On World Social Work Day NT Health wants to celebrate the contribution social workers make to the healthcare of Territorians.
Social workers are a part of the multidisciplinary team within our hospitals. They work with patients, carers, families and other health professionals to address psychological and social needs for patients and carers.
Social workers can provide patients with personal and/or practical assistance for issues that may arise from being in hospital.
Alexis Higlett and Sonya Schmidt are two social workers at Royal Darwin hospital (RDH). Mr Higlett works with the cancer team working with in-patients and outpatients in RDH and the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre.
“The social worker role provides the opportunity to walk with patients and families to support them in making this difficult journey. I enjoy the role as it gives me the privilege to support and help people in difficult situations. Social work is a practical means to support people in need,” Mr Higlett said.
He has a long career in social work and has worked at RDH for the past five years.
“Ever since I was a young person the idea of being able to support and help people in need has always been in the fore front of my work as a social worker,” Mr Higlett said.
Ms Schmidt works in Renal Services at RDH.
“Making connections is a huge part of the hospital social work role. We link patients to other people and services that can support them to sort out what is needed to make their lives better, or easier, depending on what it is they are facing,” Ms Schmidt said.
She said she enjoys many things about her job as a social worker but there are two that stand out.
“When you have worked with a patient and contributed to a positive outcome for them. For example, assisting people move out of homelessness or advocating for system change to highlight and overcome barriers to people being able to access services. Also, being able to sit with and support people who are experiencing loss and grief. It always feels like a privilege and honour to support people at the end of their lives.”
Thanks to all our NT Health social workers for the amazing job they do!
Media contact: Russel Guse - 0436 933 810