Social Work
Social workers are part of the health care team at the San. They are available for individual and family counselling, all with the aim to provide emotional and social support and practical information related to illness and treatment.
Our staff assist patients in identifying resources - personal, social and community - and in exploring options for their optimum health care.
If a patient can no longer manage at home, Social Workers are able to provide information for both the patient and family on the range of options available. Family discussions can take place to identify patient and family issues arising from the illness and treatment to share information between patient, family and hospital staff relevant to ongoing care. Patients and relatives can be seen on the ward and in patient room.
The service is an important part of the San's provision of whole person care, and there is no charge to our inpatients.
Contact Information
Patients, families and carers can contact our social workers by phoning 02 9480 9111 or emailing social@sah.org.au.
A referral request can also be made through your treating doctor or nursing staff.
Social workers can offer counselling in matters such as:
- The impact of hospitalisation on families and friends
- Anxiety and stress management
- New diagnosis
- Chronic Illness
- New Parenthood
- Lifestyle changes
- Isolation
- Decision making
- Family and relationship difficulties
- Grief and loss
- Trauma
- Crises
Our knowledge of community resources ensure that appropriate and relevant referral to community health services and organisations can be arranged if required. Sydney Adventist Hospital Social Workers have completed, at a minimum, a four-year Social Work Degree, and must be eligible for accreditation with the Australian Association of Social Workers.