- Alzheimers Disease
- Parkinsons Disease
- Huntington's Disease
- AIDS
- Community Rehabilitation
- Home Care
- Meals on Wheels
- Financial Counselling
- Child Care
Accommodation
for example:
- for country patients and their families
- nursing homes and hostels
- respite care
We can also provide Information About...
- Financial Assistance
- Accessing legal services
There are many other agencies and groups throughout the community with whom we can put patients in touch.
Location
The Social Work Department at Westmead Hospital is located in:
E block, level 1
Westmead Hospital
Cnr Hawkesbury and Darcy Roads, Westmead
Phone: 9845-6699
Fax: 9845-7866
Email: sheridan.eggins@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au or kylie.loveday@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Darcy and Hawkesbury Roads
WESTMEAD NSW 2145
Westmead Hospital Hours
Monday to Friday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
