Introduction

Medical social workers (MSWs) are stationed in public hospitals and some specialist out-patient clinics to provide timely psycho-social intervention to patients and their families and help them cope with or solve problems arising from illness, trauma or disability. As a member of the clinical team, MSWs play an important role in linking up the medical and social services to facilitate patients' recovery and rehabilitation in the community.

Service Objectives

• To assist patients and their families with emotional or daily living problems arising from illness, trauma or disabilities;
• To enable patients to make the best use of the medical/rehabilitation services in medical institutions and the community;
• To contribute to the total rehabilitation (physical, medical and social) of patients, and their reintegration into society; and
• To strive for the promotion of health awareness for patients, their families and the community.

Scope of Services

• To provide counseling services for patients and their family members with emotional, family, caring, relationship problems etc. arising from illness, trauma or disabilities;
• To formulate discharge plan and conduct psychosocial assessment for patients, and make referral for rehabilitation services and community resources for patients and their families;
• To offer financial/material assistance e.g. waiving of medical charges, application for trust fund, referral for social security benefits, and purchase of medical appliance, etc.;
• To collaborate with other medical and allied health professionals to identify persons in the community who are in need of treatment or rehabilitation services, and to provide the necessary assistance for them;
• To provide group counseling services or organize seminars for patients or their families with similar problems.

How to Apply

• Patients or their family members can approach medical social services unit in public hospitals or clinics to apply for services directly;
• Referrals may also be made by other medical and allied health professionals in hospitals or clinics, other government departments, non-governmental organizations or the general public.

Service Hours

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