Our Acute Allied Health Social Work team provides emotional support, practical support, education, and information to patients, their families and carers and is a free service.
About this service
We support you and your family/carers while you are admitted to Canberra Hospital or Centenary Hospital for Women and Children.
We help you talk with health professionals about:
- what is important to you
- what you need while you are in hospital to feel safe and supported, and
- plans for your treatment and discharge.
Areas of support include, but are not limited to:
- counselling related to illness and new diagnosis
- death and bereavement
- domestic and family violence
- elder abuse
- child protection
- counselling related to past traumas and accidents
- sexual assault
- discharge planning
- referrals to support services
- access to the NDIS
- new parents
- sick children and parents of sick children
- carer stress and burnout
- accommodation
- financial stresses
- homelessness
- pregnancy termination or loss
- referrals and information about availably community services and supports.
If something is worrying you during your admission or you are unsure who you can go to for help, one of our social workers may be able to assist.
Who we care for
Social Work is available to patients and their family/carers who are admitted to the Canberra Hospital or the Centenary Women’s and Children’s Hospital. This includes:
- people who are having a baby
- newborn babies and their family or carers
- children, young adults, and their family or carers
- adults, older people, and their family or carers
- non-Medicare eligible people
- people visiting from overseas
- refugees and asylum seekers.
We also provide support to some outpatient clinics such as:
- people who are pregnant or have recently had a baby
- people having difficulty with their pregnancy
- gynaecological clinic
- children and their family/carers experiencing chronic and complex conditions
- adults with cystic fibrosis
- adults having dialysis.
We also have an Inpatient Social Work and Psychology service at North Canberra Hospital.
How to access this service
To speak to a Social Worker while you are in hospital, please ask your doctor or nurse to contact us.
You, your family or carer can also contact us directly.
Our contact number is: (02) 5124 2316
Our email is: tchsocialwork@act.gov.au
Our business hours of operation are Monday – Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm.
Outside of these hours we have a social work crisis team who can support you and your family/carer with urgent matters. The social work crisis team is available:
- Weekdays: 4.30pm – 9.30pm
- Weekends and Public Holidays: 8.30am – 9.30pm
If you are experiencing a crisis after hours while you are in Canberra Hospital or Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, please talk to your nurse or doctor and they will contact our After-Hours Crisis Social Worker to support you.
What to expect
When we receive your referral, we prioritise it according to urgency and need. Priority is given to patients at a high risk of being unsafe or in urgent need of support.
Our goal is to ensure you are safe and supported during your admission and when you leave hospital.
It is important when you ask to see a Social Worker you provide as much information as you feel comfortable, as to why you need to see a Social Worker. This way we can ensure you are prioritised appropriately, and we see you before your situation becomes unsafe.
When you see the Social Worker, they will ask you a number of questions in order to help them understand your situation and what you need support with. During your admission they will work with you and any support people you want, such as family and carers.
When you see a Social Worker in hospital, you are welcome to have support people with you.
What to bring to your appointment
- You do not need to bring anything to your appointment; however, the social worker may ask for certain information later to assist with your requests and care.
Where we’re located
The Social Work Department, Acute Allied Health Service, Building 11, Level 1, Canberra Hospital, Yamba Drive, Garran ACT.
In most cases the social worker will see you on the ward/area you are receiving your care.
We have directions to Canberra Hospital.
Resources
NSW Interstate Travel and Accommodation Scheme (IPTAAS)
ACT Interstate Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (IPTAS)
