Social workers play an important role in complex and fast-paced environments like hospitals. They support hospital staff, patients, and carers professionally, physically, and mentally.
25th March is Vietnamese Social Workers Day. On this day, we honour the valuable contributions of social workers who silently support all healthcare workers, patients, and carers at hospitals.
Healthcare workers usually have to face daily challenges and stress, making the support from social workers are essential, emotionally and professionally.
Engaging patients and carers are also integrated into social worker’s roles. They bridge the gap between the hospital and these communities, acknowledging and addressing their needs, informing them about their rights and available resources, and ultimately helping them feel cared for and less stressed.
Recognising the importance of social work in health settings, OUCRU’s Public and Community Engagement, along with our long-standing partner Hospital for Tropical Diseases (HTD), focuses on supporting and improving the social work department at HTD by providing technical support to the Social Work Division at HTD. Our goal is to advocate for a comprehensive support system, where all hospital staff, patients, and carers feel safe and supported throughout the entire process at and beyond hospitals.
OUCRU’s Public and Community Engagement team initiated several activities that are now regular within HTD’s Social Work Division.
- Training courses on the foundation of social work, medical social work, case management, social work with groups and individuals, networking, fundraising, and facilitation skill.
- Health Talk provides useful medical and health information, focusing on preventable common infections like tetanus, hepatitis, tuberculosis etc..
- Hospital Radio is a soothing, entertaining, and informative podcast which comforts patients and carers during stressful times, such as waiting for test results or surgeries. It also serves as a healing podcast that sends positive vibes to everyone at HTD.
- Relax Room was designed for healthcare workers to rest, recover, and have their ‘me’ time during a stressful day. We also suggested Mom’s Corner to show encouragement and support towards working moms at HTD.
On Social Worker Day and every day, the significant work of social workers everywhere, particularly in hospitals, should be recognised. We are thankful for their dedication and compassion, which truly makes a difference in the lives of healthcare workers, patients, and the wider community within and beyond hospitals.
Follow HTD’s Social Work Department on social media for the most updated information from HTD (in Vietnamese).
