Social Work Service

Social workers at the Women's and Children's Hospital help to improve the quality of life for women, children and young people and their families by:

• helping to resolve issues and concerns through counselling and advice in relation to the social, emotional and practical implications of a woman's situation or of a child's diagnosis or illness - for children, this normally starts at the time the diagnosis is made.
• educating families about the impact a disease/illness/condition will have on their child's or the family's life.
• providing information about and referring to community agencies and resources.
• helping with hospital admissions and treatment requirements or decision-making options.
• representing patient and family needs, when necessary, within the treatment team and hospital system.

How to access the service

Any patient or carer of a patient may contact the Social Work Service by telephone or in person.

Referrals for social work assistance can also be made by any member of the hospital treating team and by community agencies. Referrals to a WCH Social Worker should be made with the patient's knowledge and agreement. People should feel free to speak to a social worker for advice on the best way of referring.

An after hours Social Work service is available following a medical emergency or incident.

Hours

Weekdays - 9am-5pm

Contact details

Manager, Social Work Service
Mark McCarthy
mark.mccarthy@sa.gov.au

Location

Ground floor, Good Friday Building

Mailing address

Social Work
Women's and Children's Hospital
72 King William Road
North Adelaide
South Australia 5006

Phone/fax

Children/Youth

• Ph (08) 8161 7381
• Fax (08) 8161 7040

Women

• Ph (08) 8161 7580
• Fax (08) 8161 7890

last modified: 12 May 2016

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