St Mary's Hospital Stroke Rehabilitation Unit
Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland
Introducing the Medical Social Worker
I am Cathy Masterson.For the past 11 years, I have worked as a Senior Social Worker in the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit here in St. Mary’s Hospital.
Being a social worker, I believe in the basic worth and dignity of every human being, and I try to serve my clients and their families without discrimination on any grounds.
As the social worker in Stroke Rehabilitation, I am obliged to adhere to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the HSE and of the Irish Association of Social Workers. I am a registered practitioner under CORU.
As a member of an in-patient interdisciplinary team, my social work role is to facilitate the rehabilitation process, in order to assist you, our client, to maximize your independence before going home.
I know that this process can be an emotional and frightening journey. But through assessment and ongoing interventions, I help clients and their family members or carers to move from a situation of uncertainty, anxiety, and dependency, to one of increased confidence, hope, and self governance.
Purpose of Social Work in Physical Rehabilitation
The social worker works in partnership with patients and families in order to empower and enable you to cope with the impact of illness, disability, hospital admission and discharge. All social work services begin with an assessment in order to understand your needs and provide the service you require.
The services that the social worker provides includes:
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Emotional support for patients and families
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Advocacy and education
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Coordinating community services to meet your needs on returning home, including referring to/for day centres, meals on wheels, home help, home care packages, pendant alarms, respite, primary care services, Headway and carer support services.
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Information and support in applying for the nursing home support scheme (NHSS), also known as Fair Deal.
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Information on and assistance in applying for medical cards, social welfare payments and accommodation services.
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Information on legal matters such as Power of Attorney, Enduring Power of Attorney and Ward of Court.
The role of the Social Worker is to:
Referrals:
I take referrals from any one, be it the client themselves, concerned family members, visitors or any members of staff or outside personnel.
Referrals may be directly communicated to me verbally, by phone or by email.
My contact details are kept on the ward for this purpose.
Cathy Masterson