Social Work Services
Mater Hospital Brisbane social workers are members of the health care team.
Social workers can assist you, your family and carers in dealing with the emotional, social and practical issues that may arise while you are receiving treatment. Our social workers are experienced and qualified professionals who practice within the Australian Association of Social Workers’ code of ethics and guidelines.
How social work can help you
Counselling and problem solving
There are times when talking to a trained professional can assist in understanding or seeing a problem differently. Social workers are available to provide counselling for you, your family, friends and carers.
Advocacy
Social workers assist you to identify your needs and advocate for you while receiving treatment.
Crisis and trauma intervention
Things do not always go according to plan. Social workers can provide emotional and practical support to assist you and your family to cope in difficult and unexpected circumstances.
Information
Social workers can provide information about resources available to you, both within hospital and in your local community.
Discharge planning
Social workers will liaise with you, your family and your health care team to develop a safe and appropriate discharge plan for you.
Social workers have experience in many areas including:
- loss and grief/bereavement issues
- adjustment to the effects of illness or injury
- the emotional and psychological impact of chronic illness
- fears and worries associated with illness, disability and the future
- relationship and family issues
- domestic and family violence:
- elder abuse
- physical abuse
- verbal abuse
- emotional abuse
- neglect
- financial abuse
- social abuse
- child protection
- aged care information and referral
- future care planning
- referral to community resources
- drug and alcohol dependency
- financial and practical assistance.
Contact Us
If you would like to see a social worker during your time with us, please phone 07 3163 8785 or 07 31638031. Alternatively, ask your doctor or nurse to refer you to our service.
An after hours social worker is available for emergencies. For further information, please speak to your doctor or nurse.
Mater Hospital Brisbane
Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane Q 4101
Telephone: 07 3163 8111
Useful contact numbers
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- DV Connect (domestic violence): 1800 811 811
- Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978
© 2010 Mater Misericordiae Ltd. ACN 096 708 922.
Mater acknowledges consumer consultation in the development of this patient information.
Mater Doc Num: PI-CLN-420047
Last modified 09/8/2017.
Consumers were consulted in the development of this patient information.
Last consumer engagement date: 19/7/2014
For further translated health information, you can visit healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/ supported by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services that offers a range of patient information in multiple languages.