In the bustling environment of the emergency department, our invaluable team of senior social workers are on hand, ready to respond at a moment’s notice to individuals experiencing crisis.
Jess, Laura, and Jana are among the team members helping bridge the gap between medical treatment and a patients’ social, emotional, and practical needs.
“We are the first point of contact for people experiencing psychosocial crisis when they enter our health service,” says Jess. “We work with a wide scope of people, including those who have experienced sexual assault, gender-based or family violence, child or elder abuse, or homelessness.”
“As part of our role, we complete an initial sensitive inquiry as to whether or not the patient presenting is at any risk of family violence,” explains Jess.
After triaging a presenting patient, the team complete a review of records to assess whether there are any pre-existing concerns from past presentations or situation management plans and work collaboratively with Mental Health and Addiction Medicine Clinicians, Medical and Nursing staff to provide the best care possible.
“When people present to the emergency department having experienced crisis, they are often in a very vulnerable situation,” says Laura. “We interpret the information that is available to ultimately make sure the patient is safe and that we can connect them to the right supports.”
“Depending on what the patient wants to do and the assessment we complete, we can assist them in accessing our services or services in the community, including family violence support, crisis accommodation, child protection or therapeutic resources, but it all very much depends on the situation,” tells Jana. “We also provide emotional support as they go through this often-challenging time.”
While the team is crucial to the crisis response of a patient, they also play an important role in education of nurses, doctors, and clinicians in the Emergency Department.
“We’re here to support our colleagues through consultation and training,” says Jess. “A lot of our nurses are very good at recognising and flagging patients who may have experienced crisis, and will seek us out to assist.”
“There is an emotional toll behind such crisis driven work,” says Laura. “However, being a senior role, we have the experience to navigate the emotions that come with it and are able to compartmentalise them.”
“It’s helpful being a close team,” adds Jana. “We check in with each other and make sure we are all doing okay.”
“Working in this area is a privilege,” shares Laura. “To have people open up to us and them feel comfortable enough to discuss their most horrendous experiences, is a real privilege.”
“You have to be very brave to open up, and to trust someone you’ve just met,” adds Laura. “It’s a real honour to help them feel safe again.”
From 25 November until 10 December, the 16 Days of Activism campaign helps build communities where women are safe and equal. During this time, Peninsula Health reflects on those in our community who may be experiencing violence.
If you, or someone you know, are impacted by violence, please contact our Social Work Department on (03) 9784 7073.