Social Work
Clinical Services
Departmental Structure
The Social Work Department provides services to all clinical areas in the hospital. The department works on a team basis, with each team managed by a Senior Social Worker, Section Head. Social Workers are part of the multi-disciplinary team, comprising of allied health professionals, medical and nursing staff.
Inpatient Services
Services are provided to all inpatient clinical areas. Referrals are accepted from staff, patients and their families/significant others. High social risk patients are also identified through the screening of admissions.
Service is provided Monday to Friday . There is a limited service available on weekends and public holidays. This is primarily within the Emergency Department in addition to the Acute Assessment Unit.
Outpatient Services
Services are provided to current outpatients attending the hospital, in all speciality areas.
Domiciliary Care Programs
Staff working in the Department of Rehabilitation and Aged Care provide a domiciliary service to patients referred from the community (primarily by their general practitioner).
On-site Accommodation
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital provides limited on-site accommodation. This accommodation is available to outpatients from the country and country relatives of inpatients.
Bookings
Bookings must be made in advance. They can be made by contacting the responsible Welfare Assistant on 61 8 9346 4666.
Charges
Room charges vary. In some circumstances all or part of the cost may be recouped from private health insurance funds or through the Patients Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS)
More information is available in this PDF brochure
Interpreting Services
In line with the hospital’s mission, values and goals, all patients have equity of access to health services regardless of cultural background, race, religion or ability to speak English. The hospital is committed to responding adequately and sensitively to the cultural diversity of its client population and ensuring that services are not compromised by cultural or communication barriers.
Bookings
The Social Work Department is responsible for the bookings of interpreters via the Language Services Officer on 61 8 9346 4666.
Interpreters can be booked for on-site visits or telephone assignments.
Translations and staff training are also arranged through the Language Services Officer.
Written information on health related topics is available in several languages.
Department Contact Details
The Social Work Department is open from 8.30 to 5pm, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.
Phone: 61 8 9346 4666
Fax: 61 8 9346 4906
Referrals may be made by telephone or written referral to the social work department. On weekends and public holidays a limited service is available and the social worker can be contacted by telephoning the hospital on 61 8 9346 3333.
Physical Location
The Social Work Department is located on the 1st Floor of E block.
About Us
Vision
That the Social Work Service at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital is recognised by clients, stakeholders and within the profession for excellence in service delivery.
Mission
The Mission of the Department is to enhance and support the delivery of health care services provided by Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
This is accomplished with the goals of enhancing the problem solving capabilities of patients and their families, linking them with resources and services which support the treating and healing missions; promoting compassionate patient-centred service delivery; participating in the education and training of health care professionals; and contributing to the development of health and social policies which link the hospital and the community.
Values
Social Work Department staff unconditionally respect people in their individual circumstances, believe in fostering self-determination for patients and believe in patients’ rights to confidential relationships. The Department supports the Mission, Values and Objectives of the Hospital.
Staff
Head of Department
Mary Joyce
Section Heads
Vere Berger
Lindy Hall
Amanda Humphreys
Sue Jordan
Carolyne Wood
Administrative Assistant
Mike Edwards
Education and Research Activities
Undergraduate Teaching
Undergraduate training is available for social work students from the University of Western Australia, Curtin University and Edith Cowan University. Practicums are available to first year, second year and honours students. Training and practicums are also provided to Welfare Studies students. Staff provide formal supervision and are responsible for completing performance appraisal reports to the learning institutions.
Staff Education
The department maintains a strong commitment to staff development. The program includes:
- Regular staff development meetings dedicated to improving staff members’ skills and knowledge to equip them to deliver a high standard of professional social work service.
- Quarterly contact meetings with relevant community agencies to build links and share knowledge.
- An orientation program
- A mentorship program
- Attendance at external and internal training courses, as determined by need.
- The department contributes to the training programs of medical, nursing and allied health staff. The department also responds to invitations to address community groups.
Work Experience
Work experience is limited to clerical support trainees.
Research and Quality Activities
The Social Work Department has a commitment to research, quality improvement and Evidence Based Practice
Employment
The Social Work Department employs social workers, welfare assistants and clerical staff. All social workers must be eligible to join the professional body, the Australian Association of Social Workers.
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