Social Work

The Social Work Department has a staff of 11 social workers including Ann Keating, Principal Social Worker. A service is given across all areas with the hospice;

Extended Care Unit
Rheumatology Rehabilitation Unit
Palliative Care Unit (including Home Care)
Bereavement Service

Ann Keating sees Medical Social work as supporting counselling, assessing needs and helping patients and their families to cope with the impact of illness or death.

Social work:

  • Respects that families deal with illness in their own unique way
  • Acknowledges that illness brings a lot of changes and losses to both the patient and their family and that this can be stressful
  • Recognises that there is uncertainty surrounding illness and this can create severe emotional distress for patients and their families. Families can find themselves in conflict as they try to cope with the stresses involved in caring for the patient.

Social Workers are available to offer practical and emotional support to the patient and their family. Emotional support and counselling are offered to help families deal with the stresses resulting from the impact of illness on all concerned.

Ann Keating – Principle Social Worker
Audrey Harris – Administrative Assistant based in the Social Work department

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