Social work

Social work embraces a view of women's health that is holistic and considers women’s social, physical, emotional and cultural well-being. 

Our team of experienced and highly skilled social workers is dedicated to maximising women's choice and control over their own health care. We offer services to women and their babies from diverse backgrounds and provide support to women with complex social and medical needs.

Health issues treated

Psychosocial and practical support for women through their maternity, neonatal, gynaecological and cancer experiences at the Women’s.

What we do

We provide information, counselling, support, discharge planning and advocacy for women in response to health and social needs. This is a free and confidential service to women of all ages who are patients of the Women’s.

Information for patients

Social workers at the Women’s provide:

  • counselling and support for you and your family
  • information and referral to other services and groups
  • preparation for discharge from hospital
  • advocacy on your behalf within the hospital and community
  • group work
  • community education and training to health workers about women’s health issues
  • research regarding women’s health issues.

We can assist you with:

  • antenatal and postnatal support
  • support when you go home from hospital
  • feelings of isolation, depression or anxiety
  • concerns about current or past experience of family violence
  • counselling and advocacy for women with cancer
  • unplanned pregnancy
  • bereavement support for miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal deaths
  • support if you or your baby has a disability or health problem
  • practical support

Referrals

Social Workers are available to see women who are currently patients at the Women’s. Patients can ask their doctor or nurse to make a referral to a social worker on the patient's behalf. Referrals may be faxed to the social work fax number on this page for prompt action.