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Medical Social Worker

Medical Social Work

There are times when changes to health can also bring changes to the needs of the patient, their family and carers. Patients and their support network may require support with coping and adjusting to these changes. Medical Social Worker (MSW) may assist by offering emotional, psychological, social or practical support for the patient and their loved ones.

The Medical Social Worker provides a safe, confidential and supportive service. The MSW can offer:

  • Support to both Ophthalmology and ENT-HN, in-patients and out-patients of all ages respectively, as well as patients presenting at the Emergency Department, when required.
  • Psychosocial assessments assessing the patient’s emotional, social, environmental and care needs.
  • Care and Discharge Planning; arranging and completing referrals for post-surgery supports and services such as convalescent care, Vision Ireland, PCT, PHN, Audiology Services, Cancer support services, Mental health services, Medical Cards, Meals on Wheels, Home Care Packages, pendent alarms etc. This also involves highlighting and completing referrals regarding patients’ needs for aids and appliances.
  • Guidance providing information about available support agencies , counseling options and future care options such as emergecny accomodation, sheltered housing or the process of a Fair Deal Application;
  • Facilitation & Mediation; arranging family meetings, MDT and case conferences when required for case discussion and progression.
  • Support surrounding the Protection of Patients; As trained Designated Liaison Persons (DLP) , the MSW Dept. is responsible for dealing with reported issues concerning Child Protection and Welfare as well as any issues surrounding the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults that are brought to our attention. The MSW should be contacted immediately regarding any concerns surrounding any patient’s safety and welfare.
  • Advocacy ;exploring and addressing queries surrounding social welfare payments and entitlements for patients and their carers ,assisting patients with applications for financial grants and with welfare queries.

Referrals

  • Patients can contact the MSW Dept. at any stage or ask nurses and/or doctors to request for the MSW to speak with them.
  • Referrals to MSW can also be made by community healthcare professionals and social care workers, Nursing staff and members of Medical teams with the patient’s consent.
  • Patients or family members can also contact the Social Work Department directly to make an appointment or discuss their queries over the phone with the consent of the patient.

Medical Social Work Dept. Opening Hours:

Monday & Tuesday 08:00 – 18:15
Wednesday & Thursday 08:00 – 16:00
Friday 08:00 – 15:00

Direct Tel: (01) 634 3608
MSW Dept.Mobile: 087 405 1652
Contact Ext: (01) 664 4600 Ext: 5028 Bleep: 60

Senior Medical Social Workers

Useful Links

Age Action
ALONE
CHIME Ireland’s National Charity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
Citizens Information
gov.ie – Department of Social Protection
Domestic violence and abuse – HSE.ie
Drug and Alcohol Information and Support in Ireland – Drugs.ie
Decision Support Service
Fighting Blindness
HSE.ie
Irish Cancer Society
MABS
Medical Card Information
Pieta House
Vision Ireland
Safeguarding Ireland
Sage Advocacy
How Samaritans can help you
Tusla – Child and Family Agency