Social Work
The Role of the Medical Social Worker in the Emergency Department
The Medical Social Worker in the Emergency Department provides a service to help you and your family cope with the social and emotional aspects linked to your admission to the Emergency Department. This involves working with people who may experience any of the following:
- Distress
- Crisis or trauma
- Bereavement and adjustment to loss
- Breach of safety
What Service Does The Medical Social Worker Provide
Following a meeting with you and/or your family and an assessment being completed, the following services may be offered:
>Supportive Counselling
- bereavement and loss counselling
- port trauma counselling
- crisis intervention
- stress management
- direct therapeutic work with children
- mediation
The aim of supportive counselling is to help you explore choices for your future and enable you to discover your own personal strengths and power, which will encourage you to achieve these choices.
>Advocacy and Information
This involves the Medical Social Worker, working on your behalf, within or outside of the hospital to ensure your views are considered.
At times, it may be deemed appropriate for you to be referred to another service who can better meet your needs. These can include:
- Support Groups
- Voluntary Organizations
- Community Services
- Charities
- Other HSE services
Information on other services will be provided if required.
>Risk Assessment
Medical Social Workers are responsible for protecting both younger and older patients who present to the emergency department. If a person is identified to be at risk, immediate attention will be given to this situation.
How Can I Be Referred To The Medical Social Worker In The Emergency Department?
All patients who present to the Emergency Department can be referred to the Medical Social Worker.
A member of nursing or medical staff may recommend that you avail of the Medical Social Work service while you are in the Emergency Department.
You may ask any member of hospital staff to contact the Medical Social Worker on your behalf.
You may make direct contact with the Emergency Department Social Worker by calling to the Medical Social Work Department or by telephoning the department.
Where Is The Medical Social Work Department
The Medical Social Work Department is located on the main concourse of the hospital (just before the shop).
Opening Hours & Contact Details| Monday –Friday | Medical Social Work Department |
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| 9:00am - 1pm | Telephone: +353 (0)21 4922488 |
| 2:00pm - 5pm | Fax: +353 (0)21 4922867 |
For more information - Medical Social Work