Introduction
The medical social workers (MSWs) from Social Welfare Department stationed at Queen Mary Hospital serving the General Team and Psychiatric Team will provide counselling service, application for financial assistances, residential care, community support services or other welfare services etc., and also organise therapeutic group and educational program for patients and their families, with an aim to help them cope with or solve psycho-social problems arising from illness, trauma or disability. MSWs play an important role in linking up the medical and social services to facilitate the patients to make best use of medical or rehabilitation services so that they can recover and reintegrate into the society.
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; and
- To provide group counseling services or organise seminars for patients or their families with similar problems.
How to Apply
- Patients and their family members can contact the medical social services unit through the enquiry lines of 2255 3762 - 3764 or approach Room 122, 1/F, Block J of Queen Mary Hospital to apply for services directly;
- Referrals can also be made by other medical and allied health professionals in hospitals or clinics, other government departments, non-governmental organisations or the general public.