St Margaret’s has a small Social Work team, which is a partnership between St Margaret’s Hospice Care and Somerset County Council. The Social Work team works closely with the Community Nursing Team and on the In-Patient Unit.
How can the hospice Social Work team help?
The Social Work team helps patients to identify what is important to them and support them to achieve those goals, if possible, by looking at what practical or emotional assistance they need, as well as their family and carers. This might include support with financial, housing or other social issues, helping them make plans for their future or arranging support for their care needs.
The Social Work team also provides advice, guidance and training to the wider hospice team, as well as other health and social care professionals, so that if the patient does not require social work support directly, they can still benefit from the service.
Referrals to the St Margaret’s Social Work service usually come from another member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team.