Social Work

To minimise the negative impacts of illness and hospitalisation on patients the Social Work team provides patients with additional support to improve psychological and social functioning and ensure each patient’s social, emotional and cultural needs are met.

The Social Work Team meet with patients and family members to access care needs and the requirements for ongoing support services. Ongoing supports may include referral to other health and community services, to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home.

• Inpatients at all Grampians Health Ballarat sites
• Outpatients who have been referred via a clinic at Grampians Health Ballarat
• People in the community whilst under specialist programs (HARP, Integrated Family Services)
• People in the community accessing Grampians Health Ballarat Community Programs (Victorian Pediatric Rehabilitation Service, Community Rehabilitation Clinic

Social Workers may provide assistance with:

• Coordinating discharge from hospital and continuity of care
• Bereavement, grief and Loss support/counselling
• Access to housing
• Guidance and information when dealing with medico-legal and VCAT matters
• Risk assessments for child abuse and neglect, family violence, elder abuse, sexual abuse
• Adjustment to illness and lifestyle counselling 
• Crisis assessment and intervention
• Mediation and resolving conflict between family members regarding decision making
• Assistance navigating the health care system
• Assistance with the transition to supported accommodation including: Residential Aged Care or Supported Accommodation (SRS and NDIS providers)

All patients of Grampians Health Ballarat can access the Social Work Department.

If you would like to meet with a Social Worker about your care please speak with your treating medical team and a referral to the Social Work Department can be placed on your behalf.  

The Social Work Department will require a referral from the medical treating team to engage with patients.