Patient Experience
Medical social workers assist patients and families by helping to resolve any psychological, social, practical or emotional difficulties during the patient’s hospital stay. This includes an assessment of the patient’s social, emotional and environmental circumstances. We also explore the impact of new or existing illnesses, diagnosis or prognosis on patients and their families and work to acknowledge, support and affect change for the benefit of the patient.
Medical social workers facilitate safe discharges and liaise with members of community services, both statutory and voluntary, to advocate for service provision for the patient. We provide a safe, confidential and supportive service to inpatients, the Emergency Department and specialist outpatient areas.
Medical Social Work is part of the SCOPe Directorate
What does a medical social worker do?
When a medical social worker meets with a patient they will assess their support needs and any risks to the patient. They will talk to the patient about:
The medical social worker may provide support, information and make referrals to a number of relevant services if needed.
Available services
Resolving Individual and Family Difficulties
Which may include providing assistance with:
Please contact the Medical Social Work Department directly.
Referrals can also be made by nursing staff or medical teams. Patients can ask nurses or doctors to arrange for them to see a Medical Social Worker.
Opposite The Irish Blood Transfusion Service and beside the Physiotherapy department (Hospital 4).