Logan Hospital is the first facility in Metro South Health to provide 24/7 social work support in its Emergency Department (ED) to meet the growing needs of the community.
Previously available from 6am to 10pm daily, the service expanded after a 12-month review showed many patients were presenting with urgent psychosocial concerns outside of these hours.
This included cases of domestic and family violence, sexual assault, trauma, high-risk child protection issues, and sudden bereavement.
Acting Team Leader Tess Brown said the expanded service – the first of its kind in Metro South Health – ensured support was always available for patients and families.
“Having a social worker available any time of the day or night means our community can access specialist support during some of their most challenging and distressing times,” Tess said.
“Our highly skilled team plays a vital role in supporting patients and families alongside medical care.”
The social workers provide support in different ways, from bedside conversations to private family rooms, depending on each situation and patient preference.
Tess said a formal review would be completed to assess the impact of the service, but early signs showed the expansion was already making a difference for patients and families.