Medical Social Work

About

Medical Social Workers will assess the impact of new or existing illnesses on patients and their families and support them through their time in hospital. We help with discharge planning and liaise with any community services you may need on your behalf. We provide a service to all inpatients, those presenting to Accident and Emergency and some specialist outpatient services. We work across two sites, Beaumont Hospital and St Joseph’s Raheny campus.

When a medical social worker meets with a patient they will assess their support needs and any associated risks. They will talk to the patient about:

• how their circumstances have changed
• their support network at home
• their current support needs
• any risks related to their current living situation

The Social worker may provide support, information and make referrals to a number of relevant services such as:

• Planning and enabling you to be discharged home
• Planning for your future care needs in the event you cannot live on your own – such as helping you or a family member with nursing home or Fair Deal advice
• Co-ordinating community services
• Patient and family education around coping with illness
• Supportive counselling, group work
• Information on benefits and entitlements, housing and social welfare
• Referral to other services where appropriate
• End of life support

We support our patients with issues such as:

• Living with an acute or chronic illness
• Protection of vulnerable adults
• Child protection
• Domestic violence
• Homelessness
• Financial concerns
• Caring for a dependant relative
• Stress Management
• Loss and bereavement
• Addiction
• Isolation and loneliness
• Supporting Applications to outside agencies
• Advocacy with relevant agencies

Referrals

Referrals are received from Beaumont Hospital staff for patients attending a medical team in Beaumont Hospital.  Patients can also self-refer through the main office. 

Our service is dedicated primarily to inpatients of Beaumont Hospital. However, we also provide a limited service to outpatients within specific specialties. Motor Neuron Disease, patients who attend our cystic fibrosis service, psychiatry, oncology and infectious diseases.